Can anyone tell me about this knife?

Infi-del

Infi-del

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Apr 6, 2009
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A guy I know asked me to find out about his knife. He says it's a Randal. let me say I know nothing about Randal knives, they've never been my thing. He gave me some story that his Dad told him that they were a special run for the Astronauts back in the 70's or something. Doesn't look like a space knife. But anyway I took some pics of the blade and markings. He's wanting to know as much info as possible and what it's value might be. I'll try to answer any questions as best I can to help you determine anything about it. Thanks guys.
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I don't know about it being a designated space knife,but I know that sheath is a replacement.
 
its not the space knife. as the other gent said in your original post, the astro model is pretty distinctive.


It looks like a well used model 4 to me.
 
ron mathews said:
I believe it's either a 3-5 or a 7-5 circa mid to late 70's.

Best,
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Ditto. The model 3 would have a slightly thicker blade. If you have some calipers (and if it makes a difference to you), see if it's more than 3/16" thick. If so, it's a 3.
 
Any idea as to the value of the knife? I think the guy is gonna try and sell it eventually. I don't have it in had but I'm pretty sure it's no more than 3/16ths thick. It's definitely not .25".
 
The "quarter-inch" knives are from quarter-inch stock (before forging). You really need to put the calipers to it to be sure.

I've given up on estimating values of knives. It was difficult enough when the economy was more-or-less stable; right now, it's anybody's guess.
 
Samael said:
I've given up on estimating values of knives. It was difficult enough when the economy was more-or-less stable; right now, it's anybody's guess.
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Agreed! IMO the best place to get an idea of current market value is the completed section of e-bay. Here are a couple of recent examples:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Randall-7-4-Fis...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item19b864a0d4

http://cgi.ebay.com/Randall-7-5-fis...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item2ea96e0928

In this case the knife is not old enough to be that collectable, the condition isn't very good and it's missing it's original sheath. That said, he could put it on e-bay and someone still might bid $400-500 for it. You just never know! I think it would make a pretty classy user for someone.

Best,
 
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Would you guys recommend against cleaning it up? I know with a little work the blade can be made to shine. I know with antique blades the patina is everything and you can kill the value by polishing it. But if this knife isn't quite old enough to count as a true antique and the staining hurts it's value then a polish should increase it right?
 
Personally, I would clean it up, but I'm sure I'll have about six people jump down my throat for saying that.
 
Well it's one of those things where the bottom line is what will make it more sellable and valuable. Is it in that age range where a patina is a selling point or is it modern enough to where closer to factory new is better. For the most part it's just lightly stained and a quick buff will have it shining bright.

BTW I measured it and it's just a gant's hair under 3/16ths.
 
It looks like a number 3 to me and I would probably by an original sheath for it off ebay before selling it to make more money in the end. I would also clean it up as it it will look more taken care of to a buyer.
 
I would say it's a model 7. It doesn't quite look big enough to be a model 3 and It's not swept enough to be a model 4.

I would clean it also, at the risk of being tared and feathered.

The sheath was not Randall provided unless there is something I don't know.

Bill
 
Bill, you cracked me up. While just about anything seems to have been possible over the 75-year history of RMK, I somehow think you're pretty safe with that statement.

A model 7 it is, and hearing no dissenting votes, it's unanimous: Clean it up.
 
Yea you know the purists never want you to touch anything Samael. I believe in taking care of my things. If they need oiled I oil them. If they need cleaned I clean them. If I need to use them I use them. Of course I would never clean or oil anything if I didn't believe the item would be the better for it.

Make it nice..... clean and oil it.


Bill
 
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I talked on the phone this morning with Mike Hangis at Ruana, who shipped a brand new 20B to me today. He was aghast that I was actually planning on using it. I don't think Gary Randall has ever figured that out either.

Maybe it's just me, but Jesus, people, that's what these things are for.
 
I always liked the Model 20, 21 and 22. Post pics when you get it. I was going to order a 28 last week and Gary sent an email stating I can't order it with the new white handle material, bummer. I really want a white handled Randall. Looking at other models now. I have a 5 and 23. Just sold an 8. I want something for general purpose that's a little smaller.

Bill
 
I happened to be browsing this thread and thought I would chime in. I think you misunderstood me. I was somewhat surprised that you planned on using the knife because customers rarely say that, but was glad that you planned on doing so. The message that I failed to communicate properly is that every knife that leaves our shop is made to be used ... we may them look as good as we can, but making a cutting tool is our primary goal. Regardless, we appreciate your businesss and hope the knife serves you well!

Cheers,

Mike
 
Thanks for the clarification, Mike. (Sorry I mis-spelled your last name, by the way.)

The knife has arrived, and it's a beauty, in case anyone was wondering.
 
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