Case V-42 Stiletto fighting knife - the elusive legend

I

ironworks

Joined
Jul 17, 2023
Messages
6
Hi all around !

For years I have been searching the world wide net and high end blade shows for a good sample of this iconic combat knife. Originals were either not to be found at all or heavily restored. And the handful examples I have seen, completely blew my budget. So until I unearth a nice specimen in good condition that is affordable, I have decided to fill this hole in my collection with a high end, good quality reproduction.

There are various knife makers out there offering their versions of this knife. Boker Plus, CAS Hanwei, to mention a few. Can anyone comment on any good quality reproductions that are being offered on the international market - anyone with first hand experience with any of the better recreations of the V-42 ?

All and any inputs are much appreciated,

:)
 
ironworks said:
Hi all around !

For years I have been searching the world wide net and high end blade shows for a good sample of this iconic combat knife. Originals were either not to be found at all or heavily restored. And the handful examples I have seen, completely blew my budget. So until I unearth a nice specimen in good condition that is affordable, I have decided to fill this hole in my collection with a high end, good quality reproduction.

There are various knife makers out there offering their versions of this knife. Boker Plus, CAS Hanwei, to mention a few. Can anyone comment on any good quality reproductions that are being offered on the international market - anyone with first hand experience with any of the better recreations of the V-42 ?

All and any inputs are much appreciated,

:)
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Case probably made the best repro a few years back. I'm guessing you can find somebody on the bay selling one or more. The only way you are going to find a "reasonable priced" original is if the owner doesn't know what they have. Very few of those around when it comes to this knife.
 
You could ask one the outstanding makers on this forum to make one for you. The price would probably be cheaper than an authentic Case.
 
The thumb rest is beyond the guard, consisting of a depression on the blade itself. You have to have a long thumb for that. Most wielders rest theirs on the guard itself.
 
Sidehill Gouger said:
Case probably made the best repro a few years back. I'm guessing you can find somebody on the bay selling one or more. The only way you are going to find a "reasonable priced" original is if the owner doesn't know what they have. Very few of those around when it comes to this knife.
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Case currently only makes a modern rendition of the WW2 USMC bowie. Exact copy of the knife they made during WW2.
 
ironworks said:
Case currently only makes a modern rendition of the WW2 USMC bowie. Exact copy of the knife they made during WW2.
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I suspect what he's saying (because it's what I'd say) is you need to track down someone re-selling one of these and to get ready for some sticker shock.

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I saw a really nice case reproduction a few years ago at an antique shop. Guy wanted $300 and it seemed like too much to me at the time.
 
I wonder how good the one made by Boker is - German quality and all...but who knows if it is indeed made in Germany...
 
Of the $50-150 range, the Chen Hanwei gets the nod as being closest to the original, most people that have handled originals tend to like the Hanwei. The Boker is nicely finished, but has a much shorter handle than the good copies and the originals. In the fencer's grip, if you have larger hands, you can wind up on the spiked pommel. The Boker would be a nice knife if they fixed that.

Edit - The Boker is Chinese too, just like the Hanwei.
 
ironworks said:
I wonder how good the one made by Boker is - German quality and all...but who knows if it is indeed made in Germany...
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Boker's V-42 is made by Boker Plus (Asia).

Böker Manufaktur Solingen (Germany) also makes several nice daggers, though not a direct copy of the V-42. And yes, they are quite a bit more expensive.
 
This is a new one for me- interesting looking knife but wow expensive…
Good luck with your search, I think custom might be the way to go!
 
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