Any Future for Randall Users ?

[roshi]

I noted here before that I'm a great fan of Randall Knives but I'm not a collector. I use the knives I have. I have had the same well used Randall Model 1-6 since the mid 60's.

I have nothing against those that collect. In fact, I admire and appreciate those of you who collect and share your knowledge and keep Randall Knives in business.

I have two collectibles in work:

My son was conceived around the same time the current RKS knife came out so I ordered one for him. A year after his birth it is expected to arrive soon. When he is old enough, he'll get to start a collection or become a new Randall user, or more likely sell it to buy a car.

I ordered a Model 13-6 about a year ago. The first Randall I ever handled was the same model knife in 1962. My best friend's older brother bought one directly from Randall Knives while traveling through Orlando. I can still remember wearing out the catalog he had. I think the wait time then was between 3 and 6 months. I'm not sure who will get this one, it's a nostalgia trip for me in the second half of my life.

Here's my dilema. I think Randall knives are excellent value for the money at factory pricing. I think the number of collectors has increased due to the Internet influence of this site, Knife Forums, eBay, etc. That's good for Randall Knives and good for you longer term collectors who have seen the value of your collections rise.

However, what it's done to users is turn us to other knives. I'd love to buy a smaller Randall for camp and trail use. I can't wait four years, I can't afford a new one at street collector prices (Hell I've even seen Model 10's going for over $200!), and I haven't seen a used Randall camp or skinning knife for sale at a reasonable price for about two years.

I don't expect you all to do anything about it. I just need a place to vent my frustration.

I applaud Randall Knives for limiting simultaneous purchases. That will help but it will take a long time.

I also applaud Randall Knives for limiting production to maintain quality.

My only suggestion is to ask Randall Knives to consider what Busse Knives did with their spin off of Swamp Rat Knives. I would be willing to pay a reasonable price for a Randall "night shift" to build standard no frills (no handle or guard options, all carbon or stainless, bead blasted, kydex sheath) knives without the Randall Logo for shipment to direct order customers in the same 4 to 6 weeks it takes to get a Swamp Rat Knife.

OK, now I feel better, at least until I think about what knife to buy next. Then my Randall frustration factor will be back.

Thanks for listening.

 

[Melvin-Purvis]

Oh yeah, "Any future for Randall collectors?"

Nope, we're all doomed. Today we enjoy the knives, yet soon we'll all be dead. That's life, so enjoy it while you can.

Mel

OK, I'll be serious now...anything you buy, anything at all, only has value twice in it's life...when you buy it, and when you sell it. (If you die before you can sell it, then it's only once...go figure)

If you buy for use and you pay 'high', but 'it' works for you, then in the long run you came out ahead. If you buy for 'profit' and the item goes up in value, 'and' if you can sell it and use the money before you die, then you came out ahead too.

But, if you buy for 'profit' and pay high, 'and' never use the item before you can recoup your investment dollars, 'or' before you die, then you just screwed up...

So, if you're buying for 'use', buy a Randall and you'll get your money back when your done using it; if you're buying for profit I'd suggest real estate instead.

Pretty cool stuff eh?

-edited cuz I cain't 'pell-