Capt..Any ideas on the knifes' age?
What details does it have to indicate it's an older 18?
What should we be looking at in dating the model 18's through the years?

"Oiled metal will not rust". Gun oil, 3-N-1 oil, Ballistol, Break-Free, Rem Oil; all work. Some folks use Renn Wax.

On the grooves of the buttcap, maybe scrub Simichrome Metal Polish or Flitz Metal Polish using a M-16 toothbrush. Top off with Ren.Wax.

Nice model 18. Don't see many carbon steel 18's.

"Lined" pattern butt cap (The one you're having trouble with) was replaced with a "checkered" butt cap in the very early 90's. "After" that...The "silver" snaps were replaced with the "logo"-almost "pewter-finished" snaps. It is "unlikely" that the old cap and the newer sheath came out of the shop together. I hope I have explained this correctly. You can always email me..."Doctor"...
Best, Capt. Chris

The knife should probably have a JRB sheath with orange stone.

Thanks for the help. always appreciated.
So I'd guess by the lined cap, it would be close to 20 years if not a little older, with a newer-style sheath.
The "Randall Snaps" are nicely finished, as the Capt. explained and do look almost pewter-like.

Is it me, or does the tool steel have a brighter shine to it than the SS?
Out of the box with a simple wipe-down, not even a major polishing effort, the blade looks "brighter".

Gentlemen,

I have been lurking for quite some time now and figured this was a great thread for my first post.

My 5.5 carbon steel, knurled handle, model #18. I did a couple things to make it mine. Carbon blade was etched in vinegar to give it a nice patina for decent corrosion resistance and a more subdued look, waxed the sheath, cord wrapped the handle and added a capsule for the inside of the hollow handle for organization of the kit.

I bought it brand new from Kittery Trading post last August. As you can see, I have used it hard.

Good looking user; exactly what it was made for. Also, welcome to the forum.

Pap

Nice looking knife JR3.

One tip on a user. Put the leg lanyard ends through the bottom of the leg tie tab, then put the ends through the loop and pull, then the bottom of the sheath will not slide around on the leg. A very simple but very usefull tip IMO.

JR3, Nice knife and welcome. Jimmy

Thank you all for the warm welcome!

Leatherman, great tip. I normally remove the tie down before it goes on my belt, but I will keep that in mind for sure.