[crutchtip]

This is in response to your prior post:

Originally Posted by Jacknola

There are three discussions: in this line:

(1) Gen Hal Moore?s Randall and its fate; (

(2) Col Compton?s early fighter and his relationship with Bo Randall;

]3) the argument about Zach vs X knife.

Regarding #3, I won't mince words. I don?t know if I am ?smart enough to stay out of? anything. I don?t consider myself knowledgable about WWII early fighters. However, I believe I have proved that open mind, sharp-eyed analysis, experience in technical investigations, can add a perspective about many Randall age-issues without the observer regarding himself as an "expert."

I presume the reference about the observer regarding himself as an "expert" is directed to me. Well, that would be nice, and I am probably considered an expert by some. Regardless of your perception or what you choose to think, I am the first one to accept any other perspective as long as it is presented well.

Originally Posted by Jacknola

On this site we have a lot more discussions and sharing of information about historical Randalls than elsewhere. It has been rewarding and very productive? I believe it created understanding about many things never before addressed by RMK collectors:

- Heiser-Johnson sheaths,
- Blade stamps,
- Escutcheon plate chronology,
- Coulee cap/ flanged butt cap chronology,
- Model 14 Viet era numbers & etching and teeth, guard shapes, overlay of Solingen/Orlando teeth/standard model etc,
- Delrin,
- White Tenite,
- Vintage Bowie characteristics,

We have had these discussions without significant conflict, just cooperation. Joe, you are welcome to help us and obviously have a lot to offer ... IF ... you could just find a way not to be combative about your positions.

This is Ron's first statement after I declared the stag knife a Commando -

Originally Posted by BoBlade

your claim is ridiculous. It's put up or shut up time, Joe."

The second -

Originally Posted by BoBlade

"You refer to your memory of a conversation with Bob stating that there were no double hilt fighting knives made before the Zacharias (After he went through every entry in Bo's journal from 1940 through the 1st half of 1942?). That's not in the book, Joe! I dispute that claim of yours."

In the second not only do I have a failing memory, but I am a liar also.

Hmmm, who is combative?

Originally Posted by Jacknola

takes place in a vacuum. You single-handedly waged a scorched earth campaign over the Heiser-Johnson sheath issue elsewhere. Yet today, most of the vintage collectors have adopted the sheath theses presented by me and Ron, including Gary Clintion etc. I believe if you reflect you will acknowledge you are using tenants of our theses in your authentications.

I am not going to revisit that sheath debacle Jack, and I am not using any tenants from anyone. There were no new "discoveries" there, no new information. I have stated that countless times and even said so in one of my essays well PRIOR to any of that mess.

Originally Posted by Jacknola

during the discussion on the other board, to support your public contra-position, you posted no arguments, no documented analysis, no examples with a discussion explaining your position. I only saw some random pictures of sheaths that you declared X or Y unfortunately accompanied with a lot of personally directed comments. One result of that scorched earth campaign was the banning of a number of people from that site. Another is some long-lasting residual resentment ... especially about the way it was personalized. That has probably carried over into this issue. Yet all the ill-will could have been avoided by a simple respectful ?I disagree??

Well, well. I beg to differ, and did I get a respectful "I disagree from any of your camp? Nope. It is a two way street.

Your recollection of my posts Jack are 110% incorrect. I supplied photographic evidence of everything. Even Gary Clinton's knives photo that was used show the difference between HKL and Johnson was clear, but nobody wanted to pay attention. It was more important to prove yourself right or someone else wrong. Not unlike Ron has responded to me in this thread.

I had no part in you or anyone else getting banned from the site. I don't own it, am not a moderator, not involved in any way, only a participant like everyone else. You should look in the mirror, did that to yourself Jack. FYI, I have lobbied a couple of times to get folks reinstated to no avail. Not my decision. Perhaps you could petition to get back on if you were so inclined. I would love this thread minus the bull#### to be posted over there. Like I said, it is one of the best threads I have seen in a long time.

I would enjoy your participation in our lines of discovery here. But I would not enjoy logging on and reading collective abuse....I hate that. I will add that Ron habitually presents his considerable knowledge and expertise in collaborative ways, which is why we were able to progress the sheath discovery step by step on this site (wouldn't have happened elsewhere). But I suspect he is carrying the unnecessary scars from what happened on the other site, as am I.

Not gonna beat a dead horse but I have no idea what "sheath discovery" you are speaking of.

I believe the tone of our discussions in the future can be healthy and hope you reflect on this heartfelt set of comments. It would probably help if we all review our comments before hitting "post." And I am probably "not smart enough to stay out" of a fight ... but why is a fight over intellectual judgement necessary?

I never wanted to argue with anyone. You read Ron's comments, and I said nothing to that effect. I didnt' question his intelligence or honesty because he thought differently. Yet, I was not afforded the same courtesy. I simply stated the knife was the earliest example of a Commando I have seen and more than likely the only extant example. BOOM! I am the butt head, I am stupid, dishonest, etc.

Peace and prosperity, live long and prosper.

(2) Col Compton?s knife: I have been asked to turn the entire line about Gen Moore/Col Compton and the search for truth about Hal Moore?s Randall into a published article. Of course that would be with permission from Steve and Dave Moore. If I do write this mystery up, I would want to discuss Col. Compton?s knife in a bit more detail. It seems to be a little unique and an early example. I would love to hear more opinions about it while I find out when he was stationed in Florida? if at all.

(3) Regarding the Westmoreland presentation knife to Col. Moore... I will make a separate post.

Ciao and peace.[/QUOTE]

This is a worthy endeavor for sure. If I can help I would be happy to discuss it and I would like to find a way to get this on the other forum.