CRK 1-piece vs Randall #18

corwise

corwise

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I was thinking of buying a hallow handle knife, and the only two that I know that are well made are the CRK 1-piece and the Randall #18. Since I've never actaully seen/handled these knives, I was curious if anyone had an opinion on them. Price aside, which ones are better knives? Seeing how this is the Chris Reeve forum I'm sure opinions will be weighted on that side, but figured someone might have seen the Randall version. :) For the CRK I was thinking of the Mountaineer II. Thanks.
 
I have seen a lot of hollow handle imitations and none have come close to the Reeve. While Randall is a reputable company, I would not buy this knife or any Randall I have handled compared to Reeve. Mind you I have never used another fixed blade without breaking it or rendering it useless except the Hollow Handled Reeve or Swamp Rat. The price on the Randall is high and the handle seems to be just plain and not grooved. I will see if a buddy of mine has one and if so, I'll do some side by side shots.

Additionally, this knife does not appear to be 1 piece...that will affect strength.
 
The chances of breaking the handle joint on a Randall are very slim.I would bet you would snap the blade first.That being said,by the Chris Reeve being a one piece,solid bar of A2,it has to be stronger in a prying/chopping situation.You will have no issues with either knife.The Randall should handle chopping with no problem either.However,price in relation to quality/performane the Reeve will win hands down.You will pay a premium just for the Randall name.Now the Randall has something the Reeve doesn't have,an option for a forged 440B stainless steel blade.If you want stainless,than you only have one choice in the hollow handle selection given here.
 
TOMBSTONE said:
The chances of breaking the handle joint on a Randall are very slim.I would bet you would snap the blade first.That being said,by the Chris Reeve being a one piece,solid bar of A2,it has to be stronger in a prying/chopping situation.You will have no issues with either knife.The Randall should handle chopping with no problem either.However,price in relation to quality/performane the Reeve will win hands down.You will pay a premium just for the Randall name.Now the Randall has something the Reeve doesn't have,an option for a forged 440B stainless steel blade.If you want stainless,than you only have one choice in the hollow handle selection given here.
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Tombstone put that real well!:thumbup: Good advice and I owned many of both, through out the years.
good luck with your choice:thumbup:
Jules
 
I think the one piece gives you a lot more bang for the buck. Those Randals are hard to get and are very expensive.
 
My buddy who is a dealer for both said the Reeve is stronger, is hardened better, and that the Randall is a 2 piece design. He says price aside, go Reeve.
 
Thanks much for all your inputs, I've never actually seen either knife, so was just looking for some thoughts. Appreciate the help, and I'll be getting a CRK soon. :)
 
Well, there I go, into the knife store, all planning to buy that Mountaineer II. And, I notice the rack of Sebenzas, and figure hey, I gotta see what everyone is talking about. Long story short, I walk out of the store with a Sebenza and significantly less cash on me then I walked in, and will have to put the 1-piece off for another few months......
 
Large, with the "In God We Trust" engraving.... :)
Pretty sweet, although my wife was less then pleased.... :D
 
For what it's worth I think that you'll get a lot more chance to use the Seb! Good choice. I'll get a one piece one day but the Seb for me is a daily user.!:D
 
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