A few days ago I purchased from its former owner my first Randall, a No. 1-7, with a stag handle and nickel silver hilt/guard.

Per the Randall site, if I ordered this configuration from them today, it would cost me $500 and a five-year wait. I was able to purchase the knife and sheath shown below for $350 plus shipping, which I believe to be a very reasonable price.







The story behind the knife is that it was purchased in a knife shop in Pensacola around 1983 for about $215.

I have read enough here and elsewhere on Randalls over the last couple of days to know that the spacers, the blade stamp, and the sheath reveal much about the date of the knife.

I assume it is a late 1970s or early 1980s knife. If those of you who are knowledgeable could take a look and advise what you think — DOB, but also anything else of interest you notice — I would appreciate it.

That's a beautiful knife, especially with the stag handle!

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Tom
"Panem et Circenses"

You got a great deal. Does it have a silver end cap, or can you see the core of the antler?

Call Randall, I'm sure they would help you.

Nice Randall! I used to have a dozen or so, but sold all but 2. One is model 7 with 4 inch blade I use for hunting and fishing. The other is a model 12 with 11 inch blade that is a safe queen. Knifetalkforums.com is a great site to learn about Randall Made Knives. In the Randall section of the site, there are several people who can answer questions for you.

Wow! Very impressive. Would really like to have one but surely can’t wait five years.

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Hue 68 noli me tangere

Nothing on the end, so the core of the antler is exposed, though well polished.

My ex father-in-law had close to 300 Randall's. Chris Stanaback was his dealer.Chris has a website and am sure he could answer any questions you may have about your knife. He is a nice guy and a top dealer.

That's the way mine are. Amazing how dense the middle of the Sambar Stag is. For an extra fee Randall will put a thin piece of brass or silver over the end of the stag handle. They are the only ones I've seen do that. It's a nice embellishment, but not necessary.

I think you could double your money, if you wanted too. It's a super nice example.

As you probably know, the S by the Randall stamp indicates that your blade is stainless. Randall normally charges more for their stainless blades. Personally, I think you got a very good deal. Congrats.

I have several Randall knives...all users. Bo Randall often stated that he intended his knives to be used, although many individuals relegate these fine tools to the rank of "safe queen." That's okay, too, because they are definitely beautiful knives.

Enjoy your purchase. It should outlast your grandkids.

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Pack light and cinch tight.

Nice Randall.
May be abit older.
Looks like a Johnson Rough/back sheath.
Maybe Rburg will see it.

Very nice looking. I too think the sheath might be a Johnson Rough Back.

Ditto the suggestion to visit Knifetalkforums.com... great folks there with lots of Randall info.

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Linda
SWCA #1965, SWHF #245

That is a great buy!!

I was able to contact a knowledgeable fellow, and share the background and these pictures with him. His opinion is that 1983 is a good bet, and early 80’s for sure.

Thanks for all the kind comments, guys.

Nice one Arlo

Over the years various makers have made sheaths for Randall including Heiser I believe. As far as I know that's about the only way to date one.

I only have one left. A 60's vintage 14 with a Solingen blank

The sheath is one way. So are the spacers, number and color.

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Dick Burg

Spacer colors, color of the sharpening stone if original to the sheath and also the RANDALL stamping (size of font and spacing) helps in dating them.

Here's 2 that were shipped from the Randall shop in 1972. The red spacer is a deeper red, almost maroon in color.

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Linda
SWCA #1965, SWHF #245

I'd give you four fidy for it.

Heck of a knife for a heck of a price.

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Smith & Wesson beat four aces

Is anyone else having trouble seeing these photos?

NOTE: Just checked with Linda and she fixed it. I now see the knives.