Ho-Ho-Ho!
Merry Christmas to all of our members! I know "tis the season" and I also know things are wickedly slow on these forums. Perhaps we can spice that up a little. How about a Christmas build. No other theme and any model (other than other dealer models, which I cannot build) you folks care to choose!
5 option limit...unless it's a Stanaback Special...rule applies. The knife will be ordered promptly and should be ready for delivery by "next Christmas". What say you?
Ho-Ho and Stay Sharp,
Capt. Chris

Sounds great.
Thanks Captain.

Works for me

In

Capt StanaClaus?! Sounds like fun, I'll try to be a good elf. Maybe a smaller model, good for opening presents?

I'm in! Whatever it ends up being, I commit. Lots of fun ideas (to me, anyway) pop into mind

Model 10, stainless, proportional cross guard hilt, bright colorful micarta or G10 scales (possibly a Christmas color).

Model 4 5" stainless, well-grained wooden handles, special sheath such as alligator perhaps.

Guardian 4" stainless, stag with NS cross guard and butt plate.

Full Tang Combat Companion, Stainless and NS with bright, colorful handles, with a Christmas Tree-embossed and dated sheath.

Generally speaking, I prefer something more unique and striking - but whatever end up, I'm in and ready to send whatever is needed. Thanks Capt, for the spark and the action. Respectfully, alamamafats

I'm definitely in.

Sounds like a great idea.

A Christmas knife?
.
Then, how about red and green spacers?

"Cross guards" are unavailable on the 2 models you mentioned. G-10 adds'
* The cost of the material
* Any charges to have it cut
* $85.00-$100.00 shop charges to install
* Limited availability for the custom material slots
Just Sayin,
Capt. Chris

Just wishful thinking.. I wouldn't want to create problems with cost or trouble.

Would a Full Tang Combat Companion with distinctive handles fit the mold? Maybe even stag, or a nice burl wood, or green micarta?

Whatever, I am with the program however it turns out. Thanks again for doing it. Respectfully
Mike Cowart RKCC 260, RKS 1876

You're setting a record for the most requests that are (officially) un-doable! Congratulations. None of the "wishes" you request on the models you requested them on are doable..."except shop-supplied green micarta is available on a CC/FT.
Stay Sharp,
Capt. Chris
PS:Of course, one of the main reasons I do these builds is to educate members, etc....CCS

A 12-9 14 grind would be nice

I do appreciate the education, and do indeed learn something almost every time I venture on the forum.

The "Green" I had in mind would be impossible too - I was thinking of a sort of bright "Kelly Green" such as might be seen in G10.

In any event, I am ready to go with whatever ends up and will submit payment soon as advised to do so. Many Thanks. Mike Cowart

I'm in.

I'd like to see something a little slicey/dicey, like a 11-3.

There are quite a few Randall knives with handles in this kind of green:

With a 25 handle, green micarta. Are red spacers doable on a 25 handle?

Model 11 4inch blade,nickel silver reduced hilt, red spacers,white micarta single finger grip handle,black no hone sheath. Not too big, not too small.

Model 11 would be nice.

OK CREW: Let us begin. Before we work on "specifics" maybe we should should get a majority vote on "what kind" of Randall we arr going to build. Talk, thus far, seems to lean towards a hunting knife of some kind..."BUT"...(Got that out of the way early)...there are many who don't "hunt, fish, camp, etc...
Here's some "classifications" for us to choose from: (& naturally there are many crossovers)

A) Hunting
B) Fishing
C) Camping
D) Utility
E) Culinary
F) Military
G) Other (& please specify)

ROLL CALL VOTE: Let's hear from ya'
Stay Sharp,
Capt. Chris

G-12-9 14 grind Been a real long time since we built one

G - Military

Pap is in

Military or Utility.
Mike Cowart RKCC 620

F) Military

F) Military

Hunting/ Camping

D) Utility

Hunting/Camping.... hopefully that could mean a big bowie

Members,
Hunting...& Camping...are "2" different categories. Please choose "one" selection so I can get an accurate head count, thanks.
Capt. Chris

This one should be fun.

