Just got my first Randall

[chairman moe]

Ever since I could remember, I've always wanted a Model 1....so for Christmas, it finally came (a one year wait). It was purchased through a distributor. It is pretty much a plain jane, 5" carbon tool steel blade and black micarta handle. Just a question...I know that these are considered "made by hand," and I purchased it to use...but is it strictly cosmetic/normal that the colored spacers between the brass guard and handle looks slightly askew? I was just wondering if this was one of those things that gives a knife like this character?

 

[sams]

Hi Chairman Moe, the obvious answer is... it is hard to tell without a photo or looking at the knife. You are correct saying a hand made knife will have different characteristics not found in a factory or assembly line run. If the spacers are parallel to one another, they don't need to be perpindicular to the tang. A letter to the shop can answer your question, maybe. It will probably need to be mailed off to Florida. I may suggest that you use it , and enjoy it. Unless it is cosmeticly ugly it wouldn't bother me one bit. A 5" blade is the most useful size knife. All the best.