From Randall Made Knives: The History of the Man and the Blades by Robert L. Gaddis, pp124-5
Quote: [During the Korean War] Another variation in the pattern of GI orders, versus those from World War II, was that now many of the knives requested were not strictly combat designs. In this dual-purpose group the Model 4 Big Game and Skinner with a 7-inch blade was far and away the most popular. This model and blade length enjoyed a considerable following among hunters at this time, plus as a large general-purpose field knife it was, and still is, an excellent choice.
In the 1948 catalog, the Model 4 Big Game and Skinner came in 5" and 7" blades. Today's Model 4 comes in 5", 6", and 7" blades of 1/4" stock. There is also a Model 4 - 4 1/2" blade of 3/16" stock. Obviously it is a lighter weight than the larger Model 4 and should be an excellent small game skinning knife. Lady and gentlemen may we please some some Model 4's. Thank you, Kevin
This is a 6" blade with old brown micarta and 7 spacers in a Heiser brown button sheath. Nickel silver hilt, aluminum butt cap, and finger grips. The Micarta is laminated from the thin material which was some of the earlier micarta. Very early 60's.
This one is a 6" blade with a separate S, black micarta and 7 spacers. Nickel Silver hilt and aluminum butt cap.... and finger grips....Probably a late 60's knife.
Here are three that are worth looking at that were sold on public web sites in the past. The 1st is an early 50's 4-6 pinned stag double hilt (Steve Peters SJJP Knives E-Bay Store):
The 2nd is one of the 1st model 4's ever made: A summer of 1945 "two pinned" stag 7 inch skinner (Offered by Nordic knives Solvang, Ca.):
The 3rd and last is a circa 1949 fingergrooved leather handled 4-7 (Sold by Angelo Solino on Collectibleskingdomcastle about 7 years ago):
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Ron Mathews RKS No. 4223
Those are all some really nice model 4's... makes mine look not so nice, but I will post it anyway. I am not sure when this was made but am thinking it's out of the 70's. It has a 6" blade, and I like the way it looks although it's not "pretty" or in unused condition. I have sharpened a very nice edge on this knife, and use it myself. I don't have a sheath for it which makes it hard to carry unless I'm taking a pack along... a little dangerous for the pocket. ~dale
The other thing baout mine is the tang stamp. It looks very light, and more like an etching than a stamp. I only have my others to compare it to, but that's my thought anyway. If anyone has some input on this and the dating, I'd appreciate it. ~dale