I have mostly completed this conversion of a recent Astro to a fairly close replica of the original version. The screwdriver is not completed yet, and the crossguard is short on one side, but otherwise it is fairly close. Suggestions welcomed.

Looks pretty nice to me.

I really don't like the Astro tough..!!!…BUT...
I do love this complete package..BRAVO
Well done indeed !!!

Grind off that "tick" on top of the blade and make a hump back and it will then look like the original Astro's.

I think the Astro is a Randall sleeper! Such a clever yet simple, iconic design.

I've often wished the simple handle was an option on both the Airman and Attack. The storage cavity need not be carved out on either of those knives; just the micarta slabs screwed together. Extra sets in different colors (G10?) would add some flair too. Just neat all around!

If memory serves me correctly, some years ago the Astro was one of, if not the least ordered catalog knife. Is this still the case?

Thanks for sharing your project with us.

Here is what the "original" Astro looks like:

Nope Jim that isn't what an "original" Astro looks like. The Astro had a hump on top of the blade. Look at any photo of the original Mercury knives and you can see what I'm talking about. Over the years the blade has morphed into what it is now......certainly not a replica of Mr. Randall's first asto's.

Thanks Mitchell for the pictures. Appreciate it.

The picture of Jim's knife is deceiving....

The early knives had a slight hump on the back and Jim's could easily have it, but the picture angle is difficult to determine.

Here is an early knife with brown micarta scales with very little, if any hump.