Steve,

I figured that could be done as well. Thanks for posting an example. Neat looking knife, for sure, with a comfortable handle. How do you take the handle off with it having a lined thong hole?

Steve,
I was going to mention this knife earlier. I'm glad you brought it back. Thanks. Who did the work? I have a serious need for a craftsman to slot material and plan on making some handles very similar to yours. I'm thinking...Bone Linen Micarta...NASA G-3 and G-10...Ya'll get my drift?
Nice work, Capt. Chris
PS: Gene beal has done ivory scales for me for 2 Astros...Outstanding...CCS

Tom,
I'll bet it's lined from either side...Just a guess.
Good question, Capt. Chris

You're probably correct - each side has its own liner. You're always thinking, Captain.

Sorry, but the picture is not exactly how the knife turned out--I should have explained when I posted it. Fact is, this was a concept picture to show the handle maker what I was looking for. The actual finished product is slightly different, and the thong hole is not there. I was away from home for a while, and didn't have the picture of the final knife when I posted. I'm trying to post the picture now.

[note to Capt. Stanaback: The handle work was difficult enough that the maker said he wouldn't do another one, and asked not to be identified.]

ASTRO MODIFICATION

As you can see, the tang of the Astro was too long to fit the standard-size slotted block I got from Treeman, so it had to remain showing beyond the handle. I have debated drilling the protruding tang to fit a thong, but do not want to do anything that might be considered a change by Gary and the Shop.
(In the picture I cleverly(?) laid the thong over the exposed tang, and probably shouldn't have.)

Looks like Ebay has a "Mint" Brown Micarta, tool steel 17 for sale...$2495.
Seller's out of Orlando.
Nice Old Knife...waaaay too rich for my taste.
Assuming it's tool steel since it is not stamped "S".

This one's been hangin' around. Ivory has to be fitted for each individual knife...just like a Colt SA Army!
Enjoy: Capt. Chris

Nice looking knife, Captain.

Consider using these instead of plain straight-slot screws:
http://www.coastfab.com/images/pdf/2010/bolts_nas1102.pdf
They would add an exotic look to a very fine knife.

Regards, Neil Tucson, AZ

Feb 20th....John Glenns' 50th Space Flight Anniversary

Feb 20th, 1962

Also the anniversary of the first Spaceknife qualified to fly in a mission by Nasa.

Both an accomplishment never to be forgotten.

Especially John Glenns'.

But the Randall 17 remains a piece of history we mere mortals can own and wonder about.