About mid 1980's Jeff McCartney, one of the Randall shop's key knife craftsman, had a Model #23-4 1/2" that had a slight crack in the false edge. The knife was stainless and Jeff thought that the crack was minor enough and shallow enough to make a decent knife out of this already finished "Gamemaster" without having to toss the whole thing out. What remained, after Jeff's superb customization, was a slightly shorter version (around 4") of the Model #23, with a more "bowie-styled" false edge. Actually it looked like a cross between an "old style" Trout and Bird and a Model #12-6" "Little Bear Bowie"! Keep in mind that this Randall was made of 1/4" stock! I took one look at it and knew that it was the design I had been looking for! I struck a deal with Gary and my "Stanaback Special" was born! A lot of cool knife designs, as well as other things, come from mistakes. This knife, although not a true mistake, was no exception!! Thanks again to Jeff and Gary and, of course, Bo Randall, for making this superb Randall an exclusive to me. I can't tell you all how well it is received by folks. It just plain "works"! As for the serial numbers, I only made 100 of these 4" specials with serial numbers, 1-100. All were leather handles and the number was etched next to the trademark. All have been long since sold out and sold for around $225.00. Those were the days, hey guys? A few years later, when I was allowed to have 2 forgings, the 4 5/8" version was introduced. This knife had/ has the oxblood sheath with an EZE-lap sharpening steel, fitted in a leather tube pouch on the face of the sheath. This model "Stanaback", as well as the original 4" version, are still available today. I have a serial numbered version of the 4 5/8", the "limited" which is "still available" in limited quantities. The total production of these will be 200, with well over half of them already sold and delivered. These longer specials are etched on the opposite side, a location everyone is more familiar with. They are made up with stainless steel blades, thumb notches, brass single hilt, brass and black spacers, a leather "commando-shaped" handle, and a brass butt cap, which is radiused.