Let's talk Compasses:

Did the compass end caps ship with the Model 18's straight from Randall or were they aftermarket options?

When did they move from grooved to checked?

How long have they been part of the Model 18 "Lore" and what's with Thermometers in caps now?

Any other interesting end caps for the 18?

What about the "Skull-Crushers" are they actually used by anyone for anything more than a nasty looking novelty?

Anyone try getting a double threaded cap and screwing together two Model 18's?

Though I don't know why anyone would want to!

Then there's spear shafts..but that'll wait for another post.

The compass is installed at the shop. Checkered butt caps (as opposed to to lined butt caps) came about in the late 80's...If I had to take a guess for an approx. date.
Best, Capt. Chris

What is the purpose of the counter sunk holes in the hand guard?

Bill

One of the uses for the holes in the hilt, so I have been told, is to lash a stick to the knife, then use the knife as a spear.

I am sure people have found other uses for them.

The "#18 holes" are to assist you in attatching a spear. You can whittle yourself a long stick, shove it down the tube and lash it into a more "fixed" position by wrapping 440 cord around the shaft of the spear, looping it through the provided holes and securing it with (hopefully) your vast knowledge of proper knots for proper jobs. Hope this helps.
Best, Capt. Chris

I have a skull crusher cap on my 18 5.5. It's good for opening things, like cans, and crushing the shells on walnuts. Granted, walnuts are not exactly survival food, but I do find a surprising number of uses for the cap.

Well, there ya have it ... David ... I was thinking the same thing ...
that if I had a skull crusher cap, I'd crush me some wall nuts ... almonds ... hazel nuts ... brazil nuts. (I'm nuts about nuts)
Hey ... might be good for crushing a crustacean! - Survival food if I were stranded in a hot place on a beach!
Then again, the flat cap of my early 80s #18 would probably do just fine.
Seriously, I like all this discussion about the 18 ... My FIRST Randall!
Gives me an idea about stating a thread on our First Randalls!
-Stay Tuned!
Tony

There you go Tony - The question should be is your first Randall, like your first true love - The Best?

Ah! ... Well ...
I only have ONE True Love.
But I have MANY Randalls!
I WILL say ... if I had to or wanted to get rid of most of my Randalls ...PERISH THE THOUGHT! ... -
My #18 - My First RANDALL Love - would stay.

Tony...and all of you other "survivalists":
I like the idea of your first Randall. Tony: I elect you to start that thread. Go for it!!
ME? I'm gonna go to "tents-n-trails" and start a survival thread!! See ya' over there!
Best, Capt. Chris