First, see this quote I found on another forum about Randall knives (it's an old quote):

This is my dilemma: I want to get a Randall. Never had one. But, first, they are expensive. Second, what this guy said: I would be afraid to take it out into the boonies and use it -- it might get scratched.

Heck, I have some good knives already that work fine: a Puma, Boker (Germany), Anza. Should I get a Randall just to have it sit around as a "safe queen"? You know? I've got an old Carl Schlieper Eye Brand hunting knife (German, carbon steel) that will not only shave your arm hair but it'll take some skin off, too! So why should I buy a Randall? I guess I'm hoping that somebody will talk me out of it...

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So very Politically Incorrect

I would love a Randall. Wanted one since I first saw one. I'm not gonna spend the stupid prices they command though. Why? Because at the end of the day it's a knife. A tool. And I can get one as good or better for much less money. As far as a safe queen? I wouldn't buy an Unobtanium, carved and engraved, comes in a velvet bag, serial numbered hammer and put it in a safe. If I buy a hammer, I'm gonna pound some nails with it. If i have a knife, I'm gonna cut something with it.

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The best I can with what I got

You won’t get the same pride of ownership but there are some pretty awesome knives for less than half the price that will perform as well or better.

That’s how I justify not owning one.

FWIW, there's nothing wrong with getting a knife as a collectible, rather than a tool. Knives can be beautiful works of art, in my opinion. If you want a Randall knife, I say there's nothing wrong with getting one just to have one. And if you want to actually use it, I see nothing wrong that, either, though as others have said there are high quality knives out there for less money and less collectability.

Just my opinion.

I use mine. It’s like having a gun you won’t shoot. Don’t see the purpose . . .

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Wisdom comes thru fear . . .

If you don't intend to use it, quality means nothing. A photo will suffice-and not cost as much.

My wife wanted to get me a nice 25th anniversary present and asked me what I'd like. I told her I'd like a Randall knife, and found a model 23 Gamemaster NIB on ebay. She got it for me (that was 17 years ago now). I use it. I don't have safe queen guns, or knives. When I'm gone, it will still be a great knife my son can have and pass along. I think he'd rather inherit one I'd used as it was intended than unused with no memories attached. This one has dressed a bull elk, a barbary sheep, hogs, and deer. It's no worse for wear though not new in the box anymore.

About 5 years ago I was in Maine on a bear hunt. We stopped at the Kittery Trading Post and they had more Randall’s there than I had ever seen in one place. I had wanted a Randall since the first time I saw an advertisement for one an I bought a Model 25 with beautiful stag grips...they even went so far as to pull several of them out of storage and let me pick the one I wanted. IIRC I gave $600. I’ve dressed a ton of deer with it. It’s sharpened when needed, used, never abused and loved. Expensive yes but I have never once regretted buying it.
Tom

Being a knife nut myself, I have 3 to 4 hundred knives hanging around most times. I have had several Randall's over the years and just cant see the appeal. Their handle construction is 3 rate at best. Cant attest to the blade quality, but a friend had several that he used and chipped the blade on two separate occasions requiring a return trip to Randal to have reground. The second time it came back for repairs a nasty letter from Bo himself said if it came back in again, he was going to keep it as my friend was abusing one of his knives and Bo wasn't going to have any of that. I tried to like them but just couldn't. Lots of quality blades out there.

RANDALL HISTORY

Randall Made Knives >> Randall History


Randall's were popular during Vietnam; for good reasons.

Have owned several Randall’s.
Still have my Special Order No.1 with my name on it.
I ordered Finger Grooves in the Micarta handle.
Forgot to tell Orlando that I’m Left Handed!
Also have several hundred knives ranging from WWII Military to Chinese Bubble warp. Including a number of Handmade Blades.
Do I regret selling any Knives?
Yes. The two Stone knives , don’t even want to talk about it!
If you want a Randall, by all means get one.
If the direct sales too slow, go for a resale from any number of online venders.
Here’s my Bark River Smokejumper on the bottom..
Randall No. 1 in middle.
Omega , Loveless Dixon Fighter Pattern on top.
The Omega was made by Extraordinarily Skilled Craftsman Hank Kubaiko.

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NRA LIFE MEMBER

In real dollars the depreciation of a Randall knife is all but insignificant compared to say, an automobile.

