US Randal M18 Attack Knife

By Crusader1307

Many different Combat Knives were used during The Vietnam War of the 1960s. Each Military Branch had it’s own issued  (and non-issued) versions. One such, was The Randall Model 18 Attack Knife. Used almost exclusively by the Covert Military Organization known as MACV-SOG (Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Special Operations Group), these were Soldiers and Civilians associated with The Central Intelligence Agency). Assigned with Special Operations duties throughout Vietnam, their methods  (while effective), were highly controversial. Members of MACV-SOG often carried non-traditional weapons. One such was their Randall Model 18 Knife. Designed after traditional Hunting and Sports Knives, it wad a single-edged blade – 7.5-inches long. A drop point blade with excellent hand balance, the Randal blade was slightly curved. The unusual handle of The Randall, was composed of small circular rings, composed of hardened epoxy (plastic compound). This gave it remarkable body strength. The Randall was normally carried in a plain all-leather scabbard, although it was also worn strapped upside down on Load Bearing Equipment for “Quick Draw” release. The handle also supported it’s own Sharpening Stone. Some Randall Knives were serrated. They were heavy, at close to 1-pound. Some Randall Knives did make their way into Regular Infantry Units as well as other Special Operations Forces (The Green Berets and Navy SEALs). Versions of The Model 18 are still manufactured.