Randall's "custom material handle guide" expresses minimum dimensions in a rectangular format. Would a round piece of material (like AI) be acceptable as long as the diameter is at least the longest minimum rectangular dimension, and within the 1/8" tolerance? Thanks.....Ed

Ed,
That is the way most of my musk ox is "shaped" as it stabilizes better. Yes: No problem. Also: Do not forget that is you want handle "shaping" to use the next size larger specs when ordering or cutting your handle material. Hope this helps.
Best, Capt. Chris

To anyone interested in "AI" (Alternative Ivory) to be used as handle material on Randall knives: Please be aware that the shop "will" install "AI" on traditional (CDT) cut down tang knives, but the Randall shop will "not" install it on Model #14, #15, #16, #16, Spl. Fighters or "Fireman's Specials. The full, "exposed" tang knives are limited to micarta, G-3 and G-10 material. In the past certain laminated wooden materials have been used (packawood, etc.) but, according to Valerie (my phone conversation with her today) the shop's policy at present is micartas "only".
Of course, a #14 or #15 ordered in the "CDT" configuration is considered "O.K.", just as a Model #1 or #3, etc. would be. I hope that clears this up. Any questions? Please post them here and I will try and give you...or get for you, the correct answer. (You could fill volumes with what I do not know)...Best, Capt. Chris

Thanks Capt. for a measure of your wisdom. Hope to meet you at Blade '09.....Ed

Captain--is this order doable:

#8-4 Old Style

Stainless Blade (chargeable #1)
Nickel Silver Reduced Hilt (chargeable #2)
Squared Hilt Top
Stag Handle
Red/Metal Spacers (chargeable #3)
Nickle Silver Butt Plate (chargeable #4)
Wrist Thong (chargeable #5)
Waxed Brown Sheath

Thanks,

Doug

Doug,
It all sounded pretty good...until you got to a "reduced" hilt...and then added "squared" top. "That" is not doable.
Best, Capt. Chris

Captain--is that because it adds one additional chargeable option or because a reduced hilt can't have a squared top? Thx.

A reduced hilt is just that: "reduced". If you add the extended size and weight of the much larger squared top the knife would be out of proportion and require an unusually cut piece of hilt material. For "all of the above" the shop will tend to "just say no". "Could" they do it? Sure. I wouldn't take the order as I can't face rejection by Valerie...and I would be facing it, in the case of this knife.
May I ask..."WHY"? Do you simply want something that nobody has ever seen before, or is there some other reason? You can order a nickel silver "single" hilt and have it "squared"...
Best, Capt. Chris

Understood.....just looking for something unique. Thanks for the expertise.