Thanks to all who have participated thus far. Last week we were fortunate enough to see quite a few beautiful examples of Randall Model 14s. I appreciate everyone who takes the time to post.

From Randall Made Knives: The History of the Man and the Blades by Robert L. Gaddis, pp. 139-141

Quote:

---

Two U.S. Marine Corps officers attached to the Marine Corps Equipment Board at Quantico, Virginia, read and reread the True Magazine article with a real professional interest. To Lt. Col. H. Ross Jordan and Maj. Harold N. "Tex" Mehaffey, both pilots with long combat records, the information about Bo Randall and his ability to design and produce top-quality knives was the answer to their quest for a first-class survival knife.

Experience in World War II and the Korean War had convinced them that pilot and other air crewmen of all services needed a really first-rate survival knife tailored to the unique requirements of fliers. Talking it over, they decided that this guy in Orlando was the one who could supply answers to their questions and that they had best get in touch with him right away.

[In their initial correspondence they asked for Bo's assistance and began to discuss the needed features.]

First, it could be no more than 10 inches in overall length and must have a sheath capable of being worn on the leg or upper arm. Second, and most important, it had to be extremely strong -- strong enough to pry open a stuck canopy or aircraft hatch....

[It wasn't long before the two military men were flying to Orlando to meet with Bo.]

Then it was on to Bo's den for some serious, detailed discussion about the design of this survival knife to be made especially for American airmen. The strength requirement had been stressed in their previous letter, but the marines reiterated the point. Their knife should be strong enough to pry open a stuck canopy so that the pilot could exit rapidly from the aircraft after a sudden and unscheduled landing. If that didn't work, it then had to be capable of smashing Plexiglass or chopping and cutting through the aluminum aircraft skin. After the pilot was out, this prybar had to become his all-around survival knife. And it could be no more than 10 inches in overall length! On top of all that, the design must be able to be produced in large quantities and made standard issue.

Bo had given considerable thought to the problem of strength and had come up with a plan, which would also lend itself well to mass production. He began to sketch out his idea on paper. Starting with the general lines of his well-proven Model Number 1 Fighter, he shortened the blade and made it wider. He also changed the grind lines some so as to leave the maximum amount of full 1/4-inch-thick steel in his prybar of a blade. But the breaking point of most knives, when used as a prying tool, was the thin tang through the handle. They usually broke or bent right at the hilt. This new Randall would therefore have a very wide tang of full 1/4-inch-blade-stock thickness and would extend completely through the handle, thus achieving maximum strength from tip to butt....

...Because an airman would probably be wearing thick gloves while prying, smashing, or cutting with this knife, it needed a hilt and handle adapted for such use. The double-guard hilt was made larger than the Model Number 1 Fighter's, so that a gloved hand wouldn't have any chance of slipping up onto the sharp edge....

They addressed the handle shape, attachment, and method of fabrication from a number of perspectives. Foremost in their thoughts was the vision of a very excited airman using this survival tool with gloved hands. He must be given the firmest possible grip. It was also apparent that the big, strong tang would make the handle walls considerably thinner than those of the regular Randall line. Bo suggested using finger grips shaped into the handle, similar to those ground into some of his stag handles as an extra feature....

The final touch to their brainstorming and sketching session concerned the butt end. They let the tang protrude through the handle sleeve, rounded it off, and presto--a fine Plexiglass smasher right there on the handle's end. A hole in this tang extension allowed for a wrist thong, if the user desired.

---

Bo developed several prototypes, but due to reassignment of Jordan and Mehaffey, the design was never adopted as standard issue for the Marines.

Lady and gentlemen, may we please see some Model 15s?
Kevin

Here's a couple for lookin'. One's a standard catalog version, and the other a clip point with green micarta.
~dale

Model #15 CDT, with nickel silver hilt, aluminum and red spacers and I'm not sure what the wood is, picked it up about 10 or more years ago:


My duty #15 in a riveted sheath by Greg Gutcher. The embedment is a coxswain's device:



Model #15 I'm working on for a Marine-Etching done at the Randall Shop:





Regards,
Doug

Here is my model 15 Vietnam era, 01 carbon, unlined thong hole and JRB riveted sheath. Burnie

A #15 dressed up like a short, stout #1.

