Manufactured by the Case Cutlery Company, the V-42 was inspired by the Fairbairn-Sykes Commando Knife and was designed for issue to the 1st Special Service Force, a Canadian-American composite unit trained for arctic warfare. Small numbers of V-42 knives were also issued by the U.S. Navy to Marine Raider Battalions and Ship Landing Units. The distinctive V-42 knife has a blued double edged spear point 7 1/4 inch blade with a serrated "thumb print" on the long ricasso above the "Case" marking, and a set of eight tally marks added to the reverse. Fitted with a steel oval cross guard, a ribbed leather grip with integral pad on the underside of the guard, and a flared pommel with "skull crusher" point. Overall length is 12 3/8 inches. Complete with a low hanging brown leather sheath, ink stamped "LtC KINSEY" on the hanger.

Excellent. The blade shows over 95% of the original blue finish, with some light brown spotting concentrated on the ricasso, minor handling marks, and signs of sharpening out towards the tip. The guard retains over 80% of a mate black paint finish, the pommel has turned a mixed brown with mild wear on the spike, and light scratches are present on the grip, concentrated on the underside of the guard. The sheath is fair, with a torn retention strap and scattered cracking and scuffs. No information on Lieutenant Colonel Kinsey has been found, and the tally marks on the ricasso come with no attached history or explanation.