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  #1  
Old 03-02-2012, 10:25 PM
medxam medxam is offline
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Post Randall Made Knives

I know that we have had threads on Randall Made Knives before, however, this one is different.

How many of you have a Randall Made Knife that you USE on a regular basis and sharpen when necessary. If they are as good as they are reputed to be, why does no one use them. I will admit that I am not a knife collector, but I get disgusted with so called "great" knives that just don't measure up to my expectations. I am referring to a fix blade knife with a blade length of approximately 5", for general use.

I am well aware of the price of new Randall knives and the fact that the factory price is reasonable, BUT there is a four (4) year wait for delivery. New Randall knives are available from "dealers" that ordered them years ago, but they now want several hundred dollars premium, if you want one now. Used, but not abused Randall's are scarce, but one would fit my needs perfectly.

What do you knife guys and gals think?

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  #2  
Old 03-02-2012, 10:47 PM
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I've seen accounts elsewhere where guys are using them. I suspect used ones are scarce because, like guns, good ones that see use typically aren't sold- it's the safe queens or impulse buys doing nothing guys tend to part with more easily.
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Old 03-02-2012, 10:58 PM
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Mexdam-

Although I have several Randall's which I don't use, simply because I bought them for investments, I do have a couple that I have given hard use under very adverse conditions and they are superior instruments.

For example, when I was deployed to Colombia and living in the jungle, the 100% humidity caused the carbon steel blade of my Model 14 to rust every day, and I cleaned it off with gun oil and steel wool-- the blade held its edge regardless and I routinely used it to pierce metal containers , dig in the dirt, chop vines and brush, and as a pry bar. I really abused it. Today, it hangs in my office and looks (nearly!) as good as new.

I was completely confidant that the Randall would do anything I asked of it ,and having it always with me was a great comfort.


They are so expensive that most are kept in pristine condition, but I can assure you that many Randall's are in daily service around the world!

When my kids were born, I ordered each of them a Trout and Bird model, and they treasure them.

They are worth the wait, and if I were a hunter or outdoorsman, one would live on my belt!

Tim
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Old 03-02-2012, 11:25 PM
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I had around a dozen at one time. Hard times and all but one went by-by. NEVER lost a dime on them and made a good profit on most.
This one I hung on to till a good friend talked me out of it. Later he traded it back as part payment on a '73 Colt's Woodsman. Randy went west on me last March and I've worn it every day since.
It's a #5, 4" stag.
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Old 03-02-2012, 11:36 PM
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I think a Randall will do well by you. I used a Model 3 that I used to own. A whack from the blade spine would kill or stun fish easily, and it was a sturdy knife. You could cut light wood for a fire or make a tent stake with it. It didn't come as sharp as I wanted, though.

The Model 5 with five-inch blade sounds like what you want. Maybe the Model 7 if you want a more curved blade.

If you don't want to spend that kind of money, look at the Fallkniven S-1, which has a similar blade (to the Model 5) of that length. There is also a leather-handled version in their Northern Lights series. I forget what it's called. Just check the specs. www.fallkniven.com The leather-handled Fallkniven models look very Randall-like and are very strong and sharp. They are also available for immediate delivery. Hardly cheap, but less dear than a Randall. But a Randall is better known, and usually easier to sell.

An older Puma knife is also a good option, and you can sometimes find one at a gun show. Try the Outdoor or Model 3589.

A lot of people do use Randalls, and they have always been popular n the military. QC varies, and I'd not buy one sight unseen. Overall, I think the optional stainless blades tend to be better finished. I'd try to get a Micarta handle on a "user."

Go read the topic about Spam. I have a good Randall knife story in a post there.

Oh: if you like the Model 1, but not the dip in the blade spine just ahead of the guard, order the Model 5 instead, with upper quillon on the guard and have them hone the clip.

I think you can use a Randall carefully and still have a useful, valuable investment. I wouldn't use a Loveless or Moran knife, though. Just too valuable.
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Old 03-03-2012, 12:26 AM
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It may be a little know policy of Randall, but, a deployed GI can get a Randall of his choice in 3-4 months!
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  #7  
Old 03-03-2012, 12:30 AM
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The one up in the corner there goes with me whenever a sheath knife is called for. Would and have staked my life on it.
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Old 03-03-2012, 12:37 AM
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Originally Posted by jlrhiner View Post
The one up in the corner there goes with me whenever a sheath knife is called for. Would and have staked my life on it.

