Been a while since I last visited this thread...
You just never know what is going to walk in to John's.
The guy was former SF, as well as his brother, and they both had purchased Randalls (#1's) in the early '80s for themselves as course graduation presents.
Their Dad (WWII/Korea vet, Pilot) saw their knives and, not to be outdone, ordered the Smithy for himself and it became a constant companion on his small plane. It wouldn't fit where he wanted to tuck it on the plane, so the stone pocket got removed. That happens a lot.
Well, Dad recently passed away and the boys are here dealing with his final affairs. They each have their knives still, and neither wanted Dad's knife, so they're raising funds to deal with some of those things that need dealing with when somebody dies.
Johnny likes to refer Randall inquiries to me (Why? I don't know, I'm no expert. But he thinks I am, and has always been comfortable with my assessments.) and this guy had been calling. Rather persistently. Turns out John had just gotten off the phone with him when I walked in. Guess he called the guy back because he walked in an hour or so later.
This is Saturday. (And it's not totally lost on me that it is the 3rd anniversary of Alice's passing, to the day, mind you.)
Guy hands me the knife, steps back a little, crosses his arms and just looks at me. Says nothing. Alrighty then.
"12-11 Smithsonian Bowie, O1 steel, Lugged Brass Guard, Standard Stacked Leather Combat Grip with RWB spacers, Duraluminum Butt with Nut. Smoothback sheath with Plain Snap. No major rust, no nicks, chips or pits. Edge is close to or is factory, a few swipe marks on the clip, looks like someone knew how to sharpen a knife. Stone pocket's been removed from the sheath. Looks to be from around the early to mid '80s. It's been reasonably well taken care of."
"Yup", he smiles. "You know your Randalls." That's when I got the background on the knife.
So I'm like, "What do you want to do with it?" (I'm starting to feel like Rick on "Pawn Stars") "We could put it on consignment for you, but it could take a while for it to move."
Naw, he needed $$$ right away.
"What do you want out of it?" I ask.
"Gimme $400.00" he says.
I think I blinked once.
"Will you take $350.00?" I ask.
"Done" he says.
(What was that? I think I just heard mad screaming and gnashing of teeth sounds coming from the direction of Montana...)
Holy crap. Did what I think happen, just happen?
Most of you know that for a while there, I had quite a few Randalls, but I switched directions and sold/traded all of them off.
But I have always wanted a Smithy. The first time Alice and I went to Nordic Knives in Solvang many, MANY years ago, one had caught my eye and I was stunned when she said I could get it if I wanted. I wanted, and it was on sale, but I talked myself into something a little smaller. (And, less expensive)
Randalls have come and gone, but I've still never had a Smithy.
Until now. Thanks honey...