For some reason I seem to remember this etch being seen before..... W D R 53

Does anyone else? Does anyone know what it represents?

Probably not, but Bo's personal knife made on 1953? Wasn't his favorite model a 7-5?

Perhaps WDR stands for Walter Doan Randall the formal name of "Bo" Randall and '53 year it was made?

Peter

I recall a photo with a WDR etch also, and I believe it was by Jacknola and it was a knife with a wood box, I couldn't find it with a quick search either

Could be I guess...... also odd that it's on the Logo side of the blade.

I swear I have seen this on another knife......

I seem to recall a few of these were made in the 60's but I can't remember for sure what though. A family reunion or for friends. Scott or Jason may know or can ask Gary. They definitely are not 50's vintage.

I too remember seeing a similar etch. I have spent 30 minutes looking on the internet for clues. None found.

IIR, I think Joe was correct, they were made for a "special occasion."

From and old email to a forum member from Perry Miller:

The knives were ordered by a dealer in Georgia back around 1962. He ordered 200, 100 to be made with Walnut handles and 100 with Rosewood handles. These knives were made to the same specs that Bo Randall used for his personal Trout cleaning knife. While there were supposed to be 200 made the highest serial number I’ve ever seen is 41. There is no record as to how many were made total but I think it’s far less than 200. Specs are as follows:

Model 7-5” with Model 6 grind

Carbon blade etched WDR with a serial number (this knife is #26)

Single nickel silver guard

Seven spacers

Walnut handle with name plate

No butt cap

Early Johnson brown button sheath with correct two tone grey stone

I have owned one in the past (sorry: no pics). Perry had one for sale and Art Green has one now. I think we can "assume" (I know...Right?) less than 100 was the total number of finished, out the door, knives completed.
As a side note, I received my authorized dealership in 1983. I was "told" be Dave (Dave Griffin) that a Georgia dealer had passed away and that is why I was fortunate enough to pick up his dealer's slots. If that is true (and I have no reason to doubt Dave or Jed, as they were the shop forman and counter guys) the Georgia dealer (I apologize, but never did get his name) was only getting 120 knives per year. I am fairly certain about those numbers because that is the exact knife count that I first started with.
Hope this helps, Capt. Chris
PS: Boy-Howdy! I'm glad I get more than 120 RMKs per year now!...CCS

I found these photos of a similar knife on the web
Peter

Good stuff Peter....thank you,