All.
I forget.

Well, I would put kbars on a similar level as a buck 119. They’re in a similar price range, I mean. Haven’t looked recently but a kbar might even run a few more bucks. If you’re looking at a knife strictly as “tool”, like you hear people say about guns and their functionality outweighing any aesthetic value, like in a thread discussing preference for a polymer semi over a high quality revolver, than you’re probably not going to be interested in spending the money on a Randall. A kbar will take and hold a great edge well. As will a buck. As will a Randall. They all cut stuff plenty good. You’re paying for the handmade, exceptional craftsmanship, and to a lesser extent the finer materials, of the artisanally gorgeous Randall. Is it worth it? Big time, if you have a thing for knives as more than just ‘tools’, although the Randall’s certainly fill that definition of function as well as the others. I couldn’t say if they actually fill it any BETTER. I only look at them and gasp at the price. Lol. I don’t own one, yet.

The difference is similar to buying a plain Jane model 66 and a fully engraved model 66. Both guns shoot the same, but one is prettier and has more collector value, thus a big difference in price between the 2. Same with Randall Knives. It cuts just the same as a Buck knife, but they are much better looking and have collector value, thus the big difference in price.

There was a VW ad a few years back that said, “ Es ist nicht wie schnell Sie fahren, sondern wie Sie schnell fahren.” ( It is not how fast you go, but how you go fast.)

The same might be said about knives. Both knives cut, but one does it in style.

On the other hand, I do most of my cutting with Moras and Opinels, about twelve bucks a copy, cut like the dickens, and incomparably stylish.

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Not in jail.

I have a feeling that if I had the money to buy a Randall knife (I definitely do not) it would be something to look at, and possibly show off to impress friends, but never use. The only knives I own that I'm determined to keep pristine were both gifts I will pass along to my sister, and I'm keeping them unused because they are unique and could be valuable if she needs to sell them.

I appreciate the aesthetics of knives and guns, but I've never seen my way clear to buy one I wouldn't use.

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Oh well, what the hell.

I bought my Randall's to use. It's the only way you can really appreciate them. Nothing wrong with Bucks. I have plenty of them too. I love my USA made KaBars too.

I recommend you handle a Randall. If it doesn't make you want one then buy a Buck. For me, the first Randall I handled, I knew I needed one.

No comparison! All my working/hunting/field knives are Randalls.

Bucks are harder to get an edge on (I've used both to skin elk, deer, hogs)

RdrBill You need to go to Randall's sight and see them with their stock handles not all optioned out. They are not oversized at all, and not really that much money, about 5 times as much as a comparable Buck.

Bearbio, I'd like to see some pictures of your users.

I've handled a few Randall's but thought they were more than I could afford. Used to carry a Buck 110 a lot. Then got a Benchmade 470 with S30V blade. Loved that steel and bought a few more. Then our friends at Buck came out with a custom 110 with an S30V blade. Party time. I'm now a very happy camper.

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Foster Positivity.

No one has mentioned the main difference, other than materials.

Randalls are almost all HAND-FORGED and some have full/wide tangs that are stronger than the narrow tang on most Bucks. Randall knives also have more hand work.

I looked at the OP's list of things he does with a knife and saw that bit about cutting switches. I think either brand will cut a suitable switch. As for how to best employ the switch, can I get that info if I read all three books in the, "Fifty Shades of Grey" series? I didn't actually see switches in the movie versions. The one thing that Christian Grey's equipment room lacked...

Being a billionaire, Grey can afford any knife he wants to cut switches or to clean his fingernails.

Seriously,I think a Randall might be stronger in truly stressful tasks, but you should avoid abusing a knife to that degree.
NASA didn't order Randall knives for the early astronauts just because they were prestigious.

Randall Made Knives Read thoroughly!

See the Randall site (not sight, as one member wrote ) and it'll tell you why their knives became so famous. And it wasn't just for looks.

The SOG SEAL 2000 knives also passed really tough US Navy tests and Fallkniven knives have passed strong US and Swedish trials. If you need a very strong knife, those brands might fare a little better than Buck in batonning wood or if tip strength on some models is a factor. DO NOT attempt to cut bone with any knife! That's probably the most common way that people chip or break a blade. Use a saw or axe.

If the OP has to ask, I doubt if he'll ever need the added strength of a hand-forged Randall, and he seems to not want to pay for beauty and hand craftsmanship.

Buck knives are plenty strong for most normal outdoor uses, and the QC is very high; workmanship is usually very consistent.

I think the OP is well advised to get a Buck Model 105 or Model 119 and be happy. They're good knives that don't cost a lot, in view of looks and quality. I think Buck is about the cheapest knife brand that offers much pride in ownership.

As for cleaning small stones out of horses' hooves, I think I'd sharpen a stick for that, to avoid scratching a knife blade, or carry a small pry bar or a screwdriver in my saddlebags.

How about a farrier’s knife with a hoof pick?

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Not in jail.

Since the "Photo-+uckit" fiasco, I'm way behind on updating pics.

