Another example of the new technology in Cerakoting.

Now that's cool......where's yours lol?

I'd appreciate info about this #18. When was it made do you think?
Thanks! Peter

The tight-stitched Johnson sheath is screaming early-mid 1980's...as is the lined butt cap. Problem is: I cannot remember when the shop started offering the knurled handle??
Nice knife, Capt. Chris
PS: Floyd Byrd was doing all of the shop's outsourcing at this time period. I remember the knurling started early enough (Pretty sure) to be in line with my dates...Hope this helps, Capt. Chris

My reference guide states the shop offered the Knurled handle as an option in 1984.

Something happened in the process of knurling the handle. About a third of the way up the knurling Floyd must have had some kind of malfunction. He seems to have changed a cutting blade or something.

Max,
Like many things Randall, some things were done (and often) before they appeared in the catalog. Most certainly this knife could have been made in 1984 but a knurled handle and lined butt cap could have been made before that time. Many, many, many of these knife handle/butt cap combos would not interchange, back in the day. I have no idea exactly "why" but threaded butt caps would often burr-up and strip when they were tried on another handle. I guess the cutting tools would wear, etc. This doesn't seem to be the case nowadays.
I only mention this because many RMKs fall victim to "1st in- last out" when it comes to things like sheaths and compasses...not so much with these butt caps during this time period.
Best, Capt. Chris

thanks Capt.

I'll add that info to my Randall info notes:

Was it possible for a customer to bring his or her knife back to the shop and have options added back in the day? Like you say anything could have happened during R&D days.

Knurling could not...and cannot...be added. I was at the shop today and Scott and I jawed a bit about #18's. We generally agreed about dates for knurled handle. Neither of us remember 1970 vintage with knurling but both agree early 80's.
As for this example? The blade stamp looks newer than early 1980's. A check of the inside of the handle will show some valuable insight as to the year. If the threads for the tube start immediately at the throat...the knife is earlier. If there is a recess (space) on the tube, prior to the start of the threads it is later.
Lined caps were left in stock and will fit some of the newer tubes as the space allows for some "jiggle room" before the threads engaged. As for the tight-stitched JRB sheath? Could be somebody trying to make a newer knife look old (er)...
Best, Capt. Chris

Cap,

Maybe not from the shop "but" knuring could be added by a specialty machine shop. It would require a custom fit mandrel and tooling. It wouldn't be economically practical but it can be done.