This is how the letter reads from Tom Clinton on the beginning of his dealer special.
Sometime in 1989 I visited the Randall shop in Orlando.
During my visit with Gary Randall he mentioned I might want to consider a “Dealer Special” with Pete Hamilton’s help he showed me all the current dealer specials. After looking at all of them I thought of the 70’s full tang drop point hunters would be a great “Special” we discussed it with Gary and was advised they weren’t making them anymore. Back to the drawing board…… Next choice was a unique double edge fighter. In the museum there was a knife called the “Moon Knife” witch I liked. Gary agreed and we started planning. It was determined that it would be stainless steel. Seven inches long, trademark parallel with the hilt. Forward curved hilt only, nickel silver only.
The standard “T-C” special has aluminum and black spacers, black micarta commando shape, duralumin coolie cap, and a black model “A” sheath.

Ladies and Gentlemen: could we please see some Clinton specials!!!

Jesse, here is my one T.C.S.

T.C. Special w/fossil walrus ivory.

Jerry

T.C. Special w/rosewood.

Jerry

T.C. Special w/Burma burl.

Jerry

Ironwood & Pure Silver.

See Ya, Chief

I believe the wood on this one is amboyna.


Dan Snyder RKS #5537

Clinton Special with fossil walrus handle, .999% pure fine silver furniture from Precious Metals Fabrication Co. and croc sheath by Greg Gutcher, Sullivan's Holster Shop:




Images © 2008 All Rights Reserved

Regards,
Doug

Howdy Dan,
The handle on your TCS isn't Amboyna. I'm not sure what it is but Tom or Gary Clinton should know. Here is what Amboyna looks like.

"I believe the wood on this one is amboyna"

Dan, I'm pretty sure your handle is Bocote.
Environmental Profile
This species is officially classified as either Extinct, Endangered, Rare, or Vulnerable within its natural habitat in Costa Rica. Inadequate information makes it difficult to assign it to one specific conservation category (Source - World Conservation Monitoring Center - 1992).

The species is reported to be either very rare (21 to 100 occurrences) and local throughout its range, or it is found locally, even abundantly at some of its locations. The species may also be vulnerable to extinction throughout its range because of other existing but unknown factors (Source - The Nature Conservancy - Rank of relative endangerment based mainly on the number of occurrences of the species worldwide).

Distribution
The species is reported to be distributed from Mexico to Costa Rica, and is also found in Colombia, Florida, and the West Indies. (Zamora, 1989). It is reported to grow up to elevations of about 1600 feet (500 m) in the tropical dry areas of Mexico with average annual precipitation of about 40 inches (1000 mm

Dubie Baxter

With the one angle it almost looks like a laminated wood (pakka-wood) or the like. Interesting. Either way, it certainly does not look like a material Tom has used often on his special. I always thought Tom's special looks like a cross between a stilletto and a Roman short sword.
Best, Capt. Chris

Dubie, thanks for the info. The seller couldn't remember what it was either. All I know is that I really liked the look of it and had to have it. It looks even better in person.
Dan Snyder RKS #5537

Dubie/Dan, we ordered six drop-point hunters from custom maker Dan Stucky of Oregon - FWIW, this particular knife is handled in Bocate Wood...

No Clinton Special's left in our collection, but I do have a funny TC story. When our order from Tom came in a few years back, it was followed by the arrival of its twin two days later - so I called Tom to thank him for the 'twofer'...there was a pause on the other end of the line, followed by "So, that's where that one went..."

We of course sent it back, but it was kinda cool to have two at once...if even for just a day

Nice knife Shel !!! Bocote is great wood, and it's going to be hard to find in the future, just like most exotic hardwoods will be. I'm stocking up.

Dubie

Well, if it is Bocate Wood, then I guess I was lucky and have a unique TC Special in my collection. Shel, if you come out for the BAKC show in October again I'll have to bring it with me so you can take a look at it. Thanks guys.
Dan Snyder RKS #5537

The mystery is now solved. I received an message from the person I bought this from and he tells me the wood is dealer supplied Cocobola.
Dan Snyder RKS #5537

I think this is bocote also.Bob

Sweet knife Bob! Yes, that's Bocate alright...

