Duke -

I most assuredly will refer to that model as a bastard solely in the context it is not a #16, nor a #1.

If you read my posts with even a minor effort at intelligent thought, you would realize I was offering my opinion only. Not everyone is going to agree with it. Sorry if it doesn't jibe with yours. I am somewhat amiss as to your confusion. I thought I was pretty clear and offered photographic evidence to that effect.

I have offered the comparison for your perusal in an attempt to clear the air as to my thoughts on the subject. Again, you are free to disagree, but I think it is evident, the more aesthetically pleasing item.

Hey!...Who told you is was OK to copy my pics? Although it's too cold to mess with a "photo shoot" this morning, Crutch...I do like "both" the #16 and #16 special fighter. There's lots of redundancy in the knife world. Indeed, A Randall Model #8-4" and a Model #23-4 1/2" have almost identical lines.
Anyway: I value your opinion and a good bit of the time it's well-received...Just not this time! Good morning!
Best, Capt. Chris

Aha! Capt., you have made the case for me!

#8 and #23 are both clean original pieces, not two models put together (here it is again) as a solution to a problem that didn't exist.

Glad to help, dude! Does that mean you don't like the Model #8?...The Model #23?...or both?
Best, Capt. Chris
PS: You didn't say "good morning"...???
PPS: We're way off subject by now. Perhaps we should start a new thread???...CCS

I repeat myself a lot. Sometimes it is necessary (IMHO).

As some of you will recall my son Garrick, our original "RKS Special Fighter", took a model #16-SF to war as a Chief Petty Officer with Riverine Squadron One.
For ten months Garrick used the Randall on a daily basis in the tasks for which it was intended. Whether probing and prying into spider holes or hanging over the side of boat to clear a fouled net he found the model #16 Special Fighter to be supremely qualified for the job.
I'm sure that, like all warriors, Garrick takes care of his equipment so his equipment will take care of him. I'm equally certain that he has neither the time nor the inclination to fastidiously fuss over his knife yet, as you can see below, the Randall model #16 Special Fighter came through with flying colors. The proof is in the pudding.

I enjoyed reading this old thread about Special Fighters.

Like the ones I own very much. But I also like the Diver #16 type blade design too, especially with the Sawteeth.

The SF is a very comfortable knife to use for lots of jobs without needing a more hefty blade like a #14.

Rarely do I Baton stuff (I keep a saw for that type of wood collection).

JMO

Tom Vaught