I understand the time constraints and backlogs,....but NOT how doing LESS grind work increases the effort to produce a particular knife?

That said, a thought comes to mind,..... I know folks can submit their own handle material and Randall will install it. (but not guarantee it) That said I "could" hand cut out a stainless steel single hilt, with final opening left a little small for final fit at the shop. I'm not sure if this would be a possibility, but see no difference from customer supplied handle material,....... or other parts such as hilts??

Just thinking out loud here, but it's just this kind of thing that prompts me to make changes to my personal "users", if said changes improve the performance for my needs and wants. (like the Model 26 Pathfinder I thinned the blade on to .14 inch tapering to .1 inch at the tip)

BTW, the 4 year backlog can be shortened drastically by getting in on a dealer's spot placed much earlier. (was my understanding delivery can be about 6 months this way?)

In any case, I didn't expect they would do it, only that they "could" do it.

Imagine,...producing a popular model variation that folks might pay $100 MORE for, but take less effort to produce......

.....ummmm,.....seems a business home run to me.