O.K.:
So David is fixin' to receive a "way-cool" Randall knife that we (the "Happy Campers") put together. I was wondering: If you had the opportunity, what "wood" would you use on a Randall knife. What color, weight, density, figure or mystic type of wood floats your boat? What would you order? Would you use it? How about the options you would have?
Having our #15, CDT finished up and "on the road" to it's new home just got me to thinking. (That's always dangerous) Let me see and hear your opinions. Ya' never know: We might could had outta' get something started here. (That's proper grammar around here)
Best, Capt. Chris

I'll start...

I like a couple of types of wood. A nice buckeye burl (which might be what you have on that model 4) or redwood burl is hard to beat. However, the right piece of Curly Koa can make a fine looking knife as well.

I tend to prefer NS hardware with the redwood or buckeye but the browns and golds of the Koa go very well with either brass or silver.

For me it's pretty much a matter of taste/opinion so I'm interested to see what other folks have to say...

A new arrival to the forum, but an avid woodworker.

I have always been partial to a curly maple or mahogany, capped off with Nickel Silver. However, a beautiful rosewood burl would also be nice. In this case I would prefer the brass to complement the wood, but nickel could still work.

What do you think?

-Scott

Great Idea Cap!
I would LOVE to have a Randall with an ...
Olivewood Handle! Never saw one before. Don't know if there are any negatives to using this
wood for knife handles. But at least one company I know of offers it for knife handles.

I really like the look of Koa wood. I know it's hard to come by and expensive. I also like the look of Cocobola and spalted maple. I've also got 3 piece of stabalized babinga wood that I haven't decided on which models to have them mated to. Here's a picture of 2 Randalls that I have with wood handles. A TC Special with Cocobola and a 12-6 Sportsman with a walnut handle, plus the 3 pieces of stabilized bubinga wood just waiting for me to decide which model I want them installed on.

Dan Snyder
RKS #5537
SHAG #010

Captain Chris,

Thanks for asking.

I just happen to have a few pieces of stabilized Redwood Lace Burl and CA. Buckeye Burl that you can have just for the asking.

Hey Captain,

Circassian Walnut - to match the reel seat on the 7 1/2 foot 5 weight bamboo flyrod that I build a few years ago.

It is an amazing wood.

Cheers,

Alan Grombacher
RKS#5531

I am partial to nice ironwood, and I have a large Gambler in stabilized box elder burl which is quite amazing.
I am dieing to see the mesquite on the #25 I bought at the Randall sale, and will post pictures as soon as it arrives.

Peter

i think a randall with a snakewood handle would look good on a randall knife with nickle silver and black spacers with a nice high polish would look cool, but thats just me

I'm a huge fan of wood handles, especially darker colored and more reddish wood with a lot of texture like Ironwood, Mahagony, Cocobola, Rosewood, Teak, maybe Walnut.

A good texture is important as well: Swirls, or even better: stripes.

I don't really like the lighter colors with a greenish touch like olive wood

Wood is warm, light and gives a good grip. Combined with a butt cap for protection a knife like this is a pleasure to use.

In the EDO Photo Contest, Peter Kaufman had shown us some top examples in his "Randall Ironwood Forest"


Best, Peter

The olive wood I've seen doesn't seem green to me ...

My favorite wood for handles is ironwood, and I find that it goes very well with brass furniture.



With that said, my second favorite wood is California buckeye burl with a lot of gray tone. I am expecting a GTR Special in July that will have this wood for its handle material (and nickel silver furniture).

A nice olive wood handle. (don't know anything about the knife).

Tony,

this is very nice looking wood, nou doubt!
I've been to a local knife show this weekend and a company from Solingen showed a lot of (very nice) handmade kitchen- and table knives, handled with olive wood. They all had a slightly yellow-greenish touch. Simply something I don't prefer.

Does anybody have any experiences with shrinkage or cracking?

Anyway, the great thing about wood is that it comes in so many colors and textures...

Best,
Peter

I have a #23 with a stabalized sycamore handle that is a beauty. I'm about to sell it though as it doesn't fit my hand, it needs someone with a larger hand, but it sure is nice.

