Holding a piece of history in your hands is deeply moving.
If you’re a history buff like me, you’re fascinated by the legendary fighting knives that shaped military history. Few carry more weight than the Fairbairn-Sykes V-42 combat knife, the signature blade of America’s first Special Forces unit, the Devil’s Brigade. (More about them soon.)
I’m excited to share how we’ve brought this legend into the modern era with the V24, a concealable fixed-blade stiletto dagger that honors its predecessor while embracing cutting-edge materials and design.
Modern Engineering Meets a Tradition of Military Fighting Knives
The heart of the V24 is its double-edged fixed-blade stiletto dagger, crafted from premium MagnaCut stainless steel.
MagnaCut, developed by metallurgist Larrin Thomas, offers exceptional edge retention and corrosion resistance. We’ve topped it off with a Cerakote finish that eliminates unwanted glare, makes cleaning easy, and protects against the elements.
Let’s be clear — this isn’t a utility blade for opening packages or whittling wood. The V24’s symmetrical stiletto profile is built for close-quarters scenarios where performance is paramount.
While two sharp edges mean double the chance of hurting yourself with improper use, the double-edged blade is an undeniable advantage in any combat situation. Two sides mean more grip options and more flexibility in combat. (It also means the V24 isn’t legal in all 50 states, so check your local regulations before purchasing.)
Grip That Won’t Quit
The V24 reimagines the classic stacked leather handle design.
The G10 scales feature stepped texturing that honors traditional aesthetics and provides modern durability. We’ve precision-milled a series of grip rings that ensure rock-solid control, whether your hands are dry, wet, or gloved.
The extended tang features aggressive jimping and an oversized guard. These details might seem small, but they make a world of difference in tactical applications.
We’ve also added carefully positioned thumb ramps that enhance control in both forward and reverse grip positions.
Concealment Without Compromise
Military fighting knives are only useful if they’re present when you need them.
We specifically engineered the V24’s proportions to disappear behind plate carriers and tactical gear while remaining instantly accessible. Each knife comes with a custom Kydex sheath featuring an integrated Ulticlip, offering versatile mounting options for both horizontal and vertical carry.
Built for Generations
Like all our blades, the V24 is insured by our MKC Generations® promise. We’ll clean, sharpen, repair, and even reshape your blade as needed, free of charge, for the blade’s life (even if it extends beyond yours).
We’ll maintain the knife’s working condition but preserve the character it develops through use. Every scratch tells a story.
A History of Close Combat Excellence
The V24 was inspired by the Devil’s Brigade.
If you’ve never heard of them, I highly recommend the movie or the book by the same name. The Devil’s Brigade was the first Special Forces unit, formally called the 1st Special Service Force. Later, they earned the title “Devil’s Brigade.”
The 1st Special Service Force was a joint party of Canadian and American soldiers who made heroic stretches into German-occupied Italy during World War II. While they conducted many successful incursions, the film adaptation of their story regales their capture of Monte la Difensa, a nigh-impenetrable stronghold blocking the Allies’ advance.
The Devil’s Brigade designed and used a fixed-blade stiletto-style fighting knife called the V-42 Stiletto. If you couldn’t tell by the name, it inspired the V24. The Devil’s Brigade also trained at Fort William Henry Harrison in Helena, Montana — the state MKC calls home.
Just like Canadian and American ideals meshed in the Devil’s Brigade, the V24 marries the best of modern design and the tradition of military fighting knives. I’ve always admired the Devil’s Brigade, and in many ways, the V24 has been mentally in the works for years.
It brings me a lot of satisfaction to see it come to life.
by Josh Smith, Master Bladesmith and Founder of Montana Knife Company
