Attention members,
There will be an announcement, along with the "whole" story in our next issue of "KNIFE KNEWS", but I thought it the proper time to let members (in good standing) know about the 2nd RKCC "Club Knife", here on the forum.
Introduced at this year's Blade Show (another good reason to attend) was the Randall Model #5-6", "RVN: WESTY" knife! I will, briefly, describe this awesome new knife. Thanks go out to Wally (& Lori) Mabry for ground-pounding the research involved to allow this unique knife to come to fruition.
General William Westmoreland's Randall is legendary. Most, if not all, knife nuts have seen the Vietnam photos of the good General, sporting his Randall, cross-draw, on his belt, weak side carry. Initially and up until quite recently, it was believed that his knife was a 6" model #1. Through Wally's research, he was able to track down the General's knife, sitting in a display at the South Carolina Military Museum! Not only locate it but, through his politicin', he was able to set up an appointment for us (Wally, Lori and myself) to "actually" handle this knife and photograph it for all of us to enjoy! Wally & Lori did the legwork...I took care of the fondling and photos!
Our latest RKCC "Club" knife is a close rendition of this historic knife. The original knife, having 7 spacers and an ivory handle, could not be reproduced. Instead, red, white & blue spacers (5) and several different handle/blade options are available. The knife will have a starting list price of $625.00. This price will include the following:
* Randall Model #5-6 inch
* Hand forged carbon steel blade
* O1 tool steel used
* Nickel silver double hilt
* Red, white & blue spacers
* Ivorite micarta handle
* Special blade etching
* Special Model A sheath
* 100 being offered
There are several option combinations available at an additional price. They are:
* Stainless steel blade
* Elforyn handle material
Options can increase the pricing to $825.00.
Below are a couple of photos in order to give you an idea of what this finished knife will look like as well as a couple of photos of the "original". This club knife has been in the design and concept stages for well over 16 months, with a handful already delivered. Do to the extreme small quantity of these knives being offered, a limit of one knife per club member is all that will be offered.
Serial numbers can be "requested" but not guaranteed. The minimum deposit required is $100.00. Delivery will be predicated on the first come/ first served basis. Also: Elforyn is quite spotty to obtain and, if requested, could delay your knife's delivery. The entire project is slotted to be completed within 30 months, not a bad timeframe when you consider the rarity of material and order slots!
Shout out to Wally & Lori, of course, along with everyone at the S.C. Miltary Museum for their generous sharing of their time, their knowledge and their cordial hospitality! Also to Danny Gutcher (Sullivan's Leather) for his abilities and sacrifice of his time to custom-make the sheath for this fine knife! Of course, thanks to the Randall shop for their un-wavering support of our club.
Stay sharp, Captain Chris Stanaback
Founder: RKCC-RKCA