Pap

Mike,

Do you have any pictures? Would be nice to see how the Sycamore looks.

Scott

Peter,
You're right! ... A lot of great colors and textures!
I'm sure olive wood, like others, can be found in different shades/hues.
Hey Mike ... a photo would be great ... sycamore is different, and that's why I mentioned
Olive Wood. It would be nice to do something really different ... some wood we've
never seen on a Randall!
Tony

This is a BAD thread for me, cause I am a HUGE fan of wood. I am a lousy photographer, but I will try and add some pics.

Before that I will say I have fallen in love, although my dear wife does not know, with Camphor Burl. Have not been able to find a piece big enough for a RMK handle, but I am working on it.

In addition I am working on obtaining a couple pieces of Thuya Burl at the Blade Show.

Camphor Burl first then Thuya

www.knifetalkforums.net/imageupload/77554-ThuyaBurl5.jpg

Stupidity has overcome me and I can't post two pics at once. Tony or anyone, if you can please bring up my Thuya pic. Thanks

Rod,

I couldn't agree with you more. I keep checking this post in anticipation of all the beautiful exotic wood possibilities that we may be able to come up with.

Scott

Snakewood second from the top

Here's your Thuya.

Scott

Thanks Scott

Rod,

No worries and happy to oblige.

What are your thoughts on Amboyna burl

Scott

Olive wood and curly maple

Rod,

Quote:

---

...This is a BAD thread for me, cause I am a HUGE fan of wood. I am a lousy photographer, but I will try and add some pics...

---

I remember very well your posts on the #5 "Knife of the Week" thread. I keep returning there because of these nice photos of gorgeous wood handles...

Best,
Peter

Peter

Thank you for the kind words. My interest in wood handled RMK was started by Greg Gutcher. We would scour the Blade Show as early as possible looking for unique pieces.

The number of unique wood handled knives that Greg lost in the fire, is unknown to me, but it was a BIG number of knives.

I have on order, a complete set of Model 5's with Amboyna Burl, scheduled for next year. In the mean time, I continue to look for unique wood handled 5's.

Or Leopardwood?

Scott

Scott
I was busy posting and did not see your Amboyna Burl...

If you read my last thread, you will see I am very keen on Amboyna.

I have never had a concern with wood until recently, when someone on this forum had two pieces of wood crack when the wood was sent to the shop. Scares me a bit, but I will continue with wood handled knives.

Not to spoil a good thread, but should this topic be somewhere other than Tents and Trails??

Rod,

Thanks for sharing those beautiful knives. I saw the post on your Amboyna burl order and would love to see them when they are done.

Scott

Rod,
Thanks for the great photos!
Especially the Olive Wood handled Randall!
Scott ... I also like that Amboyna Burl.
Tony

Rod,
I started the idea here in the "Camping & Outdoor" forum, because I was considering a possible "build", depending upon the response. The knife, to be determined, would have to meet the criteria of an outdoor "user" and therefore would have to contain "outdoor user-friendly" wood. But...I'm getting ahead of myself.
The other reasons for this thread being started over here is:
A) We already have a build going on in the "Hunting" forum as well as the main "RKS" forum.
B) It's a little more subtle over here...and
C) We just finished and delivered one over here, so
D) It may be time for another build over here!
Best, Capt. Chris

This is cruel. I was hoping to get some work done this week so I could make sure the check I just wrote to Capt. Chris clears, and now this? If I didn't work for myself, I would get fired for spending too much time on this forum.

OK, this is all I have to say (for now): (1) I have a nice piece of Koa shaped like a Telecaster that I am hoping to make good use of, so I have already poured over exotic woods way too much; and (2) I have to go to the Bahamas next week to dive with the guys you saw me with in my Astro thread from last spring, so please don't bounce me from this potential build if you don't hear from me for a week after next Tuesday.

Now, if you will excuse me, I have to go sit by the door while I wait for my package to arrive from Florida.

Capt.

No problem at all. I fully understand now why the thread is here.

