I recently bought a Model 1-7 that looks just like the one of yours on top. I wondered if you knew anything about its age or handle material. Someone said they thought it was Maple Burl and available only through A. G. Russell in the 1970s. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

These Model #1's were and, to the best of my knowledge still "are" available. A.G. Russell did buy a boatload of the maple burl, but it is still available to anyone today, and was never any sort of an exculsive.
Best, Capt. Chris
P.S. I'll try and get your attachment up here... The knife is no earlier than around 1992. Sorry you were mis-informed...It looks to be a couple of years old to me...CCS

GalvestonGuy,

I will tell you what I know.

1. Is this exact configuration available today? Yes and always has been as far as I know.

Some years back AG Russell commissioned a good number of this configuration using Golden Maple Burl which they supplied. Many say the number was 200. It was in their on-line catalog up until about a year ago but was always listed as Sold Out as far back as I was watching (Several Years) although it was removed from the AG Russell web site about a year ago.

A couple of years ago I purchased an identical knife from and Authorized RMK Dealer who was selling it on consignment. The photo below is that knife. Not too long after I purchased the knife I had it with me during a visit to the RMK Shop. I was dropping off another RMK to have a name buffed off the blade and Gary Randall asked me what else I had in my bag which led to me showing him another 8 to 10 RMK's I had in my carry bag which was quite a treat to say the least. Gary took one look at this knife and immediately said it must have been one of the knives that was ordered by AG Russell. How did he know that? I don't know, maybe from the type of Maple Burl or something but that's all I can tell you. If yours is one of the knives ordered and sold by AG Russell I don't think it would go back any further back than the year 2000 or so but remember anyone can order this configuration from RMK and it will come with shop supplied Maple which is beautiful as well.

I hope this helps.

Beautiful knife Tom. That handle has one fantastic piece of wood on it.

Thanks Steve,

I think it is probably the 2nd. or 3rd. RMK I acquired and is one that I will keep for the duration. Aside from the handle it is the first and only RMK blade I have in Tool Steel. If I did not live in Florida I would have more in the 01 tool steel. I think the tool steel has a totally different sheen and feel to it as compared to the SS and this knife probably has the sharpest edge of all of my RMK's.

Here's a recent Model #1-6" with stainless, sawteeth and buckeye!!
Best, Capt. Chris

That is why I love wood, It is very seldom the same look even when it comes from the same tree. They all finish off some what different and you have a unique knife. Micarta while great usually looks the same if from the same batch.

Steve,
Here's the "other" side of the handle!
Best, Capt. Chris

Captain,
That's a Killer!
Tony

All round fantastic looking Randall. I could look at that for hours.