Hey Captain,

Your Nordic Special looks good too.

For a bigger knife: I still hunt bears, moose, along with an occasional elk. I typically use my 23 standard, but have used my 4-6 standard, my A.G Russel 11 and my 3-6 stag. I’ll use my 14 or a hatchet to split the ribs. For wild bison, I used my 23, 4-6, and an ax.

My #2 son used his 25 and an 18 on his moose and an elk this last season.

One of the larger 11s, a big 19, a 20, and even a Sergeant could be good too.

Alan

Steve,

The 23 is an awesome knife. My has been a great knife to carry.

Alan

The #23 was the "beginning" for my Stanaback Special.
Best, Capt. Chris

Stanaback Special history per Capt. Chris...

Knife of the Week Stanaback Special!!!!!!!
Posted by: JesseEgnew
Knife of the Week Stanaback Special!!!!!!! - 07/20/08 08:13 AM
This is from one of the other forums with the Capt’s permission

About mid 1980's Jeff McCartney, one of the Randall shop's key knife craftsman, had a Model #23-4 1/2" that had a slight crack in the false edge. The knife was stainless and Jeff thought that the crack was minor enough and shallow enough to make a decent knife out of this already finished "Gamemaster" without having to toss the whole thing out. What remained, after Jeff's superb customization, was a slightly shorter version (around 4") of the Model #23, with a more "bowie-styled" false edge. Actually it looked like a cross between an "old style" Trout and Bird and a Model #12-6" "Little Bear Bowie"!
Keep in mind that this Randall was made of 1/4" stock! I took one look at it and knew that it was the design I had been looking for! I struck a deal with Gary and my "Stanaback Special" was born! A lot of cool knife designs, as well as other things, come from mistakes. This knife, although not a true mistake, was no exception!! Thanks again to Jeff and Gary and, of course, Bo Randall, for making this superb Randall an exclusive to me. I can't tell you all how well it is received by folks. It just plain "works"!
As for the serial numbers, I only made 100 of these 4" specials with serial numbers, 1-100. All were leather handles and the number was etched next to the trademark. All have been long since sold out and sold for around $225.00. Those were the days, hey guys?
A few years later, when I was allowed to have 2 forgings, the 4 5/8" version was introduced. This knife had/ has the oxblood sheath with an EZE-lap sharpening steel, fitted in a leather tube pouch on the face of the sheath. This model "Stanaback", as well as the original 4" version, are still available today.
I have a serial numbered version of the 4 5/8", the "limited" which is "still available" in limited quantities. The total production of these will be 200, with well over half of them already sold and delivered. These longer specials are etched on the opposite side, a location everyone is more familiar with. They are made up with stainless steel blades, thumb notches, brass single hilt, brass and black spacers, a leather "commando-shaped" handle, and a brass butt cap, which is radiused.

I would like to thank everyone on the form for participating in these “knife of the week threads” it has been a huge success!!!
So without further a due ladies and Gentlemen may we please see some Stanaback Specials!!!!

OK - I vote for either a Model #23 OR a Stanaback Special (preferably the smaller one)!

Steve has swayed me. I like his idea, a 23 or a Stanaback

Alan,
To save any mental anguish from making that choice..........better get them both!!! That way you can't go wrong.

Wayne

Top dog has a very valid point there!
Walker

The more I’ve pondered moving up in size from a # 8, Old Style to a #23 and/or a Stanaback, the more a #19, Stag, FG, SS, NSH, all red spacers, TN keeps floating around in my conscious/subconscious as THE MOST By GOD Serious hunting knife that has/would/will do every dang whatever you wanted hunting and killing anything anywhere in North America.
IMHO.
IF anybody’s much interested in building a hunting knife.

Hi Duke for the "Most BY God" serious hunting knife I think you are right. I have the stainless, stag with finger grooves and compass that A.G. Rusell sells. I still think a small blade is more handy but described as it is "Most By God Serious Hunting" knife I think you hit the nail squarely on the head, regards, Mike