Dubie, thanks for the link old friend, but if you'll pardon the pun, I think you may be 'barking up the wrong tree'...these two shots of another Stucky drop-point hunter with Cocobolo handle slabs look a lot more like the wood type used on Dan's knife (to me anyway) - plus, he has what the original owner told him...



Sorry for the thread drift guys, but do you have a link for Cocobolo wood as well Dubie? (doh, I figured it out...lol) http://www.hobbithouseinc.com/personal/woodpics/cocobolo.htm

Shel, Cocobolo runs from the brownish-red to the purple range, where Bocote is more green/gold, to brown.

I have been collecting these hardwoods for years, and there is actually quite a difference between the two.

I'm sticking with Dan's knife as being Bocote.

Here's a link from the same site: http://hobbithouseinc.com/personal/woodpics/cocobolo.htm

Dubie Baxter

Bob,
Yes: That Stanaback Special "is" Bocote. The Clinton Special still looks "laminated" to me. No grain pattern and growingly closer rings towards the outside gives it the assembled (plywood, if you will) appearance. Don't get me wrong: I like laminated wood. I have several Randalls and a few rifles outfitted this way. Super.."SUPER" strong!! And..I've been wrong before, but if you take a look at your Bocote (grain, spacing of varigations, etc.) verses the TC spl., you will see that they are very dis-similar. Who knows?? Just my "read"..Best, Capt. Chris

Here's an older one with a Looooong ricasso.

HERES MY ONLY TC SPECIAL

http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=103626816

Rich,

Thanks for posting this one. Is the blade longer or shorter than today's? Maybe you could post dimensions or photo next to a ruler?

See Ya, Chief

Blade looks the same, Chief. The "hilt" is what I see on the "long" side. I used to be able to request the hilt length...No more. Just too far behind. Best, Capt. Chris

Rich, that's a really nice knife.

Dubie Baxter

Yes the hilt is long, but the ricasso is what really stands out to me. It is much much longer than the newer ones. Thanks, Dubie.

This's my TCSpecial:



also Greg did a great job...
Best
Guido

BELLISIMO!
Ciao
Tony

Now it REALLY seems like a Roman (Tuscany) short sword.

Dubie Baxter

Guido, oh my! That's without a doubt the nicest CS that I've ever seen...very tastefully executed!

This unusual Model #18 handled Clinton Special, also from the 'not something you see every day files', is posted courtesy of a friend that collects the odd ones - the knife is older than the sheath by at least five to seven years...



Nice thread Jesse

Not only odd...but not from the shop either.

---DW---

OUch !!!

Tell it D.W.

Dubie Baxter

Quote:

---

Not only odd...but not from the shop either.

---

AH HA! Fooled ya. That's not a real knife, at all. It was photoshopped by a couple 'o guys who secretly design knives for the Randall Shop and was just posted as a test to see if anyone could recognize a fugazy Randall

Regards,
Doug

Hey Doug,


Kevin

OOOOOOOHHHHHHHH...
It's not nice to fool Mother Nature
Tony

I've always liked the Tom Clinton knife and there are many beautiful ones here. There is also apparently one that isn't real. My questions are, how does a hollow handle end up on a Clinton? Does it take tearing apart two Randalls to make one? What does Tom Clinton have to say about it? With all due respect to Mr. Wickersham, why would an author of a book on Randalls put up a picture of a fake Randall? Couldn't that give someone the idea that it is real? Not trying to start anything it just looks funny.

Oh I think they meant it to be a joke...a laugh!
After seeing Doug's post, that's how I took it, anyway.
Tony

Matt, sorry bud, just trying to be funny here - I probably should've added a disclaimer at the bottom of the post...and a few more smilies too

Sheldon,

You could always PM Tom The Bomb or Chief and have them edit it for you.

Kevin

My wife always says that my sense of humor is as developed as my sense of laundry but the Clinton doesn't seem to be photoshopped which leaves me with the same questions. Is it a real knife or is it Memorex?

Quote:

---

...just trying to be funny here - I probably should've added a disclaimer at the bottom of the post...and a few more smilies too

---

Yeah, right. Now THAT'S funny I don't care who you are!

