RANDALL SOLINGEN FIGHTER??

B

Boriqua

Joined
Feb 4, 1999
Messages
655
I saw this knife and one other with more blade length at ebay
http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=328075207

They dont seem to be doing that great as far as bids are concerned and though I dont intend on purchasing either I was just curious as to the story surounding these knives. Where did they come from? Why? How come they dont seem very collectable. On ebay a randall with two spacers instead of three commands 500. dollars. These seem unique, at least to me, and they still havent hit 200.
Alex
 
Alex,

I want to see a good photo and a closeup of the Randall stamp before bidding on one. However, the seller seems to be reputable according to their feedback. So, what do I know!

I have purchased a couple of Randalls on Ebay with good luck. The third was bead blasted and I emailed Randall Knives about it and they told me that they do not and have never bead blasted their knives. Lucky for me, the seller was gracious enough to allow me to return that knife for a refund. Lesson learned at no expense to me.

As you stated- Randalls sell themselves at usually high prices. With a photo, it too would prbably be at a much higher price.

Daniel



[This message has been edited by Daniel (edited 05-14-2000).]
 
The use of "Solingen" blades is -well-documented in the type of knife shown on EBAY. Everything the seller says is legit.

Its not a fake.

Daniel, before you make any more hasty judgments (or buy anymore bead-blasted Randalls) do yourself a favor. Buy a book.
There are several excellent resources published on Randall knives and their history, Bob Gaddis's book is the best in my opinion.

Since they have been around well over 50 years, there are hundreds of variations of Randall knives. The collecting of Randalls is a true custom blade subculture. Thankfully, the Randall family has excellent records of models, style changes, and other features present on the knives to date and value them.

(I have no relationship to the seller, just hate to see a deal queered by misinformation)

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"The most effective armor is to keep out of range"-Italian proverb
 
During WW11 Randall did indeed use blades from Solingen. And through many years before they got so backordered they often made customs for people.
I second the suggestion about Gaddis's book. It is a wealth of information.

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Dave (Phil.4:13)
I Can Do All Things Through Him Who Strengthens Me
 
In looking through the Gaddis book there is an explanation on the Solnigen blades. Without going into detail it had to do with a possible Airforce contract. Bo Randall had the blades made to his design and alloy specifications. The time frame was 1954-55. I do not know the complete story of how many what types or when produced that was the beginning. I have several in my collection.

Cheers,

ts

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Guns are for show. Knifes are for Pros.
 
Anthony L,

As I stated: I am certainly no Randall expert and I made no attempt at "queering" any deal.

I do appreciate your information. I want to learn. But, I still would like to see a photo before bidding on Randalls.

The bead blasted knife that I purchased was indeed a Randall Model 2. However, it was listed as new in box. With someone bead blasting it (a good job of beading), I had wondered if Randall had sent any out that way and they told me no. That is why I returned it.

Daniel

[This message has been edited by Daniel (edited 05-14-2000).]

[This message has been edited by Daniel (edited 05-14-2000).]
 
Call the Randall shop. I never bid on anything that I have not seen a good picture of.

Good luck,

ts

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Guns are for show. Knifes are for Pros.
 
The Solingen Blades you are seeing were blades left over from knives made during the Vietnam Era. These blades have a different grind than the early model 18 14 16 and other knives that could be purchased at a reduced rate with a solingen blade. I have seen a large price range on these knives and I assume that the person who is paying a large premium on them has just enough knowledge to be dangerous to his wallet, or is an advanced collector who is wealthy enough to not care about the price but is speculating on the future collectablity of the knives. It is my understanding they were made in the early 90's thus the smoothback sheaths from Sullivan, and they are now only available on the secondary market.
Ken
 
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