I'd like to address a few of these concerns. First I'd like to thank those that have acknowledged my friend's service. Billie was a real cowboy, a true collector and a genuine hero of the greatest generation. Billie is survived by his two adult sons, both of whom are in their fifties. Neither have any children and neither son is particularly interested in knives or guns. Billie had an extensive gun collection and knife collection including quite a few Randall knives. Both of the brothers have chosen to keep a couple of guns and knives to remember their father. I am helping to liquidate the remainder of Billie's collection as neither son has a background with guns or knives.
Secondly, as an authorized Randall knife dealer for over thirty years, I truly appreciate the high regard, for these legendary blades, that has been voiced by our members. Having said that, the knife now belongs to this gentleman. He can do with it as he wishes.
Many older Randall knives on the market have the name of the original owner etched on the blade. Having a name etched on a Randall does not hurt the value of the knife. The etching font and style aid in determining the age of the knife and though most of these names have little or no history attached to them it is another way to research the knife. In this case Redburn has a known history. Indeed he was a part of our nation's history. If the gentleman wants the name removed, and frankly I don't believe that is the case, he must send his knife back to the Randall shop. Doing anything else will ruin the distinctive Randall polish and dramatically devalue the knife.
Please don't contact me regarding Redburn's collection. The guns and knives are being sold one or two at the time. The pieces to be sold are chosen by the owner. I have offered several guns for sale on this forum and others and I will continue to do so. In fact, later this afternoon I will offer the last and I believe the most attractive of Redburn's Randall knives in our For Sale forum.
Rick Bowles