Regards, Doug

Matt,

Just a follow up per our PM – yes, it’s a real knife, albeit likely an altered one. I’ve spoken with both DW and the owner of the knife; and the owner, an RKS member and well known Florida based collector of RMK’s for over 25 years, has agreed to take it the Randall Shop for examination the next time he’s up that way...

The owner apologized to me for not expressly identifying the knife as being altered, as I do the members here for same – although all of us got a good laugh over the buzz generated by one fuzzy photo. The owner stated that he was a little surprised over the negative comments posted, being that unusual handled Randall knives were fairly common back in the mid to late 1980’s – as evidenced by the Crider collection knives listed in Rhett’s 1991 Green Catalog, for example...

Further, that he, Tom Clinton, Charlie Scannapieco, and others - actively sought out these types of unusual knives, shop made or not, on a semi-competitive basis for years. Yes, TC knows about the knife, but it’s not for sale - on a related note, a well known Chicago area RMK collector once told me that he had over 200 similar altered, unusual, and rehandled RMK’s in his personal collection...

Anyhoo, that’s the deal Matt; does that answer your question(s)?

Shel

Dubie you'R right:
it looks like a "DAGA ROMANA" or...Roman dagger.
Best
Guido

Here is one of mine (Black Micarta handle, Duralumin butt cap):





This is another one, with a Maroon Micarta handle, Nickel Silver smooth collar, and Duralumin coolie cap:

Here is another of my Tom Clinton Specials:

Hey Ken,
Great looking handle! What material is it?
Or is that a CIA secret?

Tony,

The handle is stabilized double-dyed red/black box elder burl.

Ken,

Your taste in knives can only be matched by your taste in spirits; both above board. Nice job!

Best,
Warren

Thanks Ken!
It goes really well with the Clinton Special shape.
Tony

Hi Tony, as does it go?
Ciao

Giovanni!
Everything is going great! Hope you are doing well.
A beautiful Clinton Special Ken has ...Yes?
I have one coming next year, with a smooth Buffalo Horn handle.
Ciao,
Tony

Here is my new Tom Clinton Special, you wont see one like this just anywhere. Custom Croc sheath.

Peter

More photos of my Tom Clinton Specials:

I received this Tom Clinton Special today from Gary Clinton:









I ordered it from his father on 01/14/2008. The Ironwood was supplied to the shop by Gary Clinton, and I also specified a smooth Nickel Silver collar and a Nickel Silver butt cap.

That's a great looking knife Ken.

As luck would have it, my birthday is next week and I received this great Tom Clinton special from Gary Clinton today Once again the craftsmen at the shop have done a super job creating another masterpiece. I am quite fond of ironwood, and this has some really nice figure.
Peter

Wow. Nice ironwood. Nice knife!

Peter!
That's a Classic Beauty!
Tony

My First Clinton Special!

Very nice! It's your first, but hopefully not your last.

So...I looked at Chief's and Tony's outstanding examples of the TC Special which I have always liked a lot and decided to reread the thread to look at those outstanding knives one more time.

When I did, I reread Jesse's post quoting Tom's 1989 letter stating that the knife would only have a forward curved hilt of nickel silver. Of course mine which I posted back then has a lugged hilt of pure fine silver and I did not realize that Tom had made an exception for me.

The TC Special in Jesse's post has a brass FC hilt. Are there any other examples of TC Specials with other than forward curved NS hilts??

Interesting stuff.

Regards,
Doug

Doug, you wrote:

Quote:

---

Are there any other examples of TC Specials with other than forward curved NS hilts??

---

For those who received Gary Clinton's holiday card from late last year, there was a TCS with a #1 Style Double Hilt included in the photo (and with a mighty-nice SHAG-worthy Stag handle, I might add). This prompted me to order one with the same-style hilt (and with an Ivorite handle), which I am expecting in November or so. (Also in the order is a #2-8" with the same options.)

Thanks for the info Ken. NS I assume?

Regards,
Doug

Yes, both knives will have NS hilts and butt caps.

Tony, that's a real beauty you got there. I have a 2-5 with the same options as the TC Special in your picture. I really need to get one like yours for a matching pair.
Dan Snyder

Thanks Dan!
I was told that mine was the last Clinton Special that will have a Buffalo Horn Handle.
I think the material is a pain to work with.
Your #2-5 sounds great! Have you posted pictures of it?
Tony

Tony, yes, I have posted pictures of it. You'll find it in the model #2 thread on page 9 down near the bottom. I've seen a couple TC Specials with the fluted buffalo horn handles on ebay, so it looks like I'll have to get mine on the secondary market. I've also seen a couple model 1's in this configuration. Here's a picture of the 2-5 that I entered in EDO contest, it's pictured with a couple of other #2's I have.