Suggestion: If you have the time, next time you are at Sullivan's, see if Greg has any of his unique wood handled knives that you could take a pic of, to post here.

I am hoping I am quicker than you in Atlanta so I can get a couple of choice pieces of wood, before you buy them all up!!

Great thread and idea.

Rod,
You don't stand a chance going up against a seasoned pro, like myself, at the "Blade" show. All week I have been in touch with Masecraft, Jantz, Ankrom, etc. putting in my requests for their exotic woods. Hell man: You're still in the "old country" and my shopping list is half completed!
Best, Capt. Chris

Snake Wood ... another option?

Please keep this thread here. Where could be more appropriate with "favorite wood" topic than on a tent and trail heading? The woods are where I most often pitch my tent and hike my trails.

Guys ... I just realized that Rod had already posted a photo of Snake Wood.
Sorry.
I was also just figuring out how to post a photo.
It worked!

HOLY SMOKES! You weren't kidding Capt.!

I just received a package from the good Capt. containing an exquisite piece of craftsmanship. Now that I have the result of the last build on this Tents-N-Trails forum in my hand, I can tell you it is absolutely stunning. I will post photos later today or tomorrow.

Glad you like it David!
Best, Capt. Chris

What about Australian Ringed Gidgee also known as Desert Gidgee (Acacia cambagei) it grows on Australia's inland desert areas.
It is a deep rich brown to chocolate brown color, "Ringed" - Fiddleback like fine figure & texture.

It is very hard and heavy, cuts, drills, finishes and handles well. Gidgee is best with surface finishes as oils darken it too much. It is a favourite with Australian knife makers

I haven't got a picture, but if you Google it, you'll find plenty.

If this is chosen and a build goes ahead I would be happy to hand pick a piece and send it to the Captain.

Nice offer Graham. Thanks. The only Randall I have with a ringed gidgee handle is this one.
Best, Capt. Chris

These might show the gidgee grain a bit better

Absolutely a better shot. I have had very few dealings with this wood but all have been pleasant. I know of nobody who has experienced problems with it.
Best, Capt. Chris

WOW!
That's nice! Thanks Graham!

I don't believe anyone has mentioned ebony yet.
Attached is a classy looking #2 "letter opener" that recently sold on eBay. It shows how ebony goes well with brass and it certainly goes well with NS too...

Ed

I am going to try and post a picture of a Ebony wooded Model 5 I have. It is certainly different looking that your Ebony. [img:center]http://C:\Documents and Settings\Rodney Brown.RODNEY-UOGPUY56\My Documents\My Pictures\Guns & Knives\June 2009 guns& knives[/img]
[img:center]http://C:\Documents and Settings\Rodney Brown.RODNEY-UOGPUY56\My Documents\My Pictures\Guns & Knives\June 2009 guns& knives[/img]

Well it is quite obvious I don't have posting a pic down pat. I will work on it and try to do better in a while!!

I tried copying your photo Rod and it did no good. If you can send me a copy via my email I can give it a whirl.
Best, Capt. Chris

Rod has sent me a photo to post....here goes.
Best, Capt. Chris
P.S.: I suspect I know what these woods are, but Rod knows for sure so we'll let him describe them...They're drop-dead gorgeous, I can tell ya' that much...CCS

Capt.

Many thanks for posting the pics for me. Man am I computer dumb, but I am stubborn and will get picture posting down eventually.

The top wood is Ebony, a part of a piece Greg Gutcher and I bought at the Blade Show in 2005. I have no idea why mine is so much different than Ed Thompson's Ebony. I will contact Greg and see if he can shed more light as to why my knife is so different from Ed's.

The bottom knife is Ironwood. I bought the knife from Nordic Knives in 2003. I did not order the knife, just bought it off the website, if I recall.

Rod,

I make no claim to be wood expert but I understand that, like most natural materials, ebony can show up in different "flavors". Sometimes you hear terms like black ebony, black and white, or striped ebony to describe a particular piece of wood. (Just like two pieces of ironwood can look very different, although they are both ironwood).

