Randall knives, are they all that?

A few months ago I got a #1 that I ordered back in 2001. The knife is well built, nicely finished and I like it a lot, so I placed and order for another Randall (#17 Astro).
 
hi spyder, in my experience with randall made knives over the last 30 years i would without doubt say randalls are among the finest no b--l sh-t knives you could ever hope to own.i own almost every model they ever put out. for a true using knife they in my opinion cantbe surpassed.for the money which to me is a bargain you get a time tested designed knife, with a quality sheath.the best part is if you dont like the knife selling it is no problem at all.enjoy, high
 
Thanks all for the opinions, and please keep the stories coming. I sent away for the catalog and I'm waiting the month that they say it'll take to get here. I really wish they could get it here faster, but oh well. As for what I'll use it for, that depends on what I get. I'm interested by the letter opener that they have, and a few of their skinning designs would be perfect for hunting purposes. I'm not sure that some of them would get ANY use. I was just wondering why they had such a following. Some companies have that following because of hype, and people just adjust their views of a mediocre knife because they don't want to feel that they've wasted time and money. Then, when someone questions the value of the knife they're forced to defend a knife they don't really like to avoid feeling foolish. Sort of that "tell a lie long and loud enough and it'll become the truth" (which is, actually, how these things work). Some companies, on the other hand, have a following because they have great product. Please tell me more about these options, what kind are we talking about here?

Oh, and like I said, I don't mind a wait. I'm hoping to get on one maker's list even though I know that it'll be at LEAST a 4 year wait. So, waiting isn't the issue, rather quality is. Good discussion people! Let's keep it up!!!
 
I bought a model 15 when I was a teenager. If I still had that one, I would have quadrupled my cost by now.

I have an Astro on order (due in Sept. of this year). I am changing my order to a #1-8" w/ ns hilt, stag handle, ns butt plate, O1 steel. I decided that the beauty and timelessness of the classic was more appealing than a "survival knife". I look forward to it with great anticipation. I have lots and lots of knives, but I truly appreciate a great design, regardless of the steel used.
 
I've seen some pretty handle materials on Randall knives, but the blade grinds strike me as atrocious in general. I won't even get started on the sloppy arse soldering you sometimes see on the guards. Would I buy one if I found a deal? Of course. Would I sell it and buy a real Custom? YES !!!
 
I'm assuming that if you were unhappy with the quality of work on the knife you got you could return it and have it fixed? Can anyone comment on this? This is EXACTLY what I'm after!

Sincerely,
Anthony
 
None of the 30 odd Randalls I've owned have been as Durwood suggests. In fact, for a forged, freehand ground blade, I thought they were darn good! Since these knives are not ground from patterns or "jigs", there are slight differences but I've not seen any sloppy grinds, mismatched grind lines from one side to the other, etc. Mine were all great. Several knife makers at Randall have gone on to be great custom knife makers in their own right. The silver soldered hilts I've seen have all been first rate!

I guess i would have to see what Durwood has seen to make any comments on his generalization.

Bruce Woodbury
 
In the interest of asking questions, exactly WHAT is Duralumin? I see that its used on a lot of their butt caps, but I have never heard of it- is it metal? A kind of aluminum? Anyone?

Well, assuming that you DID get a knife that wasn't up to specs, the people at Randall WOULD make the situation right, wouldn't they? Just to clarify...

Sincerely,
Anthony
 
It's aluminum and copper or a aluminum and copper alloy (brass/bronze) or something like that. IIRC
 
SpyderJon, rather than "meeting specs" I think they are out to meet your "expectations". Their guarantee is to allow you to return the knife if it doesn't meet your expectations. A few knives do get returned, I even sent one back and had it remade, not for a quality fault, but because I had asked for something that they used to do but quit doing -- and the dealer I ordered it from didn't know about the situation.

They used to let you specify a few more things than are in their catalog. I've asked for "flat sides" on a handle, slightly dropped handle, a #14 with a M1 shaped hilt, exposed buttcap nut on a micarta handle, and other things, most of which they are too busy to do now. ...but you can still order most models with a large list of possible options.

I think you need to find a place to handle a few different models and options to get a flavor of what they are capable of, but don't let a naysayer or two make you think they make a substandard product. It is true that two knives of exactly the same model may have very slight nuances, and their catalog even identifies this, but this is one thing that makes them unique.

Good luck.

Bruce
 
Look at it this way, they only go up in price if not abused, cost just the same or less than any similar knives by other makers, and they have been there, done that and came back several times since before WWII. I'm still kicking myself for not ordering one in 2000 when they were $50 cheaper with a years less waiting time.
 
I didn't intend to come off so harsh on Randall's, I have seen several I would love to own. In general they are probably a much better investment than the majority of customs...but that doesn't mean they are made near as well (or have the same appeal to some collectors as a true customs).
I suppose one of the reasons I've never collected them is my reluctance to learn the models, options, time periods, etc. In addition there are alot of special made ones with Ivory, Walrus ivory etc. I am too ignorant of all the variables and options to evaluate the price structure of the ones readily available at knife shows, so I shy away from them. I guess I need to do the research, I'm probably missing some deals for resale.
 
Durwood, I agree it is hard to get a feel for the differenc options and which knife they are allowed on. This perplexed me ten years ago so I used to dream up something I was ready to order and call Gary Randall -- or whoever wanted to answer the question at the shop, and ask. Some things were spelled out in their catalog, some were not, but the shop could usually tell me why they "didn't want to do something".

Once I got the options down, I could price it very closely from the price guide that comes with their catalog.

Regards,

Bruce
 
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