Hi SDDLUP,
I've been collecting both for years. The last Eks I purchased from Virginia (~2003) were not AS good as some older Va. Models I've owned (88-91). The sheaths were a little cheaper, and the Ek logo a little.. I don't know, out of focus???
I see they just brought back the Model 5 bowie style and are offering checkered walnut grips again. That's my personal favorite. The new sheaths look like the older nylon ones, and have the metal D ring at the bottom again.
Also, the ones I purchased in '03 came in cheap brown cardboard boxes and contained no literature. The older knives (1988-91) were packaged in nice black boxes, wraped in oil paper, and included alot of cool literature and history about Ek Commando Knives. I've never owned an Effingham Ek so I won't speak to those. I don't like the paracord wrapped handles either. I've owned three and sold every one of them.
Now on to Randalls... They hold their value! If that's important to you, then its definately something to consider. The Model 14 is great. Its very controllable and nimble for such a large knife. I bought a Spec-Ops Brand sheath for mine. I actually just got a model 15 with a single guard and fingergrips. Awesome knife! They have over 27 models plus non-catalog models to choose from in countless configurations. Ek has 6 models (some) in paracord, wood, or micarta.
Now the down side-I've had a few Randalls that had some pretty bad blems on them. These included bad soldering, forging flaws in the blade, flaws in the micarta handles, etc. They became users, and some, I eventually sold. In the future, I prefer to see and inspect the exact knife I'm going to buy.
Randall gives you a choice of 0-1 tool steel or stainless steel. Ek doesn't give you a choice, that I'm aware of anyway. Overall, Eks and Randalls are both well made, quality knives. I guess it all depends on your budget, what purpose you want the knife for, and if you're buying it as an investment.