A recent acquisition!
CDT, single hilt, thumb notches.
Can't wait to take it into the woods!!
Tony

Hey Tom,
I like the look of that baby! Something you don't see often.
Tony

Tony,
Nice 15.
What is the grip material?

Coxswains medal! My gosh you stud. Oh, maybe I don't have that right. I get confused easily. That may not be what I thought it was. Very nice knives none the less.

Tom,
it's brown micarta. Had this knife at the shop recently for a sheath fitting
and Gary said it was probably customer supplied.
Tony

I had this model #15 CDT made especially for a one-off STS-107 memorial piece. It's hard to believe we're coming up on the fifth anniversary of the Columbia tragedy.

Two Vietnam Era Tenites,Solingen & Orlando Blades.
GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS!!!

Pair of Vietnam Era Airman.Solingen & Orlando Blades.
GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS!!!

Top
Mod. 14 & 14 Old yella'

Bottom
Mod. 14 & 15 pair
New blades but 30 years old....old brown micarta handles

Guido,
That's some beautiful yellow (or gold), and I really like that plate a lot. I can see it embedded flush into a piece of wood... maybe into a solid handmade door leading to the "knife room".
~dale

Here are two: an old one...

...and a new one.
-Steve

leather finger grips,black spacers.

This one just arrived CDT green canvas micarta and brass rounded butt cap

Aus, that is a really nice combination of materials and colors...Great choice !!!

Dubie Baxter

Hey Graham,
I agree with Dubie...
VERY NICE!!!
Tony

15, N/S forward curved double hilt, alum/black spacers, stag handle, alum crow's beak butt cap.

Just picked this 15 up. I haven't seen this configuration before: leather model 22 handle with crows beak butt cap and thong hole. Just need to pickup a sheath and it's good to go.

Dan Snyder #5537

Nice find; looks like a good user too.

Kevin,
I am not sure that if I posted this particular #15.

John,
Thanks for taking the time to post a very well dressed RMK 15.
Did you have a special sheath made?

Kevin

Kevin,

This #15 came with the regulation sheath. My exotic sheaths such as the elephant, snake, ostrich, gator, hides are additions to the regular 'display' knives. For example for my 1968 #2 - 8" SS I got an elephant sheath as it compliments the design. For my TC along with the sheath I posted I go an ostrich and 'user'.

It was a terrible day when I discovered that Guthcher produced Randall authorized exotic sheaths. The rareness and beauty of some of them 'forced me against my will' to get variations for the same knife.

Being a purist I have keep my first pair of 1960 #1 & #2 - 8" leather commando handled with their original Heisser 'user' sheaths. I would cringe at putting them in an 'epicene' fancy dancy sheath.

The only sheath I will never buy is a zebra skin. My particular visual system reacts negatively to the zig zags and colors. Collecting Randalls and specialized Guthcher sheaths is wonderfully personal to each of us. This should please Obama the Munificent: we Randall collectors are PUTTING SKIN IN THE GAME.

Best weekend to you.


John K. RKS #5384

As for longbows, there is a great book I am reading by Bernard Cornwell "Agincourt"

The battle of Agincourt (Azincourt was and remains the French spelling): Agincourt, Battle
in northern France in 1415 during the Hundred Years War, in which the English under Henry V defeated a large French army. The victory, achieved largely by use of the longbow, allowed Henry to occupy Normandy.

I presume that you know that the last time the longbow was used in combat to kill an enemy was at the beginning of WW II when the British Olympic Archery Champion killed a German soldier at Normandy during the evacuation of Dunkirk, as he was hidden in a barn.

Cromwell has written a few other books with the longbowmen as heros.

Best.

Curiously, the origin of the upraised middle finger as an invective dates to Agincourt as well. You see, the French used to cut that finger off when they captured archers. (Kind of hard to shoot a longbow without that finger.) Displaying the finger proved that men were still intact and capable of fighting.

