How tough are Randall knives?

Just a disclaimer. I only made kindling. I did not split logs!!! Lol. I know these pics are not new to some but wanna show new Randall guys these knives work just fine as users. Actually really well. I'd say get one and enjoy it. It's a nice feeling using such a historical blade. Bo new what it takes to make a good working knife.
 
sams said:
On some of my knives you can see and feel the ripple of the hammer strikes on the blade.
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I agree, Jim. I can see easily see the ripple of the hammer strikes in my Randalls when held to light. Pretty cool, IMO.
 
yes Tom pretty cool.
When I discussed this with Pete years ago in the shop, he said they got complaints. He said people thought "it was poor finishing" on the blades. So he said they had to add steps in grinding and buffing to get the blades smoother and polished, distinct grind lines. I liked seeing the ripples myself. In fact I allot of makers , Mr. Berhing being one of the them, leave the blade partially unfinished.
 
Great pics Cut It Out,,,thanks for sharing.
Randall's are such classics.
Functional, tough, pieces of American history.
 
I bought my Model 14 when we got dinged to go to the litter box over yonder- it's not done much more than open MRE's and cut rope... but it's one of the few knives I've ever owned that I legitimately couldn't put down- it just... felt right in the hand- Light, agile and natural. if it had ever come down to it, I have confidence that that work of art could have done some nasty things to nasty people. I've always wanted an obnoxiously large Randall Bowie, but I don't have the patience required to order a custom one from the shop (The shop puts military orders at the top of the pile- I had my Mod. 14 before wheels up four months after I ordered)
 
VanDammet said:
Cool thread...I've often wondered similarly if Randall knives are actually intrinsically worth their long waits & price tags. For me personally, the answer is very respectfully no. But that really has much more to do with my love for the great custom makers of fixed blades here on BF. I can get the exact knife I want, pay & wait less, so it's an easy choice for me, esp. since I lack a personal affinity for or connection to the brand. It's such an interesting topic though...a knife company that has played an important role in helping to keep us free, one with a sterling reputation built by all of the men who've chosen to use one over the decades....but how do they really stack up in a knife world that has taken quantum leaps forward in the meantime? Again, very cool thread, & as I read thru all four pages, I enjoyed the moderators stepping in & setting things right before the thread was able to nose dive - great moderating!....if that's a thing.
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Thank you man! I fully respect your opinion,I was lately thinking of same question.... Is it worth it?

Great judgment would be to have a chance to hold these blades in hand before purchase and to have some opportunity to use them.... even the simple having blade in hand will tell anybody who feel the knife - if it's worth it and to what extend.Pictures are nice and beautiful, but can be often misleading and causing poor judgment.Once you have knife in hand, you know straight away if it is cut for you or not....they don't suit to everyone,simple as that.

These knives don't come cheap at all,considering fact their basic standard prices begin at topping four hundred bucks for small, light models and six and half hundreds bucks for basic largest models,let alone "customised" ones...When it's customised, knives are topping anything between eight hundred and one thousand bucks for large blades,that's considerable amount for O1 or 440B steel and for the money,one would purchase four - 4 rock solid large premium bowies from mass productions or even two big blades made by knifemakers on order! (full customs)

So yes, in terms of money, Randalls are premium knives for premium money...simply expensive, for most normal men....

On the other hand, there seem to be highest end of quality guaranteed, these knives have far superior resale value over most of others and once purchased and kept well,their value only goes up.....its a huge name and part of history,,,,,not a nameless brand....
 
Seriousbladeno1 said:
I was lately thinking of same question.... Is it worth it?
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No amount of second hand information on the internet will make your opinion for you. It can only guide your choice to buy one or not.

You will never know until you buy one....
 
I have a couple of Randall knives, a Model 1 and a Model 12 Confederate Bowie, both great knives. Can't say much about the Model 12 as I just got it a couple of months ago, but I've taken my Model 1 camping a few times and it's done great! Love the o1 steel as well. I bought both of mine from authorized dealers as the wait time is much shorter then buying directly through Randall, the cost is a little more, but I'm not the most patient person so I was fine with that.
 
My Randall Model 1 Is the best knife in my collection but I rarely use it in the field. Truthfully, it was a present to me from my wife when I finally retired from the Army (Sort of) To me it is like having Excalliber at my hip when I rule but pulling out 'Old Bloody' when I have to fight. My 'Old Bloody' that did at least 3 missions with is a early Cold Steel Tanto.
http://s4.photobucket.com/user/threefeathers/media/blades/PA160037.jpg.html
 
The edge thinness on a hollow grind is what makes Randalls different, and superior in my opinion, but other custom makers that imitate the Randall models will also imitate the edge thinness, like Wall and Colin Cox. Look for the hollow grind as the signature of a matching geometry Randall "tribute", even if the blade shape differs, but looks in a similar "style"...

Gaston
 
I've been to the shop. You should too the next time you are in Orlando. They truly hand hone each knife on stones.
 
Randall page says,the properties of their stainless steel is nowhere else to be found (not sure if this is optional only) or as standard steel they use on all their stainless knives?

Anyone have any closer info on what is it exactly? Page description of their stainless steel is relating this with resistance against saltwater and also putting example as their Astro model...
 
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