Randall Made Knives

[TravelinThom]

I recently came across a few Randall Made Knives. I did a little digging and found a website etc but I'm wondering if anyone had experience with these. Is this a quality blade? The blades I'm looking at are for sale in the $300 - $450 ballpark so before I invest after just reading their website and a few eBay sellers reviews, I thought I'd put it out there and see what you guys have to say. Thanks

 

[Steven65]

Randall's are not custom knives, however......

They are arguably the single most iconic small manufacturer of knives on the planet. Randall's have been in every conflict since WW2. They have gone into space and done everything in-between.

Many books have been written about them and there is a huge amount about them online and we have our own Randall section here...... https://www.bladeforums.com/forums/the-randall-made-knives-collectors-forum.769/

The range and options of knives they have made is vast so you will have to be more specific in your request. I suggest you repost your request in the above Randall Collectors forum.

 

[Niddhogg]

They're among the makers that made the American fighting knife famous, and as a result of being world famous for making excellent hunting and combat knives, have had a waiting list since about 1953. It's currently about 5 years if you order from the factory, but you can buy from a dealer for a slight markup. They're made using traditional methods and materials, so you won't find any sort of super steel or whatever... but if you don't like it you'll never be stuck with it. There's a solid chance the value of the knife will appreciate in a few years as material prices go up and the wait list gets longer. Randall will let active duty military members cut the line when they need something "in a hurry" (6-8 months or so), which is how I got my model 14. It's neat they let the guys who need them get them before the collector types.
No matter what sort of knife you're looking for, they probably make it.

Here's my 14 next to a Treeman Combat Bowie

https://imgur.com/a/nvhCmNi

 

[Flat Rock Forge]

which models are you lookin at?

 

[VorpelSword]

In 2004 our son deployed to Iraq as a new Fst Lt in the Mateines. My anxiety was shall we say high. While he was at Texas A&M I committed to a Randall #16-1 Special fighter. It seemed to be the stoutest Randall of manageable size for EDC in a combat zone. It took four years to get and finally came while his unit was in a final pre-deployment work up at 29 Palms.

"They" wouldn't let him take it out on field training exercises as it was too shiny. I got it back and contacted Randall Made. Exchanged e-mails and had a couple of phone conversations. They had no interest in doing anything to cut the glint with a blade coating or by dulling the finish. They would not recomend an acceptable third-party shop for the work. I was dumfounded (my gast was totally flabbered). This was their iconic WW-II blade in their most rugged configuration about to go into a no-$h!+ active war zone (Anbar Provance, Iraq) at the USMC tip-of-the-spear, and they had no interest in making this knife truly war worthy.

I took it to a local gunsmith who meticulously bead blasted the metal parts to a uniform dull grey. He wouldn't take my money. I sent it off and it did go to Iraq. Worn on parole outside the wire for extended periods. Never used in anger (thank God), the after-action report was that it performed well in opening MREs and for indicting points of interest on a wall map during pre-op briefings.

 

[Zulus]

The blades I'm looking at are for sale in the $300 - and a few eBay sellers reviews,

Do you like risky life ?
:^D

 

[gunsil]

Randalls were great knives when Bo was alive, quality control has diminished since. I have a couple of friends who have bought them for over thirty years and in the last ten years have tried to return a few for poor fit and finish and they were basically told that what they got is what they got, no offer to rectify the situation by Randall Co. One also must beware that there are now fake Randalls showing up on ebay and likely other sites.

 

[Mike Pierson]

My old Randall's feel amazing in my hands,
they have a history...they speak to me!

I recommend asking questions and looking close at any pictures, descriptions, etc.
Don't be afraid to pass if it's too good to be true, or feels weird communicating with a seller.

2 are about the same age as myself, they have aged well and look way better than I @ 56,

I have books and books on Randall Made Knives, it's a very very deep rabbit hole but a very rewarding one. Not many USA brand knife-makers have the story that Randall has earned to tell.

I have many of the new "fancy steel knives" from all the hot & current makers too, but again, the Randall's have character plus a quality of build long gone or rare... it's all in the ingredients they used, design changes, etc. for myself, it's an appealing story.

Holding the old Model 2 - 8 now from the 60's era, or the 1-6 from the same era, just 1 word= amazing,
my gosh!
Pick up a BushMaster -Model 19= holy crap... it's a tool.
Hold a Model 14 15 or 16, it's a weapon, no doubt.
Some "get it", & some don't.
I like my old RANDALL's, & I like my new RANDALL's too, but if I'm going to go outside & make kindling, I take my Gossman chopper, not my Model 2-8 Stilleto...

There are a few collectors out there that are friendly to contact and have hundreds of old Randalls to sell to us,
and a few forums to join to get all the "good info" on Randall Made Knives so that if you decide to pursue, you'll be armed with knowledge prior to entering the room.

 

[Mike Pierson]

My 1963 (approx age estimate))
Randall Made Knives model 1-6 fighter, w/etched Makers Mark

 

[bigiron69]

I have used Randall's since 1992 and have taken them around the world into may combat zones. Iconic knife that was well before the boom of all the customs shops. Well made knives and fantastic leather sheaths made by Sullivans. I still have 4 or 5 of them and have my original one my folks got me when I joined the military 30-years ago. If you can get one for the right price then grab it and enjoy.

 

[Bob Denman]

Randalls were great knives when Bo was alive, quality control has diminished since. I have a couple of friends who have bought them for over thirty years and in the last ten years have tried to return a few for poor fit and finish and they were basically told that what they got is what they got, no offer to rectify the situation by Randall Co. One also must beware that there are now fake Randalls showing up on ebay and likely other sites.

Do you have an approximate era for when their quality control started to noticeably decline?
(I was just given a #5 that was built in 1991)