Dan,
I saw that knife and almost clicked the button on it myself. I personally love the look of the 15 (and some other knives that normally come with a double hilt) when they have a single guard on them. It would be a very useful knife for things I do in that config. Congrats on a nice addition.
~dale

Dale, thanks, the leather #22 handle and crows butt cap with thong hole is what drew me to this particular knife. There seems to be lots with black micarta and finger grooves, but I don't see many in this configuration. I going to send it to Gutchers shop and have him make a model A sheath for it, I think this is going to be my new camp knife, so I don't think a traditional model C sheath is necessary. I really like that stag on that 12-9 you posted.
Dan Snyder #5537

Here is my first #15, with Stainless Steel Blade w/Thumb Notches, White Micarta Border Patrol handle, and Nickel Silver Single Hilt with Squared Top.

Ken,
Another Winner! Excellent "Camp Knife"!
Tony

Ken,

Beautiful knife and a great photo.

Thanks for taking the time to post.

Kevin

Ken,

Great looking knife and nicely tricked out too. I agree with Tony that it would make a good camp knife. Good job!

Best,
Warren

Almost forgot about this stainless Solingen #15 CDT with brown Micarata, brass hilt, spacers, and butt plate, thong hole, and border patrol handle.





Regards,
Doug

Hey Doug,
That's too nice of a Randall to forget about. Send it to me and I'll remember it
for you, often!
Tony

Here is my new 15 set up as a camp knife, single nickel silver hilt, thumb notches, orange G10.
I was motivated by Ken's similar knife to snag this one

Peter

Peter,
GREAT "CAMP" 15.
GREAT "KAYAK" 15.
GREAT "CANOE" 15
GREAT ... 15!
Tony

Thanks Tony
Since the shop doesn't want to work with G10 I saw this and couldn't resist. I think it will be my new woods knife.

Peter

Hey Peter,

Very functional user. I'd like to see a compass added to round out a very nice knife that could be used for a variety of outdoor activities. I agree with my NY Goomba, Tony on his assessment. Good luck to you and thanks for posting your knife. Very

Best,
Warren

Warren,
I agree this a great #15 "user", "BUT" (There that word is again)...You can't have a compass in a #15, with exposed tang, which it looks like this one is?? Can't tell for sure from the pics, but it has the look of a #15 standard and not a "CDT".
Best, Capt. Chris

Capt. Chris and others
My new 15 is not a cut down tang, so no compass. It came with a green paracord wrist thong, but I had the orange cord, so I put that on.

Peter

Great Model 15's Ken, Doug, and Peter.
Thanks for taking the time to post all are beautiful examples of RMK craftsmanship.

Kevin

A couple more shots of my #15:

Ken ... COOL!
White Micarta? - Linen or paper??
Tony

Had it for sale, turned into a keeper.

Ken and Tom,

I had to put on a pair of Ray Bans to view your knives. Those handles are bright white!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Both great knives and thanks to both of you for taking the time to post.

Kevin

Here's my #15, "Camp Knife".
Best, Capt. Chris

Opposite side (handle).
Best, Capt. Chris

Captain,

Tony is leaving Aug 8th for Maine on a canoe camp trip. Why not let him take that one for a spin and see if it really works as a camp knife!

Best,
Warren

Hey Captain,
Maybe we could do a temporary trade!

Tony,

Good idea, give him the book for the knife

Best,
Warren

Recently purchased this Model 15 hybrid from a RKS member. I call it a #15/18 "Airman/Survival". This is one cool little knife!

That is a really cool version. Lucky fellow.

I like the single guard and finger grips on this one!

I like that single hilt Tom.
Thanks for taking the time to post on The Knife Of The Week.

Kevin

John 6:46

I DO TOO!!!!!!!

Nice one Tom!

Here are some better snapshots of my #15 with Single Hilt (Nickel Silver with Squared Top), Thumb Notches, and White Micarta handle in Border Patrol shape.









Here is a photo of it in its black no-hone sheath:

I agree with you about the #15 with nickel silver single hilt, light-colored micarta, black no-hone sheath. A great combination!

