Smithsonian Bowie

G

guncotton

Joined
Aug 25, 2006
Messages
34
Some pics of my Randall Model 12 Smithsonian Bowie.


HPIM1204.jpg



HPIM1212.jpg



HPIM1210.jpg




Guncotton
AKA Bors
 
Bors, a knife like that must have a story to go with it. Where did you get it from, was it direct from Randall? How long have you had it? It looks brand new, but it could be a well cared for hand-me-down.

I think Randall makes some great knives, but the only Randall I've ever considered buying is the Smithsonian Bowie.

Congratz on yours.
 
PhilL said:
Bors, a knife like that must have a story to go with it. Where did you get it from, was it direct from Randall? How long have you had it? It looks brand new, but it could be a well cared for hand-me-down.

I think Randall makes some great knives, but the only Randall I've ever considered buying is the Smithsonian Bowie.

Congratz on yours.
Click to expand...


I grew up watching movies from the 40s and 50s. One day I watched a movie starring Alan Ladd you probably guessed it “The Iron Mistress”. I fell in love with Bowie knives and decided that one day I had to have a knife like and it had to be a good one. I saw a picture of a Randall Smithsonian and decided that’s the one. Some time passed with the usual things happening like wife kids house career and all that, then I found myself watching the movie again and was in a position to order the knife. In 1999, I put my $20 down and ordered the knife from the Randall Shop. I ordered a # 12-11 Smithsonian with Scalloped Brass Collar, Black Micarta Handle, Concave Handle, Scalloped Butt Cap, Name Plate with my Initials.

Specs are:
Balance point ~1.75 inches from the guard
Blade width is ~2.125 inches
Clip length ~4 3/8 inches
Overall length ~16 5/8
Weight 34 oz
Spine Thickness ~5/16 inches

The backlog at that time was 15 months. Exactly 15 months later, I paid the balance and they sent it to me. I will tell you waiting really sucks, but good things come to those who wait. :D
It handles very nice despite the weight. A few months after delivery I was doing some test cutting with some swords (Tameshigiri) and thought why not try the Randall. It quite easily cut through 3 rolled up mats (~7” in diameter) with a very short stroke. It cuts as well as some swords. I do use it but it’s well cared for.

The Randall Smithsonian Bowie is well worth the investment and the wait for anyone who is interested in a quintessential Bowie knife.
 
Guncotton,

Das very nice dere :thumbup:

With several hundred RMK's having passed through our hands so far, I think the 'Smith and the Confederate are the only two that we haven't had yet...yours would be a keeper IMO..

Damn nice Randall knife you have there bud, damn nice indeed :thumbup:

Shel
 
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