If it was done by the shop, I think it was a request by "Scout" for a specific use. I don't think it had any connection with AG.

I used to own that #4 Mitchell. It was part of the "Brown Micarta" article I did years ago. Actually, the first time I saw it was at Ron Stepp's table at Blade probably 15 years ago at least and I think I ended up with it in a trade some time later. It was one of the knives that confirmed the lamination of the micarta sheets.