Currently looking to buy Randall Model 18 5.5" (prefer stainless in this case) with NO SAWTEETH.
Prefer smooth handle (without knurling on handle itself).
Please drop me a note if you have a lead or clue where I can locate one of these. Thanks much. alabamafats

Haven't seen one in awhile...

NFS

Man, a long ways back at Benning. Soldier had one. Really had forgotten about it,

Thanks for the great photo. Looks like a nickel silver hilt. That makes something else to want..... A shop email reminded me that the knife is only available with brass hilt. Buxton web site suggests it could take a year to order one with custom features...

I have come to much prefer the 5" (or possibly the 6") user knife. I have had opportunity to carry and use KABARs (RVN). and previously the 6 and 5 inch Jet Pilot survival knife and concluded the 5 and 6 inch blades are more useful in a plan old fashioned useful way.

I think the 5.5" Model 18 is esthetically more pleasing - just my opinion of course.

I want a smooth handle since I can't otherwise cord-wrap the handle in the fashion I have been able to master. The knurling grips the cord of most any style and won't let it pull tight..... (I realize I am mighty pickey, but what the hey! I only get to go around once.

Thanks for the response and great picture. My new goal is to get one someday with nickel silver hilt. Best Regards, alabamafats.

Scott's photo is of the "utmost-in rarity" on #18's. That hilt is stainless!
Hope this helps,
Capt. Chris

That is a rare bird for sure!

This knurled handle wrapped nicely.

Yeah, I've cord-wrapped an 18 with knurled handles too. Sadly I didn't take a pic of it when it was wrapped.

I used black "Micro Cord" from Atwood Rope company. Looked pretty sharp when done right (took a few tries).

The trick is to keep heavy tension on the cord while wrapping. You pack the loops tight while wrapping with a thumbnail or thin hunk of steel, just takes an extra bit of effort since you only have two hands.

Thanks for the input, guys - I continue to learn as I go with such a great resource of knowledge.
Thanks Capt Chris for the stainless reminder. I had just gone through your web site and looked at the Jack Crider collection and learned about the brief production of all stainless Model 18s. (another golden fleece to pursue)
The technique I have used in the past uses a length of paracord under the whole length of the wrapping that you pull tight to secure it in place. I can't pull it against the friction of the cord against the knurling - the knurling seems to hold the paracord tight against itself.
I'll keep trying and keep looking. I've often thought my middle name should be a day late and a dollar short but I will keep on keeping on. Thanks again. I do appreciate your thoughts and suggestions. Best Regards, alabamafats

How about a layer of tape (electrical?)?

Ever dealt with the sticky goo from years-old leftover electrical tape?

eww.

Brakekleen

Yea, a couple of layers would probably make it much easier. In my ODC-ridden life through I was looking for what I thought of as simple purity. (I told you nobody ever said I was smart) -
I have come to the point in my life where I very likely will never get into the field again and really just worry about such things as wrapping a Model 18 handle as an esthetics exercise. So I guess the process (in this case) is as important or more so than the result. I know this is all kind of dumb, but I'm just relaxing and enjoying myself and whether I get the handle wrapped or not someday really won't matter. But - I really do appreciate the suggestion and without a doubt it would work. I know I can get anything done with the back-up knowledge on this forum. Just great! Thank you again, sincerely. alabamafats.

Go to a sports shop & buy an Ektelon racketball replacement grip & simplify your life.
Best,
Capt. Chris

True about the mess from Some tape for sure. Some brands do a bit better. After you get back home safe and sound you will be able to redo all of your handy work.
But yes, there can be some mess associated with it!

Thanks much for the thought and idea. I tried some electician's tape and the knurling seemed to grip through the stretched tape.

All in all, I guess I am trying to operate in an "esthetic" manner (a personal interpretation of course), and adding a layer of sticky tape over the knurling just seemed to make a small sticky problem.

I have ordered a smooth handle model 18 from an ebay seller. It seems to be an earlier version of about 5" blade with large, deep, widely separated sawteeth (the older style, I think, based on pictures).

I'm still looking for a model 18 5" with NO SAWTEETH but no luck yet. The serch and chase is all part of the fun and hobby, I guess so I'll keep on keeping on. Thank again very much for the suggestion and response. Best Regards, alabamafats