No:
I don't drink. A "5th" starter set in the series, that is...The Randall Model #5, Camp & Trail...!!! I do believe that as many forum members like this catalog model as any other, so I expect some great input from you guys. Don't dissapoint me!
Let's begin with an overview of this terrific model. The Model #5 is available in 5 blade lengths, the most of any model! The 5-4" is forged from 3/16" stock. The 5,6,7 & 8" varieties are forged from 1/4" stock. Carbon or stainless are both doable for this build, but I think we should limit our choices to the 1/4" stock knives. We can always follow up with the smaller model at a later date.
Leather handles are the norm and no additional charge for the 1/4" stock models. Thung notches are also standard so we have the base from which to start.
Let me hear from you folks. Being as this series is concentrating on a good "starter" set (or possible "user") I would hope that we can limit the options to 2 or 3. What do ya'll think?
Best, Capt. Chris

I think that is a great photo and a beautiful knife.

6" blade TS brass hilt leather handle finger grooves brass butt cap standard spacers.Walt RKS#5924

5" blade-n/s hilt--blk/alu spcrs-stag fg--black sheath






Billy Poyner
RKO_RKS#5030
MM

Capt.

5's are what I collect. I have seen many configurations of 5's, so I will try and think of something different.

O1 blade, 5"or 6"
Brass hilt
Brass and black spacers
Leather handle with finger grips
Brass butt cap

I see my knife is quite similar to Walt's a couple posts above.

Hey guys - I really like the builds so far… Here’s mine with a few tweaks:

SS 6” blade
Brass hilt
Brass and red spacers
Leather handle w/ finger grips
Brass butt cap

Man ... I, like manny of us LOVE the #5.
I had to think about this but ... I would go with ...
6" 01 blade. (5" is good but I've carried my 6" #5 for years and LOVE IT)
NS square-top hilt.
Black micarta. (This model just yells out for a nice durable micarta handle)
Wrist thong.

#5 is the most crowded in my collection !
Add compass to Tony's choice and...DONE !

I think we need to build the classic "Brad Angier"
Six inch, ns hilt, black micarta, compass and wrist thong.

Peter

5" 01 blade
brass and red spacers
Ironwood/ finger grips
brass radius butt cap
wrist thong
compass

I don't have one....yet, so I'll be watching this thread very closely. Here's my thoughts anyway!

5-6" O1
Brass round top hilt
Radiused duralim buttcap-no nut
Leather handle
Black/brass spacers

Exactly, Tony!
I know we're streching the options a little bit here but like Guido and Peter said:
Let's add a compass and we have THE Model 5 and a perfect starter AND user IMO.
Thanks for the build, Captain!

I am another "Brad" fan with 01 steel 6" blade, although the leather handle for a starter #5 is OK too.

Pap

Plus one!

5-5" in standard catalog configuration (square hilt)

or

Angier model

Mr. Angier's knife sounds perfect.

Add one more to this list. "Classic"

I have several #5's but I do not have a "Brad Angier"
Six inch, ns hilt, black micarta, compass and wrist thong. So my vote is for the Brad Angier.

Another Brad Angier Vote for the build.

I already have a #5 Brad Angier but figure that I will not win twice in a row so would like for someone else to get a copy of that fine knife that I USE a lot.

If someone offers you a fine suit, why request blue jeans even though it is "casual day" at work, lol!

Tom Vaught

I would also like to have the Angier, BUT to keep it to 3 options as Capt. Chris suggested:

6" O1
Brass Square Top Hilt
All Black Spacers
Maroon Micarta - (just to be different from the Angier)
Wrist Thong
Brass Butt Cap

I like Robs idea ,but with compass instead of butt cap and black and brass spacers instead of all black

6" Tool Steel
Brass single hilt
Commando leather handle
Brass butt cap (rounded)
All black spacers

Let's do the Brad Angier.

Cliff Lacey
RKS #23

I would like to see a 5 inch blade, black micarta, wrist thong and no hone sheath.
Oldguy

Jerry,
You cannot order a leather handle and "not" have a nut on the end. The shop has to tighten that mess down to trim, finish, sand and polish that leather set of spacers to the beautiful hue we're used to.
Sorry...Capt. Chris
PS: Everyone. What happened to "2 0r 3" options???CCS

Cap,
Here is my input on this build:
#5-5",SS1,TN(STD),NS Hilt,Leather,DB

Ken Lambert
RKS #3610
NRA Benefactor
FOP

Thanks Capt., always wondered about that! Should have asked first

3 "chargeable" or 3 total?

I'm with Tony and Guido,
Gotta be micarta
gotta have compass
gotta be 6"...
should have a wrist thong
:-)Rocky....the #5 is just about the best!!

