Good morning members,
I'm cleared up from the epic amount of "post work" that is "The Blade Show" and thought it might be interesting to see where this topic might lead. OK: So...There's no "ideal" Randall Knife...I got that. "BUT" (Here we go) let's see what folks would come up with "if" they could have one RMK to come as "close" to the ideal knife as can be.
I'll interject thoughts and answer questions, if asked, during the proceedings. No particular "category" is required. No borders will be put on your ideas. They are, after all, just ideas...(at least at this stage).
Let's hear from you,
Capt. Chris
PS: Photos would be nice!

Model 5-5" Bradford Angier equipped, carbon steel blade.

Pap

Not my "choice" but it was wilderness author's, Bradford Angier's, choice as the best damned camp knife!
Best, Capt. Chris
* #5-6"
* Carbon steel
* Thumb notches (std.)
* Nickel silver single hilt (option)
* Black micarta handle (option)
* Wrist thong (option)
* Compass (option)
* Model "A" sheath in tan leather (std)

I’m looking forward to this discussion for sure.
Walker

Again, a lot would depend on the circumstances. If I was in Alaska, in a bush plane, I would have a Model 19-5 on my belt. On a fly fishing trip in Idaho, a Model 8. Salt water fishing a Model 10-5. And so on.

Pap

I wrote this short article a decade or so ago on this exact topic.

http://www.rmkcollector.com/the-randall-collector/the-perfect-randall

Pap,

I was thinking #19 myself.

But then again, #12-9/14 is not bad.

And then, any of my Full Tangs...

Coach

I'd have to say that the model 5 covers the most "area" of any Randall....many options, blade lengths.....etc...

:-)Rocky

I will second Pap. Model 5-5”. I am on the fence, tool steel vs SS.

I'm thinking a Stanaback in Musk Ox.....
I wasn't till I saw yours at Blade!
Next as always a 19 4.5....just a beast of a knife!
As I call it a pry bar with sharp edges.

Model 5-6 Camper Special

Nr 15 Airman
Carbon steel blade pickled
Single nickel silver hilt
Full tang
Green micarta Border Patrol handle
Waxed sheath

That one ticks a lot of boxes for me!

Gert,
It's one of my choices...for sure!
Stay Sharp, Capt. Chris
* Model #15-5 1/2"
* Stainless
* Thumb notches
* Nickel silver single hilt
* Squared top
* NASA OD Green (G-3)
* Border Patrol Handle

Non-catalog Fireman's Special !

It’s a tough call…

It be between this Model 15:



Or this one…

If there is such a thing as a 'perfect' knife an obvious Model is the Dealer Special...'Stanaback Special'...in the 4 1/2" blade length....loaded with just about every option you could ever use...

Tried and tested, the #28 Woodsman. What is does not do, no other one will. It's perfect.

Chief-N-Rex,
Thanks for the kudos. Here's a practical way to go with my 4 5/8" version...especially for "whatever" may be needed of it...to include smackin' open coconuts, metal can tops of skulls! Maroon micarta with all matching brass hardware.
Stay Sharp, Capt. Chris
PS: See that silver metal, sticking outta' the middle of the skull-crusher/coolie cap? That's the end of the "full tang"...Plenty strong enough, indeed...CCS

Capt, that is a good looking Special for sure. Really like the detail of the tang at tip.
Walker

That's a beauty Capt!

Tom Flynn

That' memorable no doubts !

Model 5-5 or 23

Looks like almost all of my friends here have found the ideal blade length to be between 4-1/2" & 6". Great minds think alike.

My favorite is the "Combat Companion", carbon steel, & nickel-silver hilt, black micarta handle with a "C" sheath. EDC & camp knife.

This 23 is the one I grab when I'm going to the cabin or the lake.

I’m with ya tombomb! The 23 is a great knife!!!! But if I was only getting one to do everything it would be the 15 with single finger guard. Bit stout for fishing and small game but if I can only have one to do everything it’s gonna need to be tough!

Yeah, a 15 camp knife sure is handy. Kinda thick for camp cookin chores but it works out

Very nice, Jerry!

Jerry’s knife:

1-6 or a 5-6

My 4-6 standard or my 23 standard or my Sergeant with its micarta handle (thanks Captain, it’s a great knife).

I might have added the Stanaback Special, but alas I don’t have one anymore. My boys liked them too much and they have them now.