W.D. Randall Shop and Museum

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Eddie_T

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Feb 28, 2011
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I don't know what changes have been made over the years but when I visited the Randall shop in 1967 it was very much a custom shop. I was able to view the whole operation. The blanks were clamped in a length of pipe that had one end fashioned into a vise for forging, grinding and tempering. The oven for tempering was a GE (as I recall) kitchen oven.

I chose a No. 5 with micarta handle which was available due to a cancellation. It cost a whopping $60 in 1967.

The museum had a large collection of hunting and pocket knives of all descriptions.
 
Hi Eddy,

Was it Bo or Gary making the knives when you were there?

Probably Gary...Bo stopped making knives in 1939 (give or take a year). :D

What you saw (and it is the same today) a semi-production company. Built by an assortment of craftsman (none with the last name of Randall).

They weren't then nor are they today custom knives.

Not to say you couldn't order "customized" models.
 
Nice thread.

I got a #14 Stainless, w lefty sheath for my 15th Birthday in 1985.

In 2004 while I was overseas, my dad was moving my stuff, and some punks smashed in the window and stole two boxes, one had my Randall in it (and a lot of other memorabilia). :grumpy:

I remember how almost everyone I ever showed that knife to cut themselves on the BACK edge, not thinking it was THAT sharp.
 
I haven't been there in a long time, but as late as 1992-93, you could still walk in and they would have at least 10 or 12 knives for retail sale in the display case. I bought a "one off" Model 14 cut down (hidden) tang with a stag handle. I wish that I had kept it for a while longer than I did.;)
 
Yep great thread.

Moderators please move this to the appropriate forum. :D

My first Randall was a Model 14 back in 1983.
 
It's always enlightening to discover another jerk to add to my ignore list. Guess who wins the prize today?
 
HI Samael,

Would that jerk be you?

Is that you didn't know Randall's were factory knives which upsets you.

Or the fact there is a thread about factory knives in the custom knife forums?

Which one is it.

There are a couple of different forums that this thread could be moved to.

You will note that you don't find Randall's for sale on this forum in the custom knife for sale section. Now you know why.
 
Samael,

Suck it.
Click to expand...

What you and your husband do in the privacy of your home is your business.

I realize you probably possess a limited vocabulary. But there are kids who read this stuff. So please try and keep comments found frequently in your chosen life style to yourself.

Sheesh...and I thought I won the prize?
 
Anyway, regardless of what Mr. :jerkit: has to say, you're right, Eddie, the museum is outstandingly cool. It's in the process of being moved to its own building; should be open again soon.
 
Although I chose a standard blade pattern Gary would have made any style knife that pleased me. The friend that accompanied me had him customize his old Solingen steel Bowie style knife. Yes in spite of all the controversy, it was indeed a custom knife shop at that juncture. And I might add all knives were indeed hand made.

I find that I can't post a photo of mine. I wanted to ask for a referral to a post regarding how to polish the minor scratches from the blade as I used the knife when camping and hiking.
 
Old Randall Made Knives were just as custom as any other "Custom" Knife and in my opinion still are because you can "Customize" the knife you want with all kind of different options. I am with Samael... get off your high horse.. I mean high Chair...your just jealous because they have a 5 year waiting list to get one from the factory and you have a 5 page list of for sale Ad's and cant give your knives away..
 
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