5 carbon blade 17's can't be correct. I've owned two and still have one with black scales.

Here's a Mdl 17 I just got. It came with the Black Type "C" sheath.

Here's a better look at the overall profile, which I suspect is almost a Randall trademark by now.
Any ideas how many 17's were made and how popular they may be?
I'll bet they don't come close to many other Randall releases.
Nice mid-sized knife that's built like a tank and can probably chop/cut through almost anything.

I've wondered why RMK doesn't offer the Model 17 style handle on all the full tang models. The virtually useless channel cut in the tang could be eliminated and the handle slabs wouldn't need hollowed out, either. As a chargeable option, it would increase their profits because every RMK 'accumulator' worth their salt would need several knives with this option!
Any thoughts on this?

I would like to see one of these with the handle scales removed.

useless channel cut?

I was referring to the storage compartment in the tang of the Mod. 17. On page 178 of Bob Gaddis' book you can see it. (The catalog calls it a slot.)

It remains a clever idea but not terribly practical in the 21st century.

"Not terribly practical" sounds much more accurate than "useless". If you have read Bob's book or any of the history of the "Astro" you would/should know it was designed more for the 1960's space program (particularly..."Water Landings"...You know? "Spashdowns") and the possible "problems" that one might encounter. Hell: They issued gold coins and a S&W "Air Crewman" also. Probably not as "terribly practical" as a "Glock" today...but not "useless" either. Small fish hooks, line, split-shots, etc, could be stored in that tiny storage compartment, along with other things. With a small amount of imagination that small compartment could go from "useless" to life-saving in an armadillo heartbeat!!...Just sayin'
Best, Capt. Chris

The original 17's came with a screw loosener attached to the wrist thong. Any idea when RMK ceased providing these?
How popular is the Astro in terms of units produced annually?

'Virtually useless' was a poor choice of words--my bad!

I think the "4-way" screwdriver (ala...the one that used to come in the Colt flat boxes) are still available. One of these attached to the wrist thong would prove quite an asset...not "just" for turnin' the screws on the Astro handle, but for a cornucopia (How's that for a Thanksgiving segue?) of other things!
As far as numbers? I know the #17 is low in production numbers, but I can only tell ya' "my" numbers. I get about 6-8 per year...not many.
Best, Capt. Chris

I found a picture of an original Astro where the screwdriver was clearly shown, and made a copy of it out of brass. (I used brass not because it is easy to shape, but because it would not harm the machine screws holding the scales on the tang.) It works well; I filed the blade area so it would fit exactly into the screw slots. I'd be concerned that I would harm the screws with a steel screwdriver. Here's a picture...