I have a "stock" Number One 6" for all-round camping (although I usually use my stag-handled #8 (Bird and Trout)).

Recently, bought a #20 Yukon Skinner. Moose handle grips. Matches my OM 45 Colt Blackhawk (with moose grips) for hunting in most areas.

A Model 23 Gamemaster that (now) matches my custom Reeder 454. A porcupine ate the leather handle, so I re-did it with buffalo horn. Usually only carry the 454 in Alaska while fishing.

Had an Air Crewman. Didn't really need it, so I sold it.

Wife has a small game. Stag handles. Her "camping knife".

Oh, and a carving set with micarta handle. Comes out on holidays. Absolutely murders prime rib!

I've never seen a Randall knife I would consider pretty. I can say the same about Rolex watches. To each his own I suppose.

I've owned randalls since the early 60's, and I do have other custom knives, but My randalls are My working knives.

I was working up to arguing with you until I read your second sentence, and then I understood. Like Grandma Muggins used to say, "There's a lid for every pot . . . "

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Wisdom comes thru fear . . .

Personally, I don't buy a knife for "pretty"--However, a Randall Bowie is in the Smithsonian (Not the Astro models but as art!)

Same old question, how much is your life worth? A Buck isn't likely to fail but what if...............

Personally I would consider nothing but Ka-Bar. Randalls are great bit too expensive. Kabar, Camillus and ontario. They were all under contract to make the same thing . The Krayton handles are nice. I have a WW2 issue Kabar, and a MK2 KaBar. Both USN standard issue. My prized possessions. My dad was an NCIS agent, and these were loft over in evidence lockers, so I got them

I settled on Ka-Bar for my working fixed blade knives.....while I have a couple of "big-ins" in the event of the SHTF/TEOTWAWKI or Zombie apocalypse.

I find the 5" "mini ka-bar" or reproduction MarkI Navy WW II "deck knife" more than big enough for every day carry/work in Penn's Woods. I like the MkI as it's less taticoooool!!!!!

That said ....... "older" S&W K and L frame revolvers and 3rd Gen Autos fill my handgun needs!!!!!!!

Someone mentioned the Randall model ‘Bird & Trout’. If I ever get the money together to grab one, that would be it.

Bottom line...a knife is really nothing more than a sharpened piece of metal, bone, ceramic, stone or what-have-you with some kind of handle attached.

It boils down to what your priorities are with a cutting tool. Sure, you can pay a few bucks and get a knife that will cut stuff and be perfectly happy. For many people, that will suffice and that's why the companies that turn out relatively inexpensive knives stay in business.

As you take other things into consideration, such as types of steel, hand-forging vs. stamping, heat-treating process, hand work, edge retention, sharpening ability, handle materials, finish work, etc., the price can increase. But, understandably, so does the quality.

I suppose if someone off the street saw any one of my Randall knives, they would probably think, "Oh...that's a knife. Big deal." Probably couldn't tell the difference between that and any other knife.

The big difference, in my opinion, comes when it's time to bone out a bull elk five miles from camp and we're losing daylight fast. Personally, I sure as heck would rather have a knife that will do the whole process quickly and cleanly without having to stop and sharpen it every ten or fifteen minutes.

If I remember correctly, Randall received a letter back in the 1960's from a GI serving in Vietnam complementing them on their Model 1 All-Purpose Fighting Knife that he had. In essence, he said that he could practically decapitate someone with one swipe.

But again, like I said, it boils down to what your priorities are. I know some people purchase Randall knives to collect. Not here. I certainly don't plan on decapitating anyone any time in the foreseeable future, but I do put my Randalls to use. I think Bo Randall originally made his knives to be used.

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Pack light and cinch tight.

Look for the Model 8. I think it's actually the Trout and Bird model. It was the model carried by U-2 pilot Francis Gary Powers when his U-2 spy plane was shot down over the Soviet Union. I remember seeing it and his Hi-Standard .22 pistol on display in Moscow.

I prefer Model 7 with five-inch blade, or Model 5 with five-inch blade. Model 5 with six-inch blade is a good all-round knife, too. Fallkniven's S-1 Forest Knife is also in that class. You may find one for maybe $150-175.

I prefer black Micarta handles and stainless blades.

If you decide a Randall is too expensive, look at Puma's little Hunter's Pal knife. But try to buy Puma knives in person, as the stag scales are sometimes too thick.

BTW, I saw an Online shop this week charging $349 for their famed White Hunter model. I think they had the Hunter's Pal for $125. The HP may not be stainless. Many have the chromed Pumaster Stahl blades. But mine has been rust free, via proper cleaning and oiling with Break-Free.

The Randall #8 is a great all-round knife-I actually carry it more than any other.

I have a friend who is a taxidermist for L.A. County Museum of Natural History. He, literally, has skinned gorillas, whales, crocodiles, baby elephants, etc. His work is nationally recognized and has been in the Smithsonian. He uses a Sharpfinger exclusively for skinning, from hummingbirds to elk!

