Last night my wife and I opened our small assortment of Christmas gifts. One package from my father was a total surprise to me. In it was a knife in a leather sheath, complete with the little sharpening stone in the side pocket. On withdrawing the blade I discovered that it was a Randall model 4 (6" blade) in pristine condition, made in the 1950's or 60's. What a beautiful shape and grind and, and.... Just major wow. Like my father I will probably never use this knife for its intended purpose as a big game skinner. But it is just so beautiful, and a slice of history, so to speak.
When I opened it I did not know the designation, but it was plainly obvious that this was built for skinning large animals. I went to Randall's website to learn the model number; they still make them today. The O-1 blade is very thin behind the edge, with a large upsweep to the tip. The distal taper is a thing of beauty. The blade started at 0.25" thick, but forging and grinding have thinned all but the start of the spine to an elegant taper.
This knife really should be displayed, as it is very beautiful to behold. And me with no fireplace!
Bill
When I opened it I did not know the designation, but it was plainly obvious that this was built for skinning large animals. I went to Randall's website to learn the model number; they still make them today. The O-1 blade is very thin behind the edge, with a large upsweep to the tip. The distal taper is a thing of beauty. The blade started at 0.25" thick, but forging and grinding have thinned all but the start of the spine to an elegant taper.
This knife really should be displayed, as it is very beautiful to behold. And me with no fireplace!
Bill