An excellent Boy Scout's knife:
1. brass and black spacers
2. black micarta handle
3. finger grips
4. wrist thong
5. compass

Hope could add more options and get stainless and nickel silver hardware.

If it is to be a "Brad" then it has to have all of the options of a "Brad", otherwise it is just a #5 with options. If we are going to do just a 2-3 option starter and not do a "Brad", then:

01 steel
leather handle with finger grips
NS hilt to match the aluminum butt cap
Flat top/thumb notches
Wrist thong
Aluminum/black spacers

Pap

That's "4" options Pappy. Let us not forget the purpose of the "Starter Set" folks, please. I'm sure we could build a Bradford Angier Camp-N-Trail over on the "Tents-N-Trails" forum...but there sure wouldn't be any "building" involved as the options, blade length and sheath are already decided.
How about we concentrate on a "starter" and I'll get with Rick T. about a "Brad" as a fundraiser??
Think about it, Capt. Chris

Just a suggestion: Maybe we should settle on a blade length first and go from there? Then we can decide if we want to use up an option on stainless.

Either 5" or 6" would be fine, but if I have to choose...5".

Since we want fewer options than the "Brad"

How about standard leather, brass hilt, rwb spacers but with brass butt and wrist thong as options, ss as a possible third option.

Peter

and let us build the "Brad" in a different thread.
Thanks Capt. Chris

Peter

Sticking to a 5th starter:
6"TS blade
Leather with FG (1 option)
Thumb notches
NS hilt(matches Duralumin butt cap & option #2)
All red spacers (chargeable option?)

OR, how 'bout,
01 Steel
6"blade
Teardrop handle(nc); duralumin butt cap
Ivorite handle(1 option)
NS hilt(1 option)
All black spacers

Duke,
All black or all red spacers is, indeed, an option..."BUT"...(There's that word again)...it is not a "chargeable" option. The bad news? Teardrop shaping "is" a chargeable option.
Best, Capt. Chris

Just because we only get three options does not mean it has to look plain.

option 1 Border patrol handle
option 2 New Ivorite Micarta material
Option 3 Cut-down tang

Cap, is that possible?

Tom Vaught

When did the shop offer a cut downtang option on a model 5?

Model 5's already have a cut down tang.
Capt. Chris

Capt, I didn't think you had tang option with the #5. Also if you sub the leather handle for something else and add the alum. butt cap that counts as a charged option, correct?

There are no "tang options" on a five. I'm not even sure what that means. Model #1,#2,#3,#4,#5, etc. "all" have cut down tangs. The Model #14, #15, #16, etc. have full, exposed tangs???
Duralumin or brass butt caps on anything besides a leather handle (Or a #25 style handle) is an option.
Hope this helps. A cut down tang simply means a reduced size to allow for handle material to be "sleeved" (for lack on my part of a better term) over it, allowing a 360 degree encirclement of the tang and thus showing nothing but handle material.
Capt. Chris

Capt.Chris,
I thought that teardrop handles on knives 6" blades and under (generally) were options/ not chargeable. Of course, what do I know? That's why these builds are good.

Usually teardrop handles aren't available on many Randall knives anymore. I believe the #26 and my Stanaback Special are 2 of a very small list. In fact...That may "be" the list.
Best, Capt. Chris
PS: Nope: I am having teardrop handles installed on the "Cracker" knives also, an "Old Style Trout-N-Bird...CCS

Cap, I was asking, as I see tangs that go all the way to the rear of the knife (leather handle with nut), and the same deal on butt caps (except with I assume peened over tangs).

I was wondering how long the tang was on a sleeved knife where the tang was possibly epoxied into say a micarta handle. Just trying to learn the basic construction process so I could judge the strength of the different knives. For example where does the tang stop on your "cracker" teardrop knife?

Tom Vaught

I think the term "cut down tang" possibly refers to the tangs cross section not just its overall length,termed this way to mark the difference between standard knives with full channel tangs eg models 14 and 15 that are available with other handle styles.

Both handle types being discussed are "cut down tangs, i.e. no "exposed top or bottom. All leather CDT's have a full tang (length-wise) to allow the threading of it and the nut to tighten it.
CDT's with out a butt cap extend into the handle at various depths, depending on the blade thickness, model #, maker at the time and "drop" etc. of the handle material. I think, as a rule, you could approximate 1/3 to 1/2 way through the material. Hope this helps.
Capt. Chris

Could the sheath on this build be made like the Stanaback Special with a diamond sharpener loop?? That way a firesteel could be substituted in the same loop.

Sheath.no-hone waxed,tan Walt

Sorry Jerry but it cannot. Greg is not taking custom orders and "starter set" knives are all about 100% Randall shop made. (or available)
Thanks, Capt. Chris

How about thoughts as to...
5 inch?
6 inch?
7 inch?
8 inch?
Best, Capt. Chris

6 inch Walt

Are we voting on length now?

