They are due a Vantage. Perhaps a small Vantage with a tan micarta handle. (Not magnacut...no need to hike the price $50.)
Also...
112 thin with ebony scales, brass or nickel bolsters, pocket clip, and either 440 or S30v (not magnacut).
Range Pro with tan micarta scales and 154CM (not magnacut).
Stockman with granadillo scales.
500 Duke with axis lock.
Large Saunter with either tan micarta or ebony scales (w/ an optional deep carry pocket clip?).
Spitfire (either size) if they re-design the scales to pair with the Range pocket clip(s). 440 or S30v (not magnacut).
[No cerakote on any of the above.]
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I like the way you think!
From an engineering standpoint, is a traditionally constructed 500 with a crossbar lock feasible, or does it have to be take-apart construction? Would the lock bar be far enough rearward to necessitate inletting of the wood scales, or be wholly in the bolster - or breaking across the line? The 500 is the original slim Ranger - they are almost the exact same size, just different blade and handle profiles. This evening I’ll lay out a 500, 112, and Range beside each other. An axis lock Duke would be great.
That said, I think the most likely from your list - and at the top of mine - is a Micarta Range. A few months ago I would have been adamant about 420HC or 154CM over Magnacut, but since I’ve been carrying and using my Range Pro with the Magnacut blade swap, I’m warming up to it. Did I say that out loud? If I were to formally and officially ever state that I like ANY Vanadium carbide powder metallurgy steel, I’ll have a lot of crow to eat. LOL!
I would love the idea of the slim Ranger, but they didn’t make the clip on the slim 110 reversible for Southpaws, and it would take a LOT to kick my 5160 oak 112 out of my pocket, so the Micarta Range is still at the top of my wish list. Tan or a darker brown, and canvas or burlap, please. Nothing wrong with blue denim or linen, though!
