Randall Knives Collectors Poll

Your current age as a Randall collector.

  • Total voters
    24
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John A. Larsen said:
I agree that you do not see Randalls being used currently, the cost and wait time are a factor. I bought my Model 14 from VanSickle, in Texas in 1970. He would order Randalls every year and you could get a list from him, and for about a 20% mark up get the knife immediately. I carried that Model 14 for my last tour in Vietnam with the Border Ranger Program (old SF Camps, new name) and from that year, 1971 to 1991. Many, many field exercises from Winter Warfare to in the Jungle of Brunei, Thailand and the Philippines. Dove salt and fresh water, and never had a problem, so it was tough enough for what I did. My only change to it, was I was never really happy with the finger grip handle, so in 1988 had custom Knife maker Wayne Goddard (RIP) put a new handle on it and carried that for another 3 years before I retired. I did buy a Model 2, from Randall, but we had a man in our unit who had worked for Randall and you could get one without the wait time if you were on active duty. Cost me $80, and about 10 years later I sold it to a main my unit for exactly what I paid for it. John
PS: Forgot to mention, my Model 14 was 440B Stainless. I also have a Ben Hibben Jungle Fighter in 440C, which was forged as Hibben could only get round bar stock in 440C at that time or so I was told.
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I like the border style grip instead of the finger grooves. It seems to limit how I can comfortably use it, and no finger grooves ever seem to fit my hand.

Mine is from the late 70s or early 80s. It was a gift from a retired Army doctor, when he was retiring from his civilian job as a doctor.
I have a Gambler that is in the process of being refurbished so I can sell it on consignment through a local dealer. A little small for my hands and was kind of an impulse buy from a former co-worker.
 
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Matthew Gregory said:
“My” Randall Model 14 Attack was purchased and carried by my Uncle, Simon Gregory, during his tours in Vietnam. You can read a bit about his experiences here.


He was a unique and driven man, intelligent, articulate, passionate and relentless. Many have said that the two of us are quite similar (for better or for worse), and I know that he felt the same (‘a matched pair of assholes’, he said) 😉.
When he passed, the knife came to me. Throughout his life, it was a talisman which held tremendous power in his memory, with many things both good and bad attached to those memories.



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We didn’t really connect until I was in my early 40’s. Sometimes it works that way, I guess. I’m very thankful that we found common ground, despite it being late in life. His passing was a very difficult one, for me, but I’m grateful to have been able to forge such a strong tie with him.
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Now imagine a new Soldier or Marine today, or even in Afghanistan and/or Iraq 15 or 20 years ago having that same feeling with a very slightly upgraded Randall. That's the difference I'm trying to point out. Why live just in the past when you can keep current and relevant? Not just collectors of classic items, but going out into the field and using it to cut sector stakes, and popping the bands on ammo crates. Not sitting on a display case because it's a cool looking piece that a few people used back in the day, but on your "I love me wall," with your ribbon rack, medals, challenge coins, and pictures from when you carried it in multiple countries doing hard things.

Or for the hunters, going on those big hunts when you finally get that tag after 4 years of missing out. Without having to touch up the edge part way through (there's a thread in the Randall forum about edge holding that made me think of this).

There's a whole new generation of outdoorsman, hunters, and military who would be well served by these great designs with just a small upgrade. These shouldn't be relegated to mere shelf queens. But I guess that's the nature of things.

I need to find someone to pass the one I have onto. It was given to me by a retired COL who took a liking to me, and I feel as if I should pass it on to someone who might make good use of it.
 
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Unicorn161 said:
Now imagine a new Soldier or Marine today, or even in Afghanistan and/or Iraq 15 or 20 years ago having that same feeling with a very slightly upgraded Randall. That's the difference I'm trying to point out. Why live just in the past when you can keep current and relevant? Not just collectors of classic items, but going out into the field and using it to cut sector stakes, and popping the bands on ammo crates. Not sitting on a display case because it's a cool looking piece that a few people used back in the day, but on your "I love me wall," with your ribbon rack, medals, challenge coins, and pictures from when you carried it in multiple countries doing hard things.

Or for the hunters, going on those big hunts when you finally get that tag after 4 years of missing out. Without having to touch up the edge part way through (there's a thread in the Randall forum about edge holding that made me think of this).

There's a whole new generation of outdoorsman, hunters, and military who would be well served by these great designs with just a small upgrade. These shouldn't be relegated to mere shelf queens. But I guess that's the nature of things.