So you pay $600 for a Randall and use it for the rest of your life. The value goes down to $350 when you shuffle off the mortal coil. You've cost your heirs $250--IF they want to sell it and not keep it to remind them of you and your adventures with it.

Now when they go to sell that last car you bought, they're gonna take a lot bigger hit than that.

Not an exact analogy of course, but in real dollars over the course of a lifetime of use it's a relatively small amount.

I've, personally, never understood the notion that you can't buy them...tons right now available on 'popular auction sites'.

It's a decent spend for a knife but a lot of value for what you get. People spend $100s on folders, etc. If you want to buy it and use it, go for it. If you want to buy it and keep it tucked away somewhere never to see the light, that is ok too; it's your property.

I could be wrong, but I don't foresee this going up like stocks, real estate, etc. Nothing wrong with that at all.

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Rather be outdoors

I am fortunate to own a couple of really nice sheath knives. One is a Randall Mod. 28 that gets carried and used.

I hunt with and use a quality knife for the same reason that I hunt with quality firearms including my pre 64' Mod. 70 in 30.06 and my Mod. 629 Classic DX. They have never let me down.

The Mod. 28 is on the left, followed by a Buck 110 folder that my Dad gave me with I was 16, a Roe #3 with stag handles and my daily carry, a Benchmade.

I used to own a Randall #1 but, a friend of mine wanted it worse than I did.

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First, buy one then worry yourself silly deciding if you should use it- at least you'll satisfy the owning craving.
Kind of like new guns-same process in some cases!!!

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Good shooting.

I have owned and carried a Randall since the mid 70's. Not the same one of course. I gutted, skinned and cut up at least 34 Elk and maybe 10 Antelope, and 8 or 9 deer in the last 51 years. I also carried a Ruana, a Morseth, and a Corbet Sigman. All are custom knives and all are expensive. And all worked perfect. If You are going to carry a Weatherby, I hope You don't put a Bushnell sportview on it. I believe in quality and I use every knife I own except 2 Randall safe queens, and some others that are just too valuable to carry. And none have lost value and most used Randalls' won't go below retail. They are the worlds most recognized knife and a decent investment if You are willing to wait.

I have 7 or 8 Randalls and use a couple of them extensively. This #27 mini is a favorite for packing into the deer woods or trout streams. Pic was taken when it was new but it still cleans up perfectly. It’s like collecting anything, no one’s business what you do with it.

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Pass it on.
Mark

I've got a couple, all safe queens at the moment. I lik'em. that's enough for me.

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Charlie

There is a local Randall dealer near where I live. Well they are made not far from me but closer is a dealer with a lot of them. Every time I go by there to gun shop I look at them. They look cheaper these days with guns being so high but owning a lot of knives I think I can just check them out when I stop by Jerry Gun and Pawn for free.

If you want a Randall you should buy one. I have numerous Randall’s and also knives from Jim and James Behring and Ruana. Quality handmade, hand forged knives from these makers have an appeal to me and I use them as well.
To avoid the long wait from the Randall shop you should go with one of their dealers that sell Randall’s at current shop prices. If they don’t have the model you want they can order it and cut your wait time from years to months.

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SWCA #2421

I know the feeling.
The most influential Knife Designer - Maker since WWII is Bob Loveless.
His knife designs are copied worldwide. And I don’t have a real one.
The closest thing I have is this Schrade which was Authorized by Loveless.

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NRA LIFE MEMBER

"I...would never use them since sharpening one would cause the value to drop about 50%."

First off, that quote is bull roar!! A Randall knife doesn't lose 50% of its value because you sharpen it. Bo Randall himself said that he made his knives to be used! In fact, here are his words exactly: "Our favorite models are those specifically designed to be carried and used day in and day out, year after year. The reason is because, like many of you, Gary and I are both sportsmen, so we make knives we want to use."

Oh sure, there are some beautiful pieces of work that artisans such as Rick Bowles have worked on and I can certainly see why one would keep one of these beauties in a safe. But, for the most part, Randalls were made to be used. I'm sure there will always be some guy who tries to use one as a pry bar, chisel, or screw driver then gets upset because the blade chips. But when it comes to everything from boning out an elk, field dressing a buck, or slicing bacon in the camp kitchen tent...a Randall can handle the task and do it in spades!

I'm sure folks can come up with all sorts of excuses as to why they shouldn't get one, but I don't know of anyone who ever regretted owning one. And in terms of value...they not only hold their value, but often increase in value. Try to buy one from World War II and you'll see what I mean. Just my view from the saddle.

