A descendant of the Fairbairn-Sykes combat knife, the V-42 Stiletto was designed with input from members of the First Special Service Force, the joint American/Canadian arctic and mountain warfare unit that is considered one of the forefathers of modern American Special Forces. The majority went to the 1st SSF, but around 70 were diverted to the Navy and among the armament issued to the light cruiser U.S.S. Omaha. The stiletto measures 12 1/2 inches overall with a 7 1/4 inch double edged, hollow ground blade showing the signature serrated "thumbprint" on the ricasso above "CASE". The alloy guard is fitted with a thick leather finger pad on the underside with a ribbed leather washer grip and distinctive "skull crusher" pommel. The brown leather sheath is in the original SSF-style "long drop" configuration, with staple and rivet reinforcement, and a faint hand-marking starting with "Lt." on the back.

Very fine, with 85% plus original blue finish, showing bright edge wear, light handling marks, and minor spotting. The edges remain straight and sharp, and the tip retains the original "needle point" profile. A small amount of play is present in the guard, with some minor scratches on the leather. The sheath is fine, with some cracking and staining, along with a typical crease in the belt loop just above the retention strap.