I need to find someone to pass the one I have onto. It was given to me by a retired COL who took a liking to me, and I feel as if I should pass it on to someone who might make good use of it.
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I hear what you’re saying, but I’m guessing that you’re placing more value on the perceived improvements than would actually be there. They’d have to become something they’ve never been, and I’d argue that it’s something they probably don’t WANT to be.

I also think you’re discounting their capability as a useful too way too much, and I’m saying this as a guy that chases the bleeding edge of knife steel development. Outside of the choppers I make in S7, I don’t remember the last time I made a blade that wasn’t over 63RC. Dig through my post history, and you’ll get a little bit of an idea of where I’m coming from.

Would I make knives the way that they do? Heck no. Steven’s Mustang analogy is a perfect one. Randall chooses to cater to a crowd that is looking for the classic car. It’s served them for 80 years. Who am I to question that success?


This much I can tell you - I wouldn’t own a Rolex if it used a battery. That’s not what Rolex is about. My shitty G-Shock is a ‘better’ watch in every technical respect than the finest Rolex is capable of, but I’m pretty sure I don’t have to explain why a Rolex is a far more desirable timepiece. I think it’s fair to say that Randall falls into a similar category, at this point.


And please understand, I’m not arguing with you. In principle, I totally agree with you. But, I also don’t think Randall needs to change anything to continue to be relevant. They’ll keep on keeping on the way they have for a long time, and there are plenty of people to support them as they are. They’re not at any risk of disappearing because the knife world has changed around them.
 
Matthew Gregory said:
I hear what you’re saying, but I’m guessing that you’re placing more value on the perceived improvements than would actually be there. They’d have to become something they’ve never been, and I’d argue that it’s something they probably don’t WANT to be.

I also think you’re discounting their capability as a useful too way too much, and I’m saying this as a guy that chases the bleeding edge of knife steel development. Outside of the choppers I make in S7, I don’t remember the last time I made a blade that wasn’t over 63RC. Dig through my post history, and you’ll get a little bit of an idea of where I’m coming from.

Would I make knives the way that they do? Heck no. Steven’s Mustang analogy is a perfect one. Randall chooses to cater to a crowd that is looking for the classic car. It’s served them for 80 years. Who am I to question that success?


This much I can tell you - I wouldn’t own a Rolex if it used a battery. That’s not what Rolex is about. My shitty G-Shock is a ‘better’ watch in every technical respect than the finest Rolex is capable of, but I’m pretty sure I don’t have to explain why a Rolex is a far more desirable timepiece. I think it’s fair to say that Randall falls into a similar category, at this point.


And please understand, I’m not arguing with you. In principle, I totally agree with you. But, I also don’t think Randall needs to change anything to continue to be relevant. They’ll keep on keeping on the way they have for a long time, and there are plenty of people to support them as they are. They’re not at any risk of disappearing because the knife world has changed around them.
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I disagree in the keep on keeping on part. Here's why. In the archery world Mathews swore for years the solo cam was better in every way. Said they would never go to split limbs also because they were inferior to solid limbs. Mathews was forced to go against what they preach in the mid 2000s and start offering split limb bows with dual cams. With Randall it will be the same thing. Once the generation that gives Randall any type of relevance is gone Randall will either adapt by using better steels or they will be just another company that closes its doors. It doesn't matter how long any one company has been around for, every company is susceptible to meeting its end. Adapt or become a memory.
 
Unicorn161 said:
I like the border style grip instead of the finger grooves. It seems to limit how I can comfortably use it, and no finger grooves ever seem to fit my hand.
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I have found I like a single finger groove best.
Matthew Gregory said:
This much I can tell you - I wouldn’t own a Rolex if it used a battery. That’s not what Rolex is about. My shitty G-Shock is a ‘better’ watch in every technical respect than the finest Rolex is capable of, but I’m pretty sure I don’t have to explain why a Rolex is a far more desirable timepiece. I think it’s fair to say that Randall falls into a similar
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The Rolex comparison is very accurate.

The difference is the cost multiplier.

A G shock is around $200
A Rolex Submariner is &10,000 +

A KA-BAR is $100 now
A Randall model 1 is $500IMG_8124.jpegIMG_1031.jpeg
 
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I had the opportunity to buy a stainless Model 18 6 or 8 inch blade for a good price brand new from a dealer last year. I passed on it as I thought in reality I probably wont use it as I prefer other large fixed blades for hiking in potentially hostile environs (Bears and Lions). That said I should have jumped on it. Someone who is not me got a real good deal on that.
 
