Fixed Blade knife advice

[Texas Star]

Keep in mind that you can always sell a Randall pretty easily if you don't like it. Can probably make a profit. They're well known and widely sought.

 

[Dennis The B]

I own a Cold Steel that's a very good knife. The quality is top notch.

The Blackjack knives, which are made by Bark River, and also great knives, and are modeled on the Randal Model 1. They're the successor to the Blackjack knives made in Effingham, IL.

If you want a good knife for hunting, it's difficult to beat the Buck Special Model 119.

Another good knife would be one made by De Leon. They're durable, well-built, and very sharp.

If your heart is set on a Randall, you may be able to find one at Nordic Knives, in Solvang, CA. They're a major Randall seller, and usually have some Model 1's in stock. The wait time on a custom Randall in about 42 months. Their prices ($500-$630) reflect the premium to skip the wait time. It takes them about four months to get a Randall for you.

 

[A10]

Mike Stewart at Bark River makes a heckuva knife, and he has great experience in the business. Check out the Grasso Bolo I, an excellent design! Mike was also the head guy at Black Jack when they were in Effingham Ill. The reason I bring this up is because the Black Jack 1-7 Effingham knife can still be had on Ebay for less than half the cost of a Randall. They are fine, durable knives, and I'd put mine up next to a Randall any day. If you like, check them out. Make sure they are the Made in USA models though, as the name was purchased and some of the line are now made overseas (personally I'd stay away from those).

EDIT. Forgot to mention that Mike Grasso is a forum member.....

 

[gwpercle]

I went to the Randal site...Model 1 is only $375.00, if you are not in a hurry....approximate time of delivery...4 years.
Man those guys forge some awesome blades...I've got 7 Randalls already , but I'm starting to feel the need for another....think I'll pop back over there and see whats new.
Gary

 

[Texas Star]

www.randallknives.com is redesigned since I last looked and is an awesome site, with revolving color pics of several models.

 

[W.E.G.]

I think people make this knife thing way more complicated than it needs to be.

If you are buying some sort of "art" piece, then you are on your own.
I have no advice for art buyers.

Now that we have that out of the way, if you need a knife, the chances are, somebody else has needed a knife for a similar reason. The knife you need is right there on the shelf. You can buy it today. Buy a quality knife that is designed for the task at hand. A knife that is well-suited for hulling pecans will be of little use clearing briars - and vice-versa.

If you are spending more than $100 for a working knife, you're buying "art" or fanboy gullibility.

 

[Beruisis]

IMO you can't go wrong with a Randall. I used & carried them for years but now tote a Bagwell Bowie.
Beruisis

 

[steelslaver]

Many custom makers will make you what you want and will even discuss your needs and desires and craft one just for you. Check out the fore sale sections of Blade forums and Knife Dogs. Lots of good makers and you might not spend as much as something like a Randal, yet get something every bit as good or better suited to your desires.

 

[Richard Simmons]

Admittedly not a Randall but perhaps just as serviceable is a Buck 120 General, this one happens to have a coco bola grip.

As mentioned Bark River has some nice offerings. I like this particular Bravo 1 a lot.

Buck 124 Frontiersman

I'd also recommend Becker Knife and Tool, KaBar, and at a higer price point Busse

 

[BRush]

Are you collecting or buying one to use. You will never use your Randall if you buy a new one just as I never use mine (wait, I do use one which I was fortunate to buy in well used condition). For use your better of with a Cold Steel, Ontario (but not the Bill Bagwells - those command collector prices), or Gerber's or other well made knives (but please not by the ChiComs). You might get a few of the less expensive knives in various configurations, bowie clip, partial seriated blade, Tanto, etc. to see the configuration you prefer before investing several hundred dollars.

 

[gwpercle]

Dave,
If you are just interested a a decent fixed blade, fighting-utility knife check out the good old Ka-Bar USMC fighting knife. Amazon has them right now for $61.00 free shipping.....I'm going to order one for myself to replace the one some creep stole from me. Been wanting to get another and they are good USA made knives.
Gary

 

[Rangerpat]

Dave and Gary,
If you are serious about buying the Ka-Bar, I suggest you upgrade to the D-2 Extreme Fighting Knife.
Also, if you buy any of the full size Ka-Bars, I recommend that you go to your local hardware store / plumbing section, and buy five, size #15 O-Rings (1 x 3/4 x 1/8) and roll them over the handle grooves to fill them in. It will really improve your grip, especially when the handle is wet.
Great knives, I've been using them for 43 years.

 

[Dave from Pa]

Thanks for all the good advice.After all this decided to go for the Randall.It will be a knife l use but not abuse.I liked the cold steel but prices are still up there.Blackjack seems like a good buy but a copy of the Randall.l have a Buck 124 ,Case and Schrade belt knives. After thinking about it my whole life l always bought what l could afford not what l wanted.Finally buying what l want and decided l always wanted a Randall model 1 7 inch stainless blade,ordered one through a authorized dealer,now the wait begins.

 

[Rangerpat]

Excellent choice!
Now, if you want to abuse a knife, get a Ka-Bar BK-2 for around $80.

 

[gwpercle]

Good choice, you won't regret it. And having a dream come true...how much is that worth? My dream knife was a Model 1 with 7 inch blade too. No regrets. If you order it from Randall you don't have to pay for it until its ready to be delivered ( just a deposit) During the wait you can save up additional money for custom features like nickle silver hilts, name engraving, special spacers, stag grip, compass in grip.....customize it just for you.
Gary

 

[gregintenn]

I'll be the odd man out here. If you're wanting to impress someone, I liken a Randall knife to a Rolex watch. Get it.

If you are simply wanting something sharp to use, get a $10 Mora.

 

[holo]

The benchmade buschcrafter is a great knife at a fair price

 

[Texas Star]

Thanks for all the good advice.After all this decided to go for the Randall.It will be a knife l use but not abuse.I liked the cold steel but prices are still up there.Blackjack seems like a good buy but a copy of the Randall.l have a Buck 124 ,Case and Schrade belt knives. After thinking about it my whole life l always bought what l could afford not what l wanted.Finally buying what l want and decided l always wanted a Randall model 1 7 inch stainless blade,ordered one through a authorized dealer,now the wait begins.

Which handle material did you choose? I like black Micarta and like the butt cap, drilled for a wrist thong. Nickel silver guard/hilt.

Show us the knife when it arrives.

 

[Texas Star]

Admittedly not a Randall but perhaps just as serviceable is a Buck 120 General, this one happens to have a coco bola grip.

As mentioned Bark River has some nice offerings. I like this particular Bravo 1 a lot.

Buck 124 Frontiersman

I'd also recommend Becker Knife and Tool, KaBar, and at a higer price point Busse

Your Buck Model 124 has a more concave grind to the false edge than usual. Did you regrind it? Or is part of the blade not showing well in the photo? I THINK I may see some there in the dark.

 

[Richard Simmons]

Your Buck Model 124 has a more concave grind to the false edge than usual. Did you regrind it? Or is part of the blade not showing well in the photo? I THINK I may see some there in the dark.

It's just the angle of the photo. I've seen a couple of 124's with the deeper clip point. IIRC a couple were factory and others were after market modifications.