Randell Model 15 Airman Knife. 10” in length with a 5 3/8” blade. Circa 1964-65. It has a heavy brass oblong hilt, and black micarta handle, which is epoxied onto the ¼” wide by 7/8” deep tang. This knife was designed by Randell Made Knives in cooperation with the U.S. Marine Corps Equipment Board to create an almost in-destructible “all purpose knife”. It was specifically designed for aircrew survival and combat purposes. This example was owned by an Army Infantry Officer, who carried it in Vietnam during his tour there from 1967-68. This example was made in around 1964-65. Randell started using stainless steel in 1963, and the blades forged during 1964-65 have an “S” stamped into the blade next to the Randell Made logo. It is suggested by RMK collectors that RMK blades were marked this way from 1965 through 1968, and into 1969. The logo, with the “O” or Orlando directly under the “R” of Randell, is the logo variation used in this period. It is interesting to note that this early example does not have a brass ferrule through the hole for a wrist thong at the butt, as later and current Model 15’s do. The condition of this 1960’s AIRMAN is excellent. There are two “cat whisker” scratches on the black micarta handle near the pommel hole on the logo side. They are slight. There is very slight roughness to the first finger ridge from the pommel. I note these minor condition descriptions to be accurate and to note signs of use. The brass hilt has some age tarnished patina and evidence of verdigris from years of un-used storage. The back blade has a pretty good edge. The blade edge is not sharp, and has no nicks. The leather sheath is a rough back variation, which was made by Johnson Leather for RMK from the early 1960’s through 1982. They incorporated the improved harness snap, with a smooth chrome top, around 1964, as seen on this sheath. This smooth chrome snap cover continued in use on future sheaths made for Randell. The sheath also has evidence of verdigris at the snaps and where the knife hilt lay under the securing strap. The stone is a later replacement. It is a white “Bear” Brand SP-13 Stone, used by RMK circa 1973. There are two spots of verdigris on the stone from the snap back on the stone compartment. Please note the verdigris has been removed from the knife, sheath and stone. It is caused by a reaction of the chemicals used to tan the leather, with the brass and metal snaps. The evidence remains. It represents as a green/blue waxy deposit. Randell Made Knives are beautifully made and finished; heavy and hand forged. They are highly collected and current Randell knife orders are often “back-ordered” for years. This example is in near excellent condition. In addition it has great Vietnam-use history, carried by an Infantry Officer in combat engagements. Included with the knife are a copy of a letter to me from the original owner explaining the knife’s history with him, and a copy of the Award of Silver Star General Order the owner was awarded for his actions in Vietnam while he carried this knife. The award details are chilling. This is a great knife with great Vietnam-used history. Price: $850.00 (ref. B-811)