older vs newer Randalls

M

martin j

Joined
May 16, 2001
Messages
692
Hello,

Is "older Randall" better than "newer Randall", or vice versa?
Randall designs have been fairly consistent from historical view point ,,for example No. 1 knife has slight changes over time but most has stayed same. Also as far as I have been able to read, Randall has used 01 tool steel (German) for several decades ,and same forging approach during this time.
Consequently, have Randalls been consistent quality over time, or is there difference between "older" vs "newer " Randalls?

Thank you

Martin
 
...with Real Estate, it's 'Location, location, location'....with knives it's 'condition, condition, condition'...

That being said, older 'new' condition knives are harder to find, and that drives the price up a bit.

With RMK's, it's part W.D. 'Bo' Randall mystique, part older 'clean' knive availability, and part 'options'...

Would I pay more for a Johnson 'Smooth back' Randall from '88-'89 than I would for a newer model in one of Greg Gutcher's (Sullivan's)smooth snap sheath's? Yeah, about $10. Or a '78-'88 Johnson 'Rough Back' RMK vs. a post '95 Sullivan's 'logo' snap knife...yeah, about $20, all things being equal with the knives.

(I use the sheaths to give approximate dates on the knives in question)

The truth is, there isn't a whole heck of a lot of difference between a '78 knife and a '98 knife, and I personally think Greg makes a better sheath.

But, the availability of a 'clean' older knife is a different story.

Also, options play a big part of a RMK value...the more the better, to a point.

Now, if you go backwards past, say, '75, then you start getting into knives that Bo and Charlie may have had some input on...'65, definitely, and you'll find those knives to be very unique, and therefore more valuable...based on condition to a lesser degree.

And so on, and so on, back to '36...

Hope that helps.

Mel
 
Thank you for your answers to both my enquiries, Melvin Purvis. Your detailed reply is most appreciated.

Regards

Martin
 
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