Very nice model #15's.

Thanks for taking the time to post on The Knife Of The Week.

Steve,

that is a good looking knife with very nice micarta!
And I'm a fan of no-hone sheaths as well

Peter

The knife fairy arrived today. I wanted a 15 for awhile, but, did not want a knife that is too heavy. With this being a CDT, I thought it would feel better. Well, let me tell you, it feels great. I can't wait to take it into the woods and put it to use. I think I'm on love.

GREAT LOOKIN' #15!
The single hilt set up make s a really good camp knife.
I've used my single hilt #15 camping, canoeing, snowshoeing, you name it!
Enjoy,
Tony

What's the difference in the #15 CDT with a single hilt and a #5 with the same blade length?

Pap

The top edge of the 15 is sharpened where it is not on the 5. Also, the grind lines on the top go to the hilt on the 5, where there is more flat spine on the 15. Blade width of 5 is 1 1/16" and on the 15 is 1 1/4". The 15 comes with a cooler sheath as well.

Here are comparison shots.

That's a great looking #15: Congrats!
And interesting as well: I also have been thinking about getting a #15 CDT with a single hilt for a while. Because I'm concerned about the weight too.
Would ironwood make it even lighter? Or maybe even too light on the handle = blade heavy??

Anyhow: I think it begs to be used

Best, Peter

This one will get used. The balance is great. I like the balance better than the 5-5 I recently got with the brown Micarta handle and Nickel butt and guard.

Model #5's can be ordered with a top bevel sharpened and a Model "C" styled sheath. The nickel silver butt cap on your model #5 will prove to make the butt end heavier than you probably feel comfortable with.
Not choosing one over another: Just pointing out some observations. Your #15, "CDT" has "no butt cap". Naturally the difference between the two will be huge. While it is fair to make comparisons of 2 Randall knives with like options, it is also impossible to equate any "feel' or "balance" comparisons on these 2. I do think that they are both great looking examples...just a lot different.
Best, Capt. Chris
PS: Here's 3 of my "CDT's"...CCS

Is that a Treeman handle, Captain Chris? Was it a kit knife, or did the original handle get damaged?

Jim Behring did the handle about 5-6 years ago. It was not a "Kit" blade (None ever offered in this vintage at any rate), but a customer's knife, ordered with a leather handle with the intent of "tricking" it out afterwards. Why, after all of that trouble, he traded it to me remeins a mystery. One thing for sure...Ya' don't have to be concerned with "me" gettin' rid of it!! I like it very much!
Best, Capt. Chris
PS: Greg made me a "way-cool" throat-riveted sheath to go with it...CCS

Thanks, Capt. Chris, really nice looking knife!

I've been real bad about posting pictures so when another model 15 arrived in the mail the other day, I thought to myself, this would be a great time to post some pictures. The first picture is of one I picked up a few months ago, it sports CDT, with dark red micarta, finger grooves, brass model 1 hilt, carbon steel BCP blade. I feel it probably could use a butt capp, it feels a little blade heavy to me. The second picture is one I just received last weekend. It may look familiar to many of you because it's a duplicate of a forum build. I really liked what the final result was so I ordered myself one through the Captain. Hope you enjoy.

Dan Snyder
RKS #5537
SHAG #010

Dan
Very nice pair of model 15's I know what you mean about liking a knife from a forum build. We did the Bear Bowie a while back, and I liked it so well, I had one made like it for me.

Peter

Dan ...
NICE 15s!
ESPECIALLY the stag handled 15 ... LOVE IT!
Tony

Here's Dan other Model #15 CDT.
Best, Capt. Chris

Okay, I was recently envisioning just such a Model 15. How long is the wait from Capt Stanaback...?

The best answer is to contact the Captain and check with him. He knows what the time table is with the shop. If you do order one you wont be disappointed.

Dan Snyder
RKS #5537
SHAG #010

I have ordered several and you are right, there is no disappointment with delivery no matter the wait.

