Fighting Field Knives

Let's see your field knives set up as fighters.....

Here is an early 50's Model #4

Very nice Tune. I'd like to know who got the 3-7 that Ron posed the other day from the ebay auction. Can't remember ever seeing one like that before.

I would like to know as well Warren, that was a nice piece. It went cheap as well.

I know who wishes he had just hit buy it now!!! I had at least 5 minutes to make a move but waited to hear from Burnie...and it was gone..

My #4 - 4 1/2" Fighter version:

I'm posting this for Kevin Lough out his fabulous 19 collection. Sorry for the bad image quality. By the time I cropped and enlarged it got really grainy. RIP buddy.

19's make pretty good looking fighters.......

Seems like I've seen some fighting 8s lately.

There's got to be a Stanaback Special somewhere with all the options available. Let's see it Capt., show it.

Here's a Model 8-4" Fighter.....Skull Crusher and all!

I kinda like the 8-4 fighter, yours is built just right too!

This an 8 I had, but it's no longer with me.

That's sexy.

It is kinda curvy.

This one is a model #5..... no dip on the back of the blade and the top is unsharpened. Not sure why someone would order it...... but it sure is purty.

Stanaback Special, "NASA FLIGHT FIGHTER". You can see, pictured with my knife, a piece of the NASA G-10 "insulator". When the salvage was done, Perry's crew from Woodson & Assoc. would cut (Rip, if you will) the circuit boards and insulator blocks, using the mounting holes as a guideline. (It was just, plain, easier)..
Stay sharp, Capt. Chris

That handle looks glow in the dark

My Model 4-7" Crown Stag Fighter!

How about a killer "KIT" knife in Crown Stag?

Bill, the 4-7" Crown Stag fighter is a knockout. Beautiful lines.

Cliff Lacey
RKS 23
RKCC- CM26
NRA Life

Bill,

The 4-7 in crown stag is awesome. I've always loved crown stag but I guess you figured that out already. Whoever finished the Kit knife did a great job. So I would say that is a model 5 kit blade? Thanks for posting these, both great knives.

Warren, I just purchased another 4-7" Crown Stag at the Spring Shop Sale today as well....

The "KIT" knife appears to be a Model 4 with a reduced upswept blade angle. A really neat knife!

Nice job, all are eye candy.

Bowies are not always considered field knives, but the Little Bear and the Sportsman come stock with a single hilt. Here are a pair of Old Yellows with double forward curved hilts, Griffin handles and brass butts.

sexy looking sportsman!!!

....says the man with a think for forward curved hilts.

Man.. That's a sexy pair of super cool fighters !! Old yellow too.
very nice!

Busted! that grind is starting to grow on me more & more!

Oops. Chief and I posted at the same time.... Sexy they must be!

Post that little #8 Marty!

You guys are over looking the exceptional SFG handle. This one is over the top.

Here is one more fighting fielder...... and a rare one. You can't order this configuration now. A model #5-5" with sawteeth. If you want a 5" blade with sawteeth now, you get a Combat Companion. No model #5's ot #1's.

Double hilt, Old Yellow, commando handle - stainless, radius butt and a thing to boot.

Seems the requisite is a double guard on a field knife. How about this:

That's the ticket T-bomb. Nice model 22 handle!

Well, I'm not much of a photographer, but here's one ( hopefully) Mitchell ask me to post. Extra long stag, left handed finger grooves, low S...I owe ya for this one buddy!! Thanks again!

As I told you in Tulsa..... I should have bought that knife! But I am glad you have it for your Low S collection. Very cool......

Sorry, the pics don't do it justice. I'm glad you didn't buy it.
Blind sow theory..

Well it looks like lightning struck twice

Tune,

Great topic! I had / have a fair number of fighting field knives, some of which I turned loose of after I made a decision to collect only Hunters. There are times I regret this decision, but then I think of all the nice Hunters I would have had to pass up because I couldn't afford them.

This is one of my favorites and there is a nice story behind it: 10 years or so ago, this knife and sheath come up on ebay and I ended up losing it to Perry. At the next Blade show I asked him if he still had it. He digs under a pile of knives in his display case and damned if he doesn't come up with it! I ask him how much he wants and he tells me he'll take what he paid for it! That act cemented my absolute trust in the guy and we had many business dealings in the years that followed. More importantly, I had acquired a dear friend:



The next knife also has a Randall friend involved: His name is Bob Eckman and when he arrived on the Randall scene, he bought more Randalls than Tattoo Bill (If you can believe that! ). In any event, Bob decided to get out of Randalls years later and this is one of his holding he turned loose of. There is a line in Isaiah 2:3-4 that goes "they shall beat their swords into plowshares". This applies here: The top quillion was likely lopped off post war to facilitate the use of the knife for civilian activities. Note: The polished stag handle is rare for this era:



This is another one of my favorites. It is an example of Tom Leschorn's earliest work (The "Low S" puts the knife forging to '64-'65, and Tom's first work with Bo was in 1964). Tom carved his initials in the ivory insets in his earliest work:



As an aside, I was lucky enough to pick up a "mini me" example sans fighting hilt shortly after acquiring the 6" version:



This one is name-etched to a Korean war vet. It has every option possible for a knife in the early 50's to include a compass in the butt:



This one came up on ebay with only a "knife" as the description. As a result, it went pretty cheap. It had never been sharpened:



I have more Model 3's with a double hilt. However, I need to take some pics so I can post them (which I will do this week).

