My 1st Randall

E

erik7181

Joined
Apr 1, 2012
Messages
30
Hi, tomorrow april 2nd Im turning 30 as a present my mother wants to order me a Randall, even though it'll be 3-6yrs before I receive it. Now my question is does anyone have any helpful hints as to what the best options to get modal,blade steel, handle materiel? I don't plan to use the knife at all, it is something I plan to pass on to my kids.
Thank's Erik
 
For an Heirloom I would consider two models, the Model 1 "All-Purpose Fighting Knife" and a Model 12 "The Smithsonian Bowie". I would go with Carbon steel on the #1 to save options for other stuff, and you can only get carbon steel on the Smithsonian. On the #1 I would go with the 7" blade and the Smithsonian only comes in an 11" blade.

Here is how I would option them out:

Model 1-7":
Nickel Silver Hilt
Aluminum/Black Spacers
New Ivorite Handle
Nickel Silver Butt Cap
Name Etching with your family name

Smithsonian:
Letter "H" in the Catalog
-Scalloped Brass Collar
-Concave Walnut Handle
-Scalloped Brass Butt Cap
Name Etching with your family name
 
Im not to crazy about the smithsonian, im looking more at the model 12 sportsman with forward curved hilt and possibly a stag handle. In my catalog the smith is is E. You start looking at the catalog and all the different knives and all the options and it's overwhelming, but it looks like the #1s and the bowies are the ones that appreciate the most in the least amount of time. at least thats what it looks like. I do like the modal 1 but there so common, but i do like the history of them. My moms boyfriend was a green baret in the 60s in vietnam and he has two of the bowies and some guy offered him 6 grand.
 
erik7181 said:
Im not to crazy about the smithsonian, im looking more at the model 12 sportsman with forward curved hilt and possibly a stag handle. In my catalog the smith is is E. You start looking at the catalog and all the different knives and all the options and it's overwhelming, but it looks like the #1s and the bowies are the ones that appreciate the most in the least amount of time. at least thats what it looks like. I do like the modal 1 but there so common, but i do like the history of them. My moms boyfriend was a green baret in the 60s in vietnam and he has two of the bowies and some guy offered him 6 grand.
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A 12-9 with a 14 grind and 25 handle is an amazing knife. Spec'd right it will be a one of a kind treasure.
080315_randall_knife_12_9_3346_450.jpg
 
I like the ivory but in the catalog it dosn't say ivory it says new ivorite is that the same?
I also saw this one with muskox but i dont see muskox anywhere in the catalog.
I was looking at the modal 1s also but everyone gets modal 1s and if im gonna wait five years i want something really special.


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Real Ivory (not the same as "New Ivorite") and Musk Ox are Customer supplied materials. You need to buy the material first and send it to Randall. There is also an extra cost for using Customer supplied material. If you want to do that, you would be better off going through an authorized Dealer and you will also get the knife faster too.
 
I was looking at prices of the pre ban ivory and it's not terrible but it has to be a certain dimension. I was surprised at how limited the handle options where in the catalog, I would have thought for a custom knife the selection would have been bigger. I really want something truly unique, I Don't want a the same knife as 1000 other people. But price is also a factor and it may just be cost effective to go with a standard materiel.
 
Erik,

There are a lot of Randalls out on the market right now in mint condition. If you don't want to wait look on Ebay; i've seen more than a handful of most of their models available, and some for really good prices. I've bought about four and haven't been disappointed.

You can also try nordicknives.com. You pay a couple hundred more as compared to buying from the factory, but you get the knife in 8 months or so. The knife is built after you order, so you'll be the original owner.

As far as models, my favorite is the 14. I've got two and love them both. I also like the Sasquatch, but they're significantly more expensive.

-FF
 
If you are a rookie at ordering, like I was once. Try the standard models first before spending good money on options. I purchased two knives that are not my favorites, but the fault lies with me, as they were built to my request.

I have a 1-6 1-7 and a 1-8. I prefer the 6 and 7 inch length on the #1. The #1 is a classic design.

What is your intent with the knife? Randall's are made to use, you need not be careful with it when you get it.
 
My intent is actually never to use it, I want it as an heirloom that i can pass on to my kids. But I want something unique I don't want a stock knife. If the price is high i would consider getting a modal 1 with ivory. It mite sound dumb to some to spend so much, weight so long for something im never going to use but to me its an investment also. As I said my mothers boyfriend has two randall bowies from now and some guy offered him $6000 even though he passed it up.
 
If i was to get stag, ivory with a brass or nickle hilt can i coat it with Renaissance Wax to keep it from geting messed up?
 
I use ren wax on the blade,hilt and sheath and use mineral oil on my ivory, stag and leather handles and then wrap them in plastic wrap.

Dan in Kalifornia
 
would it keep the brass from turning green? How do you store your knife? Did you get the padded case? I have decided on a Modal 12-9
with this design hilt,handle butt cap.


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I like those brass options you chose too. Are you going with the Bowie Clip Point or the #14 Grind on the blade?

That should be a good looking knife when it's done!
 
erik7181 said:
would it keep the brass from turning green? How do you store your knife? Did you get the padded case? I have decided on a Modal 12-9
with this design hilt,handle butt cap.


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Click to expand...

Yes, I do store my knives in cases, wrapped in the original butcher paper if I have it, if not I wrap in a paper towel. As long as you are not storing your knife in the sheath and don't handle the brass or if you do wipe it down and reapply ren wax you should keep it from turning green. The worst that will happen is the brass turning dark, all you have to do then is use some brass polish and it will come off.
Dan
 
Im actully not sure about the blade shape i hadn't even thought of it as the catalog is very vauge. Does anyone have a photo of the two? I assume the #14grind is the more stright upper clip.
 
The 12-9 Bowie Clip Point is second from the left.
bowie2-big.jpg

The 12-9 14 grind is this one.
080315_randall_knife_12_9_3346_450.jpg
 
You may also want to check Kittery Trading Post online or call the store. It's in Kittery, Maine. They have at least 20 Randalls for sale at the store. They'de probably send it right out?
 
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