The knife pic that I posted has an all black ebony handle, your knife has a black and white ebony handle...

To illustrate, here are two different ebony pics that I found on the web...

Thanks Ed

That would explain why/how the colors differ!!

From my limited knowledge about ironwood, the pieces I have seen all appear dark(ish). But our ebonies are as different as black and white. Sorry, bad choice of words!!

Thank for the photos and explanation.

Check out "Macassar Ebony" as it has the "spalted" look similar to Rod's.
Best, Capt. Chris
P.S.: It may not be ebony at all. It looks extremely close to "Spalted Sycamor or Spalted Maple"...CCS

Tony. Snake wood is sort of like Ivory,it has a bad habit of cracking

Bingo Cap. You're right on. Here's a write up on Macassar Ebony ...

Ebony – Macassar Ebony from Indonesia. This magnificent wood varies from mostly black to wildly banded and marbled black and brown patterns. Some looks extremely similar to the highest end Brazilian Rosewood from days long past. In addition to use in very high-end furniture and architecture, it is now being discovered for it’s tonal qualities and use for high quality musical instruments.

So we could do a Randall that doubles as a musical instrument

Thanks Sidney!
I thought that might be the case, but wasn't sure.
We certainly have a lot of other good choices!
Tony

OK folks (not a "Crew" yet):
We certainly have a wide variety of woods discussed here..."BUT" (There's that word again)...If you had to pick just "ONE", which one would it be. I will be attending the "Blade" show as will some of you folks. If we can come up with a majority winner I could purchase the material at the show (If I or someone else does not already have it) and we could have this Randall knife finished before Christmas!
How about this: Let's narrow the field. I think, for example, we can eliminate snakewood as it has that bad (and well-deserved) reputation for cracking. How about some of the other choices? Here we go: How about a "ROLL CALL VOTE" for your favorite wooden handle you would like to see on a Randall knife.
I'll let this run a few days and see what you think. We'll get a list together and tear each other's ideas apart! Kinda like life...it'll be fun!
Best, Capt. Chris

As examples we could show something we already have (or would like to have) or a photo of something we have seen somewhere. For example: Cocobola on a Model #2-6".
Best, Capt. Chris

Hi Capt. Chris and folks

I am personally a big ironwood fan. I have some knives with plainer looking ironwood, and it is still nice, but if you get a piece with figure, it is great looking.
I will be at the Blade show looking for ironwood for a really special knife I am having built.
Go ironwood

Peter

A lot of nice wood out there.
But my thinking is to try to get something that we don't see often.
That's why I'm still on the
OLIVE WOOD kick. Rod's photo above is one of only a couple Randalls I've ever seen with it.
There are a couple other woods discussed here that would also fit the bill as unique/not seen often.
Thanks,
Tony

My choice is ringed gidgee. If we choose this wood and Graham Rogers is kind enough to hand pick a piece, this would be my choice.

The wood is fairly unique to most of us, I would imagine. It would provide a beautiful and very unique knife. For me, having something unique, yet very stable and hardy, is a big prerequisite.

Capt. et al

I was just talking to Greg Gutcher and he said the wood I thought was Ebony, is in fact Ebony. Greg had talked to GTR about different colors of Ebony. There are in fact, as mentioned, different types/species of Ebony. As well on a tree, the dark wood is on the outside and as you work your way towards the middle the wood becomes black and "white/light" and in the middle it is very light. According to "the Shop" the very light/inner wood is too soft for knife handles.

There you go, Ebony 101.

Capt Chris,

I have to agree with Tony. I too am partial to the olive wood as something different, though I also like the thought of the Redwood Burl that Tom mentioned. I think either one of these would make great looking unique knife handles.

Scott

I wood be interested in Walnut.
My only example is far from perfect, but I've seen really beautiful ones.

If not Walnut, I'd vote for Cocobolo. It has all the features I like. It is durable, polishes very nicely and comes in very attractive patterns and textures.
The only drawback is: It's not exactly rare on a Randall...