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Pack light and cinch tight.

Ordered a #25 in ‘06, 6” length, bone handle, duralume hilt, duralume butt cap, all my specs, had my name embossed on it (heirloom city now) got it in ‘11, put it in my truck door and it’s been there ever since, it’s been used, sharpened and enjoyed. if you want one? Get one, it’s like everything else here, safe queens, unfired, grips, etc. it’s a public forum and lotsa opinions and thoughts, that’s the beauty of asking and then making your decision, the one thing I think about is having my name engraved, opinions were I wuz nutz, wrongo, I love it.

Sent from my LM-V405 using Tapatalk

If you can pay the price, go for it. This is why we work, so that we can acquire nice things.

Now for me, nothing can replace the water spotted Kabar knife my dad gave me.

I thought I would stop at 10...then 25...o.k.for sure 50...at 100; I'm
just crazy....so I added another dozen. I may have a problem. Be careful 401k(nives) are not tax deductible

I have seen a few Randal knives, mostly number ones. Saw a few in Viet Nam and they were carried and used like our K-Bars. After I got home I met a young man while I was camping in Linvile George on Western North Carolina. He was an ROTC cadet from the University of Virginia. He had a Number One his parents had given him. He used his as a knife like I used whatever knife I had at the moment. The use of those knives did not hurt the value in my opinion, it gave them stories to pass on. If you want a Randal, get one and use it and pass it on.

Met Guy Clark in a Honky Tonk in Red River, NM.
He performed there in Micheal Martin Murphy’s big outdoor on the Ski Run Music event.
That was a daytime event.
When the Ball Fall, Hit the Bars!

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NRA LIFE MEMBER

I have 3 Randall's. Have never used them, but would if I hunted. Too old for that now, so I keep them as "safe queens" to pass down to my Wife and children.





Also have this Boker "Magnum" that I bought because it looked so nice.

Are those Mammoth Ivory grips on the .45? Beautiful.

My older brother just passed away recently after fighting Parkinson's for twenty years. He was a big time knife collector, mostly custom folders but had several fixed blades as well including 4 Randall's. He left me his collection minus a few that he and his wife consigned before his death.Another close friend had over 50 Randall's and gave me two before he died. A couple have been used and carried but three are as new. No harm in using them, that's what they were made for just like our S&W's.

I have three. Used to have four, but I sold one. Frankly, not being a hunter or a camper, I don't have much use for sheath knives, but I like 'em so I have 'em around. Always have.

Well, got a well-used 1950s Randall carving set, too.

I buy from dealers or individuals, not being of an age where I am willing to wait years.

I agree that there is no way a used Randall costs 50% of new. I don't think they even cost much, if any less, than new from Randall's. New from a dealer costs more than new from Randall's.

But here's the thing: You can send a well-used Randall back to Randall's and they'll spiff it up so that it looks like new for about $80. So if you find a well used, or abused, Randall at a good price, go for it and get it renewed by Randall's if that's what you want.

Here's a #2 I bought used and had Randall renew:



Here's what Randall says about their pricing:

Prices – How can you justify the price of your knives?

We make every effort to keep our prices reasonable for hand-crafted work, and in comparison to others supplying hand-made knives, we’re quite low. But, certainly, you can pay much less for a knife. That’s why for years, we have reminded customers of this quote from John Ruskin: “Quality. There is hardly anything in the world that some men cannot make a little worse and sell a little cheaper, and the people who consider price only are this man’s lawful prey.”

I really like the story above about the guy who chips his knife and sends it back to Randall's for repair, twice, and then gets a letter from Bo himself saying, "You do this again and I am keeping the knife!"

Well said, Bo!

Go for it. By buying a Randall you're supporting jobs in the U.S. and though I have never owned one I'd definitely use it if I did. There are far more expensive things out there that get used every day. The vehicle you drive is one of them.

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Ephesians 6 (Armor of God)

Reasons to Buy :
Pride of Ownership.

The wait isn't getting any shorter and you aren't getting any younger .

Next year the prices will only be higher .

I started buying Randalls when I had a real job ( 1973) . A few are "hard use" using knives a few are "light use " using knives , a few are worn around the camp and to BBQ's , only two or three are never used and stay put away ... these are my collecting knives .

I enjoy the heck out of all of them !

