Need some help dating a Randall

Judge Luco

Judge Luco

Joined
Jul 5, 2011
Messages
338
Hello folks. I recently picked up a Randall #16 dive knife and I'm having a hell of a time nailing down a date. So far the Internet has t helped much. So I'm reaching out to see if anyone has some input.

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Any info is appreciated. thanks
 
The design pre-dates 1991. I have the #16 Special Fighter (my second Randall) that is very similar without the finger grooves. They called it the border patrol handle. It is an adaptation of the #16 Divers Knife and new in 1991 as I understand it. I purchased this knife in 1992 at a knife show.
 
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I'm sure you've done some research already but here's further examples with dates.....

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And here's a photo from 2010 when a new stainless stamp was introduced

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Remember though Rimfire is talking about the knife design and I'm referring to tang stamps
 
We also have a Randall sub forum here, and there are some very knowledgeable members that hang out there.
The Mod even wrote a book on Randalls :D
 
Thanks guys. I posted on the Randall collectors sub forum with a link to this thread.

I've seen that picture you posted Boggs. What gets me is how deep the stamping is with the "inclusive S" I haven't seen any like that.
 
Hi Judge


I'm sure folks on the Randall forum can come thru as Mike has mentioned....though remember regarding the stamping it all depends on who's doing the stamping and how heavy there hand is
 
So what exactly are the factors I should be looking for in the stamp? I guess that's my main confusion
 
Hi Judge

There a few areas....
The placement of the large "S"
The alignment of R in Randall in relationship to the first "O" in Orlando as well as "M" in Made to "F" in Fla.
and what can easily be overlooked is the comma ...is there spacing or lack of between Orlando and Fla. (Orlando,Fla. or Orlando, Fla.)
 


The R and O are ever so slightly miss alighted. As in the O is a space further right than the R. The S is just outside of the right scimitar, and it reads ORLANDO, FLA.
 
I don't date my knives, just casual sex so they don't get all possessive and jealous.

Edit: and someone already made that joke on post two...damn...
 
I'm going to continue to go thru a number of my Randall books for more info.....between the sheath and tang stamp that should allow dating.
 
I appreciate it. I'm looking at a couple of items on Amazon that should help. I owe you bud.
 
The knife could've been made from the mid '70's on, but the sheath if original was made post 1990; if the sheath has RMK pewter logo snaps, as opposed to smooth nickel-plated snaps, it's post 1995 production. In other words, made in the last twenty years, it's a new Randall made knife. Hope that helps...
 
Thank you everyone. I really appreciate the help. I'm going to get some books and read up on everything I can for here on in. Thank you everyone
 
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