Best, Peter

I just re-read this entire thread and there's a lot of different opinions. Over 19 types of woods...and variations on those 19. A hell of a list. How about this:

* I would like anyone interested in a possible build, using an exotic wood for the handle, to vote for their favorite (3) types of wood. I will add them all up and whittle them down to a few choices (probably 3 or 4) for all of us to vote on. As a reminder: This is the list thus far. You may choose from these or any other you have a preference for:

*California buckeye burl
*Koa (curley or other)
*Maple(spalted, quilted, flame, bird's eye or curly)
*Mahogany
*Olivewood
*Cocobola(Brazilian rosewood)
*Babinga (or Bubinga)
*Walnut (English, Black French, Circassian, etc.)
*Redwood (burl or others)
*Snakewood
*Teak
*Ironwood (various)
*Sycamore(spalted or otherwise)
*Thuya Burl
*Camphor Burl
*Amboyana
*Leopard Lace
*Ringed Gidgee
*Ebony
*Macassar ebony

Good luck!! Best, Capt. Chris

My choices are:

1. Ringed Gidgee
2. Olivewood
3. Thuya

I think I was the one that brought up Camphor wood as an option. But after searching the internet and phoning wood distributors, I have not been able to find a piece that is large enough for a handle for a RMK. It would be one of my three picks, if I could find some, but I do not think it is doable right now.

Cap

My three favorite from the above list are as follows:

Ringed Gidgee
Olivewood
Snakewood

Scott

Thanks Cap!
My 3 choices are ...
*Olivewood
*Ringed Gidgee
*Amboyana
Tony

I vote for the following three

Ringed Gidgee
Ironwood (various)
Olivewood

Thanks

Peter

I like Koa, Macassar ebony and teak.

Dan Snyder
RKS #5537
SHAG #010

My choices would be

Ringed Gidgee
California buckeye burl
Redwood (burl or others)

I was talking with a local supplier of exotic woods; he is also a talented knife maker and engraver. I mentioned I would be interested in purchasing some ringed gidgee pieces to be made into Randall knives, he showed me what he considered to be exhibition grade wood but suggested as this was a special project some pieces from his reserve stock might be more appropriate and will be sending me photographs. I intend to have some Randall’s made up in Gidgee regardless of the result of this build so don’t let my story influence your choice, besides I’m just as keen to have a Randall in California buckeye burl or Redwood burl

Cap-

You forgot black palm!! add Sycamore and Osage Orange to the list for me-

Pap

my three favorites would be:

*Cocobola
*Walnut
*Thuya Burl

Thanks,
Peter

I did not forget black palm, Mike. It had not been previously mentioned in the build.
Best, Capt. Chris

iron wood with red spacers

or red stag

I figure there's nothing more American then a Randall knife so why not furnish it with a good US made wood:

USA Redwood burl
Curly KOA
California Buckeye Burl

Spalted Maple
Black Maple
Cocobola
Lots of great choices!

Hey, that one looks familiar!!! Any pics of osage orange?

Pap

OK, Crew:
We're down to 2 very clear contenders...and a third??? That's not so clear. First the 2 finalists (for sure) are:

A) Ringed Gidgee
B) Olivewood

The third needs to be decided between the "tied for third place" woods..."SO"..."ROLL CALL"...Vote for one of these woods "ONLY"!! All others are out for this build.

1) Cocobola
2) Redwood burl
3) Buckeye burl
4) Ironwood
5) Thuya burl
6) Koa

I'll let this run through the weekend and we'll make our final decision next week. Thanks.
Best, Capt. Chris

3-buckeye burl

Pap

Number 5 Thuya Burl

Warm, Exciting ...
5) Thuya burl

Thanks,
Tony

5) Thuya burl

5) Thuya Burl, please

My vote is for 6, Koa wood.

Dan Snyder
RKS #5537
SHAG #010

Cocobola. Only if is some of the real nice stuff. All Cocobola is not created equal?

Hey Captain,

4) Ironwood.

Alan Grombacher
RKS#5531

I vote for


4) Ironwood

Thanks
Peter

No. 6, Koa.

