Does anyone still like Randall???

uccman,
I recently picked up a #14 with finger grooves. I have found the handle is a 1/2 too short and the grooves are too narrow. If you have a large hand, this could be an issue. My friend has medium sized hands and it fits him perfectly. I just ordered a #16-7 with Border Patrol handles. You can't go wrong with a palm swell.

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Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
 
Go for the Randall. I stil have the 5 1/2" Number 18 I carried in Nam plus three others I've acquired since. I trust each of them.

What else matters when the chips are down?

Chris
 
Go for it! I have a 6" Hunter's Bowie that is nigh on 40 years old and I love it. It is my favorite knife. I also have a Mod. 1-7 that I bought in 1978. They are both great knives!

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Walk in the Light,
Hugh Fuller
Arlington, Virginia

 
Greg Clem,

Since you are looking at Randall Model #3-6 knives, here are some Model 3 pictures:
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/ViewPhoto?u=91257&a=817804&p=12769801
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/ViewPhoto?u=91257&a=817804&p=13611652

In the event it is not clear from the caption the older Model 3-5 is the same length as the newer 1960 era Model 3-6, in fact, it is about just a hair longer (1/16" or 1/8" longer--do not remember exactly). I suppose that before just the cutting length was counted and now they use the whole blade size, including choil.

Donald.
 
I don't think Randall should change to stainless steel at all. Randall knife owners tend to be people who really take care of their knives, so what you gain in stain resistance just doesn't justify what you lose in strength.

O-1 is good carbon steel. But it would be better if they used W-2 or 52100 for example.

I think the main reason I wouldn't buy a Randall is that the knives are no longer made by the original artist. So basically they're just copies of the originals.

It is very easy to find smiths who can make you a similiar knife of the same materials for significantly less money. And at least that knife is made for you by a self-employed artist, instead of a semi-production outfit. I rather have an authentic painting by a no name artist, than a Picasso print.

[This message has been edited by tallwingedgoat (edited 21 November 1999).]
 
Tallwingedgoat (there I hope I got it right)

While sole authorship has been an issue with all "custom", "benchmade", and "handmade" knives it does not concern me in the present case. One of the secrets to Randall's success is that he was able to integrate other people into his operation without sacrificing the quality of his product. There are many popular makers today who rely on help to make and complete there knives, and not all of them have been as successful.

When W.D passed away a few yesrs ago he left his business in the capable hand of his son Gary. Gary's has been working in the shop and producing Randall knives since about 1958/62. It makes no sense to detract from
Randall Knives made after W.D. Randall passed away since these knives were and are made by the same individuals in same shop from the same materials as before.


[This message has been edited by not2sharp (edited 22 November 1999).]
 
Thanks to jc for the tip on Nordic Knives. I placed my order today and it should be done by middle of Feb. I ended up with the Model 25-6 with stag handle, leather spacers and brass butt, and hilt. This was the most visually pleasing of all the models. I still would like a Model 1.
 
I have a Randall Model 8 Special that is very nice little knife. Comfortable and sharp, haven't used it much to speak of, bought it from the Randall shop about 15 years ago.

G2

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My mind is made up,
So don't confuse me with the facts!

www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Cabin/7306/blades.html

Gillett PA
 
Here are a few more Randall dealers that have a lot of knives in stock, or can get you a special order in about 3 months.

Doug Kenefick (860) 774-8929
29 Leander Street
Danielson, CT 06239

Greg Gutcher
(Sullivan's Holster)
(813)236-8791

Jack Crider
(614) 276-6060

I have bought from all of the above, Nordic Knives, and the Randall shop also (bought three knives they had in stock in their factory store just by calling them on the phone, and stopped in the store once while on business in Orlando--bought two more.) Greg Gutcher makes all the sheaths for Randall and can make one in black, maroon, or some other color, or a special adaptation for your Randall. Ordering a Randall is a little like ordering a new car--all the options you want--resulting in thousands of combinations. I don't know of another knife dealer who will do that for you.

Bruce Woodbury
 
My wife thinks I'm crazy because when we stay at a hotel I always have two things in my suitcase... 50 ft. of 7/16" climbing rope and my 20 year old Randall #14.

Sure I'm paranoid but sometimes I'm worried that I'm not paranoid enough.
 
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