Greetings all. My apologies if this topic has been discussed before. I read a number of postings (and articles) about some of the knives discussed below, but I did not come across answers to these specific question.

My primary question is this: How is a knife like the "Glades Hunter" classified or categorized by RMK, and in the collecting community? I understand that the GH (and similar RMKs) are rare knives not often encountered, but my OCD brain likes to know which "box" things fall into.

My (admittedly limited) understanding is that the GH does not fall into any of the usual RMK classifications or categories.

It was NOT a regular shop offering (i.e., a catalog or non-catalog listing), and the shop was not then offering a #6 grind on a Model 4-6" (though it appears that a similarly configured knife can be ordered from RMK since the GH was released).

I have also NOT seen the GH among the knives listed as one of the authorized (or recognized) RMK "Dealer Specials" (e.g., Stanaback Special, Tom Clinton Special, Bowles Special, Nordic Special, Buxton Fighter, Andy Thornal Specials, etc.).

The GH was NOT an RMK-authorized club knife (RKS or RKCC).

I am aware that RKM has issued limited (and/or numbered)edition knives (e.g., 50th Anniversary, Vietnam Veterans, Border Patrol, etc.), but I have not seen a definitive listing of these.

Would the GH fall into an "authorized limited (and numbered)edition" category or classificiation?

If not, is there some other classification or category that would apply?

Would the GH category/classification also apply to a "Bearcamp Special" or a "Kittery Trading Post" knife?

Where would a Doler or Styers Special fall (I have never seen either, but read about them in one of Rhett Stidham's Randall Lore columns)?

Any other authorized limited edition RMKs?

As a related question, was the blade etching (name and number of knife) on the GH and the BCS done at the shop, or elsewhere?

Thanks for taking the time to answer a newbie's questions.

Hey Capt. I think this one is for you.
Stikman

This is absolutely a question to be posed at Capt. Stanaback, because it was knife model designed by him and Perry Miller. if my recollection is correct.

(Not knowing a thing about the history, I'ma going to throw my speculation on the table.)

Looks like a 6" model 4 with a specific set of options and the engraving and batched up for a production of exactly 100 units.

I can help out with the Glade hunter. It was 100% RMK shop-made, including the blade etching. #4-6" blades are commonplace. The #6 grind was only available in a carbon steel version, up and until The Glades Hunter. The design, name and limited numbers, along with the Alligator sheath...(not Croc, Gator) were my concept.
OK: Perry comes into play because, being my best friend, authorized Randall authenticator and owner of Spaceport Cutlery, he was looking for something he could offer to his best of the best customers on a limited basis. This was the marraige of The Glades Hunter and Spaceport Cutlery!
GTR (Gary Randall) had a personal interest in this project, to the extent...and above the call of duty...of assisting me in hand-picking the crown stag from stock he owned, personally! I still remember he and I, sitting on the office floor, behind Valerie's desk, counting out the crown stag pieces when Gary stopped. A long pause took place..and then he said to me..."You know, you're good! You're really, really Good"!
I still remember that as though it happened 15 minutes ago! What a blast!
The Glades Hunter, or at least the "options" are available to be ordered today. Like the RKS "club" knives, "Denmark Special" and a few other limited runs, there are no patents. It was and is a helluva' undertaking, took well over a year to complete, and wound up being a quite collectible knife, especially if you bought the set! (Crown and standard stag handles)
Hope this helps, Capt. Chris
PS: My pair (old photo)...CCS

There are pictures in Robert Hunts Unique & Experimental Knives book of an older and a newer version of the Styer.
Courtesy of Steve Zimmermans website " Sharp Investments", here is a picture of a Styer:

Neat hilt on the Styer! Is that an option on a RMK you can "special" order?

It is not, sorry.
Capt. Chris

Too bad.