What is it? Model 14? Can't see it too well in the avatar.
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  #9  
Old 03-03-2012, 12:41 AM
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For practical daily use, I would suggest you look at Grayman knives.
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Old 03-03-2012, 02:30 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Texas Star View Post
I think a Randall will do well by you. I used a Model 3 that I used to own. A whack from the blade spine would kill or stun fish easily, and it was a sturdy knife. You could cut light wood for a fire or make a tent stake with it. It didn't come as sharp as I wanted, though.

The Model 5 with five-inch blade sounds like what you want. Maybe the Model 7 if you want a more curved blade.

If you don't want to spend that kind of money, look at the Fallkniven S-1, which has a similar blade (to the Model 5) of that length. There is also a leather-handled version in their Northern Lights series. I forget what it's called. Just check the specs. www.fallkniven.com The leather-handled Fallkniven models look very Randall-like and are very strong and sharp. They are also available for immediate delivery. Hardly cheap, but less dear than a Randall. But a Randall is better known, and usually easier to sell.

An older Puma knife is also a good option, and you can sometimes find one at a gun show. Try the Outdoor or Model 3589.

A lot of people do use Randalls, and they have always been popular n the military. QC varies, and I'd not buy one sight unseen. Overall, I think the optional stainless blades tend to be better finished. I'd try to get a Micarta handle on a "user."

Go read the topic about Spam. I have a good Randall knife story in a post there.

Oh: if you like the Model 1, but not the dip in the blade spine just ahead of the guard, order the Model 5 instead, with upper quillon on the guard and have them hone the clip.

I think you can use a Randall carefully and still have a useful, valuable investment. I wouldn't use a Loveless or Moran knife, though. Just too valuable.
Did I hear somebody say Puma? I bought this one years ago at JC Penny for $25. Best knife I have ever owned. Don

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Old 03-03-2012, 03:46 AM
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I have a stainless Trout and Bird, and a carbon steel Model 5 six inch that I have used quite a bit.

In fact I used the Model 5 just this deer season on the 4 pigs, 3 deer, and wild turkey I shot.

I like the way they balance and feel. They hold a good edge and they are easy to sharpen, I use a diamond sharpener.

I bought them to use.
I have gutted, skint, and butchered a lot of game with them.
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  #12  
Old 03-03-2012, 08:54 AM
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I use 4 different Randall knives on a regular basis. I also have some "spares."
Mark
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Old 03-03-2012, 09:04 AM
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I have a Randall with a 4" stainless steel blade that I've used a fair amount.

That thing is tough as nails.
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  #14  
Old 03-03-2012, 10:42 AM
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I just can't see the appeal. I guess that's why they make different stuff.
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Old 03-03-2012, 02:20 PM
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Default Authorized Randall dealers

Some Randall dealers only charge list price.

I have ordered a couple through Gary Clinton. Delivery has been in less than a year, and he only charged list price.

There are others that follow the same policy.
Call the Randall shop and they can point you towards their dealers.
The Randall shop foreman is the one that told me about Clinton.
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Old 03-03-2012, 03:14 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HAWKEYE10 View Post
Did I hear somebody say Puma? I bought this one years ago at JC Penny for $25. Best knife I have ever owned. Don


Oho! A Puma Skinner. Good knife, if you like the blade shape. The stag handle is bland on this one, but I've seen some spectacular Puma antler.

These are good knives, as you've learned. Some Simichrome metal polish and elbow grease might improve the looks of that blade.

Thanks for sharing.
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  #17  
Old 03-04-2012, 06:34 AM
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I don't own a Randal, but I do own a VERY RARE Marbles (Gladstone) Large Stockman Pocket knife made of Carbon steel and wears Factory Stag on its sides. There were supposed to be only 25 made in their custom shop, but supposedly (as the story was told to me) they only actually produced 18 according to the late Bob Young who was a long time Marbles employee.

Anyway, I have carried and used his knife every single day of my life since it arrived more than 12 years ago. These knives are worth quite a bit these days, and I am sure mine is not worth much to a Collector because it has stains on the Carbon Steel Blades, and has handling marks and a few scratches, but I love using this knife - as it is what I bought it for.

