Nos 97 and 98 - Randall Homage

ddavelarsen

ddavelarsen

Joined
Dec 7, 2000
Messages
5,179
Okay I admit it - I've always had a thing for Randall Model 1s, and always wanted to make one. So I one-upped myself and made two! :D These are the handles I've been having so many fits with - cracked the Micarta twice, made one of the guards twice, cut the wood for the second one at least three times, broke my tap wrench... Sheesh. At least I got them done. ;)

Well, almost done. I haven't made the sheaths yet, and wonder if you folks might offer an opinion. I haven't decided whether to include a sharpening stone, and if I do I've been thinking about using a small diamond rod or something similar instead. Any opinions? And if you know where I could snag a proper-sized sharpening item of your suggestion, I'd appreciate the pointer. Thanks.

No 97
Replica Randall Model 1-5
Overall Length - 9 3/4"
Blade Length (you guessed it) - 5"
Steel - O1, bead blasted (thanks Ray, even though you don't like it :))
Guard and Pommel - 416 SS
Handle - black paper Micarta

97%20030609.jpg



No 98
Another Replica 1-5 :)
Overall Length - 9 1/2" (no nut)
Steel - O1, mirror finished
Guard and Pommel - 416 SS
Handle - Goncalo Alves

98%20030609.jpg


Thanks for looking and have a great week!
 
Lookin' good Dave! You captured the style in a blade-length that's not so common. That's quite a transition from the first-finger to the rest of the handle.

I would say a Randall-style like those should definitely have a leather sheath with a stone pocket. I'll follow this thread to see if someone has a source for diamond or ceramic rods; I want to find some to put in a pocket along with a firesteel or mag/ferro rod.

Keep it up, bro!
 
Dave, Those two are incredible! Every time you make a new blade your degree of perfection increases with each project.
 
Very nice David:thumbup:

Not a simple design to work with.

You must be feeling your oats.:D

Fred
 
Oats - that's what it is! Yep. :D Thanks guys.

Ray, It feels good in my hand but I don't know how it'd work for someone with big fingers, actually. That's Randall's "singer finger grip" handle. James, you're right about that transition. One thing I realized when I was making these was that the knife I used for my pattern was a pretty old knife, and the ricasso is narrower than current Model 1s have. To make it look right I had to cut the single finger deeper than would ordinarily be the case, which makes it more pronounced than would otherwise be. I'll adjust my pattern if I make another one. The handle is the same dimensions as Randall's in other respects.

And Will you're right - they were much more work than I bargained for! ;) The first handle took 9 hours after glue up. I had it down better by the second knife but it still took at least 6 hours to shape and polish. I have a new respect for Randall knives. I haven't tried any of their other handles; we'll see. :D

Also James, I agree - I think they should have something in a pocket on the front of the sheath too. Funny, we're on the same wavelength - I was thinking about a fire rod too. I hope someone chimes in here with a source for both a diamond and a magnesium rod. I have a Victorinox sheath that has a small steel in a pocket on the side - I'd like to find something like that for these. We'll see, I hope it works out. I have a few weeks before I have to finish the sheaths and sharpen these knives.
 
These mag/ferro rods are sweet, I bought one a couple years ago and just got a couple more...

I get my regular ferro rods from Tracy Mickley. He carries several sizes. The 1/4" x 3" fits nicely in a small pouch next to a stone. I'm still looking for a deal on sharpening rods... I've considered buying replacements for a sharpmaker or similar, but not sure how to cut them to length without breaking them.
 
You broke your tap wrench? How do you do that?

I have to think the original Randal couldn't have been made with the same precision. Those look perfect. Killer swedge too. Nice.
 
Looking good there Dave. I have always wanted to try one of those, but haven't found the time as of yet.

If you decide on a small stone, try Dan's Whetstones . I have bought from them, and they make a good product.

Robert
 
Nathan the Machinist said:
You broke your tap wrench? How do you do that?

I have to think the original Randal couldn't have been made with the same precision. Those look perfect. Killer swedge too. Nice.
Click to expand...

Nathan, I was a cheapo Chinese POS. ;) And I never know what size hole to drill for a given tap - this time the hole was a bit tight. Anyway, I got it done finally, and without breaking a tap!

Thanks for the input on the stones, rods etc. I'm planning to include a small diamond rod and a mag/ferro rod on the sheath, and hope to find them both at the same place. A number of your suggestions will work, and I'll keep you posted. I bought my son a knife made by forumite Erik Boese that has a mag/ferro rod in the handle; that tripped my trigger so much I really think I need to add one to these sheaths. Whenever I get around to making myself a walking around knife I'll do the same thing. :D Every year my son Adam and I say we're going backpacking somewhere - maybe we'll actually get it done this year. I'm going to be ready for a break when this run is over!
 
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