Randall guys? Help with my first vintage Randall

[cgt4570]

Who speaks Randall?
I won this one at auction last night and I'd like to know all I can about it.
Best guess as to year?
I've always wanted a vintage Randall that I could use and enjoy while hunting and camping without ruining a collectible. I'm hoping this fits the bill.
Price was probably high for condition at $425 but I really wanted an older one. I'm hoping this one was turned out while Bo' was still in the shop.
I think it's a Model 4 Big Game and Skinner.
Blade is 6". Handle is stag.
Sheath looks correct.
I'm hoping it's the original stone.

On the down side, it looks like someone tried sharpening it on a concrete step. The blade will need a lot of cleanup.
Should I tackle this myself or send it back to Orlando for refurb?
Thanks for any and all info!

 

[bentcam]

the brown snaps will give you a good start on the date. did know the time span that they were used, i can't remember what i had for lunch. one of these fine folks will know.

jim

PS, have factory refurb.

 

[jmart172]

I would send it to Randall, let them do their magic

 

[Xfuzz]

Based on the stamp and the size of the washers
I'm guessing mid '60's.

Rick Bowels can likely pin it down better..

 

[Onomea]

Chris, I am a Randall novice myself, but I think these articles will help you figure out the age:

On spacers: Randall Made Knives

On sheaths: 2002 - Knife Forums - Dating Sheaths — Randall Made Knives

Snaps and stones: 2002 - Knife Forums - Dating Snaps & Stones — Randall Made Knives

And judging by the nicely aged stag, I am pretty sure it well predates Bo’s passing.

My tendency is pretty much to always polish things up, but, ya know? I like the look of that knife of yours. Maybe just spend some time with it yourself, polishing by hand with fine grit sandpaper or metal polish, and see how you like it. You can always change your mind and send it to Randall later.

I’d put some Blackrock Leather ‘n Rich on the sheath, too.

I think you have a real beauty there! Congrats!

 

[cgt4570]

Thanks as always! Best. Forum. Ever.

 

[Mr.Harry]

OHHHhhhh, I dunno what model # that is, and I don’t own any Randall’s, yet, but I do own a few other vintage knives, and I can tell you that’s in the blade design I MOST covet - a Skinner or cross purpose hunter/skinner. Clip point, finger groove, nice long one at 6”... man that’s the ticket. You can filet nice trout and salmon out with a blade like that as well as you could with a filet knife. Never mind bone-out and skin larger game. It’s a Randall, i’m Sure the steel is good. The edge may have been effed up. I bought an amazing old Puma that had clearly been used never, and sharpened poorly once. I sent it back to Germany promptly for the proper re-edging and respect it deserved from its makers. I would recommend same for that beautiful specimen you came into possession of. Let the makers put the correct edge back on it, then take and make it yours from there. Great grab man. That’s what I consider a perfect knife.

 

[Texas Star]

Model 4, for sure. Don't know the age

Send it to Randall. You'll probably just mess it up and the edge bevels may have been ruined by the prior owner. They'd need to be re-ground and honed.

I don't like upswept blades, but it's your knife. If the thick looking stag handle fits YOUR hand, you'll probably like the knife.

Hopefully, you know not to store it in the sheath and keep a light film of oil on the blade.

 

[crsides]

I have had several from the late fifties, early 60's. My sheath was marked Heiser. Guessing yours is a little later, mid to late 60's. Nice knife

 

[Highhawk1948]

I would send it to Randall and they will recondition it and sharpen It for you. After receiving it they will write and let you know the charges and if you agree they'll do the work. I've had several done and it's worth it.

 

[verde]

Randall

Model 4, 6" carbon steel blade. Stag handle. Hard to tell from pic but looks like a brass guard and rough back sheath.
Back of sheath is showing model and blade length, 4-6

Verde

 

[505Gibbs]

The shop can perform many miracles on the 're do's'!!

 

[SS336]

Very nice! I would say early ‘60’s only because the washers are similar to mine.
Mine is a Randall #5 that my father had made for me in the early ‘60’s maybe 1961. A long time ago, I know, but I had it long before I joined the Navy in 1964.



Randall has a very good refurbishing shop and it will look almost new if you go that way. But like one poster said you can clean it up pretty well yourself and it would be cheaper for sure.
Mine has been semi-retired since the ‘80’s but still gets out some.
Enjoy that great knife, you can hand it down, it will last a long time with care

 

[Mule Packer]

Uh...folks, this thread is three years old. And while cgt4570 still frequently posts on the forum, I wouldn't be surprised if he found answers to his questions some time ago.

And remember...

 

[SS336]

Oh sure, now you tell me.