From my experience the guys that buy these Randall knives will usually purchase them to look at, but I would think there are still some fellas out there that actually do use 'em! Three cheers for them

Chief38
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  #18  
Old 03-04-2012, 09:01 AM
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I used to have quite a collection mostly on display. I gave the majority away to my children and grandchildren. Sold the rest on ebay. Randall knives are one of the few, if not the only knife maker that still silver solders the hilt to the blade. It means allot to me in Florida. I had more than one knife break in two at the hilt from rust.

I only use a model 3 and model 7 now. Here is a pick of my canoe, outdoor knife. Sharpened the blade down a bit. :-)
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  #19  
Old 03-04-2012, 09:54 AM
J. R. WEEMS J. R. WEEMS is offline
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Thumbs up RANDAL's

This Pathfinder goes with me on every camping trip, or elsewhere.

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Old 03-04-2012, 12:48 PM
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I carried a model 14 on active duty and still have it, I ordered it while on active duty in June of 83 and it arrived in June of 86 exactly 3 years after I ordered it. I have gone through 2 sheaths so far. Not being in the Army now it mostly sits in my dresser drawer but it is still sharp and ready if I need it.
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Old 03-04-2012, 01:09 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BubbaBlades View Post

I use 4 different Randall knives on a regular basis. I also have some "spares."
Mark
Bubba,-- Nice Randall Collection, I can't see them clearly, Are your Model 18's the "All Stainless Steel" Examples? (The hilts look like stainless) Also, that Model 14, or 15 with Pancake Sheath, The CIA used similar ones, Some sterile, some marked. Thanks for sharing.
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Old 03-04-2012, 01:36 PM
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I have two well used Randalls==A Gamemaster and a Bird and Trout. Each has done several deer, elk and wild pigs.

Also a Number One that has seen camping duty as an all-around knife. Several others also.

I first heard of Randalls while in the service in 71-72. I worked an aggressor detail with a SOG guy rotating back. At that time, he said all the spec ops and LRRPs carried them. Later I met an ex-LRRP who brought his back.

Blade magazine had an article on what the guys overseas chose. Most of the elite guys still chose Randalls.


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  #23  
Old 03-04-2012, 03:08 PM
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In 1997, after trying for several years, my brother got me looking at Randall Made Knives. I wanted to get my brother one for Christmas 1997, but at the time it was about a one year wait for a knife from Randall. However, Randall would sometimes have a couple of knives in their counter in Orlando, Florida. I called just before Thanksgiving 1997 and spoke with Pete and ordered a basid Model 15 Airman out of the counter for my brother.

When the Model 15 arrived and I examined it, I was very impressed and called to order myself a basic 5" Model 5 Camp & Trail. I now have twelve Randall Made Knives including my original Model 5. While the others have not been used, I have worn my Model 5 and used it in the field. It has performed great. I once got the leather handle wet and needed to bring it back to life after it dried. I called and spoke to Pete again who told me NOT to use any oil type leather treatment. Rather, he advised that I use natural shoe polish. It worked great. Pete is no longer with Randall Made, but the rest of the guys are great, too.

By the way Nordic Knives in Solvang, California charges about $100 more than the Randall factory for a knife and can have it the way you want in about 6 months. Call Dave at Nordic if you're interested, he's a good guy. (I don't work for Nordic, just a satisfied customer) Nordic Knives - The Leader in Custom Knives - Solvang California

Be sure to check out the Randalls they have in stock, used and new. FWIW
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Old 03-04-2012, 03:44 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Denver Dick View Post
In 1997, after trying for several years, my brother got me looking at Randall Made Knives. I wanted to get my brother one for Christmas 1997, but at the time it was about a one year wait for a knife from Randall. However, Randall would sometimes have a couple of knives in their counter in Orlando, Florida. I called just before Thanksgiving 1997 and spoke with Pete and ordered a basid Model 15 Airman out of the counter for my brother.

When the Model 15 arrived and I examined it, I was very impressed and called to order myself a basic 5" Model 5 Camp & Trail. I now have twelve Randall Made Knives including my original Model 5. While the others have not been used, I have worn my Model 5 and used it in the field. I has performed great. I once got the leather handle wet and needed to bring it back to life after it dried. I called and spoke to Pete again who told me NOT to use any oil type leather treatment. Rather, he advised that I use natural shoe polish. It worked great. Pete is no longer with Randall Made, but the rest of the guys are great, too.

