Lot 137

23rd Infantry Division Vietnam Randall 15 "Airman" Knife

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23rd Infantry Division Vietnam Randall 15 "Airman" Knife

Estimate: $3,500 - $5,500

Starting Bid: $2,500

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
June 27, 2026 5:00 PM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Vietnam Era Randall Model 15 "Airman" Combat Knife Inscribed to Recon Sergeant Dennis M. Martinez of the 23rd Infantry Division with Rough Back Sheath Beginning in World War II, Bo Randall's handmade knives forged a legacy as highly prized combat blades. That legacy was solidified by General James "Slim-Jim" Gavin, the commander of the 82nd Airborne Division during the war, always carrying a Randall. The knives quickly grew in popularity, particularly among airborne and special forces. By the time of the Vietnam War, Randall knives were already an iconic symbol of elite special forces, making them highly sought after by troops in all formations, including General Westmoreland himself who was rarely seen without his Randall while in the field. Much like a Rolex watch, the Randall knife had become an extremely desirable piece of kit, desirable enough that troops were willing to shell out roughly half a month's pay to get their hands on one. This Vietnam era Model 15 is factory inscribed "SGT. Dennis M. Martinez/Recon 3/1, 11th BGD/23rd Inf Div" on the right side of the blade. Originally organized during World War II for the defense of New Caledonia after the attack on Pearl Harbor (and dubbed "Americal Division" as a contraction of "American New Caledonian Division", later given the 23rd Division name), the 23rd was activated in Vietnam in 1967 and participated in a number of battles, most prominently during and after the Tet Offensive. The division was inactivated and the 11th Brigade withdrawn from Vietnam in November 1971. The knife is 10 inches overall with a 5 1/2 inch stainless steel drop point saw back blade, brass guard, finger grooved Micarta grip, and a braided paracord wrist strap. The included brown leather Randall-marked sheath is fitted with paracord thigh cord and retention cord, as well as a honing stone in an on board pouch.

Manufacturer: None

Model: None

Class: Other

  • Condition: The knife is very fine with light sharpening marks, an overall bright appearance to the blade, and minor verdigris on the guard. The sheath is fine with wear and staining appropriate to age and use.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000