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The new year of 1958 ushered in another new style of Randall Made knife, the number 16 Diver's Knife. The first of these was made for a man who was as well known in writing circles as Bo was with knife aficionados, James Jones, the author of such best-seller action novels as From Here to Eternity, Some Came Running, and The Thin Red Line.

Most of the correspondence with James Jones has yet to be found, but we do have the original shop sketch for the first hand-forged Model 16s....

The notations on the drawing of "Heaviest Possible Bevel-like Solingen Made" and "(Should be able to get 1 1/4" here, out of 1" stock--using care)" were Bo's instructions to the man who had to hand-forge these first blades. He wanted this new knife style to be able to withstand severe use, knowing well that a diver will put his knife to tasks it was never intended for. The reference to "like Solingen Made" when describing the bevel angle referred to those on the German-made blades for his lower priced Model 14 and 15 styles....

The handle shown in the shop drawing is a molded, green Tenite one for the then current Model 15, but the hilt is most unusual. We can only assume that the first few knives had this strange, foreshortened style of hilt with almost no lower extension. All later knives, including the one first pictured in the twelfth printing of the catalog, have a conventionally shaped lower extension, similar to those found on the Models 3 and 4..,.

The Diver's Knife first appeared in the twelfth printing of the Randall catalog. It was illustrated by a heavily retouched photo and described as "DIVER'S KNIFE--7" blade of 1/4" stainless steel stock. Top cutting edge sharpened. 3 7/8" green Tenite handle, same as on Models 14 and 15. (Other handles and extra features not available.) Designed especially for heavy duty saltwater use. Nickel silver hilt. Wrist thong included. Comes with special oil-tanned sheath (similar to Model B sheath) equipped with keeper thong, arm and leg thongs. (Wt. 14 oz.)"

...Micarta handles were advertised as an option starting in March 1965, but we have already noted earlier ones being ordered with such handles. By early 1967, the Micarta handle was standard. By the spring of 1967, the wax-impregnated sheath had become standard as well, and sawteeth on top of the blade were an option.

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I don't think it is O-1 steel, but is actually stainless steel that is unmarked.

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This could be true, but I think I remember reading in the Gaddis book that the first Divers were O-1. Certainly, Miles' knife falls into that category.

Miles, how about dunking that Diver in some salt water overnight and see it rusts.

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I don't think it is O-1 steel, but is actually stainless steel that is unmarked.

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This could be true, but I think I remember reading in the Gaddis book that the first Divers were O-1. Certainly, Miles' knife falls into that category.

Miles, how about dunking that Diver in some salt water overnight and see it rusts.

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I think I remember reading in the Gaddis book that the first Divers were O-1. Certainly, Miles' knife falls into that category.

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You're probably right, Tom. I just went back to the catalogs. Couldn't find the #16 in the 1959 catalog (even though the Wickersham timeline says it began in 1958), so I checked out the 1961 catalog, which mentions only stainless. Here's what it says:



Of course, like many Randall Made Knives, there were a lot of variations. Got to go back and re-read Gaddis--I still have a lot to learn!
-Steve

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so I checked out the 1961 catalog, which mentions only stainless. Here's what it says:

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Steve,

After re-reading that catalog excerpt that you posted, at the bottom, it states that the Diver is available in tool steel as well.

Thanks for posting it!

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Shel, it sure looks like you're the "keeper of the records" when it comes to RMK.
-Steve

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Yea, Sheldon, you need to write a book.

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Ya gotta love this description of the Model 16 from the July 1964 issue of Skin Diver magazine:

"Thoroughbred with an edge."

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David,

Thanks for the lead on the article. Here's the front cover...



You can Buy It Now on eBay for $12.99...

http://cgi.ebay.com/Skin-Diver-Magazine-...p3286.m20.l1116

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I have come to the conclusion that my entire scuba equipment configuration needs a rethink....

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I think you should go with all vintage equipment and the leather pancake sheath.



http://www.vintagescubasupply.com/index.html

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I have come to the conclusion that my entire scuba equipment configuration needs a rethink....

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I think you should go with all vintage equipment and the leather pancake sheath.

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Yes, the old Randall sheath will definitely get wet.

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Your buddy needs a knife.

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Your buddy needs a knife.

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Nice Package Ken!!!
Cool photo too!
Tony

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Tony,

Did you just say Ken had a nice package??? hum

Anyway, Ken you did well with those two 16 SP1's. Forgive my Italian friend for a Freudian slip of the lip. You're on a roll let's see more knives!

Best,
Warren

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David,

Nice. I saw that earlier in this thread, but I don't mind seeing it again. Is your SFG #16 SP#1 handle Red or Red/Blue Micarta?

-- Ken

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Here is another #16 SP#1 that arrived just yesterday:



Nickel Silver Hilt and Single Finger Grip Handle made out of Red/Blue Micarta.

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This may have been beaten to death, but is there any way to tell if an early #16 is carbon or stainless if it is unmarked? Bart RKS#132

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