Recently, I had a conversation with Michael Randall, regarding an ordering question that the shop has to address "all the time" (in his words). OK: I think I'll try to address it here and now.
One of the reasons I started this thread (many moons ago) was to try and answer questions on our forum and save the shop some phone calls, freeing up their time a bit. I know that has been accomplished to some degree and am hoping this will help also.
The "snag", if you will, involves "C"-style sheaths. In particular: "Which" sheaths are offered with a single row or a double row of stitching...and why? Here's the real-deal.
Model #14-7 1/2", along with the #18-7 1/2" share the same sheath. This "C" style sheath...is the "ONLY" sheath with double row stitching, and it has "ONLY" been offered on Sullivans sheaths. Here's why.
Greg Gutcher, early on in the transition from Johnny Johnson's sheaths (Castleberry, Fl.), to Sullivans Holster Shop's sheaths (Tampa, Fl.) submitted a newly designed sheath for Gary Randall's approval. This sheath sported the double row of stitching instead of the more traditional single row. It also has a re-designed hone pocket and "finished" leather back panel, verses the "roughback" back panel (butterfly-stitched) that had been standard for decades past.
I asked Greg Gutcher a couple of weeks ago "why" he suggested this new style of sheath. Greg told me the double row was stronger and more secure than the previous design. He "especially" thought this a good idea for a knife sheath that military personnel and law enforcement night be wearing. To include "all" methods of carry, this design proved spot-on and GTR was in full agreement!
While Gary Randall was in agreement with Greg on the 7 1/2" Model C sheath, he was not keen on it's proprietary use on other models. A combination of reasons, ascetics & width being only a couple of them, left all other sheath models with a single row of border stitching and this is still the practice today.
Below are a photos of "both" types offered today. To re-cap, quite simply, a #14 or the longer #18 are the "ONLY" RMK models offered with the double row-stitched sheaths. Heavy use by military personnel is the reason for this exception-to-the-rule.
Hope this helps, Capt. Chris
Photos showing the longer "C" sheath & the shorter one: