Ryan,
Randalls are fine knives and their prices are not bad considering they are still pretty much "customs". They are still discussed here occasionally and are popular with the members. I just think they've been around so long that to a lot of folks they're kind of "yesterday's news", (which of course they're not).
I took delivery of a special "Rancher's Model" I had them make up for me with the "sheepsfoot" blade, (I love this blade style), a few months ago. I was quite impressed with the workmanship except for one thing. They delivered it to me totally unsharpened! The only other time I have ever seen this, production or custom, has been on several Mad Dog knives, (right Bob?). I E-mailed them several times about it but never received an answer. I'm sure I could have returned it but I hate that send/receive routine, especially after waiting thirteen months for it. I am fairly proficient at sharpening so I just put my own 25/20 degree edge on it. Even so, it's still unacceptable in this day and age.
The only complaint I've heard about Randall's, (other than my unsharpened example), is that the soldered guards will sometimes separate from the tang. I have an old Model 5 and it happened to it. Again, I could have sent it back, (they will repair it under warranty IF they deem it didn't happen through neglect), but I just epoxied it back on.
Jumbi,
Brass or stainless, you can't go wrong with either one on the guard. They both will serve you fine. As you alluded to, the stainless will be somewhat less "maintenance intensive". Brass is beautiful and durable and so is stainless. It's all a matter of personal preference.
[This message has been edited by Gene (edited 10 July 1999).]