About Randall knives in general, I think it would be very difficult and expensive for them to modernize. Sure there are better knives out there, that cut better for longer. The Rolex comparison is accurate except when you look at resale, with a few one or 2 exceptions at best I have gotten what I paid for my Randalls when I sold them. I am now Randallless at least for know. I for one hope they stay around along time, this world has gotten too modern for my tastes in many ways. I saw some photos of of the newer popular knife companies shop floor and basically the operator was running a robot. I visited Randalls shop twice, not a robot in sight! I like knowing I can get a quality handmade item, made by good people, here the good ole USA. Keep up the fight Randall!
 
donnord said:
About Randall knives in general, I think it would be very difficult and expensive for them to modernize. Sure there are better knives out there, that cut better for longer. The Rolex comparison is accurate except when you look at resale, with a few one or 2 exceptions at best I have gotten what I paid for my Randalls when I sold them. I am now Randallless at least for know. I for one hope they stay around along time, this world has gotten too modern for my tastes in many ways. I saw some photos of of the newer popular knife companies shop floor and basically the operator was running a robot. I visited Randalls shop twice, not a robot in sight! I like knowing I can get a quality handmade item, made by good people, here the good ole USA. Keep up the fight Randall!
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My response to this isnt in a argumentative tone or anything. Just want to throw that disclaimer out there. Handmade is great but quality is subjective. For their time yes their knives by standards back then were high quality but a blade today that cant fully skin a elk or even deer without being touched up to finish the job isnt high quality. Im sorry but it takes more than a pretty polished up handle to be high quality in today's market. Blade steel matters.
 
Eliteone2383 said:
My response to this isnt in an argumentative tone or anything. Just want to throw that disclaimer out there. Handmade is great but quality is subjective. For their time yes their knives by standards back then were high quality but a blade today that cant fully skin an elk or even deer without being touched up to finish the job isnt high quality. Im sorry but it takes more than a pretty polished up handle to be high quality in today's market. Blade steel matters.
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Kind of why I passed on the last one and sold my remaining 2. But sharpness and edge retention can be owner influenced, bad edge angle, hitting bones a lot etc.,,
 
Randall has chosen to not modernize or expand their shop. They are happy to just chug along keeping the legacy alive.

It is a business plan like no other. Yet it is successful. It is fascinating to observe. How long will they stay in business?

One thing for certain in my mind. If they modernize materials or processes they will ruin their business.

When I sell a Randall I sell for the current shop price plus the shipping cost. The buyers thank me. I always make a little because I paid the price from 6plus years ago.

My advice? Order one, be patient, when it arrives if you don’t like it, even if you use it you won’t loose money on it.
 
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Ok, I've read enough. I am going to order another one today!!! For me, the history and the designs make me love a Randall. I went to the shop in March and met with the grandson of Bo Randall and his wife. Very friendly people who gave my better half and me an awesome tour. I heard the fourth generation is going to continue the business. What a great thing that such a legendary company is alive and kicking after more than 80 years.

There's a lot of talk about Randall's, but I haven't seen a lot of pictures. Here is the ONE that started it all! I got it last week from one of my favorite dealers (Nordic Knives) after about a year's wait. It still has the shop grease on it. Nordic Knives, Gary Clinton, and Dough Kenefick are three dealers I have very positive experiences with; I highly recommend them if you want to order one and get it within a year. 1765300328540.png
 
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I think it would be a better business idea, to at least offer other steels.

That would invite all the "I don't want Grandpa's _______ (fill in the blank)" people to look at their stuff. All the hip new kidz, want the latest and greatest, steel in their knives.

If they had modernized, a little at a time... maybe you could get a knife in a few months, instead of a few years.
 
I’ve been a lifelong fan of Randall knives. As a child they were the Hero knife in almost every outdoor/shooting magazine. Many of the outdoorsmen of the day carried them. It seemed like Randall knives had the market cornered for advertising. It wasn’t like there were many makers the industry could easily contact for articles. When I was in the Army, a Randall knife was a huge status symbol on a belt. I’ll easily admit I’m a fanboy 😊 I’ve owned more than a few over the years and even used a few. I was always pleased with performance even with the “old” steels. Randall had better cutting geometry than most other available offerings when I was a younger man. Good geometry can make even a meh steel work well. The other thing Randall knives have always held is value. Nope! Not cheap to buy! Value when sold!!! Very few knives factory or custom go up in value as consistently as Randalls do! Almost everyone I know who has had one has been able to move them for more that they initially paid. Many times even after using them for a while 😎 I currently only own two, a Model 1-8 and a Special Fighter 16. Hope to find a couple more someday👍
 
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