Ron said "Here's a circa 1943 fighter..." I'd just like to clarify that his knife is an 'earrrly' 1943 fighter, as attested to by the thick red spacers, thin aluminum end cap, and bent brass lanyard (thong) loop...as opposed to Cooter's 'late' 1943 fighter with medium red spacers, thicker aluminum end cap, and stainless steel lanyard loop...

There are other differences as well, which I'm sure that the readers here will spot, but those are the most obvious...good score on the sheath too btw Ron, nice lookin' package

In reference to the post above differentiating between an early 43 fighter and a "late" 43 fighter, I would not go as far as to say that steel wrist thong link fighter is late 43. The brass thong link was relatively short lived due to several reasons. One, brass was a regulated commodity by the WPO, and therefore not too easy to acquire through normal channels, particulary when you were low in the pecking order as was RMK. It is well known Bo often search junkyards looking for scrap brass or bronze for hilts and such. Secondly, the brass links were soft and tended to collapse with little force.

The steel link replaced the brass link in my estimation during the first half of the year. That is not to say a brass link was not used after a steel link was used, but for all practical purposes, the brass link preceded the steel link.

The following photo is of a reverse quillion 1943 fighter. You will notice the orientation of the brass thong link is pointing opposite of what was standard, towards the edge of the blade. This orientation would facilitate its use on an "edge-up" fighting style, a method of knife fighting Bo was promoting to some degree at the time. I believe this is the only knife/thong link I have seen set up in this fashion.

Another Three Model 1's. Fairly Recent Production.

The Model #1, Grind is one of my favorites. I would like to see a Model 12-9 with a #1 Grind.

Peter, great collection, but the one that grabs me is the 3rd from the left.

Dubie Baxter

Great Knives & Thread,
Here's an interesting old #1-8.
GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS!!!

I would like to thank everyone who has posted. All great knives and information.
Jim,
Any info. on the unusual etching?
Kevin

Dubie,
Thanks for the kind words.That old Randall has some very interesting features.See if anyone can name them.
Kevin,
I have no provenance on the knife,wish I did.The etching is probably a reference to Col. Applegates knife fighting book,"Kill or Get Killed".I coveted that knife for a long time until a good friend finally sold it to me.
GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS!!!