Survival expert using Randall No. 1, 8 inch blade

L

Loosearrow

Joined
Apr 14, 2008
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Seems like a few years ago I read some articles about a survival guru that seemed to prefer a Randal No 1 in an 8 inch blade length. I cannot seem to remember his name or why such an expensive knife was his pick. Anyone use a No 1 for a survival knife? I have an opportunity to get an 8 inch one to use that is not pristine and wanted an opinion. I know that is it a stylized fighter in design. But as a bush knife?
 
I think Ron Hood had a Randall of some kind in one of his early vids, maybe you are talking about him.


RickJ
 
Damn, I was really hoping this thread was going to be about an expert using a 1" blade :D.....Then I was going to say, hell its a Randall after all :)
 
kgd said:
Damn, I was really hoping this thread was going to be about an expert using a 1" blade :D.....Then I was going to say, hell its a Randall after all :)
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Same here. I thought there might be a little Randall knife that even I could afford.:p
 
Loosearrow said:
.... or why such an expensive knife was his pick.
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Keeping price in context, I've seen Woodlore knives go for close to $900.00 US on ebay. I have a stag handled Model 3-5 I've used a lot, bottom line is Randalls are good knives. By the way, there are some smaller Randalls that sell for way less than $200.00 retail. They regularly have them in stock at Kittery Trading Post in Kittery, Maine.
 
Bradford Angier used a Randall #1.He wrote alot of outdoor survival books and it has been said that Tom Brown modded his survival training around Bradford.Ron Hood also did use a Randall #1 and a Busse BM in his first few videos. Hope this helps.

Mike
 
RickJ said:
I think Ron Hood had a Randall of some kind in one of his early vids, maybe you are talking about him.


RickJ
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That's the name I was looking for. I think I saw it on a video of his Thanks Rick. He must of thought I was a tough knife. Some say an 8 inch is hard to carry.
 
kgd said:
Damn, I was really hoping this thread was going to be about an expert using a 1" blade :D.....Then I was going to say, hell its a Randall after all :)
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My mistake the eight changed into *. I didn't catch it. Didn't catch the "Randall" mispell either. Must be the 12.5 hr hospital shifts.
 
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Loosearrow said:
That's the name I was looking for. I think I saw it on a video of his Thanks Rick. He must of thought I was a tough knife. Some say an 8 inch is hard to carry.
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8" was pretty short for a lot of what Ron Hood carried. Randall knives are well built with a long and well-deserved heritage. I have that video and it's a good one...he can make any sharp edge work well!

ROCK6
 
RickJ said:
I think Ron Hood had a Randall of some kind in one of his early vids, maybe you are talking about him.


RickJ
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Yep Ron did use that in his first 3 vids. Said he retired it because of the value.
 
x39 said:
Keeping price in context, I've seen Woodlore knives go for close to $900.00 US on ebay. I have a stag handled Model 3-5 I've used a lot, bottom line is Randalls are good knives. By the way, there are some smaller Randalls that sell for way less than $200.00 retail. They regularly have them in stock at Kittery Trading Post in Kittery, Maine.
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that place is alot of fun.
 
I use Randall knives alot....its either Randall or Chris Reeve for me.that being said I love a number 1 in any size...in 01 steel....and would use it for anything outdoors in a second...but I usualy carry a 14 standard with finger groove grip in 01 flavor or I will carry a 17...between my wife and I we have alot of Randalls most stay in the display case but I have about 6 or 7 that like to come out and play every now and then...just a little while ago I picked up a vietnam 1-6 for the display case...it was used during the war...its not pretty but I think its my favt. I traded a new 18 7.5,ss,textured grip,compass,waxed sheath. for it ... :) so use your Randall if you have one and show photos because most people keep them in the safe. and if you dont have one then what are yoy waiting for jump on it...you cant really loose money on one and its one of the best knives ever made...just be carefull they are like crack...addictive
 
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I am truly not trying to be a smart allec or trying to start something when I ask what makes them so good for actual use, as opposed to collecting, given that they are pretty expensive?
 
I have been taking a Randall #14 with me lately. I was a little reluctant to use it hard, but I found out it can sure take the punishment.

Randall Made knives are NOT all that expensive, and all the ones I have are 'users'. For better than 20 years, my #11 has been used on virtually every deer, hog and 'gator that I have killed.
 
m said:
I am truly not trying to be a smart allec or trying to start something when I ask what makes them so good for actual use, as opposed to collecting, given that they are pretty expensive?
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The minute you pick up a Randall knife you will know in an instant. Perfect fit and finish, thick solid knives that are balanced and have a light quick feeling about them. Proven tough, top quality since the 1940's.

They are a bargain ordered from the shop if you're willing to wait years. Secondary market prices are higher but not out of line for a hand made knife with a reputation like Randall's. Knock off a $100 easy for the sheaths alone, they are a work of perfection in their own right.
 
I've been using one or another of my three Randall 14s for many years now. They are as perfect a knife as anyone could ever ask for. No, they're not cheap, but when you look at the prices people pay for other knives out there these days, $400 or $500 isn't really all that ridiculous.

They're coming up on their 75th anniversary, and, in all that time, I've never heard of one person who had a serious performance-related complaint. Considering that, they may just be worth more than what they're charging.

And oh, by the way, Angier used a 5-6 with a Micarta handle and a compass in the butt. But a 5 is very, very close to a model 1. I'd happily rely on either one of them.
 
I am jealous of those of you with the disposable income to buy an expensive knife. I hadn't even looked at a Randall before, for fear of my want lust taking over causing me to live on KD for a month or 2 after buying something I can't afford. Curse you all after reading a few threads I had to go and look. Now I hear the knives and KD calling my name:(
 
I don't own one, but will when I find what I want. The waiting list on a 25 is like 50 months or something. Every one I have handled is SWEET. A neighbor has a couple. After pawing them, I get it.
 
unky_gumbi said:
I am jealous of those of you with the disposable income to buy an expensive knife. I hadn't even looked at a Randall before, for fear of my want lust taking over causing me to live on KD for a month or 2 after buying something I can't afford. Curse you all after reading a few threads I had to go and look. Now I hear the knives and KD calling my name:(
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A friend might ask how much money you have tied up in your bikes? It is all realtive. ;)

:p
 
I wanted a Randall but I bought a Mora instead so far it has done all of my cutting well.:D
 
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