My pick for category is hunting.

One selection- Military.
(Note: I had previously said two different choices).
Now correct -Military
Mike Cowart RkCC 620

Hunting

Hunting

Difficult to decipher but I see the following "2" leaders are:
A) Hunting
B) Military
Final ROLL CALL VOTE: One or tuther. please...thanks
Capt. Chris

I'm in!

Military

B
Lets do a Military

Dennis

Hunting

Pap

Military

Mike Cowart RKCC 620

Hunting

Hunting

Military

Hunting

B-Military
Model 16-7 SP 1 Special Fighter

Billy,
...&...just how many options can we "build" on a #16-7", Special Fighter?
Not much,
Capt. Chris

Head count, thus far has Military with a slight lead. I'll call this tomorrow evening.
Thanks,
Capt. Chris

B) Military

Apologies for failing to post up last night..."but"..."MILITARY" styled knife, gets the vote! So.....Where do we go from here? As follows:
A) Model #1
B) Model #2
C) Model #4-6-F
D) Model #12-6's
E) Model #12's (larger blade lengths)
F) Model #13-6"
G) Model #13-12"
H) Model #14-7 1/2"
I) Model #14-7 1/2", CDT
J) Model #15-5 1/2"
K) Model #15-5 1/2"-CDT
L) Model #16-7" DIVERS
M) Model #16-7" Spl. Fighter
N) Model #18-5 1/2"
O) Model #18-7 1/2"
P) CC/FT
Q) Combat Companion
R) Sergeants Model
S) "OTHER" (Please specify)
...These are your choices and, as you can see, they are numerous! Under "other" you could build a #3-7" or #4-7" with a double hilt. I have made a decent amount of Stanaback Specials with double hilts also...or chose something else.
I think it best to "discuss "all-of-the-above" prior to an actual vote...don't you?
Stay Sharp,
Capt. Chris
PS: Simply for your viewing of "what" can be done, witness a tricked-out #1 & #2 below...CCS

E 12-9 #14 Grind

I believe this is going to be a great school session for me.

This is going to be fun.

K) Model 15 CDT

I'm with Billy

E)12-9 #14 grind

E) 12-9 Sportsman with a nickel silver fighter guard, black and aluminum spacers, black micarta handle, and a compass.

A)model 1

Would love a Full Tang Combat Companion with green micarta handles and whatever can be done to it. I don't know the full limitations of what can be done, but anything that could set such a knife off as special would be great.
Black specially embossed sheath, or nylon sheath.
Or did I pick one of those that nothing can be done to?

Hardly anything can make this unique. Stainless is included and carbon is prohibited. Nickel silver hilt and black or green micarta...Sheath color and left or right hand...That's it.
Capt. Chris

Sawteeth?

I'm learning the system as I go along here. Thanks for the coaching. I'll be happy with whatever ends up.
alabamafats RKCC 620

15 CDT

Combat Companion

Pap

) Model #14-7 1/2", CDT

So far:
A) #1...1 vote
E) #12-9"-3 votes
I) #14-7 1/2"-CDT-1 vote
K) #15-5 1/2"-CDT-1 vote
P) CC/FT-1 vote
Q) Combat Companion-1 vote
I'll call this on Friday evening, thanks
Capt. Chris

Confederate Bowie 12-11

Sorry guys, I have to bow out of this build. My step-father passed two days after he turned 88. Between dealing with the estate, relatives, and others,I just won't be able to participate.

I would like to nominate the Model 12 - 6" as Christmas Build. Love the grind, but prefer the 6" blade for both use and esthetics. Hope it's not too late to add this nomination. Fun prospect, in any event. Thanks.
alabamafts RKCC 620

Which one?
CCS

Still hoping for more'''BUT''' looks grim for that. Let's decide on "exactly" which Bowie we're gonna' make our own.
Thanks,
Capt. Chris
PS: Closure on Sunday evening, before the ball game. If all participation has fallen off, I'll make something and give members " 1st dibs"...CCS

12-6, Little Bear Bowie

Yes. 12- 6" Little Bear Bowie.

