You can get an Angier in a 5" blade. My most user Randall since 1975.

Pap

Little Bear

Capt. Chris--


We could not go wrong with a Stanaback Special for this kind of build.

However, might want to make tradeoffs around things like sharpened or non-sharpened top edge, wrist thong or none, from a functional point of view and depending on what people might want to use it for.

Larry

I have a cornucopia of RMK "USERS", that is a matter of record, including a new "pickled" one for this year! I would not hesitate to use any of them, recommend any of them or argue their merits...."BUT"...(It's been a while...I feel better now)...my number one choice would be the same as Bo's: Model #3-5", HUNTER!
I use a tandem of my #3-5" and 5-5" but, for "hunting" (which is what this build is titled) the #3 far exceeds the #5 for function. I have said a thousand times: "I don't care what we build"...and I still don't! Let me give you some advantages of the #3 over the #5...for "hunting"!
I know there are a lot of seasoned hunters out there. I know there are followers (Like Pappy) of the Model #5. I just deem the Model #5 as a superb "camp" knife not the best "hunting" knife. Here's a couple of points.
Model #3-5" and #5-5" virtually carry, weigh and balance the same. This point is true. Blade design, cutting ability and usage are what's different.
* Model #3 is a "trailing point" blade shape
* A trailing point allows less effort (less "swipes) to remove hide (skin) on game.
* Model #3's tip is more "pointed", allowing a more surgical cut around the anus of whitetail deer, hogs, etc. than the clip point of the #5.
* The sweeping motion, used when cutting with the #3 is more effortless than with the #5.
* Re-sharpening (touching the blade up as you skin, clean and butcher game) is a more flowing motion with the #3.
* The trailing point blade shape (verses the straight point) gives you more cutting surface, therefore less "swipes" to do the same job.
....OK: Nuff' said. Below are photos of my #3 and #5 and I love 'em both....just sayin'
Capt. Chris
PS: Stanaback Special is a great choice but stainless and other standard options puts the price "up there"!...CCS

No question that there are a multitude of Randall models that would work just fine. For me the Model 5-5 in carbon is the best all around hunting knife. I like the clip blade and is easier to sharpen. For many years I hung up the Model 5 and used a Model 7-4.5, just a smaller version of the Model 3, for all my deer, elk and bear, along with my #9 Marbles hatchet.

Capt. Chris--

How about opening the paunch? Do you use the Model 3 for that as well?

Larry

Boy, I really do hope to regain my focus sometime soon. Just now realized this thread is about a Build.....after having read it several times. Great timing though as I've got my next "really hope to use it this fall in the woods" Randall ordered from the old Capt'n. Shoot, I bet he's even got it on his " hurry up & get it" list!!
A beautiful....& useful, LBB is coming and one we oughta' build here. I wonder how close the gang would come to building the one I've requested (not ordered, mind you).
For a few weeks in the woods, as I've not gotten to do in way too many years, I'd still carry what I have for 45+ years. My CASE 3 blade stockman to trim out the anus & trim off & ziplock the scent glands (to not taint the meat;plus I drag the glands behind me walking/hunting next few days); my #8 old style to do all the field dressing; & either my Buck and/or Randall skinners. Skinners are just better at skinning. And yes, any of these can/will/have done the whole shebang when required.
Little Bear

You guys don't eat deer anus over there? Here it is considered one of the best parts. Like we all know muscle is what is the best meat and one of the strongest muscles in an animal is the tong, anus and some other parts i will let you fill in

No sorry, I prefer backstraps, loins and premium cuts.

I do eat elk liver, heart, kidneys and tongue.

Pap