Seeking recommendations for my next one

[Expatriated]

Guys,

It's that time, another 3 months have passed. I'm trying to decide what Randall to order.

I've got a good cross-section of models on order already (1's, 8's, 12's, 14's, 25's, etc) . I'm looking for something extra special this time.

I saw a pic of a Model 12-9 Sportsman Bowie with a 14 grind. Is that an orderable feature? I'm thinking one of those with a Model 25 handle would look sweet. Maybe sterling silver hilt and butt cap?

What do you guys think? Got any suggestions for a dream knife?

Thanks!

 

[Melvin-Purvis]

Hi, yes, the #12-9 14 grind 25 handle is a standard non-catalog offering - they run about $670 with a nickel-silver (NS) hilt per the latest catalog. If you go with a NS end cap and lanyard hole like my latest shown here, the price goes up by ~$90. Those are current Shop prices with a five year wait, or through some dealers with roughly a two year wait - be aware, however, some dealers do have a mark-up over catalog price.

I'm not sure where you can get a sterling silver hilt or end cap, but Doug Cream of Precious Metal Fabrication does offer Pure .999% silver hilts and end caps cut to shop specs, and sterling silver spacers - my understanding is that these can be purchased from Doug directly, or through an authorized Randall dealer when a knife is ordered through said dealer. Could be I'm wrong, but that's my understanding...

If you're looking to buy the knife without a wait you'll likely pay a mark-up. My knife isn't for sale as it's part of a set, but a collector here, Arden Ferris, aka arden.ferris has one available I think...and his price seemed very good.

Hope that helps,

Shel

p.s. A Model #2 seems to be lacking from your collection - I'd get a Model #2...

 

[Samael]

Ah. The "dream knife." The "grail." Melvin and I have seen a bunch of them, and have been privileged to have owned a few. First piece of advice: You pretty much can't screw up any 12-9 no matter how hard you try.

My "grail" is a Faisal set in ivory. I'll do it one of these days, too. (If you don't know what that is, look at the cover of Pete Hamilton's book).

In the meantime, I've just recently ordered a 12-9-25 in brass. Yeah, you can do that. I'm gonna go partially nuts and post up sone wood for things that haven't even been ordered yet. Sorry, I'm drunk. I'm allowed.

This is what's called Turkish walnut or circassian walnut, and will be going on a 12-9 with a double brass lugged hilt and a crow's beak butt cap.

This piece of koa will be going on a 12-9-14.

Im a little drunk, so I'm rambling, but the 12-9 is a big knife with a big handle, and it shows off whatever you want to do with it magnificently.

Don't forget the 12-11 Confederate Bowie either. Another big beauty. If you're a fan of the big Randall Bowies, you'll probably want to have at least one of each. Heh heh,

 

[Samael]

BTW, don't forget the new non-catalog 4-6 Fighter and Sergeant's Special either. I know both Shel and I are kinda crazy about both of them,

 

[Expatriated]

All good thoughts, guys. Thanks. If only they didn't limit me to just one every 3 months!!!!

I've got a couple of the large 12-11's on order already.

That 12 9 with the 14 grind looks just awesome. I think I'll get that one with all the sterling silver pieces to go with it.

And yes, I still need to get a 2!