As did the young parachute rigger and reserve packer whose talents I preferred, who later became a battalion intel NCOIC, then company First Shirt. He too favoured the Randall *Attack* 14, which I believe was also the pattern used as the starting point for Randall's *Astronaut* knives.
I've always preferred the Gurkha kukri or khukuri for about the same weight penalty meself, though I sometimes hedged my bets with a Fairbairn commando knife. Back in the days, Randall offered a pretty good deal on Fairbairns, which I mostly picked up from former serving Brits who liked trading for US GI carbine bayonets. But Randall offered Fairbairn sheaths for something like $4.95 each, which I jumped on. Anyone who tells you there's only two things wrong with the Fairbairn, the handle and the blade, has never had to live with that lousy Brit issue scabbard for the things.
Used an abused it serves me well to this day. Still holds a razor edge. On my 8th replacement sheath.
The sharper the knife, the more they tear up sheaths. Sawback edges are the worst.
Should be the last I need as we’re both near retirement. ..... just going to hunt and fish .... :o)
Yeah. Me too. I hope.
Unless, of course, Travis is right.