I vote for:

5) Thuya Burl

Thanks,
Peter

Here's the final "BIG 3".


A) Ringed Gidgee
B) Olivewood
C) Thuya Burl

Real simple from here crew..."ROLL CALL"...Vote for your absolute "favorite"...one vote per RKS member. We are reading these building plans a little backwards "BUT" (Ther's that word again) with the Blade show coming up I need to finish up my "shopping list".
I have some ideas for this "wood build" that will be a little different than some (not all, perhaps) of our previous builds. I'll let this "ROLL CALL" run through the first part of the week, as we are starting on a Saturday.
By all means..."PLEASE"...voice your opnions as to why you are choosing one of the "big 3" over the other 2. "Just because I don't have one of these yet" has been used up quite a bit in the past. Try and be original and/or informative...
Best, Capt. Chris

Thanks Cap!
I have to vote for ...
B) Olivewood
(No surprise there, right)
I like that this is a lighter colored wood ( I see a lot of Randalls with dark/medium dark wood)
but still has some visually interesting grain. And it's different!
Tony

Capt.

Ringed Gidgee is my vote. Primarily because of the uniqueness of the wood. To me, wood on RMK, is second in beauty only to Fossil ivory. If I have a unique piece of wood on a RMK, that makes the knife extra special.

Sure a wood handled knife can likely be duplicated, but usually two pieces of the same type of wood have different grain patterns.

To find a beautiful grained piece of wood is almost like winning the lottery. RINGED GIDGEE

My vote is for "A".

Dan Snyder
RKS #5537

Capt. Chris,

I would choose

A) Ringed Gidgee

This is the type of wood that I had admired on quite a few knives over the years but it took me until now to find out its name
IMHO the vertical stripes of this wood build an attractive contrast to the horizontal lines of a knife.

Thanks,
Peter

I vote for
A) Ringed Gidgee
I haven't seen it before, and it will be an uncommonly nice looking handle
Thanks

Peter

I vote for:
A) Olivewood
Although all choices are of high density for handle material I like a light colored handle so I can find it should I drop it when camping.

A)Olivewood
Have no in-hand experience and going only by posted pics. I like the light colors and grain--ALTHOUGH, all three really do look great. You cannot beat beautiful wood.

B) Olivewood please-

Pap

A I really like the color and grain. Looks like it might be heavy.

So what if I did post A) Olivewood when what I really meant was B) Olivewood. I never could fill in all those bubbles on the op-scan tests correctly.
What I really wanted anyway was cocobola that would perfectly match the beautiful, light/med., grainy, super-slick Hogue grips on my S&W Model #629 .44 Mag. SWEEEEET! But, I guess an Olivewood handled Randal would do.
Thanks for another build!

I vote for B) Olivewood.
I like the look of the lighter colored grain and since you don't see a lot of knives made with this wood, olivewood will make it more unique.

Scott

We are tied! I need a tiebreaker!!
Best, Capt. Chris

Hey Capt,
Check 2 posts back. I already said " SWEEEEEEEET piece of Cocobola".
Thanks for this build!

My new vote is for Thuya Burl.

Wow. You go away for a bit and you can miss a lot...
At least I got back in time to cast a vote for

A) Ringed Gidgee

I like its looks and, in some ways, it reminds me of that "curly Koa" that I mentioned earlier in this build.

So, ringed gidgee for me please.

Thanks for another fun build Capt'n Chris !

Well:
A big congratulations goes out to "Duke". Never before did a crew member, in one build, with 3 choices, manage to vote for 2 of them and another wood not even on the list!! That's quite remarkable!
OK: The vote is over and Ringed Gidgee is the winner. Graham??? I don't know where you are, son...but we need to talk! Thanks.
Best, Capt. Chris

Thanks Cap!
Another First for me. 98% of my contributions to these builds truly is half mental--as is certainly obvious.

Capt.
I've sent you an email.
Wood is being sorted at this very moment.

Got it...Thanks. I sent ya' one back...
Best, Capt. Chris

The wood for this build has been purchased and is on its way to the US.