By the way Nordic Knives in Solvang, California charges about $100 more than the Randall factory for a knife and can have it the way you want in about 6 months. Call Dave at Nordic if you're interested, he's a good guy. (I don't work for Nordic, just a satisfied customer) Nordic Knives - The Leader in Custom Knives - Solvang California

Be sure to check out the Randalls they have in stock, used and new. FWIW

Interesting. BTW, I believe that Pete Hamilton died a few years ago.
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Old 03-04-2012, 05:21 PM
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Denver Dick,

Thank you for directing me to Nordic Knives. They can have what I want in six months, rather than four years at a reasonable premium. They also have a knife in stock that I may buy. The only draw back for me is that it is not drilled for a lanyard. If I do purchase it, it will be at least $200.00 cheaper than the flea bay sellers. Nordic's premium on new Randall's is at least $200.00 cheaper than other sources. One has to figure if a six month wait is worth $200.00.

Thanks again,

medxam
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Old 03-04-2012, 05:51 PM
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Interesting. BTW, I believe that Pete Hamilton died a few years ago.
Yeah, I thought I had heard that, but was not sure about it so I left it out of my post. He was a fun guy to speak with. I remember when I asked back in 1998 how come they have some cool models in the counter (they had a 7" Model 1 with S/S blade and black Micarta handle that I ordered), Pete said, "Well, they came down with that Eye-talian disease." I fell for it and asked, "What?" To which he responded, "Yeah, Mia-fund-less."
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Old 03-04-2012, 07:04 PM
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A lot of GI's carried Randall knives while in Viet-Nam. For grins, I just checked eBay. There are over a thousand Randall's on eBay right now, and 2 are listed for over $10,000! Skip48
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Old 03-04-2012, 07:45 PM
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if you want a knife to use look at bark river or blackjack. they are made by the same guy mike stewart
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Old 03-04-2012, 09:17 PM
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I have a number three with a 6 inch blade that survived Hurricane Katrina. it was sent back to Florida and reconditioned at the factory. It is a 70's knife and i use it, which is the intended purpose.
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Old 03-05-2012, 12:51 AM
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In 1962 I had just graduated from Army flight school. I went to a store in Chicago(Abercrombie & Fitch) and bought a Colt Python ($89.75), a browning Hi Power ($87.50) and a Randall #14 ($103.50). Still got em all. The Python needed a refinish after 3 years in the jungle and the BHP got a rework from Novaks in 1980 or so. The Randall is till chopping along. It is a bitch to sharpen well, but I got the hang of it after a few years.
Really interesting part is that this happened in Chicago, of all places a teenager over 18 could walk into a gun store and leave with the guns and ammo like now. Hard to believe........
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Old 03-05-2012, 01:14 AM
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In 1962 I had just graduated from Army flight school. I went to a store in Chicago(Abercrombie & Fitch) and bought a Colt Python ($89.75), a browning Hi Power ($87.50) and a Randall #14 ($103.50). Still got em all. The Python needed a refinish after 3 years in the jungle and the BHP got a rework from Novaks in 1980 or so. The Randall is till chopping along. It is a bitch to sharpen well, but I got the hang of it after a few years.
Really interesting part is that this happened in Chicago, of all places a teenager over 18 could walk into a gun store and leave with the guns and ammo like now. Hard to believe........

I went to A&F in Chicago about 1972 with a college group. We were in town for a journalism convention. The store was magnificent. I loved looking at the guns, many of them quite expensive. And at Zeiss binoculars, although I couldn't afford them for some years. The store was among the most famous of outdoor outfitters, and had equipped many famous expeditions.

It was also the friendliest place I found there. Overall, the Chicago population repelled us. One guy even told an elevator operator that back home, his dog was friendlier than most people in Chicago. Oh: the Playboy Club was fun, and we had an outstanding Bunny, who was very articulate, friendly, and informative. I wrote an article about her and the club for the student newspaper and the Photo Bunny provided good pics.

It's a shame that A&F is now just a clothing store for women, owned by The Limited, I think. The name is all that survives of what was once a fine and worthy institution. I'm glad that I saw it in its heyday.
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Old 03-05-2012, 02:35 AM
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I just have one. Forgot the number but have owned it close to 35 years.

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Old 03-05-2012, 07:35 AM
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What is it? Model 14? Can't see it too well in the avatar.
Sorry TS, out playing. Yes, Model 14, black micarta handle with nickel silver cross guard. Got it about 85 or so, traded a 9mm Beretta for it. (considered myself better armed after the trade)
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Old 03-05-2012, 12:37 PM
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Sorry TS, out playing. Yes, Model 14, black micarta handle with nickel silver cross guard. Got it about 85 or so, traded a 9mm Beretta for it. (considered myself better armed after the trade)

A nickel silver guard makes sense, if less colorful than the usual brass. Might need less polishing.