Seeing as how Randall is taking orders for shipment in 2023, you'll have plenty of time . . .

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Wisdom comes thru fear . . .

Randall has some dealers who order far in advance. They usually charge a premium for immediate delivery.

Buxton Knives in Garland,TX supposedly charges factory prices.I'm going to suggest that my son look there for a Model 14 to replace one that was stolen from him in Iraq. It's an excellent heavy duty survival knife.

He owns a Fallkniven A-1, so probably doesn't need a Model 14, but there's just something about a Randall...and the upper cutting bevel (false edge) is honed, to allow for rougher cutting and hacking.

Nordic Knives and A G Russell both have some knives available, usually.

So much talk about the #8, but you really are dealing with two different styles. Way back, like 40 or so years ago, the #8 was a slightly different grind (the blade was shaped differently).

I often tell a story about buying my #8 at a gun show. It was maybe 15 years ago at a tiny show that could have been held in somebodys garage. It was at a county fair building. I walked the show and the only thing of interest was a Randall in a show case, partially buried beneath other knives. So I waited for the vendor to return to his booth. Finally got tired of that and asked the nearest vendor who owned the tables. He said some guy that went out for breakfast. I'd never seen that before, leaving a gun show to go to McDonalds.

But soon enough he came in with one of the shopping bags, pretty full. He'd bought about everyone an egg McMuffin and coffee. Handing out stuff as he came in. When he was done, I asked him about the knife. He laughed and said "you must be wanting that old Randall up there". Yep, but he did say he wants $150 for it, no less. So we looked and to me, it was worth that much easy. I bought it. At the next big show I handed it to my Randall expert. His first comment was "you want to double your money?" He might have been kidding, but I didn't want to.

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Dick Burg

Just like mine and actually cheaper than I paid. Go for it!

Speaking of knives, I wonder what the knives of choice are in LONDON these days??? I think they should ban those black semi-auto opening assault knives. O great they just did!!
Semper paratus

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NRA Life Member
CPO

That's a fine knife. You only live once. If you can afford it, go for it. I doubt you'll regret it.

I don't own one but maybe someday....I can appreciate a high quality knife/tool...I bought a Chris Reeves' knife and don't regret it-appreciate it more each time I hold it. Bought by me for me.
Love that song by Guy Clark called The Randall Knife.....
if you ever held a Randall knife, you knew my father well, if a better blade was ever made, it was probably forged in hell....

if you like a buck 110 try a buck 101 Hunter, it is the fixed blade version.

I have 3 randalls, 3-5, 8-4 and 16 and a bunch of other brand fixed blades, all cut good.

My buck 119 is a good knife and does everything my randall 3-5 does but the quality is much better on the randall.

will you notice the difference in daily use, I doubt it in a life time of use you will notice a big difference because of the quality.

SWEET!!!!!

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Miss My Buddy crsides!!

Books, CDs, DVDs, computer games, guns and knives, I am told that I have too many. Not possible, It is only letting me post a few and I cannot edit the duplication tonight.

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Looking forward to your review.

Actually manufactured with better quality and hand craftsmanship than Pythons, so maybe that isn't the best comparison.

Knives aren't mystery magic, so putting Randall on a pedestal is foolish. Many other knife makers can match performance and quality. Aesthetics wise is in the eye of the beholder, and Randalls do look good. My Ka-Bar classic USMC and Gerber Gator serve all my knife needs, both are made in the USA, but they only set me back $125 brand new.

To each their own though. Randalls are definitely nice, rugged tools. If you have the money buy one. I just need something more than "better looking" when it comes to paying such a premium for an item like a Randall.

Whadja git?! Whatja git?!

Ahhhh I see, you got the bird & trout. Officially jealous. Perfect design. That’s the ticket.

the #8 was my first Randall. I don't remember how long that has been but it only took 2 years to get it. I'm pretty sure it has been at least 35 years

Congratulations....You will not regret the purchase.
They are works of art and can be used.
In ten years the price will seem cheap.....Randal's never get cheaper.
Gary

Being born in the height of the "great depression", 1931, to a "Poor" family, I had to "make do", with some things, that I consider better than extremely fine material things. Those being, Love, training, good wholesome food, and adequate clothing. Above all, there was never anything wasted, or money spent on extravagant, or frivolous things. Things learned from that experience, has remained with me, all through my live. I will agree that it would be wonderful, for everyone to own a Rollex watch, Bently automobile, 3 ct. diamond ring, or the many other things that some of us might covet, but may never justify spending the money to acquire, or want to go in debt to buy. This is because I wasn't born into into a wealthy family, that could afford to buy the very best of everything, without thought, as to the cost, or to worry about maintaining, or abusing it. I don't begrudge anyone that privilege, if they can afford it. I do resent being belittled, because of my feelings about the misuse, abuse, or neglect of a fine tool, or the choice of a less extravagant item, to "Make Do With", ether by choice or by necessity.

Chubbo