Dan Snyder #5537

Dan,
That is a cool #2!
If I ever "have to" sell my Clinton Special, you'll be the first I call!
Tony

I got lucky and was able to pick up my second TC Special. This one has black micarta handle, nickle silver forward curved hilt, black and aluminum spacers and skull crusher butt cap.


Thanks for looking,

Dan Snyder
RKS #5537
SHAG #010

Dan,
That's a seriously cool looking Clinton Special!
Congrats!
Tony

I received this Tom Clinton Special last Fall. In addition to its Nickel Silver furniture and Ivorite handle, it also has a #1 style double hilt, as opposed to the more common forward curved hilt.

Ken, that's a great looking TC Special. One of these days I'm going to order one with the Ivorite handle to match the black micarta handled one I have.

Dan Snyder
RKS #5537
SHAG #010

I just received this Tom Clinton Special from Gary Clinton yesterday. He supplied the stag, as not all stag would work with this model. I am really happy with the way it turned out and the guys in the shop did a fantastic job, especially the coolie cap fitment.
And no, I haven't given up ironwood

Peter

Outstanding knife, Peter! And, it'd be hard to do better for that Stag handle, in terms of its character, and the degree to which it is straight.

I liked the other options, too, including those specified for its sheath.

Oh, and thank you for posting these photos to the SHAG thread elsewhere on the forum.

WOW, is that great stag or what? Now I can't decide, the ivorite or a stag handle for my next TC special. Dam you for posting this...

Dan Snyder
RKS #5537
SHAG #010

Super Randall and super stag.

Pap

That's a stunning TCS Peter! At BLADE last year Gary helped my wife pick out some options for her "official" first RMK, and now I'm begining to think Gary really likes Coolie caps. You've certainly got a winner with that one, should be a candidate for an EDO photo shoot, I think!

Great stag handle Peter. That knife's a beauty.

NICE Peter!
I haven't seen many TCSs with stag.
This one's a beauty!
Tony

Thanks Guys

I appreciate the comments

Dan, you should get one of each, stag and ivorite

Wally, I thought the coolie cap would be a great finisher for the stag and that it would complement the shape of the blade, I couldn't be happier with the way it turned out

Peter

Does anyone know what the cost of a "standard model" Clinton special is?

Griff
I don't know, but my stag was $645 delivered, and since it was not shop stag, I would guess that the standard model would be around $550, send Gary Clinton an email and I am sure he can tell you pretty quickly

Peter

TC Commemorative. Sycamore handle.

Wow, I've never seen sycamore wood before. That's a real beauty and the sheath is kinda special too. I'll have to take a picture of my latest TC Special I acquired.

Dan Snyder
RKCC CM #155

One of my favorite knives Very Sweet looking set up!!! Good get!!

Thanks!!

Thought you all might like this Tom Clinton example.

Comes with a Black Custom RMK marked Sullivan Sheath.

Dammit Man.......You haven't shown that one to me before!

Dang! Eric, don't toy with us!

I have always liked Ivory TC Specials. Eric

That one on the right with the small FCH is sexy!

My latest.

BREATHTAKING!!!!!!

Very nice! What is the handle material?

Chief,

Your Musk Ox? Really exceptional handle. Looks great w/o a butt cap and shows more of the handle.

Musk Ox Dreams

The Captain & I discussed this at blade, as I see a lot of his without a butt cap or plate.
I have to say that I'm glad I listened! The Ox came from Duke, only place to get it in my opinion.

Was thinking that was Duke's Ox. One of the best I've seen.

Chief,

Awesome Musk-Ox, great handle on that TC Special; Duke's Musk-Ox is the best!

Tom Flynn

Here you go Chief updated with some stripes thanks to Gary Clinton. Man I really do like this knife.

To bad ya can't get a musk-ox sheath.

Great looking knife Warren, the TC Special is one of my Favorite Models.

