Are Randalls tough?

shane

shane

Joined
May 20, 1999
Messages
945
I am searching for a camp knife and really like the Randall design and nastalgia. Can these knives stand up to hard use or are they more for light duty and collecting? Thanks. BTW, which would you recommend.

shane
 
They are both collectable and extremely functional in my opinion. That being said, the only Randall model I have extensive experience with is their Model 14. I have acquired 4 of these over a 7yr period. One is a mint older-vintage collectable that sees zero use. The other 3 were current-made pieces in different configurations. I prefer the Carbon blades over the stainless. One of my 14's was gifted to a close friend now serving in the Marines and he has not reported any failures of the knife. My 14's have seen only camping trips, hiking expeditions, a few off road adventures, etc. I have done trail clearing, some light digging\prying, food prep, wood cutting, etc all without negative impact on the knife aside from dulling the edge a bit. Some Randall models will perform better than others of course, but as a general field\combat\hard use knife, I can't find anything wrong with the Model 14.
 
I'd like to hear more stories/opinions regarding this, because I'm very interested in Randall knives, but there isn't much talk about them on the forums.
 
I just recieved the Model 14 with leather handle and I have the Pathfinder coming this week with leather and stag. I have an upcoming camping trip in a week or so and I will be trying them both out. I do not mind spending the money as long as they perfrom well. Plus there is the added bonus of being one of the most collectable knives in the world so I can pass them on to my children. That story above really helped my confidence and I would love to hear some more stories. :thumbup:
 
The only Randall I own currently is the model 18. Alot of people do not like the hollow handle idea but I am a big fan of it. I am a product of the Rambo years I guess. The 18 is probably my favorite knife and even though it doesn't see alot of abuse like my CRK's it does get used from time to time. It would hold up I am sure but it's so doggone pretty I hate to mess it up. But I do have another on the way. With two of them I am sure one will end up being a steady user.
 
Well I`ve owned three Randalls 1-7, 3-5, 8 all with carbon steel. They were all used hard all kinds of outdoor activities and work. My brother has two which he uses for hunting and fishing. These five Randalls have stood the test of hard use and time in my opinion. I`ve always thought the model 5 would make a great all around camp knife.
 
I remember reading an interview of James Keating, and he said that in all his travels through all his travels (he mentioned being in the jungles of south america), his Randall 12-8 was the only knife he ever needed, as it stood up to all his survivalism needs. This inspired me to get the 12-8.
 
The model 5 is, indeed, a great all 'round (camp) knife.

I've owned several Randalls and long ago decided to keep the
model 5 and the model 8 as my two general purpose fixed
blades. Although I've had some Randall combat style knives over the
years, I never really found a use for them. Even the four years I
spent in the military did not provide an opportunity to use my model
14 or my divers' knife.

Some day, I'll hand the two Randall's down to my sons or grandsons.
If only those blades could talk.....Lots of adventures reflected in both.

Incidently, not that anyone asked, but I prefer the carbon steel of my
model 8 to the stainless of my model 5.
 
I've owned, carried, and used my Model 14 for over 30 years. It's the carbon steel blade. It got some minor rust pits, which Randall was able to polish out quite nicely. In 1981, I bought a stainless Model 14 since I often work in corrosive environments. That one went to Iraq with me, where it was used hard, and came through like a champ. It was used to open cardboard cartons, cut wire and some pretty serious hawsers at the port, clear some brush, and chop wood, among other things. It also probably saved my life one afternoon on a dirt road near Basrah.
My Randall diver's knife has also spent a lot of time with me on dives, and still looks and functions just fine.
The stainless blades are a little harder to sharpen than the tool steel ones. But you have nothing to worry about regarding the durability of these knives. I now own several, and never hesitate to take any of them to the field.
 
I have had a 6" Sportsman's Bowie since 1961 and have used it for everything from a camp knife to a hunting knife to a kitchen knife and cleaver. It is on its second sheath as tha first one got beat all to Hell. I would not trade that knife for all the world. it has done all that I have ever asked of it and come back begging for more.

If I may make one suggestion, however. I do not live in a very humid environment, but I understand that the leather washer hilt that is the standard on Randalls does not do all that well in such environments, or so those who took Randalls to VietNam have told me. I would suggest that you consider micarta or some other material for your hilt.
 
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