Are Randall knives worth the wait/price? Knives are worth what people are willing to pay. The prices of Randalls have gone up steadily over the years and continue to be sought.
IMHO, compared to other knives of similar quality, they are overpriced and that has been caused by collectors. I'm not saying that's wrong, just an observation.
In 1966, in anticipation of a tour in Vietnam, I purchased a Model 1-6 standard version. The Randall wait was six months to a year so I ordered from a dealer and paid the premium price of $ 35 shipped.
That $ 35 in 1966 would be about $ 300 in 2021 dollars. This knife is now about $ 550 from a dealer which to me says the extra $ 250 is due to collectibility.
Back in 1966, most Randall buyers seemed to be users. My 1966 Model 1 is well used. Today most people seem to be collectors. Their knives are never sheathed and stored in safes.
I'm not judging, there is nothing wrong with collecting. I believe the Randall myth/legend will continue to drive a new group of collectors so I wouldn't worry about investing in them.
I own three Randall's. That 1966 Model 1-6, a 1950's Model 12 Confederate Bowies that I resurrected/restored from an abusive home, and a Model 1-8 that I have modified to suit my preferences.
Enjoy collecting them and using them, they are great knives. I believe that every collector should buy at least one Randall and use the heck out of it so they fully appreciate the design and build quality.
IMHO, compared to other knives of similar quality, they are overpriced and that has been caused by collectors. I'm not saying that's wrong, just an observation.
In 1966, in anticipation of a tour in Vietnam, I purchased a Model 1-6 standard version. The Randall wait was six months to a year so I ordered from a dealer and paid the premium price of $ 35 shipped.
That $ 35 in 1966 would be about $ 300 in 2021 dollars. This knife is now about $ 550 from a dealer which to me says the extra $ 250 is due to collectibility.
Back in 1966, most Randall buyers seemed to be users. My 1966 Model 1 is well used. Today most people seem to be collectors. Their knives are never sheathed and stored in safes.
I'm not judging, there is nothing wrong with collecting. I believe the Randall myth/legend will continue to drive a new group of collectors so I wouldn't worry about investing in them.
I own three Randall's. That 1966 Model 1-6, a 1950's Model 12 Confederate Bowies that I resurrected/restored from an abusive home, and a Model 1-8 that I have modified to suit my preferences.
Enjoy collecting them and using them, they are great knives. I believe that every collector should buy at least one Randall and use the heck out of it so they fully appreciate the design and build quality.