Randall Made Knives

[medxam]

I know that we have had threads on Randall Made Knives before, however, this one is different.

How many of you have a Randall Made Knife that you USE on a regular basis and sharpen when necessary. If they are as good as they are reputed to be, why does no one use them. I will admit that I am not a knife collector, but I get disgusted with so called "great" knives that just don't measure up to my expectations. I am referring to a fix blade knife with a blade length of approximately 5", for general use.

I am well aware of the price of new Randall knives and the fact that the factory price is reasonable, BUT there is a four (4) year wait for delivery. New Randall knives are available from "dealers" that ordered them years ago, but they now want several hundred dollars premium, if you want one now. Used, but not abused Randall's are scarce, but one would fit my needs perfectly.

What do you knife guys and gals think?

medxam

 

[-db-]

I've seen accounts elsewhere where guys are using them. I suspect used ones are scarce because, like guns, good ones that see use typically aren't sold- it's the safe queens or impulse buys doing nothing guys tend to part with more easily.

 

[BlackAgnes]

Mexdam-

Although I have several Randall's which I don't use, simply because I bought them for investments, I do have a couple that I have given hard use under very adverse conditions and they are superior instruments.

For example, when I was deployed to Colombia and living in the jungle, the 100% humidity caused the carbon steel blade of my Model 14 to rust every day, and I cleaned it off with gun oil and steel wool-- the blade held its edge regardless and I routinely used it to pierce metal containers , dig in the dirt, chop vines and brush, and as a pry bar. I really abused it. Today, it hangs in my office and looks (nearly!) as good as new.

I was completely confidant that the Randall would do anything I asked of it ,and having it always with me was a great comfort.


They are so expensive that most are kept in pristine condition, but I can assure you that many Randall's are in daily service around the world!

When my kids were born, I ordered each of them a Trout and Bird model, and they treasure them.

They are worth the wait, and if I were a hunter or outdoorsman, one would live on my belt!

Tim

 

[pilgrim6a]

I had around a dozen at one time. Hard times and all but one went by-by. NEVER lost a dime on them and made a good profit on most.
This one I hung on to till a good friend talked me out of it. Later he traded it back as part payment on a '73 Colt's Woodsman. Randy went west on me last March and I've worn it every day since.
It's a #5, 4" stag.

 

[Texas Star]

I think a Randall will do well by you. I used a Model 3 that I used to own. A whack from the blade spine would kill or stun fish easily, and it was a sturdy knife. You could cut light wood for a fire or make a tent stake with it. It didn't come as sharp as I wanted, though.

The Model 5 with five-inch blade sounds like what you want. Maybe the Model 7 if you want a more curved blade.

If you don't want to spend that kind of money, look at the Fallkniven S-1, which has a similar blade (to the Model 5) of that length. There is also a leather-handled version in their Northern Lights series. I forget what it's called. Just check the specs. www.fallkniven.com The leather-handled Fallkniven models look very Randall-like and are very strong and sharp. They are also available for immediate delivery. Hardly cheap, but less dear than a Randall. But a Randall is better known, and usually easier to sell.

An older Puma knife is also a good option, and you can sometimes find one at a gun show. Try the Outdoor or Model 3589.

A lot of people do use Randalls, and they have always been popular n the military. QC varies, and I'd not buy one sight unseen. Overall, I think the optional stainless blades tend to be better finished. I'd try to get a Micarta handle on a "user."

Go read the topic about Spam. I have a good Randall knife story in a post there.

Oh: if you like the Model 1, but not the dip in the blade spine just ahead of the guard, order the Model 5 instead, with upper quillon on the guard and have them hone the clip.

I think you can use a Randall carefully and still have a useful, valuable investment. I wouldn't use a Loveless or Moran knife, though. Just too valuable.

 

[Trooperdan]

It may be a little know policy of Randall, but, a deployed GI can get a Randall of his choice in 3-4 months!

 

[jlrhiner]

The one up in the corner there goes with me whenever a sheath knife is called for. Would and have staked my life on it.

 

[Texas Star]

The one up in the corner there goes with me whenever a sheath knife is called for. Would and have staked my life on it.

What is it? Model 14? Can't see it too well in the avatar.

 

[amazingflapjack]

For practical daily use, I would suggest you look at Grayman knives.

 

[HAWKEYE10]

I think a Randall will do well by you. I used a Model 3 that I used to own. A whack from the blade spine would kill or stun fish easily, and it was a sturdy knife. You could cut light wood for a fire or make a tent stake with it. It didn't come as sharp as I wanted, though.

