Thanks Wally. 1959 sounds good. If Tune hasn’t been able to find one, they probably do not exist prior to that.

If you wade through the "This old Randall" thread & can find my Korean War issue #1 with Kill or Be Killed etched on the blade you'll see the welded/braised lugged hilt.
Hope this helps.

I went through the whole thread, what a display of RMK’s and a kickass 66 corvette. Didn’t see your knife but I am guessing 1952 is the new date.

It's on this page http://www.knifetalkforums.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=27366&page=2

Thank you Eric, we have it locked down pretty tight.

good to see you post jim.

I don't believe that knife is Korean vintage, but later 50's to early 60's as you originally said. The Bowie didn't even come out to 53-54 so lugged hilt wasn't even available during the war. Plus, first showing up in the catalog as available on other models would also seem to preclude it from being available in the early 50's on a model 1.

Model 1-8 mid 50's dandy !

Nice pics GHD

That's a good looking fighter George!

Thank you Michell for all the info you gave me on this piece.