Randall Knives vs. Others

[waffles]

This is a picture of my well used Randall Model 18. I have 6 other Randall Knives that I also use on a regular basis. I have a large number of Custom Made and high quality production knives that perform as well or better than the Randall Knives.

I'd prefer that 18 over a brand new one. That's a great looking knife with some real use.

On the main topic, I'd love a Randall, but just don't quite have the disposable coin for a knife. My knife needs are basically satisfied with a couple leathermans (leathermen?), an ESEE PR4, a Spyderco PM2, the obligatory smattering of Moras, and occasionally a swiss army knife. I don't think a Randall would really make a huge difference for any of my use cases, but practicality be damned, I still want one.

 

[RM Vivas]

I had always wanted a Randall knife and did eventually purchase a #1 and a #5 at a gun show. They were great and I liked them a lot BUT I think if one is going to truly want a decent Randall then you cant BUY one, you have to have it MADE for you.

Pick the one you like, pick the options you want, be sure to have your name on the blade and get exactly what you want, not what someone else had for sale.

Safe queen or working tool is up to you. Many of us have safe queen guns and some of us have working guns. I know that as much as I like a pristine GI .45 in my collection, that one with the blood pitting on the muzzle and the gouge in the slide from a piece of shrapnel tells a better story when held in hand.

There are certain things in life that a man spends time and resources on that will outlast him; a good watch, a good knife and a good gun. While he may have many of each, out of those there will always be -one- that he favors above all others and that is identified with him. That -one- might as well be the best he can get, and if it has some wear, some scratches and dings, well....those are the evidence of the times that his friends will talk about after he's gone when they think of him.

Theres a reason its called honest wear.

 

[eveled]

Sound advice from RM Vivas. The trick is to think ahead. I ordered a Randall for each one of my kids high school graduation present when they were 13. A fifty dollar deposit locks in todays price. In five years you'll be getting a bargain price on an awesome present.

Want a nice present for yourself on your retirement? Order a Randall on your sixtieth birthday.

Look ahead 5 years for significant milestones and order accordingly.

 

[Muss Muggins]

At present, five to six years, and I've seen it up to seven. But still the best knife on the planet. There are reputable knife outlets with standing orders that receive new Randall's on a regular basis, and if what they ordered is what you want, you're in luck. Just takes a little diligence . . .

Sound advice from RM Vivas. The trick is to think ahead. I ordered a Randall for each one of my kids high school graduation present when they were 13. A fifty dollar deposit locks in todays price. In five years you'll be getting a bargain price on an awesome present.

Want a nice present for yourself on your retirement? Order a Randall on your sixtieth birthday.

Look ahead 5 years for significant milestones and order accordingly.

 

[eveled]

For those who complain about the $460 for a Randall Model 1. Need to realize even a KA-BAR is $120 now. A Buck 120 is over $100 too.

Both of those ate great knives, but they are made by stock removal. I'm willing to pay the extra for a forged knife. Even if used they hold their value.

 

[eveled]

Muss Muggins. They say 6. The last two came in less than 5 years. Furthermore the last one was quicker than the one before.

 

[Muss Muggins]

I'm just quoting the current order form. My dad used to order direct like you. All of mine are gifts from or inherited from him, or bought used or from one of the reputable sellers I mentioned. . .

Muss Muggins. They say 6. The last two came in less than 5 years. Furthermore the last one was quicker than the one before.

 

[Muss Muggins]

And Benchmades can approach $400 . . .

For those who complain about the $460 for a Randall Model 1. Need to realize even a KA-BAR is $120 now. A Buck 120 is over $100 too.

Both of those ate great knives, but they are made by stock removal. I'm willing to pay the extra for a forged knife. Even if used they hold their value.

 

[smoothshooter]

I won't pay more than about $$140 for any knife, and rarely over $85. A knife is too much of a tool for me.
I noticed a long time ago that most guys that use knives a lot rarely pay more than about $40 for one. They would rather have two cheaper ones than one expensive one.
Truth be known, a plain Old Hickory butcher knife will do about 95% of what a knife needs to do. Easier to sharpen, too.

 

[Marshwheeling]

When you look at what you can pay for a Busse or a Carothers, the $400-600 you might pay for a Randall isn't all that bad. Randall gets a lot of its cachet from the relative scarcity and the waiting time. Appearance and fit and finish contribute a lot more. Performance is excellent, I am sure, but I would be surprised if it can approach and surpass the cutting ability of a Carothers, or the indestructibility of a Busse.

 

[gwpercle]

If you have to ask " Why should I buy a Randall Made Knife ? "

You probably shouldn't ...

The desire to own one consumed me from first sight ...
I ordered one every few years , as one was completed and shipped to me ... the desire for another started ...
I now have over a dozen and my desires are satisfied .
Gary

 

[SS336]

I didn't buy it, my father did. Gave it to me before my first big game hunt in 1962. Used it quite a bit in the '60's and 70's. I use some other knives now but still carry it some times just to remember those times. Makes me happy every time I handle it.
It's treasured by me and has been used carefully. It will be left to one of my grandkids.

 

[wundudnee]

I have four Randalls for no legitimate reason. They are basically safe queens, but still give me pleasure to handle. My favorite is this smaller one that was given to me for being my best friends best man. It has the Thuya wood handle which is a very pretty grain.

 

[jag312]

At the Al Capone estate auction in October last year, there was a Randall that was owned by Sonny Capone, Al's son. I bought it, and it now resides with my other Randall knives. They make me happy.

 

[raygixxer89]

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

I love my model 25-6! I have 4 Randall knives and am waiting for 2 more from Stanaback knives. He's the largest Randall dealer in the US.
I don't have a favorite as they all feel and look great.
OP, you don't have to wait years for a Randall if you buy through an authorized dealer.

 

[505Gibbs]

Do a search for an authorized Randall dealer! You should get it from them AT catalog price and in about 8-9 months not 5 years.
Nordic Knives is one but there are at least 8 -10 more. Clinton Knives & Buxton Knives are dealers as well. Clinton is their largest I believe.
If you use it a lot for hunting, fishing etc. it IS a good investment and tool.

 

[Drm50]

No doubt a superb knife. What will it do that a Kbar won't, talking military issue. It wasn't that many years ago there were all kinds of carbon steel knives, US and European that were made of excellent steel.
Since most companies now find it cheaper to cold stamp stainless blades many are not worth buying unless you are collecting fancy handles. Most of the old trusted names are now junk. So you by a old knife or fork out for custom job.

 

[eveled]

If you cannot tell the difference between a KA-BAR and a Randall. By all means buy the KA-BAR.

As I said before I'm willing to spend extra for a forged knife and a better sheath.