THE Hollow Handle Knife Thread

TAH said:
Congrats bearcut! I've always liked the looks of this knife, but haven't heard much about it. I like the 5" blade and steel buttcap. What is the purpose of the hump on the blade
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Are you referring to the divot that extends from the top guard halfway across the top of the blade?

That is a thumb rest for use when choking up. It is perfectly designed and very comfortable for this.
RPW did a really good job with egos and design on this blade. It is easily the most comfortable HH I've ever had. Heck, it has the most comfortable handle of any steel handle knive I've ever had, HH or not. There isn't much you can do to a round tube handle to make it any better than the rest I guess.

I've thought about cord wrapping the handle on the RPW but I'm really not sure it would make it any more comfortable, in fact, it might make it less comfortable, and more prone to giving blisters. The handle seems that good. However, I haven't used it hard yet so I might change my tune on the whole thing!

I still haven't stuffed the hande, but I have noticed that it is deeper than most hh's I've had, especially smaller ones. The bore extends a little over 3.5" to the end of the butt. This is due to the bore extending into the guard area. Since the buttcap has no compass, and is also hollow, the cavity is close to 4".
 
Sam Wilson said:
Tom, I think the Randall 18 can chop even better than that, Im not sure that guy knows how to use it very well. But there's no question in my mind.

Sam
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Definitely a better demonstration of how well it will take the abuse of chopping, than how well it chops. Sounds nice and solid, makes me want one even more than I already did...
 
Why yes, the spine on a Randall Model 18 is squared enough to strike a firesteel. :)



Firesteel is a Firesteel.com "Survival 3.15" model.
 
I wonder if anyone with experience on both the knurley and the non knurley type of handles, on one piece type of knives like the one on Randall Modell 18, could tell me about the pro and cons?

Thanks in advance.
 
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ragnerok said:
I wonder if anyone with experience on both the knurley and the non knurley type of handles, on one piece type of knives like the one on Randall Modell 18, could tell me about the pro and cons?
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Knurled handle provides a non-slip grip and aids in "grabbing" the cord if the handle is wrapped. Can't really think of any advantages of a non knurled handle other than it is a little more traditional when it comes to the Randall 18.

ragnerok said:
...on one piece type of knives like the one on Randall Modell 18...
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Not sure what you mean, but the 18 isn't a one piece design. It is assembled.
 
Seriousbladeno1 said:
What a great thread and lot of amazing,gorgeous looking knives! Thanks very much Sam!!!
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I agree, but unfortunately, the thread has grown so large that a lot of the information is now too hard to find. HH knives are too multifaceted for just one dedicated thread. This topic needs a few sub-forums. General discussion, construction/design, handle contents, photo gallery are some ideas.

I elect Sam to be our lobbyist. :)
 
TAH said:
Knurled handle provides a non-slip grip and aids in "grabbing" the cord if the handle is wrapped. Can't really think of any advantages of a non knurled handle other than it is a little more traditional when it comes to the Randall 18.



Not sure what you mean, but the 18 isn't a one piece design. It is assembled.
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My mistake- Did mean hollow handle.. Sorry and thanks for your answer.:thumbup:
 
The one piece knives like the Chris Reeve's knurling is more grippy feeling to me, and just from handling I don't have one. The way the handle is shaped close to the guard also makes it pretty comfortable. The Randall again just from fondling felt slicker the knurling was less aggressive. The handle on the Buckmaster with very aggressive knurling and the deep groves was less comfortable even on calloused hands, did own that for 20yrs. The others I've owned have all been cord wrapped, under the cord on both the Lile and Martin knives is knurling similar to the Reeve knifes. Aggressive enough to grip but not so much it chewed up your palm.
 
Dave, thanks. Newer chopped with my CRK hollow handle, but some day i will do so, i promice. About the Randall Modell 18, would like one of those and i know that you can get them with- and without knurling. Imagine that the knurling could be tough on hands during extensive use.
 
ragnerok said:
About the Randall Modell 18, would like one of those and i know that you can get them with- and without knurling. Imagine that the knurling could be tough on hands during extensive use.
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The knurling on mine, is very shallow and not really abrasive at all. But mine is 30+ years old, so it may be smoother than a new one.
 
My first attempt at a handle wrap. I realize now, to go a few extra loops, so when I draw it up to tighten it, I don't get exposed metal at the end. This is black 2mm paracord, I got at Hobby Lobby for practice, the final wrap will be with 2mm OD cord that I had to order online.



This picture is just in case anyone would want to know, but I realize that putting a Randall in a Russian sheath, may be sacrilege.

The sheath for my Kizlyar Supreme "Survivalist X", is a perfect fit for the Randall Model 18. (I have a Spec Ops sheath coming for it) :)

 
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Wow, your Randall looks great wrapped!

I don't think I've ever seen anyone wrap one before.

I like it.
 
Looking good, Chris. Without the wrap, those 18 handles are ridiculously cold to the touch in cold weather.
 
Bear Claw Chris Lappe said:
My first attempt at a handle wrap. I realize now, to go a few extra loops, so when I draw it up to tighten it, I don't get exposed metal at the end. This is black 2mm paracord, I got at Hobby Lobby for practice, the final wrap with be with 2mm OD cord that I had to order online.

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OK, this is weird.....

Just today, I experimented with my first handle wrap, on my Wall Model 18 (basically, a copy of the Randall 18), using the exact same cord, in the same color, from the same store! :eek:

The only thing is, mine did NOT turn out like yours did. Second attempt planned for tomorrow.
 
bowie69 said:
The only thing is, mine did NOT turn out like yours did. Second attempt planned for tomorrow.
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I used the tutorial on Newt Martin's website, which would be much easier if I had a vise to clamp the blade in. I wrapped the blade on mine with an old t-shirt to keep from cutting myself while doing the cord wrap.
 
I stick the blade in between a couple of 2x6"s on my front porch to pull the cord tight using a screw driver with the cord tied to it for leverage. Shop rag on the blade while i'm wrapping it.
 
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