How can I date a Randall knife?

[Muss Muggins]

I bought a Randall Model 10-5 at Tulsa. I know it's old, based on my limited understanding of handle designs. The new Model 10's are different. I know that the scabbard is original, and I know that Randall's can be dated by both the knife and the scabbard. Doesn't really matter in the grand scheme, but like most other similar inquiries, I just want to know. Looking for a little help.

 

[1chessiefan]

Ask it out.

 

[Valmet]

I've always been under the impression that you can narrow down the range, but not the specific year of mfg. Maybe I'm wrong? But I'd like to know also, if it's possible?

 

[6518John]

This needs to be directed to Rick Bowles. He will know.

 

[505Gibbs]

Presuming the sheath is the same that originally came with the knife it's a bit more difficult since there are no spacers which are the usual designators.
I can't see enough of the stitching on the sheath to make a call.
As noted Rick would be the best one here to make the call.

 

[Rob613]

For all things old Randall related, Mitchell Harrison is my guy.

 

[Rick Bowles]

I bought a Randall Model 10-5 at Tulsa. I know it's old, based on my limited understanding of handle designs. The new Model 10's are different. I know that the scabbard is original, and I know that Randall's can be dated by both the knife and the scabbard. Doesn't really matter in the grand scheme, but like most other similar inquiries, I just want to know. Looking for a little help.

It's virtually impossible to determine the DOM without something more to go on. First, you didn't show the whole knife. Secondly the model #10 has no spacers to help date it. Additionally the snap may have been replaced. It's not desirable to have a "Saltwater Fisherman" with a carbon blade. My WAG would be late 1970s to mid-1980's.

To illustrate what I mean by something more to go on, the knife below shows seven spacers from 60's-early70's but we know this knife was crafted in 1964. The double "SS" stainless marking was first used in 1964 and only for a few months.

 

[Muss Muggins]

It's virtually impossible to determine the DOM without something more to go on. First, you didn't show the whole knife.

See attached . . .

Additionally the snap may have been replaced.

Thanks . . .

It's not desirable to have a "Saltwater Fisherman" with a carbon blade.

Since there's no saltwater bodies within 1,000 miles of the bootheel, I was going with the "& Household Utility" part of the model. My other carbon Randall blades (edit: if this one is also carbon steel, which I have no idea) seem to be doing quite nicely here in the swampeast . . .

My WAG would be late 1970s to mid-1980's.

Thanks again. That's about all I was hoping for anyway . . .

 

[BubbaBlades]

Randall Model 10s have been in the Randall Catalog since 1948. They claim that all have been made of stainless steel. Early knives (pre 1970?) like the example in my photo did not have the "S" stamped on the blade.

 

[Onomea]

In, e.g., Randall's 1953 catalog, the Model 10 is referred to as "rust free." 1953 — Randall Made Knives

And the 1948 catalog says the Model 10 is "rust proof."

The site is Mitchell Harrison's. He has links to old catalogs, magazine articles, etc. By looking through it, you can find info on dating knives and sheathes. An excellent site to learn about Randalls.

 

[samandglove1]

I've spent hours (on numerous occasions) going down the rabbit hole of Mitchell & Duke's site. There are so many cool pictures, and a wealth of information on there.