Depending upon "what's what"...most orders are running 12-14 months. Hope this helps.
Best, Capt. Chris

MY new # 15 Airman--ordered 23/October/2007. Specs are Bowie clip point, C black no-hone sheath, BPH, FCH, my own (Behring cut) brown canvas micarta. Incredible!! Thanks Randall guys!

Duke
Great looking model 15 I really like that brown canvas micarta

By the way where do you get the clear knife stands, I think I want to get some myself.

Peter

Peter,

eBay has a bunch of stands. Here is a link:

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=acrylic+knife+display+stand

Jim

Great knife Duke.

Super cool looker and bound to be hit with the military folks. Nicely done.

Pap

Outstanding setup Duke.

I love those option choices Duke.

Thanks for positives re: my limited photo skills of Randall's outstanding , quality work. The smoothness of their handmade/hand fitted art work is truly a pleasure to behold......and hold. I was surprised at the color of the brown micarta I'd purchased a while back from the Behrings---kinda honey/butterscotch to this color-blind eye. It's got me thinking of the future of the other ones like it I bought at the same time along with the jade-green piece like the one Randall put on their Fireman for me...nothing stopping me except funds & common sense. Peter, like Jim said, found those and some with "CASE" on them on eBay. This handmade knife stuff makes me look towards a BEDGOOD in the future, if 'ya know what I mean. Having the UPS guy stop by with one of these goes a long way toward lifting your spirits on a down day.

bowie blade............. fanatstic

congrats!!!

Very impressive! I especially admire the color of the Micarta and the black no-hone sheath seems much more practical in these modern times.

I'm wondering if anyone can share photos of some 15's with the sawteeth/no-sawteeth blade configuration. I cannot remember ever seeing one of these in person; limited few in pictures.

Can anyone help here? Thanks.

http://www.knifetalkforums.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=101932#Post101932

The fourth frame in the above post is a 15 with saw/no saw.

Doug

Thanks, Doug. I like the lines of your knife!

I think that I would like to acquire one with nearly the same features someday. Wishing now I had done so previously when I had the chance.

First post on this thread in a couple years. This is my Solengen SS Model 15 and JRB sheath. It has scratches from use and the sheath looks like it was carried some. Probably 35 to 40 years old and solid as a rock.

Here is a 15 with teeth and squared hilt.

Billy, that is a really cool configuration. I like it a lot!

Thanks for bringing this thread back to life again, Jeff. And with a great Solingen blade

Tom,
Thanks,I have only seen one other one besides the one I have.
It could take care of business coming and going!!

Billy,
What Tom said x2! Outstanding knife!! I think that may have finally helped me figure out how to use another piece of Treeman cut handle material. Now.......the jade G-10....Brown Micarta....or ???

Duke,
Stand by my friend.I will post up a 15 tonight that will push you
to a decision..(Hint).Saw teeth/no saw teeth-Jade G 10.Not being mean ,got to leave for work and hopefully sell some firearms today.

The sawteeth-no sawteeth option has great visual appeal on the knives for which it is an option.

IMHO, other than ripping through the skin of a helicopter or its plexiglass components, the sawteeth have 'zero' functionality. You can't really saw a tree branch with them. They do look menacing. I guess if you ever get to use a knife so equipped in hand-to-hand combat, the opponent might wet their pants and just surrender at the sight of such a fomidible and intimidating weapon. That would be cool!

Here's mine, Jeff.
It's seen more use (and abuse) than any of my other Randalls, and, like yours, is still as "solid as a rock."
(Never used this stone to sharpen it.)

Steve, yours is older than mine. It looks like it is from the very early 70s. I would guess that mine is late 70s. Knowing what I know now I would have ordered a Solingen 15 rather than the Solingen 14 I ordered in 1977. IMO the 15 is better balanced and much easier to carry with other gear than the 14.

Duke as promised.Jade G10..Model 15 sawteeth no sawteeth,thumb notches,nickel silver squared hilt,wrist thong,waxed sheath(not shown)

Wow - Billy! This is a super nice 15 One model, many different looks.

I think I ordered it in the 60's, along with a Solingen Model 18 crutchtip (which was stolen from me in '68). I believe I saved around $5, and got a stainless blade. This working knife lived in my vehicles for decades. More recently, it's been retired from vehicle use, replaced by a stainless KA-BAR.


