Randall blade steel

Charlie Mike

Charlie Mike

Sober since 1-7-14 (still a Paranoid Nutjob)
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Nov 1, 2000
Messages
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Just wondering why Randall hasn't updated the blade steel they use. The one thing that has kept me from buying one is the steel.
 
Because it's what they've always used and it is good enough for them.

To be really honest, there really is nothing wrong with 440B or O1 for the applications that Randall's are meant for. They are tough and easy to sharpen, and 440B is suitably corrosion resistant. You planning on getting one?
 
Maybe they can't? Its hard to judge anyone with a 4~5 year back log.
 
Also they forge there blades instead of the stock removal method so they may just not want to change their methods.
 
I'd love to see some 3V.
 
It's one of those things if it isn't broken, it doesn't need fixing. With such a long history and tradition that Randall Knives have, changing would not likely be well received. Too many makers already using super steels.
 
We can only speculate as to why. No one here knows for sure, but I'm sure they feel good about the O1 they forge.
Call them if you really want/need to know.

I'm fine with what they use, and I'm pretty sure enough that want one are as well. They can't keep up as is.
 
I feel like they have developed a process for the steels they run, and the models they make. A new steel would insert many new variables into that process. Randall's are probably accurately called handmade production knives I believe.

The shop is very blunt about turning down custom modifications or options. Steel selection would be even harder to expand.
 
If you're looking for a Randall Knives Model 14 Attack knife and want a variation of it in a different steel you'll be in luck soon. Pohl Force has received exclusive permission to reimagine it as the Quebec One. It was announced at the IWA in Germany last month.

model-14LG.jpg


The Pohl Force Quebec One which is made by LionSteel is one serious knife with a 7.5" blade of Uddeholm Sleipner that's 0.25" thick. It looks pretty cool too. MSRP is around $450 for satin and $500 for black.

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Very cool!
 
I would be surprised if Randall is forging their stainless steel (440B) blades. SS is a lot more work to forge than Carbon steel.
 
My now ancient #1 has an O1 blade. It is still sharp for a LONG time after use and has done just about everything I could ask for a knife. The leather washer handle always feels superb every time I pick the knife up. Why change a good thing?
 
Unless you are going to become a collector there really isn't any reason NOT to get a knife that is similar to the Randall that you like from one of the custom makers. A lot of the custom makers work with D2 or 3V or 52100. You could always make one up yourself??
 
Randall's are all about decades long proven consistency. There is no guess work or trial and error. When you make something the same way for so long with only the slightest changes then there are no surprises. Randall knives have been there and done that like no other.
 
"If you're looking for a Randall Knives Model 14 Attack knife and want a variation of it in a different steel you'll be in luck soon. Pohl Force has received exclusive permission to reimagine it as the Quebec One. It was announced at the IWA in Germany last month."

Why would Pohl Force need permission from Randall to build a knife?
 
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