Thanks to all that have posted thus far.
From
Randall Made Knives: The History of the Man and the Blades by Robert L. Gaddis, pp. 126-130
Tommy Thompson, the designer of the Model 11 Alaskan Skinner, was an Alaskan bush pilot and hunting/fishing guide who became friends with Mr. Randall and the Randall family.
Quote:
Tommy wanted a blade shape that not only was good for skinning but also would greatly reduce the chances of cutting into the intestinal cavity while making an initial cut up the animal's belly.... The idea of having the top of a hunting knife blade slope down slightly from hilt to point was not totally new... What was unique at this date of February 1952 was a drop-point style on a handy-size knife with only a 4- or 4 1/2-inch, relatively thin blade. All this and a contoured area on top for thumb placement equaled a major breakthrough in the practical hunting knife field.
Wanting a sure, firm grip for cold, slippery hands, Tommy even included finger grips in the handle.... Before any of these Thompson Skinners were made, Tommy decided upon a few modifications to his Plan Number 1 sketch. First, he lengthened the blade by 1/2 inch, then he changed the leather handle to stag, plus he replaced the regular aluminum butt cap with one of a "crow's beak" shape.
Bo liked Tommy's second design so much that he immediately adopted it into his knife line....
From the current catalog:
Quote:
Model 11 "Alaskan Skinner" -- 4" blade of 3/16" stock, 4 1/2" and 5" blades of 1/4" stock. 4 1/4" - 5/8" leather handle. Brass hilt. Duralumin butt cap. (New model #11-3 1/4" is standard with stag handle. See Non-Catalogue II Brochure.) The original drop-point blade. Designed by Tommy Thompson, noted Alaskan guide, in 1952 for big-game skinning, with point dropped below top of blade to prevent cutting too deeply through skins when used point first. Top of blade in front of hilt notched for thumb placement.
I think that the Model 11 is a great knife. I am hoping that Pappy will show us his. And after Burnie shot his great Whitetail earlier this year a Model 11 3 1/4'' was his Randall of choice.
Lady and gentlemen may we please see some Model 11's.
Thanks,
Kevin #5109
Old black micarta, 7 spacers, separate "S", and brass furniture. (lousy picture)
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