Randalls and Eks.... are they "tactical" by today's standard?

Doesn't any fixed blade that's not a hunter or small utility fall under the extremely loose definition of "tactical"? Certainly knives actually used in wartime must be at the very center of the "tactical" genre, and both the Eks and many of the Randall models have seen hard use in several wars.
 
Tactical should refer to the mindset and method of something's employment, not the physical object. I can use a common pencil tactically. Or I can have a "tactical" knife that sits in a safe or in my pocket that never cuts anything but paper and food. If I use a toaster in my house to brain an intruder, that is tactical use of a toaster. If I spray my toaster flat black and put a mean looking grill on it with tritium indicators, do I now have a "tactical" toaster? The whole "tactical" thing is silly. I say Randalls and Eks, and anything else for that matter are "tactical" when employed that way. It is not a style issue.
 
They are both great knives with similar beginnings and rich histories... John Ek and Bo Randall's children took the companies in different directions and unfortunately, one is history while the other continues to make history...
 
I carried a Randall #15 for the 1st 7 months of my tour here in Iraq, I dont think you can get more tactical than that. I traded it out with my CS master tanto when I went home on R&R, but only because I was afraid of lossing it or having it stolen. I am also of the opinion, (based only on my own observations over here) that most high end tactical knives are not actually being carried over here. I have yet to see a TOPS or Strider blade here but have lost count of the $50-$100 Colt Steel, Buck, Kabar, and SOG knives I see soldiers carrying.
 
They define tactical. Most modern knives are made of more brittle materials and have nonessential frills. The original Randalls and Eks were made to go into combat in the bitter fields of WWII where wheeled transport, air superiority and daily resupply could not be expected. They were knives for men who might really have to fight their way out of trouble with the tools they carried on their backs and belts. They aren't as heavy as some modern knives, but they are heavy enough to do the job and light enough for constant carry. The carbon steel models are bayonet tough.
 
I think bobwhite has the best overall explaination. As a result, I'm trying to get a sheath made for my toaster. One question, should I go with the two slice toaster or four slice toaster with bagel option?
 
I agree with Bobwhite 100%. One of the key things I've learned from what little close fight training I've had is that almost every object has the potential to be used defensively- in other words, a tactic for defense. Time to break out the matte black paint for the toaster and file "blood grooves" in it to help with "covert de-animation"...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top