Cap you know how much I like 12-6 LBB's
I'm staying with 12-9 #14 grind

Little Bear

Steve
Nice LBB

Confederate bowie

I can change my vote to Little Bear Bowie.

Little Bear

#12-9", #14 grind, with #18 "holes" set up as a fighter.
Best, Capt. Chris

#12-6, LITTLE BEAR, set up as a fighter.
Stay Sharp,
Capt. Chris

Without a doubt, my favorite off "all" Bowies is the #12-6", Sportsmans. It is the most authentic to original Bowie knives, i.e....NO "CHOIL"! This one is also set up for dirty work!
Just Sayin': Now you have photos to help make up your mind as to "which" Bowie gets the votes! Voting starts "NOW"...(if you haven't decided already). Otherwise I will tally Sunday evening.
Ho-Ho,
Capt. Chris

Me too. Lovely LBB and I hope we get it...
alabamafats

Little Bear

Pap

Beautiful knives...

This will be a great build either way.

Retry. Confederate.

I admire the LBB

12-6" Sportsman for me.

Man. Tuff choices. I vote for a LBB

I'm sorry I didn't post-up but I had the lovely Elizabeth dealing with health issues...ANYWAY: Little Bear Bowie gets the nod. Thumb notches are standard and saves us that option. So...How ya' wanna' build it?
Ho-Ho,
Capt. Chris

Just like the photos posted earlier.

Let's start with the Blade.
I would like Stainless Steel.

Stainless blade and then build from there

Stainless Steel
Mike Cowart RKCC 620

Another for Stainless.

Stainless.

Since we are going to do a LBB which I'm fond of I went back and
brought up Bring On The Bears in the picture gallery which goes back and shows a lot of 12's

Stainless is OK.

Stainless.

Stainless

OK Crew,
SLAM-DUNK! Stainless and (included) thumb notches are what we have, thus far. Let's hear from you on hilt material, spacers, etc.
Thanks,
Capt. Chris

I like to match the hilt and spacers to the handle material.
Brass Hilt and Black/Brass Spacers with the gold and brown materials.
Nickel Silver Hilt and Black/Aluminum Spacers with black, grey and white materials.
Should we select the handle material first and then the hilt and spacers?

Nickel Silver forward curved hilt with smooth nickel silver collar and domed butt with nickel silver material.
alabamafats #620

NS single hilt, red Spacers, stag,

Pap

I'm with David let's pick handle material first.

"IF" you pick the handle material 1st, that "could" predicate the "type" of metals. "IF" you chose the metals 1st. that "could" predicate the type of handle material. What's the difference? I think I'll just stick with what we've always done...start at the tip and work back.
FYI: I have made LB's with a FCH, both in NS "&" Brass, including matching butt caps. In "both" scenarios it made the knife "extremely" heavy in function. It's you build and I'll make it the way you want it..."BUT"...(There's that word again)...just sayin'
Stay Sharp, Capt. Chris
PS: Using all brass gives you the option of having a "thin & rounded" butt cap...not an available choice in nickel silver...CCS

On second thought
N/S1-Blk/Alum spcrs-shop supplied Maple handle

This is going to be nice.

NS2 - Nickel double

I'm liking "thin & rounded" brass butt cap.
Sorry Capt. wrong end to start.

Dennis

FYI...Food-4-thought??
I don't care what options we use...or not. Brass butt cap is an option (+) stainless= (2) used up, leaving "3". Is you want to match hardware (which seems to be the case), brass spacers makes (3). Optional handle material make (4), leaving only (1) remaining. If you go the nickel silver route, There would be "no options" left.
Chose wisely members...If you're thinking a special handle shaping, etc...every little "change" is important...
Let's here from y'all...and Happy New Year...BTW!
Stay Sharp,
Capt. Chris

I always learn on these builds.