Best,

This turning out to be a really great thread. Fantastic knives you guys have.

Ron,

Wow, awesome knives! I have the younger brother to your Leschorn, that Low S is unique.

Tom Flynn

Thanks, Tom. That 3-6 of yours is a killer as well. You have the tooled sheath that mine is missing. The chances of me finding one is slim to none.

Ron,

Yes it was in really descent shape too.

I can take really good care of yours and put it in the tooled sheath every now and then!!!! LOL

Nice to see such great examples of true craftsmanship.

Tom Flynn

Now that's funny!!! Somebody pulling a Ron statement on Ron, LOL!

The "mini" that matches the Tom Leschorn knife, there's gotta be a story there! I'm sure the list of things I haven't seen could be written on toilet paper, and it would unroll to the moon and back. I don't recall seeing a "low S" mini before!

One of the coolest threads we've had on the forum. Keep'em coming!

Thanks to all for the posts..... I encourage all of you to start a thread that interests you. There's nothing to it......

As TAH said....Keep them coming.

Is a double hilt the only qualification?

That's really a great idea, Tom! I have been wondering how I can cheer the poor guy up. He just can't feel good in a standard sheath. I went ahead and shipped him out to you by Fed Ex. The tracking number is "1" (Fed ex ran out of numbers and is starting over. If their tracking site doesn't recognize the number, just keep trying as their system has to reboot with the new numbers). He needs to cut something up from time to time, so please let him. Also, he'll be wanting to keep in touch with me (He knows how to text). Thanks in advance.

Will keep a look out for that day Ron!

You have some great knives there!

Tom Flynn

I'm not used to being on the receiving end of one of those, so I struggled with the reply.

It was another ebay purchase a couple of years ago, Wally. I was prepared to pay big bucks, but it seems no one recognized it as Tom's work and it went cheap after a week (Less than $600!). There was a really cool bonus: The sheath has a "wrap-around" (360 deg) keeper! I've never seen another. The blade length is 3 5/8" and the sheath has no marking other than the logo and fits perfectly. My guess is that it was custom made for the knife.

Ron,
I have had a couple of "double-wrapped" sheaths and, if I remember correctly, both were tight-stitched. I still have one...if I could just lay my hands on it?
Best, Capt. Chris

Thanks, Cap. I'd sure like to see a photo if you can find one.

I found the knife...and the sheath. It's a favorite #20, "oddity" that I have had for about 10 years. Perry authenticated it...and "that" COA I cannot find! Jed Peckham (RMK's former shop supervisor and the man who worked side-by-side with Dave Griffin @ the counter) told me it was not all that unusual for a customer to request the "double-wrapped" keeper as they wanted a bit more security for their knife.
Best, Capt. Chris

that is a really fantastic looking #20... I LOVE that squared hilt!

Thanks, Cap. I'm not surprised that there are a few more. And yes...... that knife is going nowhere "double wrapped"!

Wonder if Sullivans could do some 'Double Wrap' sheaths (for a few "user guys") like they did the 'High Ride' sheaths some years ago.

Think it is possible?

Tom V.

I can honestly say I have never seen a double wrapped keeper strap. Another day I learn about another Randall fact.

A first for me too.

I'm taking a second look at the "oddity" Cap is speaking about. First I thought it might be the camera angle but if Perry authenticated that knife as a 20 and I'm not disputing the fact, that blade does not have the "belly" and profile of a 20 as we know it. The whipped cream is that awesome caramel stag and fingertips. Now that would be a rare knife in every sense of the word.
That sheath almost looks like it would work with a 8-4X.

Perry & I were thinking some type of prototype "Yukon" but it is too many years beyond the #20's inception. I think it was ordered by a customer for specific task, probably surgically cutting around the anus of a critter and then having a decent amount of belly to allow for fast, easy skinning! It would only make sense that a "one-off" sheath was needed as it would have rattled around pretty good in a standard #20 sheath. Old Maurice did a good job...I think! Glad ya'll like it. I do too!
Stay sharp, Capt. Chris

I do have a Model 5 or two dressed as a fighter. Because my camera and I don't always get along, I don't have any up to date pics.

Here is an old pic of a couple older Model 5's. One is dressed as a fighter.

How 'bout Billy and I give you a "by-God" photo lesson @ Blade?
Best, Capt. Chris

Yes Cap it does look custom ground. Portions of the sheath look scuffed up but the roughback almost looks new.

Rod, your pics are great. They look just about like mine!! An old towel and a smart phone, what else does one need? If I have a few hundies to throw around, I'm buying a knife not camera stuff!

Sign me up for that photo lesson, Please!
Thanks!

Don't know if this 5-5 is a field fighter or not but it will cause hate and discontent!!!

