Limited Production... Randall 'RECON'

I have wanted one of the Joe Dorsky Randall 'RECON' knives for years...the only info I could find was on some of the other forums. Here is the info I recieved from the gentleman I bought my 'RECON' from:


Very rare numbered special edition commissioned by a noted Randall Collector. This is knife number 048 of eighty some made..first delivery was around 2003.

Intention was to do a knife close to the early Vietnam Nam era (1964) CISO 7" Recon by Ben Baker. This took years to get through The Randall shop. Of particular concern was the difficulty of sharpening the top bevel of the model 3 grind 7" blade, but it was finally agreed to!

Features a Stainless steel blade with sharpened bevel, Brass double hilt, Brass butt, Wrist thong, All black spacers. Knife and Black sheath are both numbered (048).

Super knife Rex. It is one of my favorites that I have not acquired yet.

Very nice and pretty hard to find,good catch Rex.Jimmy,good luck at the shop today

Wow! A real beauty.

I wanted this one for so long....too!
Here's mine...a pretty low # as....004

NICE!!!!!!!!!!!!
...004 ... do you have a license to kill?

...Thanks to all for the compliments...I'm hoping the RMK Collector/Historian who convinced the shop to build this knife..would share his story on how the Randall RECON came about.

I love that model too!

Someday...

Rex -

check out RKS newsletter #61.

Note that I seemed to have started a "trend" subsequent to the RECON showing up with many other knives coming out of the shop with all black spacers. It seems that it has subsided a bit though.

Crutch,
I find the comment about having a tough time getting the shop to agree to sharpen your top bevel mis-informed. (You didn't say it...Someone else mentioned it as hearsay)...What say you? I have always thought the "TB" option was available on the models: #3...#4...#5...Am I wrong?
With regards to all black spacers: I think some of the "trend" is coincidental, being as your Recon premiered right around the same time as the shop started limiting spacer choices, i.e. no more "all blue" or "red & blue", etc. This prompted me to pursue the "all red" and "all black" routine a bit more. I'll be interested to hear your comments on this.
Thanks, Capt. Chris
PS: Give me a call also, when you have a chance...CCS

Yep. The first one, "the prototype" if you will, did not have the top bevel sharpened as it was not available on the #3 or #4, and had not been available in recent memory. While standing at the counter during a visit to the shop maybe a year or so after it was made and having a little show and tell, Gary agreed to sharpen the "prototype" and it was then etched RECON to desginate that fact. This basically was the "go ahead" for the project.



No, not really. I don't know exactly when the shop started limiting spacer choices, but the idea for the RECON was born around 1990, which I believe was prior to the shop limits.

I don't recall ever seeing all black spacers but on only a few knives, and most were micarta and possibly an ebony thrown in there, but most definitely not leather. I originally wanted all white as were the original CISO knives, but Gary didn't want to do that. Nevertheless, there was a rash of all black spacer leather handled knives that started showing up a few years later.

Note also that it was Gary's request/suggestion that a stamp be made for the sheath.

Bottom line, I was forutunate to have this thing made.

.......Does this mean I'm "not" going to get a call from you?
Thanks, dude!...Capt. Chris

Maybe someone could post the RKS #61 newsletter so we that don't have it could read about this knife.
oldguy

Sorry oldguy...I sold all my Newsletter's to the 'Captain.

Joe...thanks for the info concerning your 'RECON'.

Here you go.

Jim

Thanks Jim. Oldguy

DAMN!!!!

Not having to talk to Joe!!! Hellava deal!!!

Maybe this knife could be restarted again?? Oldguy

Mitchell,

I had to talk to Joe today...Feel my pain!
Best, Capt. Chris

I was lucky enough to get one before they became unobtainium. Mine is #049. (could be 047, haven't fondled it in a while!!)

Pat...that is exactly how I use the RMK's in my collection.

Super beatiful!

Mine is number 031.











As soon as I got it I ordered a 12-8 with similar options and had Randall Recon Bowie 031 engraved on it. Kind of kooky but I like it.

No 37

I have #96 if anyone needs to own one!

#75 last year of vietnam

Hang on to that one Bob.....good for you.

62 for me

71 here !!

I have #98. Sorry no photo, I'm having issues with software right now. Mine has a humpbacked handle. The early ones look like there straight. Did they change the design after the 4-6 fighter?

No Jimmy, the RECON was born in 2002, long before the 4-6 fighter.

As with many things Randall and many things handmade, I think they just varied and/or morphed over time.

Remember it took 10 years to complete the 100 unit order, so there are bound to be some variations.

10-4 Joe, I was kinda thinking that was the case.

I think the Recon is one BEAUTIFUL knife.
Thanks, Joe.

How many in total were made?

I don't have a reference in front of me, but I believe 1000 were made, 616 leather and 384 stag. But don't quote me on that.

100

100 is correct.....

What am I thinking, that was 1000, with 384 and 616?

I was thinking of the RKS-4, 1200 with 816 and 384. My bad!

It turns out that Randall folks WILL sharpen the top edge of a model three, for $25.

Recon #65