Buy at least one ... you won't regret it .
Gary

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Certified Cajun
NRA Member

To me, Randall knives are as dependable as the sunrise and were made to be used. Bought my 1st one (a Model 14) a long time ago, when I still humped a ruck and carried an M-16. It served me well those years ago, but now serves a nephew just as well.
My Model 11 Alaskan Skinner has also proven to be a dependable blade. I lost track some time ago as to how many deer & other critters its help me skin.
The point to all this is simple - if it won't break the bank, buy that Randall. Use it and enjoy it - that's why Bo started making them in the 1st place!

WYT-P
Skyhunter

Picked up another one yesterday.

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Ash

What type of steel does Randall use? I assume (for carbon steel) 1095. What about for stainless steel?



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So very Politically Incorrect

My son has Randalls in his safe.........What good are they? Qoute "I would never sharpen them because the value would go down". Might as well have a picture of one on the wall for all the good you'll get out of it. Knives/guns/shovels/axes etc are tools made to use......Quality ones do the job better than others........BTW The word is Randall knives were better when Bo Randall was alive. Lesser now.

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S&W Accumulator

The No.1 that I posted is Stainless.
It’s about 50 years old.
Anybody know which Stainless Randall was using back then?

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NRA LIFE MEMBER

No, Bill. Although they sure look like Mammorth ivory, they're actually elk. Just recently I wanted to get another set just like 'em for my Springfield Rangemaster 1911 in 9mm, but, unfortunately, the old guy who made them has since retired and doesn't do it anymore.

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Pack light and cinch tight.

These use O1 for carbon steel and 440B for stainless. While neither one of these is what one would call a "super steel," Randall's heat treatment is the thing that makes them so good and brings out the very best qualities in both.

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Pack light and cinch tight.

I have heard that from several experts: "you can have great steel, but, if the heat-treat isn't good, then you won't have a good knife."

The best field knife I can recall owning is a Schrade Sharpfinger made circa 1980 (carbon steel, 1095). I worked at a warehouse and used it every day for something (usually cutting nylon twine), but yet I rarely had to sharpen it. It held an edge forever. Cheap, yes, but great. Sometimes money does NOT equal quality. (Today, they are made in China and are not 1095).

I still have a 1095 carbon Sharpfinger (but not the same one).

It's my understanding that Texas ranchers love Carl Schlieper Eye Brand "Sodbuster" knives (also carbon steel). German steel tends to run harder (on the Rockwell scale) rather than softer, in my experience.

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So very Politically Incorrect

I bought a Randall in 1967 at a gun shop in Orlando. I took it down to the Randall Shop on the old Orange Blossom Trail and had thumb grooves on the blade back, name stamped on the blade and the stag handle got finger grooves...while I waited. It has been on many a hunt and cut many an animal. I still have it and no problems or issues. It's not shiney but it's also not pitted.

My brother on the other hand went down to the Randall shop in 1965 and bought a Model 16 stainless and had them give him a C type sheath for it. He shipped out with the 1st Brigade of the 101st that landed in Viet Nam in 1965. He was using the knife the 1st month he was there and the blade snapped at the hilt. He sent it home to me and I took it down to Randall and they promptly replaced it with a non stainless Model 14. Wayne Potts, then the shop foreman told me the stainless in the 16 had crystalized during the forging. He could tell by looking at it. He said that isn't all that unusual. I mailed it back to my brother and he kept it from then on. But he used a Kabar in the field after that during his entire 27 year career. He did however have a Randall he used hunting as his primary knife and I have that one now since he passed away. It's just as good as the day is long but it's non stainless also. No reason not to use a good knife. That's why you buy them.

How many do you actually own ... be honest

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Certified Cajun
NRA Member

I saw the same history write up in ‘05 when I was starting to look, nice update, thanx.

I flew a Supercub in Alaska for awhile.
My Randall was part of my survival kit.
I've never regretted ordering that Randall.

Luv mine.

enjoy,
bdGreen

As I stated above my son owns them. I don't own any.....If I did they would get their chance to be elbow deep in a deer or hog...Clean fish. Cut meat and do all the chores knives are meant for.....Not lying NIB in my safe...Bo Randal knives built their reputation on USE. Not lying a a dark drawer or safe.

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S&W Accumulator

I don’t think you will loose money by using it. They go up in value every year. So if you don’t overpay, you will always be able to get back what you paid. I own use and like my Randall’s a lot.