Thank you Pat. I have a light tent and all the gear. Not as "flash" as Mitchell's or Billy's, though. I have a decent small camera and my wife has a bells and whistles Canon. Truthfully I am lazy and not really interested in photography! Your correct, knives are more fun than cameras.

Rod,

Forget all that, your adventures are as interesting as the knives. Keep them coming friend.

Or greed and lust by some of us!!!

#65 Recon

Early 60's Model 12-6" 7 spacer stag fighter

Early 50's model 3

Nicely optioned 23

Joe,

I've got several 40's/ early 50's model 3's & 4's and every single one has the same finger grips as that knife. Not a coincidence, had to be the same guy grinding them, but who (Bill Platts)? They are all deeply cut and retain just a hint of the outer bark in-between.
Great knife and thanks for sharing.

My first Fightin' Filed knife! #3-7". Just picked up this weekend.

GHD, Here is the companion for your 23!

Looks like they may have had the same mom Bill. Nice !

Probably not at that time would be my guess. Being foreman, I don't know how much actual knife making he was doing versus management. Scott might have a better handle on that if the shop is run in somewhat the same manner as it was when Bill Platts was foreman.

Looking back into the 40's, the style of finger grips was deep with bark between, not to a point or "softer" transition, but real separation. Seems that style held up to some degree into the 50's.

Yes all of mine have that similar look.

This is the 3-7 that Rhett immortalized on his Randall Knife Society newsletters:







The rarity of the double hilt is complimented by the rarity of a finger grooved leather handle. The Moore sheath doesn't hurt either.

Very nice James -- good get! Thanks for sharing.

THANK YOU JIM!

Ron,

That might be my favorite Randall knife and sheath of all time. Simply awesome!

Thanks very much, Tom. They might be mine as well.

Ron,

In the early days, I realize that many sheaths were set up for left-side carry, but the handle's finger grooves are for the right hand. Must be a strange sensation to unsheath that knife.

Drawn in reverse grip with right hand, probably feels just awesome....as awesome as it looks.

Bo Blade that is terrific ! You're right the Moore sheath "ices" it. !!

Tom,

Maybe it's just me, but I find left hand finger grooves comfortable for my right hand and vice-versa.

Kirko: Thanks!

Dead mint Ron, what a beauty

I've been told that Bill Platts was very active in the everyday activities up until the new shop was built in 1959.

The grooves look to me the ones that Jimmy Garrett was credited with when repairs would come in.

Whoever did them was a genius. Those handles are classics. Thanks Scott.

This is my Model 5 with a double brass hilt that I would guess is considered a "Fighter". I recently handed this one down to my daughter to use as a "Hiker" on those Colorado high mountain trails……

Double Hilt = Fighter !!!
Very cool lookin #5!

Nice Model 5, Mick. Seems like I've seen a 5-4 with a double hilt somewhere...but I may be wrong.

A 5-4 with a double hilt would be way cool!

Thinking out loud, the Model 1 is the same basic blade, and you get a double hilt at no extra cost on it--if you want a "combat" or "fighting" knife. And if for some reason you don't want the Top Edge Sharpened, just ask the shop not to sharpen it, or if you already have the knife then dull it yourself on a large flat stone.

Anyway--I have a Model 1-5 that blade- and hilt-wise looks a lot like the above Model 5.

Larry

Here is one for a little context. It's actually a Model #1 with a 4" blade. Gary Randall wrote a letter on it.... one of a few made in the 80's.

Nice one Tune - never actually seen one of those. Were they a special order or an experiment that didn't pan out?

Experimental for sure. Only a few were made and it was never offered in a catalog.

Now that is a neat looking knife……!

^^^^

Sure is a good looking knife

Here is a phone order from a Spring Stock Sale, 4-5 years back, that my son Mark picked up ordering from..... Gary Randall. 3-7 SS/NSH Ivorite/NS Rounded BC.

Now THAT'S a sexxxxxy knife!!!!

That nickel, black and white look great together - nicely done.

Steve--

That is a sexy "fighter."

Of course, it was most likely a customer's order that they did not pay for and receive.

Curious--is the top edge sharpened?

Larry

Took this photo during the Devil's Horse spawn of 2008.

You never know where a fighting field knife will turn up.

Larry, Negative on top sharpened edge!

Nice pair TTB!!!!

Nice pair Tom. Never owned many micarta handled knives but I do like the canvas material.

A Model 20 Yukon Skinner in "Field Fighter" dress. I saw this one on ebay and had to have it...something about it just spoke to me. Has a bit of a pirate knife vibe.

Stainless blade. No thumb notches. FC N/S double hilt. Black and Aluminum spacers. Crown stag handle. Black RMK/Sullivan's Model A sheath with no hone pocket and embossed "20 C" on reverse.

First two photos are indoors; latter two are outdoors.

It's different for sure Bob and probably a very rare bird. I like both halves of that knife on its own merits.

I like it. Too cool.

Thanks Warren and Wally. It's a neat little knife with an oversized handle which fits in my hand perfectly.

My first fighting field knife.

Nicely optioned 23 fighter, iron wood

Bells and whistles George. Nice going.