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. While the majority went to the 1st SSF, around 70 were diverted to the Navy and were among the armament issued to the light cruiser U.S.S. Omaha; notes from the consignor attribute this stiletto to a family member stationed aboard the Omaha when it was decommissioned. The stiletto measures 12 1/2 inches overall with a 7 1/8 inch double edged needle point 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, a ribbed leather washer grip and distinctive "skull crusher" pommel. The brown leather sheath was shortened from its original long drop configuration to a more traditional style web/belt mount (a typical modification for Navy V-42s), with a set of steel reinforcement plates on either side near the tip, stitched and riveted construction and "U S S OMAHA/C-40" stamped on the front.

Good overall, the stiletto is showing evidence of active sea service with significant pitting on the blade and pommel which both still retain about 40% of the blue finish and the guard polished bright and showing some mild spotting. The grip is in good condition with some scuffing of the body and the guard pads starting to come loose. The sheath is rough with many of the rivets pulled out, heavy cracks, scuffs and tears. There is absolutely no doubt that this V-42 case stiletto saw service.