If so, I vote 6".

No vote until the roll call is asked for. For now I would like everyone to plead their case for their favorite pick, perhaps including some valid reasons as to why we should choose that particular blade length.
Best, Capt. Chris

I think 6" is big enough for most camp chores without being too big that it is unwieldy. I would use an axe/machete for anything that would normally require a longer blade.

Large blades are good for rough cutting or chopping but I like my knives really sharp. Saw and/or axe will take care of the larger logs or if need be a machete
For me 6" is plenty enough. In fact even 5" would be enough in most cases but it's good to know there is a little "reserve".

I echo Peter/Litch's post, a 5" or 6" one or the other, it does not matter.
The one RMK that I have carried the most, is a 5" blade and it has done everything I needed.

"The journey of a thousand miles begins beneath one's feet" -Greetings to all!


When queried recommendation by man who's namesake model known; "Bo" responded six -amongst us whom knows better?

Vincenz #3002 (ret)

5" For me that's the perfect handle/blade ratio

6 Inch!
For the reasons stated by Rob and Peter, above.
Tony

Ditto Tony...

5" For Me!!!!!!

Ken Lambert
RKS #3610
NRA Benefactor
FOP

I have both blade lengths in Model 5 and I have used the 5" 01 steel blade for many years. Ordered it from Pete in 1974. I have a newer SS blade in a 6" and it is a fine user as well. I guess if I had to choose now, it would be the 5" as to me, it is just a more handy all-around size.

Pap

I am going to go with the 8". I prefer the longer blades as I do prefer bigger bullets. Size matters!

5" is the way to go--Got several that way already!!!!!!!!!
Different handles on all




Billy Poyner
RKO-RKS#5030
MM

Way to go Halo!! Nothing like a big, slow-moving chunk of lead and a long, sharp blade to take care of business. An 8" blade would make the perfect build and, to work on keeping down the options, throw a #22 handle in to anchor it. Just to help move along the discussion.

5" blade for me. oldguy

I like the 6 also. It might be a little more than you need but should take care of any camp chores and would serve well as a self defence weapon in a pinch.

Duke, #22 handle sounds good with me with black micarta and top bevel sharpend.

8" blade and #22 handle sounds like what I would like to have as well.

Jimmy, those are exactly the other two additions that I would have said---was just trying not to say too much at one time, in the spirit of keeping down the options......BUT, can't you picture what a great looking, useful Randall that would be?
Pretty exciting, huh?!?!

OK, Crew:
I'll be in & out of my office all weekend and also picking up Randalls tomorrow, working on specs and handle material. Lookin' a bit nippy for the weekend so...How about a "ROLL CALL"! We've had all blade lengths mentioned and it's time to cast your vote!
Please choose one of the following:

A) 5 inch
B) 6 inch
C) 7 inch
D) 8 inch

We'll let the voting run through the weekend and announce the winning choice of Sunday evening. Vote for blade length "only". The starter options will come later.
Thanks, Capt. Chris

B-6" Walt

D 8 "

A)5"

Ken Lambert
RKS #3610
NRA Benefactor
FOP

B) 6 inch
Tony

(D)8"

A-5"

Pap

I will go for

B) 6 inch
big enough for most camp chores, but not too big to get in the way on a belt

Thanks
Peter

B) 6 inch

A) 5 inch

Cliff Lacey
RKS 23

B-6

B) 6"

5"

I like the big blades too, and already have a couple with 6" blades. My vote is for "D", 8 inches.

Dan Snyder
RKS #5537
SHAG #010

5" Blade. oldguy

I'd choose B 6"

"D" (8")

Tom Vaught

A 5"




Billy Poyner
RKO#5030
MM

B) 6 inch

8"----just don't believe in "moderation in all things"; gotta' take a big bite outta' the apple whenever I get the chance!

6" for me

How about the 6 inch.

6" for me too

OK Crew:
We're needin' a couple of options to go one a Randall Model #5-6". The most surprising thing about adding up these votes was the fact that there wasn't one, single vote for a 7 inch model #5!
Let's here your ideas.
Thanks, Capt. Chris

Micarta handle and wrist thong. oldguy

Same as the last suggestions I posted:

6" O1
Brass Square Top Hilt
All Black Spacers
Maroon Micarta - (just to be different from the Angier)
Wrist Thong
Brass Butt Cap

SS2-
TB
Black/alum
NS1
Maroon Micarta

Billy Poyner
RKO#5030
NRA Endowment
MM

square hilt

stag

Carbon steel, #22 handle, black micarta and top bevel sharpend.

