5-4.

Good point. Optioning a 5-4 with stainless and WT is 490 (390+65+35), whereas the 10-3 out of the gate is $260 (before taxes/shipping, if applicable). If you want a pouch sheath from Amy for that 5-4, that's another $65-ish, give or take depending on options (and the 10-3 COMES with a pouch sheath).

You'll get some beautiful stag on the 5-4, but that may not necessarily be desirable in a beater boat knife.

Brent,
Don't rule out a 10-5.
AS for the 10-3 I would opt for a drop point.Tri would be good too.

We had a build on the Forum a while back for just this kind of knife. I think the group came up with a Model 5 with an orange G10 handle. Somebody more clever with finding the thread might see this and point all of us to it again.

The idea of a Kydex sheath that offers multiple attachment and carry options is a good one. No need to have a fixed blade on your waist where it can be uncomfortable and in the way, and might not be immediately accessible if it is needed quickly.

If I get to it, I will photo and post a Model 1 5-inch with a Kydex sheath and its multiple carry options...might give you some ideas anyway.

Larry
*********

I found some comments I posted for the build mentioned above:

Capt. Chris—

I thought I would put in my two cents worth on this build. I agree with the respondents who prefer a 5-inch blade. Either the Model 5, the Combat Companion, or even the Model 1 with a 5-inch blade would be great for this purpose. It has to be Stainless and Micarta—considering it is going to be on and in the water a lot. Since the knife is intended to be used in emergency situations, it needs to be designed and carried so it can be instantly grasped and employed. This suggests that it will be worn on a PFD when rafting, probably upside down on the weak side. To help with registering the orientation of the cutting edge I think either a thinned down Border Patrol, SFG, or FG handle would be good—thinner than normal to help make the knife as unobtrusive as possible and to help minimize its interference with normal activity.

As for the sheath, the desire to minimize bulk suggests the Model B, and waxed because of the constant exposure to the water.

If I were the lucky winner of the build, I would have Mike Sastre at River City Sheaths make one of his DSS multi-carry option Kydex sheaths like the one shown in the photo for the new knife. These sheaths are custom fitted to each knife and retains the knife in any orientation, including upside down. Mike is an expert kayaker who started making Kydex sheaths to hold his Spyderco Endura on the upper left of his PFD, so he knows what is required in such a knife and carry system.

This turned into more words than I expected—easy to “time out” when you take too long!

Larry

I found this in my files. I did not remember that the winner of this build had offered it for sale on the Forum.

http://www.knifetalkforums.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=100652#Post100652
ChadHelpling
Model 5-6 the River Rafting build by Capt Chris. Stainless, orange G-10, sawteeth, brass hilt, aluminum and black spacers, waxed sheath. Paid $640 plus tax, asking $595.

Here are a couple of solutions with my design sheaths. Left magnetic neck/pocket(hangs any way you want it) with a 10-3 and right dangler with D ring(belt or vest) with a Triathlete. The dangler is my EDC which is why is looks a little rough. The dangler sheath is very versatile for any size knife. I actually have a new 10-3 for sale which comes with my magnetic sheath, my pouch and the Randall pouch. Go with a light, small handle, compact knife.

Brent,
Northern Michigan does not have any wild critters????? Your knife choices sound great but I do hope that you pack some significant heat!!!

And there is always a chance on the northern trail you may encounter a two legged critter of "dubious character".

Let us know what your final knife choice will be. And I am interested to hear if you pack anything "else".

Wayne

Yes, Northern Michigan has an abundance of wild critters. What I meant was, we don't have poisonous snakes, any "former pet" constrictors, sharks,ect., that live in or around the water. I know that I'm probably over imagining the threat that these creatures pose. Worst I've heard about up here is accidently snagging a muskrat. Mean little S.O.Bs, just like a city rat. Best just to cut the line and send them on their way.
I don't carry on the kayak,yet.
When walking in the woods with my dog, I open carry a Ruger lcrx 3 inch .38+p and a couple of speed loaders of jacketed hp in my pockets. This is mostly for coyotes, skunks, porcupines. My dog is so friendly, "everything" is his friend.My most carried knife on these walks in a stock small gambler, lives in my glove box, easy on/off with the clip. It would probably work on the water, just "want" something new😁.
At this point, I'm really thinking a 10-3, it already has all the good stuff, stainless,thumb notches, and laynard hole, just have to decide on handle material. Might have to email the Capt and see what he has on hand.

Brent,
The 10-3 sounds nice. I have a "standard" one of those. Always want to get yet another Randall Knife!!!

Maybe that Ruger Lcrx in a shoulder rig might be the way to go when in the kayak??

I am not paranoid,just a thinking paranoid. You see,things around me tend to "occur" and more than once the popcorn has hit the fan even when I was doing something as innocent as fishing with my dog.

I hope that the Captian has something for you so you may get that 10-3 right away!!!

Wayne

I thought Michigan had lots of black bears and wolves, those are both critters I wouldn't want to hold off with a Model 10-3. Lol.

Pap