My Fallkniven NL-2 has a stainless guard, the best of all, I think. I certainly prefer Randall's Micarta option to his leather, especially for humid areas. My NL-2 has a leather handle, which is standard on the NL line, which resembles Randalls. I keep it well polished. www.fallkniven.com

What was the matter with your Beretta? Back then, it wouldn't have had the device to catch a slide that separated and blew off, but that mostly happened with guns shot a lot with high pressure ammo. The latest locking blocks are much more durable than the the early ones, too. I like my M-92FS a lot, and often rely on it for defense.

Anyway, nice avatar! The Model 14 is one of my favorite Randalls. Unfortunately, Texas law limits us to 5.5 inch blades unless on our own land. I have several Pumas with five-inch blades and a Fallkniven S-1, which I think is a superb outdoors knife.

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Old 03-05-2012, 01:35 PM
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I just have one. Forgot the number but have owned it close to 35 years.

[/IMG]
Hey Feral, flip the sheath over, its probably stamped in the back. Often 2 numbers, the first the model and the second the blade length.

I've got a couple around the house. 2 of them travel with us in our picnic pack. They're #6-4 inch individual steak knives. Even steaks taste better with a good knife.

I've got a bad habit of buying them whenever I see one too cheap at a gun show. Back in 1990 I bought a pair of carving sets. We use the carver from our silver service, but I have 2 son and figured they'd be needing wedding presents sometime. Didn't work out so well. A buddy got married a few years later, so I gave them one set. I worked with his wife (I introduced them, go figure, and they still talk to me!) They still say its the best present they received. So last August my neighbor was getting hitched. So I figured maybe they'd like a nice present. They got the other. It was her father who told them what it was and what it was worth. Who cares, its only money.

About 15 or so years ago I went to a tiny gun show down state. Maybe 20 tables, total, and some were taken by the promoter. I walked in and took a quick tour. Nothing! But then up on the stage of the little hall I saw some tables with boxes on them. One of the display boxes had the unmistakable Randall handle peaking out from a bunch of junk. So I asked around who the owner was. Somebody said he went out to breakfast. So I took my time and examined all the stuff on other tables, burning time. Finally an old hillbilly in overalls came in, carrying a McDonalds bag. Food and coffee for everyone. When he got done with his Santa Claus act of feeding everyone I approached him.

I asked if those tables were his, and he said yep. So I asked him about the knife in the one display. He laughed and said "Oh, you must have seen that old Randall." Not a good start, but then he added "I won't take a cent less than $150". OK. I couldn't even identify what model it was, and no sheath. But for that price with a stag handle, it was a gamble worth it. So away I went, back up the road. The next big gunshow I went to I took it along. One of my buddy's specializes in them. He looked at the old knife and asked "you want to triple your money?" Nope, its still with me. Its a different grind than the current Model 8, trout and bird. But thats what it is. A good grind and utility blade.

Someplace along the way I picked up a #4 with a H H Heiser sheath. The experts again date it. They say from the spacers and the Heiser, its a 1949 product. Those guys are even better than our S&W folks about dates. And we've got serial numbers.

And Randall even sold "Kit" knives. You finish it yourself. The one I bought a while back has an ivory handle. The guy was selling it because it had a crack in the ivory, stem to stern. Looked ugly, but a great knife.

So I brought it home and took it to the kitchen sink. It had some dirt in the crack, and I scrubbed with a tooth brush and some detergent. With a little more soaking and scrubbing, it looked pretty clean. So I took it to the dungeon for storage and asked my wife to pick me up some baby oil at the grocery. We both forgot. A few months later I noticed the knife at the back of the safe and remembered. So I again asked my wife to pick some up. About a week later she did and I went to the workshop to try to lube up the ivory. Except I had a problem. In that old house we had some moisture. Nice words for a leaky basement.

When I picked it up, the crack that had been thick enough for a business card to enter has swollen itself shut! What had happened was the prior owner had dehumidified his knives to the point where the ivory dried out and cracked. In a more modest humidity, it had returned to a usable state. Made me happy.