Chief,

Trust me if they only made them.


Eric,

I've had a few over the years, this one is cool, just ask Chief he had a hand in it, and I got to hand it to him he did a great job. I just gave it a new suit.

I have a couple of it's relatives stashed away!

liking that 8-4, what's it made of?

Beaver Tail

ahhh should have known, sweet looking!

I am LIKING that #8-4 as well... actually! !!

1'7 is the BOMB. Speaking of which where is Tom?

TC Special with a seldom seen TC Special No-hone sheath.

One of my favorite RMK's good get!

Thanks Chief, I like it.

I need one that's about a foot longer!

If I may , I think the sheath is a fake, or a second sheath that has been stamped with the logo after it left our shop.
Stikman

Danny

Gary Clinton sold it to me last week, you may ask him about where it came from originally? I am happy with it, I got it as a user sheath.... I was going to ask you to wax it when the TC Special Sheath I asked about was ready to be made.

Eric,
I am with Danny on this one, "although" I think "fake" wasn't in my thoughts. The sheath was not ordered with that TC, at least not from the photos. The throat is cut for a "straight" double (or single) hilt and not FCH. I am sure it works fine...just shows a bit of the blade, when fully inserted and snapped.
Best, Capt. Chris

It has the holes in the loop, like a model C sheath , the TC special does not , and it should have either a custom stamp or TCS above the stamp on the back of the sheath.
Stikman

Capt. Chris and Danny, Misunderstanding I think. I bought the Sheath separate from the knife. The Sheath that came with the knife has a C stamped on the back. I did not want ot get it dirty so I wanted a user sheath, Gary had this no-hone laying around in his copious amount of extra sheaths.

"C" stamping, indicating "curved" (hilt) makes all of this a lot more sensible.
Best, Capt. Chris

User sheath? are you going to use that beast?

Pat, I try to get extra sheaths for all the RMK's I use or plan to use in the future. I like to pair them up with one of my CCW's or open carry.
TC Special, separating hanging rope is the only use I have found for it so far.

Eric,
Great Rigs!!Share some info on the S&W and 10-5
with me.

Eric,
Nice Hi Powers! Is the top one a Canadian Inglis?

Billy, 10-5 with Clinton G10 Camo, Gary also had a Johnson roughback 10-5 Sheath I got separately. S&W 625-7 3" barreled N frame chambered in 45LC. There were only 150 of these made for Lew Horton in 1999 verified in the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wessons. I use a chest mounted holster when carrying this one.

Howdy Neighbor,

Thank you. Yes you are right, To be more specific it is now a Post WW II and Korea British Military re-issue Inglis High Power. After serving in two wars, this pistol was sent to the RSAF Enfield Base for a complete refurbishment, parts replacement, and refinishing. This necessary refurbishment (F. T. R. "Factory Thorough Repair") was undertaken in the 1960's due to these pistol's heavy battle use all over the world. To designate this massive effort, the pistols were stamped (besides the original "Mk I *") "F. T. R." and given a FTR number with the date of the refurbishment. After receiving its necessary replacement parts the pistols were then reparkerized and coated with a synthetic black stove enamel. This one is dated 63.

My other Hi-Power is a Post WW II West German Military Police High Power stamped with the early "Fabrique National D' Armes De Guerre...." of the Belgian Government.

Eric,
Thanks for posting and providing the interesting history!
Doug

TC Special with Fossil Walrus Ivory and Sullivan made Ostrich Sheath.

Got the Pictures today from Gary Clinton.
Have to give him a big shout out as he supplied this killer piece of Buckeye for me!

Getting a stiff neck, hopefully this helps.
I do like the rounded handle. Nice look.

That's a GREAT TC Chief...have him send it here and I'll look it over and clean it 4 U.... QUALITY CONTROL! !!

Wake up pal your dreaming agin! LOL

Chief
Contrasting background
looks like a Polar Bear in a snow storm
sharpi

Here is mine
Shared with James and Michael This morning
James thanks for Breakfast
Michael thanks for sharing
Sharpi

It is a goooooooood lookin TC!!!!
Anytime 8-)

Great look, What kind of wood?

LOL I'll tell Gary.

Looks like thuya burl.

It is Thuya... I could smell it across the table in a restaurant when he unwrapped it!