What would an X-ray prove?

Oh, no, just interesting to see on what length tang enters

This knife - a piece of history. I want to order from my friend knifemaker this design
and wherein construction maximum matches (replica, as AC Shelby Cobra and Shell Valley Classic Wheels),
that is - inverted blade, two pins, stag, but 3V steel and stainless guard.

just as there X-ray for are different blades:


But if it is difficult or bring discomfort - it is not necessary.
Then tang will be ending after 1 cm after 2 pin.

Regards,

Mitchell,
Personally, I think we should all just enjoy these "oldies" and appreciate them..."as is". Hell man: Zack doesn't even look "sick"!
Best, Capt. Chris

I would put it in the difficult category. I appreciate your interest in the details of knife construction, but having a hidden tang difference would be inconsequential. Without the knife in hand, any maker would be making proportional estimates at best.

Here is a replica made a few years ago.....much easier.

http://www.knifetalkforums.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=96464

To see a Randall surface after almost three generations takes my breath away. After 70 years, what a joy to see this veteran Randall that served in the greatest conflict of the century. Thanks also to Tunefink for letting us in on this find. Just to read this thread adds to our knowledge of the early years. Thanks again, Abby

Mitchell,
Thank you so much, great link!

Mitchell,

Congrats on that awesome knife, it is a fantastic piece.


Barry

Thanks Barry. Long time, no see......

Earlier in this thread, the possibility of the initials in the 2 known examples of the original existing "Zacharias" knives being "shop added features" was bought up. I guess since all of the "Zach" knives (4?) were delivered to the original purchaser, they may have been added later. While at the shop recently I noticed these initials (pictured) carved into a verrry early RMK knife that appeared to me to be a carving knife. This suggests to me that the initials did originate in the shop, and although the likelihood of any more Zach knives showing up is slim to none (we can always hope) it may be very possible that other types of Bo's original knives turn up with these initials in them, a 'first" sort of factory personalization. Although not a "new" discovery of any sort, as the one pictured here is displayed openly in the museum, I just wanted to offer up the info here, to help tie the probabilities and the knives together.

There are a lot of things that are poorly documented in Randall Knife history, but the making of the Zacharias Fighter is not one of them. Bob Gaddis covers it in his book and that knife is what put Bo and Randall Made Knives on the map. That knife was made in June of 1942.

I have never seen Lt. Zacharrias' knife, but I do have photos.

When I found my Zach style fighter, I noticed the common red initials in the butt of the stag.

Recently, Wally Mabry was at the Randall Museum and took pictures of a carving knife and the but had the same red letters in the butt.

And now we have a fourth example. The 6" fighter I bought this weekend.

I arranged photos of all four knives and took a screenshot. Top is the original Zach. Then the carver in the Randall Museum, and my two knives on the bottom.

I am not sure how long Bo installed these personalizations, but it's easy to say it was close to the summer of 1942.