10-3 Saltwater Fisherman Question

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Apr 19, 2006
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During what time period were the black linen micarta handles used on the 10-3 Saltwater Fisherman? When was the 10-3 first produced? Is there any way to tell approximately when a specific example of this model was made? Thanks in advance.
 
Mid 80's to current; mid 80's; yes...what exactly is it that you want to know?
 
tvranesic,


My wife and I have spent the last four years writing a 250 page reference book on Randall knives...it's at the printer now, and should be available in early August. We are not taking pre-orders at this time.

Paraphrased, the following are quick 'cut n' paste' excerpts from several pages...

'One of the smallest Randall knives produced to date; the 3" blade Model #10-3 was originally introduced in 1984 with standard Model #10 type handles and a Johnson ‘B’ model sheath. Esthetically unappealing and fairly unpopular in its original configuration, the overall design was later changed for the better and within a few years’ time was being delivered with a nicely contoured black Micarta™ handle and pouch style cover sheath.

Standard blade lengths for the Model #10 “Salt Fisherman and Household Utility” knives built prior to the mid 1980's had traditionally been either five or seven inches, and made from 1/8" stock removal 440B stainless steel. These early knives are easily recognized by the use of three brass pins to secure the handle slabs for the longer blade lengths, two pins for the Model #10-3.

A limited run of 4" Model #10’s were made in the late 1980’s as well, using both the traditional blade style, and the new drop point hunter grind. Both old and new style handles were in use on the smaller Model #10’s at this time, but soon the old style handle was discontinued. Duraluminum handles had been discontinued on the Model #10-3 by this time.

By early 1988, a decision had been made to add a ferrule lined lanyard hole to the Model #10 knives, and reduce the number of handle retention pins on all versions accordingly by one. The now single-pin handle for the diminutive Model #10-3 had been redesigned and standardized with the radiused ‘Single Finger Groove’ (SFG) shape by 1989, with the optional drop point hunter blade grind introduced shortly thereafter.

Cataloged for the first time with the release of the new Non-Catalogue insert in 1994 was the small Model #10-3 “Salt Fisherman” knife, now offered in both traditional and drop point blade configurations. Originally made from 440B, by the early 1990’s ATS-34 type stainless steel was in regular use on Model #10 knives

The three inch version of the Model #10 used one handle pin and a lanyard hole on 440B steel knives, with two handle pins and a lanyard hole in use for the ATS-34 versions. ATS-34 stainless steel is now in regular use on many smaller RMK models, but is specifically indicated only on the Model #10 knives...'


Hope that helps,


Shel Wickersham
 
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