I'm going to have to buy a Randall

J

James Healy

Joined
Feb 6, 2000
Messages
631
Well, i've done it now. I've been studiously ignoring the fact that Randall even existed, let alone looking at their website. Tonight i caved in and spent an hour or so drooling over all the pretty knives. I knew i would not be able to resist them, and i was right. Now all my money is going to be sunk into a single knife (again). Oh well, i guess this is the life of an addict.

Yours in Randall made knives (I'm not obsessed!!!)

James

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The beast we are, lest the beast we become.
 
You know, James, there are folks who say that Randalls are outdated,etc. (Les Robertson) but I own two, a 6" Hunter's Bowie from 1961 and a 7" Model 1 from 1978. I would not consider selling either one for anything! I love those knives. That Hunter's Bowie saw us through our early marriage as a cleaver and a carving knife, a butcher knife, and a bread knife, as well as a hunting knife, thoroughly cleaned each time, of course. It has a patina on the blade and I have considered sending it back to Randall for reconditioning, but haven't done so as yet, 33 years later. The Model 1 is a collector's piece, bought because I wanted one. I don't think that you'll ever regret having sprung for one, and if you do, you can always sell it at a profit.

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Walk in the Light,
Hugh Fuller
 
Outdated? Les thinks the Randall's are outdated? Well maybe from a marketing standpoint for those who want to sell "new" knives. I'm curious how "modern" can a knife be? The basic patterns are appear to have been around for hundreds if not thousands of years. I mean you've got handle, blade, edge - not much more it's a simple tool. Granted you can change the materials - stainless steel, titanium, plastic handles, etc.. But gee, it's still a simple tool. Does BG-42 and G-10 make for a better knife than O1 and micarta? Maybe, maybe not. I happen to like Randall knives. The materials used seem to get the job done and the workmanship is very good. The prices charged seem fair in comparison with up-scale production and most custom knives. I consider my Randalls to be the best knife buys I've made. Seems a few others like them too, the wait is nearly two years.
 
Just because the factory is quoting "two years" doesn't mean you have to wait that long! There are about 26 authorized Randall dealers who have "permanent" orders in with the shop. They only send in the details of what they want to order 90 days in advance. If they haven't sold the order out, you can spec a knife to them and get it in reasonable time. I've gotten them in 90 days before but now that the "official" waiting time is 2 years, most dealers are sold out for six months. That is still considerably less than the factory wait. E-mail me if you want a list of about 4-5 dealers I have used before.

As far as outdated, Randall is upgrading their 440-B stainless to ATS-34 and 440-C on some knives. Some out there would roll their eyes and say these steels are outdated too. Well, half of what makes a good knife steel good is the heat treat and Randall has always been known for a good heat treat.

Bruce Woodbury
 
James,

I did the same thing and finally caved in a couple of years ago and started collecting them, haven't looked back (or had any regrets) yet.

I feel that part of the allure of Randall Made knives is their interpretation of the different blade styles. Classical yet functionally elegant. Buying a Randall is buying a piece of knife history but that doesn't mean that they are not "up with the times". As someone has already pointed out, the willingness to try new steel choices and even some design evolutions are continuing to keep them in the public's eye.

I have some Randalls for Sale (and am always looking to trade for others) check out my recent ad in the "For Sale" section here on BF. And if you ever want to talk Randalls or have a question feel free to email me, always enjoy sharing the Randall-mania!


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Marine Sniper Motto:
There's no use Running, you'll only Die Tired!
 
About a year or so back there was a discussion comparing Randalls to Brends where he had seen a Randall break in Arctic training while the Brend had not. There was much speculation over whether the Randall had a flaw in it and Les was asked if it had been sent back to Randall for examination. I think that he said that it had not.

He also legitimately criticizes Randall's continued use of leather washers as the default material for their hilts. These simply do not hold up under the kind of use given them in combat situations, no matter how handsome it may look, which it does.

His criticism of their choice of steels is irrelevant as far as I am concerned, as are others' comments regarding Randall's continued use of forging in their knives. I happen to prefer a forged blade, although I will admit that modern steels have approached the point where stock-removal is functionally equivalent. I just like the thought of my blade having been hammered out by somebody, and I am willing to pay for that. Labor costs in this country, but a master is worth his wage.

