Overview
This knife is one of the original 78 prototypes in this configuration and they were deemed the "PROTOTYPE MODEL". Only 25 of which were numbered 1001-1025, and also had the Special Forces Regimental Crest on the handle. These were for some 20th SFG guys at Homestead AFB, but they did not all sell. Charles said that Ron Miller gave him numbers 1018-1025 to sell and that is how he got involved in the project. The other 53 pieces were sterile and were sold by Charles Ochs. Charles Ochs said that less than 4, and maybe only one (this one potentially), were stamped "PAT. PEND." on the frame. This one has that stamp. Reese Weiland hollow ground all the prototype blades by hand.
In 1988 Charles helped come up with the more ergonomic handle design and after the manufacturing was set up by Ron and Reese he was selling about 100 of these a month. Of the 10,000 made from 1988-1995, he has records showing he sold about 8900 of them. When Ron past away in 1995, Charles took over the project.
This knife comes with the email correspondence and pictures of the knife in question from Charles Ochs. It also comes with a copy of Knife Magazine from June of 2022, where there is an article about this knife.
The knife itself has a black hand ground blade by Reese Weiland. The handle has flat black aluminum frame with lanyard hole. It has some scuffs and some minor wear on the edges of the frame, otherwise excellent condition for its age.