I believe that the original owner (Frank Wardell) carved the model blade and sent to Bo Randall to use as a template. The wood model is the exact scale of a Marbles Trail Maker of the same period. (10.25") The Wardell Randall has a 9" blade length. I'm certain Bo would have no desire to make an exact duplicate of another manufacturer's item, and constructed this as a result.
My theory is that this knife precedes the Model 12-9" Sportsman, which made it's debut in 1954. It seems that Bo would have sold the customer a Sportsman instead of making this one.
Also, if the Sportsman was available at the time of this knife being made, it would have fit perfectly in a 12-9" sheath, meaning that it would not have had to go to a Geo. Lawrence for one to be made
.
I'm still doing research with the grandson.....