The brown micarta handles found on full-tang Randall made knives during the mid-1960s have brought special attention to the models 14-15-16&17. At the time of this writing (2004) brown micarta full tang knives are rivaling green tenite in price and demand and there are fewer of them to go around.
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Misinformation notwithstanding, identifying and classifying these Vietnam era full tang knives is not difficult, but due to this handle material being a part of the "micarta transition," some explanation may be appreciated. The photo inserted here is typical of full tang handled brown micarta. Note the color and texture-like wood grain. Brown micarta (BM) was introduced as a replacement for the unstable tenite that predated it (1954-1964). The longevity of this reddish-brown, wood grained appearing material was limited by the eventual, permanent adoption of a black variety which was marbled in look and varied in tone (black with brown highlights). The short-lived reign of true brown micarta was probably less than 2 years and coincided with a number of handle changes which should be noted. |
The first configuration is the drilled tang that extends beyond the handle itself and creates a 1" protrusion capable of being used as a striking object as well as a location for attaching a wrist thong; a standard feature on RMK. This extended tang, which was introduced on the proto-type knives during the mid 1950s USMC equipment board tests, was handled in green tenite. (Note that there is a white variant). Examples are known of extended tangs with brown micarta handles as well, which should serve to pinpoint a time line for replacement material, but the tenite period didn't end with the extended tang, although BM began with it.
The original tenites* and subsequent brown micarta handles were bolted in place using two screws. This then is the first variation of the BM full tangs, with two screws visible in the handle. Following this and in conjunction with further attempts to stabilize tenite from warping, epoxy was introduced and the use of two screws continued on BM handles.
The screw holes were
filled with micarta dust in order to hide them and to approximate the tone
of the micarta: at this point the tang no longer extended beyond the handle.
This innovation can be seen in production where tenite, brown micatra and
black micarta were all used on the handles of full tang models (the tenites
not being drilled for a screw, merely epoxied.)
*Prototype models utilized 3
bolts.
One screw followed when two were considered unnecessary. The locations of the single filled holes vary from center to just in front or rear of center. See Randall Military Models, page 157. Placement appears to have been random. The term transition has greater meaning as well as graduated effect when we consider these modifications. As the extended tang was phased out so were the visible handle screws. When epoxy proved to be effective, the use of screws was discontinued. Since BM was still in use, we have examples of handles without any (filled) screw holes. See Randall Military Models, page 87.
As we recap the BM era, we can identify models 14, 15 & 16, with first two bolts and an extended tang, followed by two and then one filled screw hole in the handle and no extended tang and then finally by an epoxied handle with no visible screw holes.
Take note of these exceptions: The model #17 "Astro" retained use of bolts without epoxy, due to its unique storage cavity under the slabs (which required their removal). See Randall Military Models, page 99. In the case of the model #16 diver and due to comparably limited production during this period, examples of this progression are limited. See Randall Military Models, pages 160-161. Noting the design changes in the handle shape as well as the method of attachment and the use of at least two different tenite materials and brown micarta as well as black micarta, serves to summarize the variations during this active period of transition.
During this time we can also identify with the increased use of stainless steel, necessitating the eventual stamping on the blade. Examples of double struck "SS" stamps on extended tang knives are virtually non existent. This marking does appear on epoxied handled knives however; as the author has a Diver so stamped (See Randall Fighting Knives, page 147), and lends credence to support the concurrent use of various handle materials supposition.
Following the double "SS" stamp came the low "S" which was struck on the base of the ricasso. This mark has been observed on at least one full tang BM with Orlando blade, but not an extended tang tenite of any type that I am aware of. The separate "S" followed a short time later and with the possible exception of an early etched blade, will not be found on a brown micarta handled full tang knife.
Saw teeth were originally cut into the blades of model #18 "Attack-Survival" knives and not offered as a customer option on other full tang knives until after the brown micarta period. Depicted in Randall Fighting Knives, page 143 is an interesting exception on a circa 1963 knife.
Black micarta handled knives, which were creeping in at the end of the transition period, show few if any of these design or style changes. There were no extended tangs handled with this material, no "SS" stamps and very few low "S" marks. It should be pointed out here again, that the early black variety was not uniformly black. In fact we see examples with a black-brown marbling pattern. THIS IS NOT BROWN MICARTA. Coming to understand and distinguish between this variant of black micarta and the brown variety that preceded it is an essential step for the collector. In spite of the information that is out there, confusion still exists over this distinction.
That BM is an easily recognizable, reliably identifiable material that highlights the micarta transition period has been noted. Further, production falls far short of black micarta, indicating scarcity. Factor in the war in Southeast Asia and we have heightened collector appeal.
There's more. Brown micarta handled full tang knives, although sheathed only by Johnson, can carry the brown button as well as the steel snap. Phased out perhaps by the end of 1963, this style of snap appeared on the early brown handled knives. See RFK, page 143.
Collectors look for differences no matter how small, in order to distinguish between variations in type. We have laid out some of the most obvious in this commentary. But regardless of the individual distinctions, all true brown micarta handled knives of mid 1960 have secured a high place in the eyes of the randallcollector(.com).
