Randall Knives

[FullerH]

Bruce, I meant no criticism. From past experience, I appreciate that you and Les have a long-standing debate, one in which I support your side. I love my two Randalls and only wish that I could afford more.

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Walk in the Light,
Hugh

 

[PENGUIN]

Bruce, Bram & Others,
I totally agree with everything you'all said regarding Randalls - I currently own 15 & will be adding to that total in the future. Having visited the shop & gotten to know some of them including Pete(Shop Foreman), the work they do is definately not production(no offense Les) and there are differences with every knife(though very minor) in the plain stock models due to the hand work. The fit & finsh on every one of mine(most of which are customized to my design/wishes) has been beyond reproach and equal to any of my other custom knives. There is no perfect knife made that I or others here are aware of(another thread) but many makers out there would do well to match the consistently high quality of Randalls. None have ever failed me under any kind of use and even though I prefer the tool steel the stainless they forge & heat-treat holds an edge under hard use in the field & can be sharpened easily, which you can't say about some other "custom" knives I've come across. Randall knives are designed not as fancy art knives but as "users" that will serve you for a lifetime. And I wonder how many makers out there have not had a blade break at some time in their careers. The bottom line is I would stake my life on every Randall I own and that is the highest compliment I can give them.

Bill
P.S. Bruce, check out Wayne Hendrix from South Carolina - trained by George Herron - makes wonderful high quality using hunters, skinners & bowies at an incredible price.

 

[bruce]

Hugh, none taken! Actually I was honored to be expected to wade into the fray.

I own more knives than Randall's but I don't think a collection is complete without one. Reminds me of an experience I had at work (food scientist). We invited representatives of the Idaho Beef Council to talk to our R&D center. After the discussion, we took them to lunch. As we were handed the menu, one IBC representative turned to the other and loudly proclaimed, "We don't serve anything but beef at our house, I'll have the prime rib sandwich." The other representative agreed and had the chopped sirloin. The six scientists from our company took the obvious cue, formed ranks, and all ordered fish or chicken! You can imagine the look of disapproval on their faces! I love beef, I don't care for narrow mindedness. But we all have a desire to protect our livelihood so I can't fault Les for sticking up for his business. I would be the first to defend the food products I've developed as being better than the competition and "the worlds most perfect food!" Besides, I salute Les for the career track he undertook in the Army. He's done a lot of things even most combat soldiers don't have to do (Les, picture here an FM 21-5 perfect salute from COL Woodbury to you). He has truly been the point on the sharp end of the lance.

Thanks to all for the knife maker recommendations.

Bruce Woodbury