The Model 5 with five-inch blade sounds like what you want. Maybe the Model 7 if you want a more curved blade.

If you don't want to spend that kind of money, look at the Fallkniven S-1, which has a similar blade (to the Model 5) of that length. There is also a leather-handled version in their Northern Lights series. I forget what it's called. Just check the specs. www.fallkniven.com The leather-handled Fallkniven models look very Randall-like and are very strong and sharp. They are also available for immediate delivery. Hardly cheap, but less dear than a Randall. But a Randall is better known, and usually easier to sell.

An older Puma knife is also a good option, and you can sometimes find one at a gun show. Try the Outdoor or Model 3589.

A lot of people do use Randalls, and they have always been popular n the military. QC varies, and I'd not buy one sight unseen. Overall, I think the optional stainless blades tend to be better finished. I'd try to get a Micarta handle on a "user."

Go read the topic about Spam. I have a good Randall knife story in a post there.

Oh: if you like the Model 1, but not the dip in the blade spine just ahead of the guard, order the Model 5 instead, with upper quillon on the guard and have them hone the clip.

I think you can use a Randall carefully and still have a useful, valuable investment. I wouldn't use a Loveless or Moran knife, though. Just too valuable.

Did I hear somebody say Puma? I bought this one years ago at JC Penny for $25. Best knife I have ever owned. Don

 

[NE450No2]

I have a stainless Trout and Bird, and a carbon steel Model 5 six inch that I have used quite a bit.

In fact I used the Model 5 just this deer season on the 4 pigs, 3 deer, and wild turkey I shot.

I like the way they balance and feel. They hold a good edge and they are easy to sharpen, I use a diamond sharpener.

I bought them to use.
I have gutted, skint, and butchered a lot of game with them.

 

[BubbaBlades]

I use 4 different Randall knives on a regular basis. I also have some "spares."
Mark

 

[goldenlight]

I have a Randall with a 4" stainless steel blade that I've used a fair amount.

That thing is tough as nails.

 

[gregintenn]

I just can't see the appeal. I guess that's why they make different stuff.

 

[Opie]

Authorized Randall dealers

Some Randall dealers only charge list price.

I have ordered a couple through Gary Clinton. Delivery has been in less than a year, and he only charged list price.

There are others that follow the same policy.
Call the Randall shop and they can point you towards their dealers.
The Randall shop foreman is the one that told me about Clinton.

 

[Texas Star]

Did I hear somebody say Puma? I bought this one years ago at JC Penny for $25. Best knife I have ever owned. Don

Oho! A Puma Skinner. Good knife, if you like the blade shape. The stag handle is bland on this one, but I've seen some spectacular Puma antler.

These are good knives, as you've learned. Some Simichrome metal polish and elbow grease might improve the looks of that blade.

Thanks for sharing.

 

[chief38]

I don't own a Randal, but I do own a VERY RARE Marbles (Gladstone) Large Stockman Pocket knife made of Carbon steel and wears Factory Stag on its sides. There were supposed to be only 25 made in their custom shop, but supposedly (as the story was told to me) they only actually produced 18 according to the late Bob Young who was a long time Marbles employee.

Anyway, I have carried and used his knife every single day of my life since it arrived more than 12 years ago. These knives are worth quite a bit these days, and I am sure mine is not worth much to a Collector because it has stains on the Carbon Steel Blades, and has handling marks and a few scratches, but I love using this knife - as it is what I bought it for.

From my experience the guys that buy these Randall knives will usually purchase them to look at, but I would think there are still some fellas out there that actually do use 'em! Three cheers for them

Chief38

 

[cochise]

I used to have quite a collection mostly on display. I gave the majority away to my children and grandchildren. Sold the rest on ebay. Randall knives are one of the few, if not the only knife maker that still silver solders the hilt to the blade. It means allot to me in Florida. I had more than one knife break in two at the hilt from rust.

I only use a model 3 and model 7 now. Here is a pick of my canoe, outdoor knife. Sharpened the blade down a bit.

 

[J. R. WEEMS]

RANDAL's

This Pathfinder goes with me on every camping trip, or elsewhere.

 

[imjin138]

I carried a model 14 on active duty and still have it, I ordered it while on active duty in June of 83 and it arrived in June of 86 exactly 3 years after I ordered it. I have gone through 2 sheaths so far. Not being in the Army now it mostly sits in my dresser drawer but it is still sharp and ready if I need it.