Help Identifying Handle Material - Gold Micarta?

[Bobgash]

Sorry to begin my first post with a request for help (and please excuse my lack of "posting skill"). I've been a Randall admirer since I read an article on Bo in an "Archery World" article in 1967.

I recently purchased a Model 14 that was described as "Gold Micarta". The seller said he bought it new from a dealer in ~1998, and he believed the dealer had received the knife from Randall just prior to his purchase.

I'm very happy with the knife (as-new condition - never been in the sheath, etc...); however, I am intrigued as to what type Micarta it might be. I'm aware Randall quit selling "antique gold" somewhere in the mid-2000's, and I believe the old Westinghouse was around until the early 90's (?), but what about the time between?

I've never attempted to attach photos, but I made an attempt. The lighting looks different, but the 2 handle shots are fair representations, as one side is definitely a bit darker than the other (my seller said it was that way when he purchased).

If the links didn't make it through, can someone please give me a pointer? [I'm really "mystified" how you guys can attach such great shots to your posts - must be some sort of magic!] Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[machine26]

I can't help ya with your question but that's a fine looking knife. Like that handle color.

When you wanna insert a pic, click the Insert pic button above this box we type in, then put the direct URL of your pic in it.

 

[Bobgash]

Thanks for the comment, and tip on the pics. It's my 4th Randall (with another on order from the factory), and I was pleasantly surprised - at least appears to be a bit unique...

 

[machine26]

YW. I've never used flickr so I don't how to help you further with the pic problem. Which other Randalls do you have? Once ya figure out the pic thing post em in the pic thread if you like.

 

[Bobgash]

Thanks for your note – I’ve tried again to attach both the Model 14 and my other Randalls (if it doesn’t work, I’ll try again). They’re nothing special – 2 Model 3’s and a 27.

I’ve been partial to Randall “hunters” from that first article I read. When I saw my first Randall in a display case the summer of 1967 at a shop in Jackson Hole, I was hooked, but didn’t purchase one until years later when my life slowed a bit. [My knife on-order is a 22 with a few extras.]

I own a few knives (50+), but overall, the Randalls have been and remain my favorites. [One exception is a Kabar “Navy” my Dad traded for, just prior to his landing at Normandy. Funny, he used it for years to chop away brush, etc… while fishing, but I now consider it to be priceless…]

Please let me know if someone has further thoughts on the type of gold Micarta in my Model 14 – thanks!

 

[Bobgash]

Oh well - still can't get it right; however, if you right-click on the "?", the image will open.

 

[machine26]

Reading, Randall Knives: A reference book, written by our very own Melvin Purvis I found something.

The first "ivorite" yellow paper micarta handles were sold torwards the end of 1971. This now collectable handle material was sold continuously into 1990.

That's all I can find about it. ETA: Not even sure if that's the same material as yours. Yours could be something that was customer supplied.

 

[Melvin-Purvis]

Bob,

email me the photos to bluestarknives at sbcglobal dot net and I'll repost 'em here with whatever info I have...

Shel

 

[machine26]

I knew the man himself would chime in soon. I'm looking forward to hearing about it myself. I really like checking out older/collectable Randalls.

Not into owning them, regular Randalls take up enough money as it is lol. And I rather enjoy beating on them honestly.

ETA: And for some reason everytime someone asks a Randall question that I probably have the answer to in your book, Shel, I seem to forget I own it. Seems CRS is fading out and CRAFT is kicking in.

 

[Bobgash]

Thanks - personal e-mail on the way to MP.

 

[Melvin-Purvis]

Bob's photos.



To me, it looks like the RMK Shop supplied Antique Gold Micarta offered from ~2005 into mid 2008 (delivery of knives with this handle material originally spec'd continued until recently) - so, it was likely either customer supplied material if the date given by the seller was correct; or, the seller was incorrect with regard to the delivery date. As to the color variance: the material color may not have been uniform to start with; the finishing process on some handle material types can lead to discoloration; and/or exposing the handle material to sunlight (as in, a display) will almost always discolor (darken) the lighter colored laminates.

Cool knife Bob; I hope this helps...

-S

 

[Bobgash]

Thanks - very much helps to have your thoughts.

I believe you're spot-on about the AGM. Other than the handle, there are very few hints about the knife's age, (sheath is like new, etc...). That's what had me "buffaloed", as I'd seen pics (AGM) that appeared to match up; however, the time-frame (1998) didn't make sense.

I think I'll just chalk this one up to confusion on the seller's side regarding the build date. Thanks again for everyone's input (and thanks for posting the pics - I'll figure it out some day.