Model 10-3 with a drop point ?

[loosenock]

I recently picked up this Model 10-3 at a gun show at a bargain basement price. The knife appears mint in all aspects. The sheath show minor handling wear. After I thought about it for a while (and thinking bargains are really rare) I wondered if this knife might have been redesigned by some shadetree bladesmith and thats why I got it so cheap. The Model 10-3's I have seen on ebay all have straight points. Did/does Randall offer this knife with a drop point? If it is a discontinued model about when was it no longer offered?

Any knowledge that could be shared will be very appreciated.

Thanks

Joe

 

[Melvin-Purvis]

The #10-3 appears to have been released in two different blade grinds, and yours appears to be one of them...so, no worries there.

The 'altered' RMK's seem to be the 'high-end' models running in excess of the $2000 price range.

Speaking of price, what is a "bargain basement price" on a RMK #10-3 these days anyway?

Mel

 

[loosenock]

Thanks Melvin, I feel better now that I got a genuine bargain. A bargain Model 10-3 will go fo $50.00.

Joe

 

[bruce]

The drop point 10-3 was featured as a "non-catalog" model until the last catalog printing. Now it appears in the Randall catalog on page #9. The one I had sported maroon micarta handle scales and had an ATS34 blade (signified by two handle pins plus the thong hole). Your knife has a single handle pin so indicates a knife blade made of 440B steel. I gathered this info from Pete Hamilton, the now retired shop foreman a few years ago when I visited the shop/museum.

I really like the design and would like it better if it had another half inch of handle!

Bruce Woodbury

 

[loosenock]

Thanks Bruce,

When I first picked the knife up I thought it was a little short too. After holding it for a while I found the the edge on mine is not sharpened for almost an inch in front of the handle. This will allow you to choke up on the blade by placing your middle finger in the finger notch, forefinger under the unsharpened blade and thumb on the notches on top the blade. This makes for a very comfortable and sturdy hold. I like the size, I can carry the knife in the sheath in my right front pocket on my levis, handle up, along the back (side) seam. I carried it for a week and never had a discomfort, easy to get at. I would imagine some will gasp at this, but I think I'm going to use this knife as an everyday carry. Its has a legal blade length and just right for everyday tasks.

Joe