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

Shown below is our new "Club Knife"!! This is my prototype and he's responsible for all of the orders...up and until now! This blade has not been etched..."yet". You will notice the club designation on the back of Sullivan's rough-back sheath. The blades (your blade) will be etched as follows: RVN: S/N 001, etc....Until RVN: S/N 100. I hope you like this project!
Stay sharp, Capt. Chris

Finally, here's a leftover piece of Elforyn. It is quite difficult to show proper representation on something so "white" with my photo abilities..."BUT"...(Ya' knew that was coming)...you are able to see the ivory similarities, with regards to the grain, etc...It is more authentic to the look of ivory...
Best, Capt. Chris

THANK YOU CAPATIN CHRIS!!!!

For ALL the effort you put into this project on behalf of the club. I am sure all of our members appreciate it as well.

It's an awesome idea for a club and a tribute knife. I look forward to getting mine in hand, after being able to fondle the prototype for months on end!!! For those who did not get to see it at Blade or the Stock Sale, you will not be disappointed!!

Looking forward to getting mine.I'll be older(I hope) but happy!!
Thanks to Capt,Wally and Lori for all your efforts!!!!

Can we order now?

Great looking knife. Thanks to Capt. Chris for putting this new club knife together and to Capt., Wally and Lori for all of their work in tracking down, researching and photographing the knife.

I'd like to order one as well. What's the ordering process?

Bob

Put me down for one.
My first number choice is #68.
If that is taken I want #69.
Thanks and let me know how much of a deposit you need.

Deposits run a minimum of $100.00 and asking for a number on this forum will not get you on the list. 1st come/1st served..."but"...(AAAHHH another one) when ordered with your deposit. Members, in good standing, can call, text or email me to get one ordered and "In the loop"!
Hope this helps, Capt. Chris
PS: Paypal to my email address is another way to get yours going...

On our Idaho PBS channel, Ken Burns' Vietnam is showing. Lots of footage with General Westmoreland and his Randall.

Pap