Viet Nam Randall handled Ka-Bar

I lifted this photo from Jason Hardy's MACV-SOG series of books, volume X. This is one I would like to own.

Note the folding stock AK47. Relatively uncommon compared to the full stock version in this time period. More than likely captured from the Viet Cong. It appears as though he is holding on to a forward vertical grip. If factory original, it is most likely an Eastern Bloc weapon i.e. Romanian which were known for that style. Also note the skull in his other hand!!

Now THIS is a blade that I want in my collection! So much more interesting than standard wartime era knives. I would trade a green tenite 14 for this anyday!

Joe,
Just picked up the "KNIFE KNEWS" from the printer. Guess what I have and is a part of this issue's feature article?
Stay sharp, Capt. Chris

This guy!!!!!!

Few years later. Kinda surprised Bo was still doing it post war.

Made a few years later. Kinda surprised still making something like this post war.




and the provenance!!

Dude needs some pants.

going full native. That was common indigenous Montagnard wear.

Thank's Capt. Chris for posting that pic. My question has been answered.

Jungle speedo. Got it. Thanks.

Black and white spacers Capt. Done outside of shop?

Joe, A Hungarian AKS-65 would have the verticle foregrip (this from memory, please don't quote me, I'll try to "Google" into it some)

That dude is a total bad ass!

In all fairness. .. so is the man Capt. got that Camillus from.

Joe...and everyone,
The knife was acquired in Danang during my friend's 3rd tour. When he returned home he had his good friend, Pete Hamilton, re-handle, re-hilt, install the special (B&W)spacers, brass butt cap, wrist thong and the Westinghouse ivorite (Ole Yeller). This was all done in house, at the Randall shop, my friend paid Randall Made Knives for the work and it was totally "completed" in 1972. The story about this...and a whole lot more...is in "KNIFE KNEWS"!
Best, Capt. Chris

"Note the folding stock AK47."

Great photo and knife. Hard to say for sure from the photo but it looks to me like a Chinese Type 56-1. They did produce them with an under folding stock like the one in the photo as early as the late 50's I think. Can't tell what he's holding on to - not sure if its a vertical grip, field expedient or something else - it doesn't quite look perpendicular to the stock. Either way, great photo of some good looking kit. Thanks for sharing.

I know that many of us have had many years of dealing with Captain Chris, but I, for one, can't begin to thank him for so many years( like 1993) of helping me personally obtain my Randall orders. Certainly not to mention all he has done for the Randall community, this forum, ad infinitum. Thanks and God bless you, Cap.
Pap

Chinese did not produce a vertical fore grip model.

the AMD 65 had an abbreviated skeletonized barrel shroud basically for the rear site, and a standard grip turned around and mounted forward at angle.

The Romanian AK had laminated stocks and the wood fore grip was kinda at an angle towards the muzzle.

Cap -

that is real early for ivorite, real early. You sure about that date? Buried tang nut is not common at this time either. Both of these really start to show up in mid to late 70's.

Amazing, the stuff I see on this forum.

Thanks for posting those examples.. When I came to Randalls in a big way, they already wouldn't do rehandles. Interesting to see how they look.

Thanks Pappy and, yes Joe: It's all in the story. I think everyone will enjoy this copy of KNIFE KNEWS.
Thanks, Capt. Chris

Like Ronnie said, this is a bad ass , no doubt.