Carbon steel blade top bevel sharpend,nickel silver double hilt, Red White Blue spacers,black micarta standard shape handle, thong hole No butt cap.

leather handle brass rounded single hilt brass butt cap RWB spacers. Walt

01 steel, leather handle, finger grips, NS squated hilt, wrist thong,black/aluminum spacers.

Pap

Keeping with the Capt. suggestion of 2 or 3 options:

SS blade
brass hilt
standard spacers
leather handle with finger groves
brass butt cap

If I could add one more option it would be black and brass spacers.

My alternate choice would be a 5 decked out like an Angier 5. In light of the many various ideas of how individuals would like to see a Model 5-6, perhaps this would be the best choice. It would be similar to a piece of RMK history.

Staying with carbon blade,
Nickel Silver/square top Hilt,
Black Micarta Handle,
Wrist Thong.
Thanks,
Tony

Carbon
leather handle finger grooves
RWB spacers
brass hilt
brass butt cap

OK everyone,
Thanks for the input so far..."BUT"...(I know...I know)...refer back to early on in this build. We will do a Bradford Angier model "later" as it will not take any "building"! For this "starter set" series we should keep it simple, close to basic, with a couple of options and affordable.
Thanks again, Capt. Chris

I'll vote for

-carbon blade
-nickel silver hilt, squared
-RWB spacers
-thumb notches
-leather handle with finger grooves
-duraluminium butt cap
-thong hole

Apologies Capt. about the Angier. That was many threads ago and you know how my memory is!

Now what were we talking about?

Gotcha Cap!
With that in mind ... I'll go for ...

Staying with carbon blade,
Nickel Silver/square top Hilt,
Leather Handle (Duralum Butt Cap & standard spacers),
Wrist Thong.
Thanks,
Tony

Rod,
"Many threads ago"? It was page #4 of "this" thread. I'm gonna' have to have Denyse keep an eye on you. Pretty soon you'll be able to hide your own Easter eggs!
Best, Capt. Chris

How about the standard configuration with the following options:
1. Squared brass hilt
2. Brass butt-cap
3. Wrist thong

Leather-RHFG
NSH-squared
Wrist thong

Carbon blade
Nickel silver hilt (Sq)
RWB spacers
Leather handle
Wrist thong

Ken Lambert
RKS #3610
NRA Benefactor
FOP

OK, Crew:
It's time to start a "roll call"...Let's vote for one of these 2 choices are, either our first option, or...a standard metal.

A) O1 Swedish tool steel (incl. and no extra charge)

B) 440B stainless steel ($55.00 option)

Vote now. Thanks, Capt. Chris
PS: Here's some eye candy / A Model #5-6" with 2-tone hardware (NS hilt / brass & red spacers), maroon micarta, SS blade and a wrist thong!...One of those "mistakes that wound up lookin' pretty good!...CCS

A.01 Tool Steel Walt

A - O1 (keeping the cost down...)

Thank guys - enjoy your Friday!

A) O1

Thanks for the eye candy Capt. My "mistakes" never turn out that nice

01

SS Blade is my vote

Capt. I have my work medical on Monday and I think I am going to fail the eyesight portion. I would swear that those spacers are brass and RED.

0-1 has worked for me since 1974 on my #5-5.

Pap

10-4 Rod...You may be color blind but that is red 'tween the brass you see!
Capt. Chris

O-1

Cliff Lacey
RKS #023

O-1

SS

O-1

A) O1

Don't want to use up an option here.

01 Tool Steel for me.

(A) O1

Ken Lambert
RKS #3610
NRA Benefactor
FOP

O1 oldguy

01.

Tool Steel

A) 01

Since this IS a starter, the cost of stainless should be considered to be too high.
Tool Steel for me as well
:-)Rocky

All righty, crew,
I think we can continue on. Obviously, the 6 inch Model #5 will have thumb notches and a carbon steel blade. There is still no options used. That is a great start...now let's finish!
Vote for one of the following:

A) Standard brass hilt
B) Optional nickel silver hilt

(Remember: In order to have your number guesses entered, you have to "participate"!)
Let's hear from ya', Capt. Chris

A standard brass

A) standard brass

A standard brass Walt

B) Optional nickel silver hilt for me.

A)-BRASS

Brass

Brass since it is all ready paid for, but square it off. oldguy

I agree with old guy

For a starter knife I believe A) Brass standard round top hilt would be best.

Dan Snyder
RKS #5537
SHAG #010

Brass is fine with me - I'd like it squared too

Brass Square Top Hilt

B)Nickel Silver


Ken Lambert
RKS #3610
NRA Benefactor
FOP

I think that A or B depends somewhat handle material is used.
That said,
I would go with brass
:-)Rocky

B) Optional nickel silver hilt
Thanks,
Tony

Squared NS.

Pap

Brass round.