Hey Capt, does the thinning and rounding of the cap count as options?

It does not...but the butt cap does.
CCS

While I realize it's "The Holidays", I'm disappointed in responses to this build. I'll give this a day or 2.
Thanks,
Capt. Chris

Hope it picks up quickly.

SS blade
Brass hilt
Thin and rounded brass butt cap
Brass and black spacers

SS2, NS1, all red spacers, IM1, #2 (free option?), NSB (rounded)

Nickel Silver Single Hilt, Black & Aluminum Spacers, White Micarta Handle, Nickel Silver Butt Cap.

Lots of good information on this one!

I like the idea of the brass hilt, I'd prefer single, with the thin & rounded butt cap

Not sure about spacers. Brass obviously but I think the handle would dictate the color

I like the idea of using micarta with brass hardware.

Time for a "ROLL CALL VOTE"!
A) Nickel silver single hilt
B) Brass single hilt
C) Other
Thanks,
Capt. Chris

B) Brass single hilt

Nickel silver single hilt

Aluminum and black spacers would compliment the nickel silver single hilt.

A=Nickel silver single hilt

A) Ni

A) Nickel silver single hilt

A) Nickel silver single hilt

A - Nickel Silver Single Hilt

I think we can move on. Thus far we have:
* Model #12-6 inch, LITTLE BEAR BOWIE
* Stainless blade (Option #1)
* Thumb notches (Included)
* Nickel silver single hilt (Option #2)
Red, white & blue, all black or all red spacers can be had with no option used. Anything else is a chargeable (3rd) option.
Stay Sharp,
Capt. Chris

No more all red Spacers at no charge?

Pap

Aluminum and black spacers

Here's a couple of "different ways to go"....FYI
Capt. Chris

Mike,
Yes...I have edited my previous post, thanks.
CCS

all red spacers goes very well with ivorite

All Black to save an option.

All black. Love your all black knife. Lets do that one! alabamafats
RKS 1876
RKCC 620

Blk/Alum on shop supplied Maple handle
or all Red on a Maple handle

Black & Aluminum Spacers

Aluminum/black spacers

Aluminum and black spacers

Learning a lot from following the posts. Thanks, Captain. Do you think it would ever be possible for Randall Made Knives to produce nostalgic/historic knives, possibly even as dealer specials? I just really like the Model 8 and have enjoyed learning more about the evolution from Litch Steinman through Gary Powers and on to the current grind of the blade. I think it would be of interest to a lot of people to have copies of the original Super Trout knife and of the Model 8 in Powers seat survival kit (now enshrined in a Moscow Museum) available for not only their collections, but also for their use. I think the pattern and size are ideal for a wide range of practical uses.
Do you think such a thing would ever be practical? Thanks again, enjoying the learning process.
Alabamafats RKS 1876 RKCC 620

Aluminum/black spacers.

Aluminum and black spacers.

RMK offers the model 8 as depicted in the photos...

Aluminum and red Spacers because it's a rarely seen combo.

PP

I like Pappys suggestion.

I Like Aluminum/black spacers.

Dennis

Here's a look at what RMK's current, All Red spacer combo turns out looking like...

In my opinion, red-silver looks nicer.

Here's what red, white & blue spacers look like on a knife I just sold (yesterday) off of my website...Hard-To-Beat!
Stay Sharp,
Capt. Chris

I hate I missed that 26 Capt, its right up my alley!

That's what we get for not checking the Capt. web site every hour.
Great looking #26.
I still like brass and black

Dennis

It would appear that aluminum & black spacers has a very good lead. If someone wants to tally, we can move on (or backwards) to handle selection, etc...
Thanks,
Capt. Chris

Capt
Got you a count with 1 good eye
Alum/Blk 8
Alum/Red 2

Would that make our third used option??