Randall # 8 Bird & Trout

[dld]

just picked up a used # 8 Bird & Trout and would like to know what year it was made.

Thanks

Dana

 

[cut_n_run]

Probably made in late 1960's, maybe early 70's.
Brass hilt not available on that model until around 1965.
7-spacer configuration used only until around 1972.
Some similarity to my Model 7, bought in '64 or '65.
(Though stamp appears different.)
-Steve

 

[dld]

Thanks for the information, so late 1960's or early 70's.

Dana

 

[Melvin-Purvis]

Dana,

Yes.

 

[Eddie_T]

Styled like my no. 5. When I was in the Randall shop he said most people sought larger knives but that the bird and trout was the ideal size for general use.

 

[joejeweler]

Styled like my no. 5. When I was in the Randall shop he said most people sought larger knives but that the bird and trout was the ideal size for general use.

Yes,....I like the #8 bird & trout also (mine's a carbon blade), ....although the dang New York State laws make any double edge illegal to every day carry. (except maybe DURING actually hunting or fishing, because "switch blades" are allowed only then here).

In a slightly dulled state but with a 90 degree edge,...it makes a very good fire steel striker!

I think Randall will slightly dull the top edge for such State laws,.....but I had to do mine as it arrived as a used knife with a sharp upper edge. (looked new actually) Mine has a VERY nice piece of stag with no side twists, is hand filling, and has a comfy slight downward butt section. A bit older too,...arrived in a JRB sheath although I had Sullivan's make me up 5 of their high ride sheaths recently for several of my pathfinders,...with this being one of the knives I sent in to Sullivan's to fit. (By the way,...ALL 5 sheaths looked virtually "perfect" )

I'm not sure of the newer Model 8's profiles, but my older one has a nice thinning tapering toward the point, making for an very efficient cutter and slicer. (although I still don't like the choils on most of the Randall's and wish we had a choice there) I like this #8 profile, and straighter grind to the edge more to my liking than the Model 26 Pathfinder, but own several of those also.

The Pathfinder's all seem to have much less of a thinning taper than the older Model 8 I own, but on one of my regular "users" I did thin out the blade thickness on one of my model 26's as much as I could and still retain the Randall stamp. The drop point (my favorite shape) Pathfinder would look still look great, ......but be a more efficient cutter with the grind and thinning profile of the bird and trout,....but what do I know,.....I just use my knives.

Anyway,.....I think most folks would get more use out of a knife this size than they realize. In a high ride sheath you can wear it every day under a light floppy shirt and alarm no one.