I'll let the Captain show you what it looks like when he gets it, but here are a couple of pieces I chose for m myself and Kevin (VKLough46)

Outstanding Graham! Thanks so much for the generous offer. I hope to get the source from you so I may receive more over time. Best to Kate...
Best, Capt. Chris

The ringed gidgee arrived! It's the middle of the night and I'm working on my knife specs. I'll shoot a couple of pics as soon as I get the chance.
Graham: Again, thanks for the wonderful gift to this build. Best to Kate.
Best, Capt. Chris

I have not forgot about ya' crew! I have purchased new photo equipment...It's 107 (heat index) and that's my excuses...and I'm stickin' with 'em!
The ringed gidgee is sizable, measuring 1 3/8"x 1 1/2"x 5(+) inches. It will make most anything you folks decide on....SO: Why don't we decide? How about some ideas...and I'll wet this ringed gidgee down and shoot a couple of shots in the next few days. There's no sense in holding up the building plans, just because the walkin' boss is not holding up his end.
I would suggest that we try and utilize as much of this fine handle material as possible. I don't care what we build. I never care "what" we build..."BUT"...(There's that word again) I just hate to see exotic handle material go to waste. That being said: Talk it over...
Best, Capt. Chris

Is the size large enough for a bowie handle? If so, my suggestion would be a large Smithsonian Bowie 12-11. I don't think we've done one of those for one of the Captains builds. If we can't do a 12-11 how about a 12-8.

Dan Snyder
RKS #5537
SHAG #010

Dan...and everyone else:
The handle material is large enough for a #12-8", #12-9" or a #12-9", #14 grind. It would also work well on a huge hunting knife, i.e. a Model #19-5" or the like...
Best, Capt. Chris

That's a beautiful 12-8 Capt.

How's the balance? I would imagine the brass crows beak BC might balance out that big blade quite well. From my very limited experience I find some of the stabilized woods like redwood and buckeye burl are not real heavy say when compared to ironwood or micarta. Any thoughts? Looks like the ringed gidgee might be a heavy wood.

This ringed gidgee is on the heavy side...true.
Best, Capt. Chris
PS: The #12-8" with a brass end is the bomb ticket...weight-wise!...CCS

I think a #12-8"
or a #12-9" Sportsman's Bowie would be great for this build ...
with a single hilt ... A GREAT CAMP KNIFE!!!
After all, this IS the Outdoor Forum!

Considering the special wood with this build my suggestions are for a big bowie knife, either a Model 12-8 or a Model 12-9, #14 grind. The Model 12-11 Smithsonian Bowie would be killer as well but the sheer size of that baby kind-of prevents sheathing and carrying it anywhere even if just for show.

I think brass hardware complements the color of this wood better than NS. If a Model 12-8 is selected I think a FCH is a must and although not my preference, a Model 12-9, #14 grind might be interesting with a single hilt but I think that would use an option whereas, (correct me if I am wrong Capt. ) a brass standard double hilt or FCH on either the 12-8 or 12-9 does not use up an option.

I think a single finger grip on either a 12-8 or 12-9 would look fantastic with this wood as would full finger grips. The Model #22 handle with the crows beak BC should be considered as well.


Just food for thought.

This should be a great build.

Thanks for the opportunity Captain Chris.

What about a big hunter or skinner, as Tony said this is the outdoor forum.
I would like to see a #3-7, a #4-7 or even a #5-8 camp knife.

Good point Graham! (Get it?...Point?...OK: I'll quit it). Seeing as how this is the "Tents-N-Trails" forum and we should stay "on topic", so to speak, how about this.
"ROLL CALL"! Please vote for the "make the cut" short list from this longer list. I'll post up a handful of Randall models, along with a "your choice" category. Vote for "one" letter only. If you vote for "A" please specify "which" Randall model you prefer. It would be nice if you would also explain "why" you like this model over the others. This should narrow the field a little.

