- Joined
- Nov 6, 1999
- Messages
- 2,639
Phil,
Randall knives are now made by a small family operated business in Florida. I think the 'old man' is now either dead or retired. The knives are made in a small shop in a semi-production mode. Several people work on each blade. Someone forges the knife using machine driven hammers, someone else grinds it, another does the heat treating, and another person puts on the 'custom' handle. There are a limited number of standard patterns (Randall 1 through 30 something) that have been made for years. Each pattern is usually offered in a number of different sizes. You Can order specific handle material, blade lengths, and steels. It's the old 'custom' vs sole authorship hand made thing again. They are GREAT using knives and they ARE very collectable. However, for the reasons I just discussed, they don't fit My criteria for a handmade (custom) knife. Too many hands involved in making the knife. Same goes for Chris Reeve's knives, William Henry knives, Ruana knife works, and others. I Do not mean to imply that these knives are inferior in any way either as tools or collectables. They just do not fit My personal collecting criteria. That's all.
By the way, the best selection and source for Randalls seems to be at www.nordicknives.com. This is a small outfit, but they have a great reputation. Web site could be better though.
Paracelsus
I'm gonna roast now aren't I? But like the Phoenix, I will rise again from the ashes!
Mitch, Please do let us know what custom (hand-made) knife you buy. You're hooked too. I can tell. Good blade hunting.
[This message has been edited by Paracelsus (edited 26 November 1999).]
Randall knives are now made by a small family operated business in Florida. I think the 'old man' is now either dead or retired. The knives are made in a small shop in a semi-production mode. Several people work on each blade. Someone forges the knife using machine driven hammers, someone else grinds it, another does the heat treating, and another person puts on the 'custom' handle. There are a limited number of standard patterns (Randall 1 through 30 something) that have been made for years. Each pattern is usually offered in a number of different sizes. You Can order specific handle material, blade lengths, and steels. It's the old 'custom' vs sole authorship hand made thing again. They are GREAT using knives and they ARE very collectable. However, for the reasons I just discussed, they don't fit My criteria for a handmade (custom) knife. Too many hands involved in making the knife. Same goes for Chris Reeve's knives, William Henry knives, Ruana knife works, and others. I Do not mean to imply that these knives are inferior in any way either as tools or collectables. They just do not fit My personal collecting criteria. That's all.
By the way, the best selection and source for Randalls seems to be at www.nordicknives.com. This is a small outfit, but they have a great reputation. Web site could be better though.
Paracelsus
I'm gonna roast now aren't I? But like the Phoenix, I will rise again from the ashes!
Mitch, Please do let us know what custom (hand-made) knife you buy. You're hooked too. I can tell. Good blade hunting.
[This message has been edited by Paracelsus (edited 26 November 1999).]