Hard to argue with the "3". The blade design was Bo's favorite, although I believe he "favored" the #7 for most of his needs. I have used a #3-5" for decades, along with my Stanaback Special and a #5-5" on hogs, turkey, whitetail, mulies and assorted "others"..."NEVER" a complaint!
Of all, my Model #3-5" would be my "go-to"...hands down! Mine (well...I have several, but my "primary") is O1 Swedish tool steel. It has thumb notches,,,"killa'" stag and a compass, along with name etching.
I have "also" had Greg (now Danny) Gutcher make me a waxed sheath, no hone pocket and a large "drain hole" to accommodate anything I may require...(which would and has included wading an Alabama swamp-or-creek to retrieve game!
I recently had the shop "re-tough-up" the blade to "like new" condition. I've worn out "2" sheaths and the one pictured below is #3, serving me quite well for past 4 years.
I just thought everyone who had one and loves it could post a pic or 2 and a story also...
What Say You?
Stay Sharp, Capt. Chris

Here's one with redwood burl handle.

ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!!!!!!

Very nice y’all!
Capt, that’s how to work one of them for sure.
Thanks
Walker

Nice ones!

Here's mine. Nr. 3 5" with Axis deer handle, and nickel silver trimmings.

It's not my "go to" knife, that's an Airman, but 3's are sweet for sure.

Here's my 3's

Hold your hand over your right eye and you won't see the four next to it.

Nice ones Thomas...Here's an unusual combo pair. Model #3-6" and a #3-3 1/4" (mini)...
Best, Capt. Chris

My 3's...

From bottom left to to top right,...

3-5 with nickel silver hilt, leather handle, red/aluminum spacers, and duralumin butt
3-7 stainless nickel silver hilt, duralumin butt, with tenite green g10 handle
3-5 stock version

edit- the 3-5 with red/aluminum spacers is my using knife, so it shows some wear,..

Fightin 3

Looks like a #4?
Capt. Chris

Better...

Sorry but that is not a Model 3.

James--

Flip the sheath.

Looks like a Model 3 either 7 or 8, fitted out as a "fighter."

Larry

For example...

A hasty photo.

Thank you Larry...the Second knife I posted IS a #3, set up as a Fighter. I am well aware of how Randall sheaths work...both for reading them AND how to put knives in the sheaths properly.

James--

I was only trying to clarify that the last knife was indeed a Model 3. I thought Ronnie's post referred to that knife, not to the Model 4!

My mistake. Sometimes confusion reigns!

Larry

Model #3-5" (from The Captain's "STASH") in stabilized dark green box elder.
Stay Sharp, Capt. Chris

There's an elegance about the 3's.

Sharing a photo of a couple of Crusty Minis. Shop oil has hardened and turned yellow over the years. (I don't remember if these were SS???)

Larry

I actually forgot about this model 3 in my collection,..

Another one. 3-5 with blood red micarta, fingergrooves, nickel silver bolster, rounded duralumin butt cap...and waxed sheath.

Here is an older Randel 3-6" that has gone RFO (Randall Formerly Owned)

Art....we only rent them for a time....

:-)Rocky

#3 are one of my favorites.

Dennis

A few threes.

Nice. Very nice.
Walker

These two have moved along but are nice examples of the Low "S" model 3's.

NICE!

3-5

Here's a 7-5, the missus has laid claim to.

An old 3-6, I love the snaps, the rivets don't hurt... the label is long gone from the stone, but it looks like a green label "soft Arkansas pen knife" stone. I'm guessing, of course, about 1947. I almost forgot, a "peened" tang too.

Very nice Wally.
Walker

Vintage Model #3-5" Hunter....Trapper Hatchet and a real old trap.

Nice picture, impressive outdoor tools.

Pap

Here is a 3-6 with some pretty nice pinned stag.

It does not get any better than that. very nice...

Beautiful!

Y’all are displaying some mighty fine knives.

Another three with pinned stag.

Here is one fresh from Randall, via Nordic.

A few options, but pretty simple.

I too love the 3-5. Just scored a second one new from a dealer.

Here is a new one for me. A model 3 with pinned stag, and a riveted Heiser sheath with translucent buttons. It has that long blade flat, all the way to the tip. And the thing that really caught my attention is the blade length. I've looked at many many old model 3's but this is the first 5 1/2 inch blade that I've seen. I am told and have read that these were only produced for a short time after WWII. And looking at the Gaddis book, there is a '48 catalog that does not offer the model 3 in 5 1/2 inches. So my guess is that it's a '46 or '47 knife. I don't consider myself an expert at all on dating these old beauties, so any comments or input is much appreciated.