Choose "ONE" only:

A) YOUR CHOICE

B) Model #1-7" or 8"

C) Model #3-7"

D) Model #4-7"

E) Model #5-7" or 8"

F) Model #12-8"

G) Model #12-9" (Standard or #14 style)

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

I) Model #19-5"

Thanks to all for your participation.
Best, Capt. Chris

E) #5-8

Pap

I will vote for

E) Model #5- 8"

for several reasons. I think we want a big blade for the big piece of wood and the 8 inch blade will help balance better. Also since this build is in the tents-n-trails forum a model 5 is quite appropriate for this build
Peter

Capt. Chris--

I will chime in and say that any of the models you list would look great with this wood.

However, in the interest of possibly getting a knife large enough to take advantage of the wood in hand, and a knife that is small enough to maybe being carried and used, I will vote for Option H--14CDT.

Of course, I already have in mind the handle configuration that I think would look good on this knife, as well as a possible blade setup--but those are not yet part of the discussion.

Thanks,
Larry

Hey Crew:
Here's a couple quick photos (first from my new "tent" and camera). I had to wet this wood in order for you to be able to appreciate the grain configuration of this remarkable wood. I say "quick" as the "wetness" goes away quite quickly. The wood is cut perfectly rectangular but it is not smooth-sanded (finished) like the woods I posted recently from the "Blade" show. Consequently my theory, which is probably all "wet" for posting this material arose.
Best, Capt. Chris

E) 5-8" is my vote

My vote is for "F".

Dan Snyder
RKS #5537
SHAG #010

I'm in the

E) 5-8"

camp too

How about...

E) #5-8" and possibly with the #22 handle; preferably brass because it would match so well with this wood--have no idea how this would impact options, but, I've already answered more than the roll call requested.
Thanks Capt. Chris and Graham.

Decisions, decisions ...
I started out thinking 12-8 or 12-9. But I just handled my new 12-9 a bit and I think
Larry is right ... it's a little too big for practical carry. (in modern times, anyway).
So, I'm voting for
H) Model #14-7 1/2", "CDT"
With a single hilt and any number of handle configurations, this would be a
great "camp knife" with an outstanding piece of wood for the handle!
This is gonna be a great build, whatever we do! - Thanks Cap!

I vote for E - Model #5-8" because it is a Camp and Trail Knife which suits the theme of this part of the forum, the 8" blade will balance the heavy Gidgee while not being as large as the 12-9 and not as heavy as the 12-8. The 5-8 has not featured any build that I can recall, though I've only been on the Randall scene for about 5 years.

Here's a picture of a #5-8 loaded up. This is a picture from when I purchased it but am going home to Idaho for a week and will take a picture of it then.

H. I just got one Monday from the shop. It has a NS forward curved hilt and border patrol handle. 7 1/2 inch SS blade. Black Micarta Handle. Wrist thong.

Are you ready for your next "big camping" trip, crew? Well: If it's a few months away, you could carry your "big camp" (and trail) knife with you! The winner is (and it wasn't real close) the Randall Model #5-8", Camp & Trail". Second place goes to the #14-7 1/2", CDT, which would have worked out quite well also.
OK, Crew:
We are gonna build a Model #5-8", which is 1/4" stock and a good, big, long, heavy, ready-to-go knife! There are many possibilities here. The only thing we know for sure is that we have a great piece of Australian "Ringed Gidgee" wood to use for the handle material. How about some other ideas? Should we build it out of 01 Swedish tool steel or Stainless? Let's hear from ya'.
Best, Capt. Chris

Its got to be stainless. I have the other four options in mind, and of course I am likely to change my mind as others put good ideas forward.

Larry

Stainless steel. Don't have to worry too much if you are out camping and the knife gets wet, bloody, etc.

Stainless St. ,please and thanks for another build.

01 Tool Steel.
This big boy should see some serious use, and show it! Get some nice patina on him!
Plus, it saves an option for something really useful ... finger grips, thong, compass?????
Tony

01 for me. I like SS but 01 just seems to make a great working blade. I know, I know so does SS. I don't remember having any problems with my tool steel blades if they have been taken care of properly. I did have a Mod 1 rust a little, but that was completely my fault. What ever is chosen it will be a nice build.