Folks,
We have got some really good discussion going, concerning this Randall "hunter" that "we" are building. We are going to decide upon a blade fairly soon, followed by our choice of handle material. One of the next logical steps is to decide upon the handle "shape"! This may not even come into play if a Model #25,3 piece handle option is our final choice, but it certainly needs to be adressed.
Speaking of the Model #25 "Trapper"- style handle, i.e. leather/ stag/ leather, remember that this in only available on 4 models. For all of the other models, there are a lot more handle options, as well as shapes.
Here is a list:
A) Standard handle ( fairly straight, but with a slight flare towards the but end of the knife and usualy with a slight drop from the hilt)
B) Border Patrol handle
C) Single finger grip ( also known as a "Griffin" handle, named for my friend, Dave Griffin)
D) Commando-shaped handle
E) Concaved-shaped handle
F) Finger grips, either right or left-handed (not available on 3/16" stock knives)
G) Model #22 style handle (a slightly different option from a border patrol handle)
H) Flat sides ( I call em' "slab side") handles are standard in their configuration, but both sides are "flat". You can oserve this handle first hand on a "Cattleman".
K) Finger grips, underneath, or #14-style. On traditional cut down tang knives these finger grips are not as prodominant, nor "pointy" as on a model #14, but they give a person the option of an ambidextrous grip!
L) Teardrop handle is slightly larger at the but and swoops downward, with relation to the hilt. It is only available on a few 3/16" stock models at present.
That's about it: If I have forgotten something, someone please inform me. As I have said, my memory ain't what it used to be. Some of these "shapes" can be used in conjunction with one another. A good example of this gets ordered a lot, usually at my suggestion, on my "Stanaback Specials". It is "slab-sides/ finger grips/ #14 style! I am not promoting my dealer special here, but that combination can probably be found somewhere and viewed, either off the internet or out of someone's photo collection. I have made this handle option up on Combat Companions, Model #5's. Model #3's, etc., as well, but not as often.
Just a little more food for thought as ya'll decide on this handle. Best, Captain Chris Stanaback

If Stag, I would opt for the slab side. Undecided about fingergrips..I guess that would depend on the blade shape.. Anyway, I say "slab it!" :D

Never had one... Heck never even felt one, but I am thinking shallow fingergrips on stag would be great... Grippiness (that a word?) is what we are after on a true field working knife...


I still love watching Marc's spider crush itself... :lol

Give me a Mod #22 handle in micarta.
But for stag, which appears to be the material of choice, I'll take right hand finger grips. (It's also a good cover when the stag isn't up to snuff.)

I would like to see this knife have a stag handle with right-handed finger grips.

Moosehead

I have right hand fingergrips on a #4-4 now, and Really like it. I would go with right hand fingergrips, since I will using the "new" knife somewday! LOL!

Scott--You would like them!

Kent

Figer grips are extremely popular among the "users". I have quite a few with finger grips. Other styles of handles still work very well. A Model #22 style or Border Patrol-style "fit" everyone real well. I liken the feel to a fine "palm-swelled- pistol grip on a fine rifle. The rifle would feel good without it, but feels "great" with it!
Ya'll need to remember that finger grips of any kind are not available on 3/16" stock knives at this time. If you want a handle with finger rgips, make sure we all vote to put it on the right blade. Best for now, Captain Chris Stanaback

Cap, I see that we are really starting to narrow down our present and future choices because of previous choices but, I sure don't mind where this is headed. Stag fingergrips for me too.

Seussbrother :rolleyes:

I love stag, the gnarlier the better. I also like fingergrips in stag, but NOT if the piece of stag is beautiful and gnarly for two reasons:
1. I think fingergrips ruin the ethetics of a beautiful piece of stag.
2. Fingergrips are just that: fingergrips. If you have a gnarly enough piece of stag you don't need any better traction.

Cap'n:

Once the knife is defined (and assuming the handle of choice is stag), can you advise the dimensions of the section required? I've seen some beautiful stag offered at Blade and I think it would be nice if we knew what the piece of stag looked like going in. I can buy a few pieces and then post photos of them so we can get input and hopefully a consensus.

Ron

Hi Ron!

In theory I would tend to agree with you about the finger grips ruining a superb, gnarly piece of stag. However, after examining four Randalls which have great stag and finger grips, I realize that the handles all have beautiful, creamy coloured contours which actually enhance the look. (Check the photos I posted on the Randall Gallery and the handle the "hardware" threads of my #5-6 and #23-4.5)

I do agree of course, that gnarly stag does make for a pretty sure grip, and I also love just pure, untouched stag.

Also, your idea of picking up some outstanding stag at the Blade Show is a good one!

David

Ron and Moose,
Picking out some hand-select stag may seem like a good idea, but the original intent was to make this offering from Randall "shop" products. I plan on ordering 2 of these knives made up, upon completion of this "weeding"-out process. I am sure that, by doing this, we will be able to see a fine example of the shop's work and the quality of their products. Besides: Last year at "Blade" I was dissapointed with the stag selection, and I got there "early".
Nice to see a debate brewing between the moderators about certain aspects of these threads and their opinions. I'm quite familiar with moderator debates: glad I'm not in on this one. We are getting a little closer to realizing what this "hunter" is going to look like, but we still have a ways to go.

Best, Captain Chris Stanaback

Moosebreath:

Granted those handles you posted pics of are great, but without seeing that same piece of stag without fingergrips it's tough to make a comparison. I have no problem with whatever the consensus is on fingergrips or no fingergrips. It's just that we have two different opinions which is a natural state of affairs. "Viva le difference" :D

Cap:

I think we want this knife to be the nicest looking (in addition to the most functional) possible. Unless you have some influence in which piece of stag the shop uses, I don't think we should leave anything to "chance" (Of course my opinion). I don't think it will hurt to look at Blade or come up with a nice piece of stag some other way. In these kind of discussions I don't see myself or Moose as a "moderators". We're first and foremost "regular guys".

Best,

Ron

I just took a couple of quick pictures so that everyone could see that the shop still has some nice stag available. I received this Model 19 late yesterday afternoon in the mail from Captain Chris. The stag was shop supplied.

Wayne

Second photo

Now that is one nice piece of stag Wayne

I personally would prefer no fingergrips but with a compass in the butt

Agreed: That is a fabulous piece of stag!

I have had a few knives pass through my hands recently that came with shop supplied stag and all without exception were very nice

I really like the gnarly stag, but for me, I'd rather have the compass in the handle of the knife. Each to his own though Rob! :lol

Seussbrother

I suggested that Crimson Tide post photos of that "Bushmaster", as it was a very nice example of a shop knife. I did not think far enough ahead to realize it would "tie in" to this epic series of threads and posts, however. I am glad that it did. I feel that most of the shop's stag pieces are hand-picked with enough care to give a good account for themselves. By making more than one we will most-assuredly stand to make a "keeper", maybe 2!!
That may bring up an interesting question: What happens to the "other" Randall? Fair question, but: Not to worry. I am sure it will not be lonely hangin' around all of my other "users". Oh, come on....Don't cry too loud! Somebody has to take one of these out and really, actually, matter of factly "USE" it!
Keep up the discussions: I think it's all good. Best, Captain Chris Stanaback