Agreed.

The Model #15 Randall Knife was designed for Flight Crews in Vietnam. My Son is a Commerical Pilot/ Instructor for a top rated Flight Instruction Universary and flies in lots of aluminum, firerglas, Plastic, and Carbon Fiber Aircraft DAILY. He calls his Randall Combat Companion (with sawteeth) his "PET" (Pilot Extraction Tool". His knife (with sawteeth) will do exactly what it was designed to do.

He doesn't need to "Go Combat" with his knife, he has a HK-40 that does that job a lot better.

Tom V.

Billy,
Thanks for posting both the with and without sawteeth....and with the jade green. I'm definitely in the process of transitioning to almost all users("GULP!!"), as life events cause one to reflect/respond/evolve, (pay hospitals).....whatever.....and have always loved the 15; thinking it will hopefully become a bigger all around player in my pack, camp, hunt, canoe, etc. and one of the remaining Treeman cut blocks will be on the tang......green....or brown....??? Still not sure, BUT, yours are both killers!!

And, even though I'm pretty sure I'll soon be going for the sawteeth, making it a user and that somebody else will wind up with this one......mine's a "Killer Randall" too!

Speaking of Treeman Cut Blocks, anyone know if he ever offered bright yellow Micarta Blocks? I would have a 15 or a CC made with that material. Be a lot easier to spot in the grass.

Tom V.

Duke,
When you said yours was a Killer Too.You made a 100 on that test,I
really like it!!! I can kinda or a lot relate to what you are saying.At 67 I am more fragile,where in my younger days it was,agile, mobile and hostile..

Tom,
Great idea for yellow micarta, and finding it in the grass!

Ken

][/url] ][/url] ][/url]

A super nice airman - makes a great user!

Here are a couple of 15's.I hope you like them.

What type of wood is on that one Billy?

Rob,
Top 15 is desert ironwood and the other is green micarta.

Yep,
15s are definitely for using!

I thought it might be Ironwood, but I wasn't sure. I thought it kinda looked like Walnut too.

Green? Wow, I thought that was Black Micarta.

The knife looks good .The man taking the picture didn't do it any justice..

Billy maybe you need a sharper camera!!
Of course the best pictures that I take come off of someone else's site!

][/url]

][/url]

And not as old.......

Dang tattoo bill. That one reminds me of a sexy curvasious women

lol.....reminds ME of a bowling pin...... is that weird???

Wow. It sure does look like a bowling pin. Way to ruin my fantasy. Lol

Another fine example of a vintage "KIT" knife from the early 1970's

Very nice...!!!!

Looks so mission ready huh?? What a beast ][/url]

][/url]

Never will understand that. I have hatchets that do a much better job at making kindling.

Truth. Why abuse a 400.00 knife when you can do a better job with a 10.00 hatchet?

Because there's not a $10 firewood making a hatchet Forum. If you can afford a knife, especially one that was made to take some serious abuse, and it brings you pleasure, then have at it.

I have a Becker BK9 and a Randall model 14. Which one do you think I have more fun chopping stuff with?

agree....doesn't seem to make much since to me....but, if that's all you got, then get it on!!

:-)Rocky

Remind me never to buy any of those knives.....lol

Greenie....

and another....

Not splitting logs. Just making kindling from logs. ??? Not really abusing a knife designed to bust out of aircraft unless it's bogus what the 15 was made for.
If that's asking to much of a survival knife shame on me. Trust me I'll show these pics in my sale add if I ever do sell it. Lol. Maybe the pics make it look worse than it really is. Idk sorry to offend the safe queens

And the reality is when backpacking I'm not gonna carry a axe or hatchet on top of other gear. So occasionally I might need to make kindling ..... That's all. Wanted to see how she did before I took her on a trip.

Vietnam era filled plug 15

Honest I do use a axe when I'm at my cabin. Lol ][/url]

Tattoo bill. What is the plug made of on that one?

A mixture of epoxy and micarta