My bang around in the woods knife is a #3 saltwater fisherman, a shortie. Its got a wood handle, and I haven't lost it yet. But then I will never lend it out, either. Even my wife is offended when she asks to use my knife and I stand right with her while she uses it. Once, probably 40 years ago she borrowed my pocket knife for something, then put it down and walked away. Not a big deal to her, it wasn't her knife. We went back and found the knife right where she left it.

One of the rules of life is never loan a knife to anyone. They don't respect it.
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Old 03-05-2012, 04:32 PM
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My one and only. It was used when I bought it and I used it for a while 'til I found out how much they were worth. Now I just look at it.



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Old 03-05-2012, 05:22 PM
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My one and only. It was used when I bought it and I used it for a while 'til I found out how much they were worth. Now I just look at it.



f.t.
ft - If you would get rid of that "wood clutter" in the background, your knife would look much better. Just PM me and I will send you my address. I need some good kindling.
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Old 03-05-2012, 06:35 PM
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i ordered my one randall in 2006 got it in the mail when we were in pendleton for the rodeo last year, mother came walking out of the koa office with a box and i figured it was the knife, we had made arrangements with koa and randall for delivery. when i opened up the box i looked the knife over and both of us thought this was well worth the wait, i haven't had this knife (model 25) out camping yet but i use it around the place a fair bit and i think it was well worth the almost five bucks i paid for it.
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Old 03-05-2012, 07:31 PM
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I found a #28 woodsman 4.5" at a show for a reasonable price. Great knife and I really enjoy using it. Pick out which models you really like, get current prices from randall's website and whenever you see one at a show make an offer. Maybe you'll run into someone like I did with more knives than cash. Good luck.
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Old 03-05-2012, 07:38 PM
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What was the matter with your Beretta?
What was the matter with it?!? For chrissake! It was a 9mm!!!

(also, it felt like holding the wrong end of a baseball bat)
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Old 03-05-2012, 09:02 PM
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I bought a Randall #1 to carry in Vietnam. I bought it at the Book Store on Smoke Bomb Hill while I was in Training Group.
It was one of the three knives I carried for my two years of ground combat in Vietnam. I gave my Gerber Mk II to my best friend when I left Vietnam. I brought my Randall home.
Its still in an old foot locker that I have all of my old military stuff in. My son will get it when I buy the farm.

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Old 03-05-2012, 10:16 PM
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i ordered my one randall in 2006 got it in the mail when we were in pendleton for the rodeo last year, mother came walking out of the koa office with a box and i figured it was the knife, we had made arrangements with koa and randall for delivery. when i opened up the box i looked the knife over and both of us thought this was well worth the wait, i haven't had this knife (model 25) out camping yet but i use it around the place a fair bit and i think it was well worth the almost five bucks i paid for it.

I remember when you told us you ordered it Jake. Time do fly,huh?
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Old 03-05-2012, 10:49 PM
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I remember when you told us you ordered it Jake. Time do fly,huh?
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hey ft, howya doin, sorry i have been remiss with my e-mail, i'll get to you soon, take care bud.
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Old 03-05-2012, 11:07 PM
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I have been to the shop more than a couple of times. If you are visiting the Mouse, you have to stop and visit. The "Museum" is the must see. Ronald Regan-then an LT. was a pusher of their knives. He truly had great taste. Has to be thousands of letters from customers, soldiers. And you might pick up a knife while you are there. See some knives being made. You will have a great time.
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Old 03-08-2012, 01:59 PM
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Dick, I just dug mine out. It`s a model #22 with a 4 1/2" blade.

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Old 03-08-2012, 09:18 PM
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I have seen where folks talk about special options that are available. Do these add alot to the cost of a knife? Also, if you are buying one to use, do you prefer the stainless or tool steel and why?
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Old 03-08-2012, 09:49 PM
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Somehow I have not gotten an Randall. One of the soldiers with 3ID Inf Div while at Camp Victory, Iraq, carried one everyday. I finally asked about it, he told me it was a model 15 that his dad had in Vietnam. We were all stuck in the HQ Building doing the REMF stuff but the young CPT was ready and prepared for combat!! His son was already to carry it next!!
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Old 03-08-2012, 09:53 PM
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I have seen where folks talk about special options that are available. Do these add alot to the cost of a knife? Also, if you are buying one to use, do you prefer the stainless or tool steel and why?

The options almost all do cost more. Sometimes, the shape of a handle can vary, etc. for the basic fee.

