Fellas,
I learned many things in Ranger School, and later when in 2d Bn. One key lesson regarding equipment was always endeavor to use the best. Ergo when I was a Butter Bar I invested in both a Rolex and a #14 Randall- each a half months pay back then. Neither for "Bling" but rather simply that they always worked.
That was early '76 and I still use both today.
OP wanted stories/advice; I will only say in three years/deployments to the mountains on the Af/PAk border the #14 saved my life twice. Nothing dramatic other than those Pashtun Hillbillies have deep respect for beards and blades.
As to advice, while the #14 has served me well all these years, I would agree with GW and Dave and go with a #1.
