I agree with you about the #15 with nickel silver single hilt, light-colored micarta, black no-hone sheath. A great combination!

Very nice model #15's.

Thanks for taking the time to post on The Knife Of The Week.

Steve,

that is a good looking knife with very nice micarta!
And I'm a fan of no-hone sheaths as well

Peter

The knife fairy arrived today. I wanted a 15 for awhile, but, did not want a knife that is too heavy. With this being a CDT, I thought it would feel better. Well, let me tell you, it feels great. I can't wait to take it into the woods and put it to use. I think I'm on love.

GREAT LOOKIN' #15!
The single hilt set up make s a really good camp knife.
I've used my single hilt #15 camping, canoeing, snowshoeing, you name it!
Enjoy,
Tony

What's the difference in the #15 CDT with a single hilt and a #5 with the same blade length?

Pap

The top edge of the 15 is sharpened where it is not on the 5. Also, the grind lines on the top go to the hilt on the 5, where there is more flat spine on the 15. Blade width of 5 is 1 1/16" and on the 15 is 1 1/4". The 15 comes with a cooler sheath as well.

Here are comparison shots.

That's a great looking #15: Congrats!
And interesting as well: I also have been thinking about getting a #15 CDT with a single hilt for a while. Because I'm concerned about the weight too.
Would ironwood make it even lighter? Or maybe even too light on the handle = blade heavy??

Anyhow: I think it begs to be used

Best, Peter

This one will get used. The balance is great. I like the balance better than the 5-5 I recently got with the brown Micarta handle and Nickel butt and guard.

Model #5's can be ordered with a top bevel sharpened and a Model "C" styled sheath. The nickel silver butt cap on your model #5 will prove to make the butt end heavier than you probably feel comfortable with.
Not choosing one over another: Just pointing out some observations. Your #15, "CDT" has "no butt cap". Naturally the difference between the two will be huge. While it is fair to make comparisons of 2 Randall knives with like options, it is also impossible to equate any "feel' or "balance" comparisons on these 2. I do think that they are both great looking examples...just a lot different.
Best, Capt. Chris
PS: Here's 3 of my "CDT's"...CCS