I prefer the stainless blades because I think they (overall) take (or get) a better polish and because I hate rust on blades. I think the Model 16 Diver's knife and a few others come standard with stainless. It costs maybe $25-35 more on most other models. Haven't seen the latest price list. I don't think this is a place to save money.

Keep in mind that Randall charges more for some features that some makers offer as standard, but their list prices may be more. For instance, Loveless used to offer green canvas Micarta handles as usual, and advanced stainless blades. BTW, he died a couple of years ago, and his knives, already too expensive to use thanks to collectors just cost more now. Thankfully, other men offer comparable knives for reasonable money.
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Old 03-09-2012, 11:59 AM
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I don't think this is a place to save money.

Thankfully, other men offer comparable knives for reasonable money.
Kind of a contradiction. Even the best knife may not be good enough if your life depends on it.

Its fun to watch the equipment others carry afield. Deer camps, or diners where hunters go to eat are prime turf. Those folks you know are even more instructive. One of the most amusing are people who carry a different knife every year. I particularly enjoy the guys who need a bowie to skin a bunny or a quail. And its one way to identify a newbie right off the bat. Listen carefully when an old coot wearing a very worn looking sheath with about a 4" blade starts to speak. Chances are he's the one who put the wear on the sheath and knife.

One of my buddies bought a brand spanking/stinking new hunting jacket a few years back. He very carefully removed all the stickers and tags, then he put it out on is porch, hung over a chair for a couple of months. Under the roof so it was kind of out of the rain, but when he got around to trying it, it looked experienced!

Theres an upscale shop across the river where the Yankees and Yuppies hang out. Its a hunting and fishing shop (no guns, oh the horror). I'd be embarrassed to wear one of their high dollar coats out in the field. Those cost more than most new guns! But they sure look stylish in the overpriced coffee houses. We know the diners down near the national forest are filled with guys around 5:00 in the morning during hunting season. I'm betting the guys wearing the high-buck coats make it to Starbucks around ten-ish or so.

Fashion is in the eyes of the beer holder. A ratty old coat with a few repairs is infinitely more desirable than a brand new name brand item.

Bo Randall used to get upset when buyers of his knives mostly just salted them away, never to be used. He preferred his masterpieces be treated with respect, but that they get used regularly.
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Old 03-09-2012, 02:21 PM
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Kind of a contradiction. Even the best knife may not be good enough if your life depends on it.

Its fun to watch the equipment others carry afield. Deer camps, or diners where hunters go to eat are prime turf. Those folks you know are even more instructive. One of the most amusing are people who carry a different knife every year. I particularly enjoy the guys who need a bowie to skin a bunny or a quail. And its one way to identify a newbie right off the bat. Listen carefully when an old coot wearing a very worn looking sheath with about a 4" blade starts to speak. Chances are he's the one who put the wear on the sheath and knife.

One of my buddies bought a brand spanking/stinking new hunting jacket a few years back. He very carefully removed all the stickers and tags, then he put it out on is porch, hung over a chair for a couple of months. Under the roof so it was kind of out of the rain, but when he got around to trying it, it looked experienced!

Theres an upscale shop across the river where the Yankees and Yuppies hang out. Its a hunting and fishing shop (no guns, oh the horror). I'd be embarrassed to wear one of their high dollar coats out in the field. Those cost more than most new guns! But they sure look stylish in the overpriced coffee houses. We know the diners down near the national forest are filled with guys around 5:00 in the morning during hunting season. I'm betting the guys wearing the high-buck coats make it to Starbucks around ten-ish or so.

Fashion is in the eyes of the beer holder. A ratty old coat with a few repairs is infinitely more desirable than a brand new name brand item.

Bo Randall used to get upset when buyers of his knives mostly just salted them away, never to be used. He preferred his masterpieces be treated with respect, but that they get used regularly.

I knew Bo for years, and have many of his letters and some older catalogs. I often promoted his knives in my magazine articles.

Yes, he wanted his knives used. He felt they would perform as advertised. But he was certainly happy to sell to collectors, too, and was proud that many wealthy collectors wanted his knives.

I don't think my post was contradictory. I just said that I prefer high quality stainless blades.

BTW, Bo recommended Minute Maid orange juice, and liked selling his oranges to their buyer. I think they hunted together, too. It is good, but today, I prefer Florida's Natural orange juice, with the high pulp option. It seems less "processed." But that's just my opinion.
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