Randall #14

E

Edge

Joined
Apr 9, 2000
Messages
47
I was thinking of getting a #14, does anyone have any views on this knife having owned one before, it is to be used for hunting, skinning small game and building shelters. Will it suit my tasks?

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Hunting? Don't be a wise guy, what do you hunt with a knife?

Name it!
 
It a fine knife. Very strong and very easy to use. I would opt to go without the saw teeth if the knife is going to be used on game. The leather sheath is very servicable and additional sheaths are readily available from Randall Knives. The 7 1/2" version can comfortably fit in an M9 bayonet sheath if that is more your style.

 
It's a great knife for "survival" type work but a bit much for small game. In a pinch it would work but you may want to carry something more suitable in addition to the 14. The real problem with delicate work is the hilt. It simply gets in the way when you want to choke up on the blade. The blade design will make any skinning job tough also. A 7.5" blade might seem, at first glance, to be long for a hunting knife but I've seen both small and large game expertly dressed and skinned with tiny pocket knives all the way to 10-12" butchers knives. It really depends on the skill level of the individual.
If you like the design you might consider the Mod. 16. It may be more versatile.

Good luck,
Rich
 
I've been using a #14 in O-1 for over 10 years and have few complaints. It holds a great edge, chops fairly well, and is very servicable at utility tasks once the blade shape and guard is gotten used to. I also usually have either a leatherman or SAK in my pocket to do the little stuff.
Russ
 
The #14 is perhaps not the best hunter in the original configuation - it's advertised as a combat blade. As a conbat blade it's tough to beat - strong as heck and will do nicely as a fighter. But Randall will do many different handle/guard configurations. If you want a hunter/camp opt for the single guard.
 
I've got a 14 and it is a great knife but far from ideal for small game and skinning. Look at the Model 5 Camp and Trail or the Model 8 Trout and Bird. Add an Ontario G.I. machette or a good quality Khukri and you'll be all set. If you've got your heart se on the 14, pick up a Spyderco Tim Wegner for small game and skinning.

phantom4

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who dares, wins


 
I had a Model #14 during my years in the Army. Great knife, held up to a lot of abuse. I only wish I had gotten the O-1 blade instead of the 440B (this was back in '87). The latter was very difficult to sharpen in the field. For those of you who don't want to wait too long to get a Randall, you can order one from Nordic Knives http://www.nordicknives.com/ with a shorter waiting period. Again, this was back in '87. I don't know if they still do this, but I was able to get a special order filled through Nordic Knives because they constantly order from Randall and simply replaced one of their usual orders with the special order for me. Total wait time for a Randall Model #14 with the 440B blade, #1 Fighting Knife double hilt (nickel silver) and Border Patrol handle was only 3 months.

-Dzig
 
There's a Model 16 on E-Bay right now. Ends April 12 early in (our) evening (late in yours, Edge). Say, you don't happen to play lead guitar do you?
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It's always darkest before the dawn. So if you plan to steal your neighbor's newspaper, that's the time to do it.
 
Yes, I do play guitar for a small band called "Y2" no sorry "U2" ever heard of us, we had a few small hits?
 
Yes, I have heard of your group. Nice hat. Welcome again. Check out that Model 16 on E-Bay?
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It's always darkest before the dawn. So if you plan to steal your neighbor's newspaper, that's the time to do it.
 
I was just checking my order date for the Randall's and I ordered them on 4/2/99 and they are to be shipped on 4/27/00, so the waiting period is just over a year at that time. I ordered two #14's-7.5" blade, double nickel silver hilt and border patrol handle. Does anyone already have this combo?
 
Cobalt, I've had most other handle types other than that. I did have a border patrol handle on a Model #16 though that my son extracted from me.

I've owned the standard set up, and one with stainless, Model #1 style hilt--although I asked them to leave it very thick, and a single finger grip handle. Frankly, I've never seen a #14 I didn't like.

I see Randall will now allow you to get a feature of the spear point grind done when you get saw teeth, but without the saw teeth. Interesting look. The feature is called "Sawteeth, no teeth". It is just sharpened on top like the primary cutting edge and has the spearpoint look.

Bruce Woodbury
 
Folks if you want the #14 with spear point, single guard and stainless, just order the #16. That is what I have. As a bonus, it comes with a waxed sheath, which will certainly outlast the regular leather sheath in tropical forest.
 
barnaby, you could do that, but they are not "exactly" the same knife. I've owned both. The #14 is 7 1/2 inches long and larger from spine to cutting edge than the #16 (7 inches). But you can make a case for the #16. Another difference is the #14 comes in 01 & 440B while the #16 is available in only 440B.

The #14 is definitely a larger knife. Regards. Bruce Woodbury
 
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