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Walk in the Light,
Hugh Fuller
 
Hugh, I agree leather is not the most durable of the possible handle materials out there but it sometimes gets a bum rap. I think Randall does a leather handle as well or better than most. Better than my pilot survival knife and fighting/utility knife which have seen a lot of weather, sweaty hands and deer blood and have not come loose, shrunk, or cracked in any way -- with no maintenance whatsoever. I too would choose G10 or Micarta for a combat knife (and have for my field knife if mobilized) but it takes a lot more "wet" than most people see to make one go bad. Even Bo Randall used a leather handle Model #7 as his personal "fishing creel" knife. The picture I saw was of a badly stained blade (01 probably) but an intact leather handle (I suppose he could have rehandled it a couple of times?)! But many Randall knives survived WWII with leather handles.

I'm convinced enough of this that I just ordered a #1-7 with a leather border patrol handle.

Bruce Woodbury
 
Bruce, thank you for that reminder. Both of my Randalls have the leather washer hilts, but I suspect that, were I going in harm's way, I would now choose something else. But well treated leather has certainly done well in the past.

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Walk in the Light,
Hugh Fuller
 
I bought two randals and got them this year and was completely impressed with them. The fit and finish was better than a lot of customs I have seen at gun shows. It really does not matter what les says. As long as you are content with it, that's all that matters. I love the green micarta handles on mine and I didn't even ask for it.
 
I always drool over the Randall's when I stop in at Beck's Cutlery. Patsy has so many of them. Someday I'll buy one.
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Blades
 
I'm looking for a #5 with a 7 inch blade if anyone has one?? Yeah, i know how unlikely it is, but i can hope. All i have to worry about now is where i can stop myself....

James

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The beast we are, lest the beast we become.
 
E-Bay prices seem to run about $20-25 over Randall list for the more current, popular models. If you're patient, or lucky, you can do better. The older versions can run into big bucks, tho'. Just won a Model 2-7 last night. Looking forward to its delivery.

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It's always darkest before the dawn. So if you plan to steal your neighbor's newspaper, that's the time to do it.
 
Randalls kick ass. I don't care what anyone says.

I got a Model 1-7" about 2 years ago and love it. I even had it "custom" made to my specifications. I did the trick of ordering it through an authorized dealer and had it in only about 3 or 4 months.

If you're thinking about getting one, do it. I'm sure you won't be disappointed. My only regret is that I didn't get one sooner. Of course I didn't have the money, but that's a whole 'nother story . . .

Bernie
 
About five years ago I caved in to the temptation, and go a #1 w'a 7" blade, rosewood handle, double brass guard. While definitely not "high tech" this'un still feels REAL good in my hand. Have been comtemplating ordering a 5" #2 or a Model 15. Any comments from model 15 owners?
 
I have a Model 18. Ordered from Randall, waited a year. Ordered from them because I had a lot of specifications. Still impressed with it. There is nothing outdated about Randalls, probably never will be. Their choice of steel is fine, there are others availible, but one has to decide what he or she wants. Ease of sharpening, edge holding, cost etc. Les may say that they're outdated, that is his opinion. Remember that Les and Randall are in the same market, therefore thay are competitors.

Doug
 
I have a couple of Randalls, and I like them. About the only thing I dont like about them is sometimes they use a little too much solder and get a little sloppy. Also, most Randalls seem to have grinds that are a little wavey. But, that dont keep people from buying these knives. The Randall people sell every knife they make. Randalls are good investments, as you can always sell it to someone. Just dont expect fit and finish like you would find on a Tim Hancock custom bowie!

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Danbo, soul brother of Rambo
 
I guess it's been about 15 years since I got my Model 1-8, with leather handle. I ordered it through a friend who had a little knife shop. Didn't take long at all to get it, maybe a couple weeks. The handle is a little on the skinny side, I'll stick to my Ka-Bars for usage, keep the Randall as a collector's item, which, of course, it is. Made when Bo was still alive.
 
Jeez...This page is a pain. I'm having to scroll laterally to read it.
James ! I share your interest in Randalls. I've accumulated about 30 over the past 18 years. My fave is the Model 8 Trout & Bird. I have one with a full blade (profiles vary) and handled in the style of the Guardian in maple. Sweet little knife ! I just love it. Oh....I have a Model 5 I'd be willing to part with. It has only a 5 inch blade though. In addition, tool steel, stag & brass, smoothback sheath. We maybe should be in another place with this, but let me know. Hard to go wrong with a Randall.
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AL
 
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