Randall blade steel

[tltt]

"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?

It's a nice thing to do. The #14 is probably the 2nd most popular Randall after the model #1. It's a nice little bit of courtesy to let the original maker of the style know that you plan on making a homage. Most of the squabbles around copies from legitimate makers could've been stopped by a nice little gesture like that, so I applaud Pohl Force for doing it.

As far as Randall steel, 440B was chosen because it was the easiest to forge at the time, 440B and 440c were the forging stainless steels of choice when they were added years ago. My understanding is that the steel that Randall chooses now is closer to 440c anyway when you look at the mix. All the larger models are indeed hammer and anvil forged, with only a few of the smaller models being stock ground from ATS - 34.

 

[RamZar]

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?

It's a nice thing to do. The #14 is probably the 2nd most popular Randall after the model #1. It's a nice little bit of courtesy to let the original maker of the style know that you plan on making a homage. Most of the squabbles around copies from legitimate makers could've been stopped by a nice little gesture like that, so I applaud Pohl Force for doing it.

Imagine just a courtesy call!

Here's how Pohl Force announced the Quebec One:

With the Quebec One, Pohl Force has implemented a classic use knife that has been high on the wish list of company founder Dietmar Pohl for more than 20 years. Finally Pohl Force has received exclusive permission of the original manufacturer to be able to use the basic design for its own interpretation. As a “Ground Forces Combat & General Purpose Weapon“ the knife was developed in the early ‚50’s for the U.S. Marine Corps. Although never officially introduced, it was used in Vietnam - mainly in the hands of Special Forces units where it clearly demonstrated its capabilities. Pohl Force has now recreated 60 years later a modern interpretation of this classic knife which displays the optimal fusion of a classic old school design, with modern high- tech manufacturing. The knife is available in two versions either with satin finish surface as was the original, or with a modern Black Mil Spec – blade coating.

 

[22-rimfire]

If it aint broke, why fix it?

 

[Jay S.]

Isn't the Blackjack Halo Attack Model 14 a copy as well? I think the steel is A2.

 

[bdmicarta]

I think Blackjack makes a good product and is a good alternative for someone wanting to use their knife. You can buy at least 3 of them for the price of the Randall, and not have to wait to get them. Resale on the Blackjack will never be anything special though while the Randall will always be somewhat of a legend. I have no problem with someone wanting a real Randall, and I have several myself as well as several Blackjack models. A person interested in a Randall could certainly place their order now, and buy a Blackjack at the same time to use while waiting for their Randall.

 

[22-rimfire]

The Halo is very similar to the No. 14. I have a Blackjack 1-7 and 125 and they are pretty good knives. Have looked at the Halos and really can't picture myself ever using one for anything.

 

[Boozoo Chavis]

You might check out Endino Deleon knives on the net. He's been making Randall style knives since the early 70's and uses ATS-34 steel.

 

[A.L.]

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.

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.

Maybe they should have asked Busse's permission too? Looks like team gemini clone with uncomfortable handle.

 

[RamZar]

Maybe they should have asked Busse's permission too? Looks like team gemini clone with uncomfortable handle.

How's the Pohl Force Quebec One a clone of the Busse Team Gemini LB (see picture below)? I have a Pohl Force Mike One Survival with a similar contoured G-10 handle as the Quebec One and it's very comfortable and grippy.

 

[Shotgun]

Because people will pay 500 bucks for a hunk of O1 if it has the Randall name on it. Why kill their profit margin when they don't need to? Any other reason is BS IMO.

 

[bigmark408]

I'd love to see some 3V.

Then buy a Survive knife...lol.

" if it's not broke don't fix it "

 

[Charlie Mike]

Then buy a Survive knife...lol.

" if it's not broke don't fix it "

LOL, no thanks!

 

[flatface77]

At this point there may be a sense of "authenticity" involved. Purists might stick their noses up at a classic Randall design in a modern super steel & argue that its somehow not a "real" Randall.

When I got a Ka-Bar I went for the classic leather handled 1095 steel model because I wanted THE Ka-Bar, not just a similar knife that company makes. I think something similar is involved here.

 

[22-rimfire]

Back when I was buying Randall's, I looked at the 14 and opted for the 15 instead. It was my dedicated SHTF knife for a number of years. Since the fan never hit, it didn't get used. Now I don't want to scratch it up and use things like the Blackjack 125 in A-2.

 

[tltt]

Another thing is that, in the 10 or so years I've followed them with some continually, I really haven't seen customers ask for a newer steel. I've only seen it a couple of dozen times. The whole wonder steel phenomenon is really a thing that shows up more on specialist forums than real life, I've seen far more average people complain about things like excessive hardness, etc.... than companies using an older steel, etc....

 

[WRGreen]

While it is true that most of them are scooped up by collectors, Randall knives are an American icon of quality, performance, and tradition unmatched in the world. I've never had performance issues with my carbon 8-4, though it is now semi-retired for nostalgia reasons. I'm not sure what to think about a perceived bias towards 'super' steels. I own examples of many types and, while I admire aspects of each, I just don't see enough advantage to jump on any 'hype' bandwagon. I still like to touch up an edge (even if it doesn't really need it), just to stay acquainted with its feel. Since the main focus of a real 'survival' scenario is not getting hurt, the excessive beating and thrashing seem counter-productive, and, even then, the forged carbon steel knife usually excells. If Randall knives wanted to go into a new line of semi-production, batch computer cut and batch heat-treat 'grey' knives, I'm sure their reputation would instantly put them at the top of the field, but why screw with Bo Randall's traditional methodology; it works.

 

[bearcut]

This thread makes me want to go fondle my Blackjack.....

 

[M.FREEZE]

I would be surprised if Randall is forging their stainless steel (440B) blades. SS is a lot more work to forge than Carbon steel.

I agree. I thought I remember reading the only stock removal models are the 10-3, 10-5, 10-7. All 3 stainless. The rest of their models use O-1 carbon steel and are forged. Perhaps this is the reason no two Randalls look alike...

 

[tltt]

The #9, #10, Triathlete, and Tailor are stock removal, and maybe one or two others. The rest are forged whether Stainless or Carbon.

A few of the larger Bowies and the larger toothpick dagger are carbon steel only.

 

[sirupatespecial]

Hell, I think it's pretty irrelevant. When was the last time anybody saw a Randall used for anything? Other than taking up space in somebody's safe?