Which Randall should I get?

Dorin Kish

Dorin Kish

Joined
May 18, 2020
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53
I’m fixed on buying a Randall knife. Which model is the most highly sought after? I assume Model 1 but what size 6, 7 or 8 inches? What handle material (leather, micarta or stag) and what blade steel (high carbon or stainless) Thoughts? Thanks 1CB4407F-E6B4-4B7E-9962-4398EA1817A5.png
 
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Dorin Kish said:
with my heart condition I doubt I’ll see him turning 18. That’s life I guess.
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Not to be morbid; but if that is your situation, ordering a new Randall might not be the right option for you. When I ordered my two (the other is a Model 2-7 - similarly equipped, but without the single finger grip), the projected wait was 18 months...and they were completed right around the 3 year mark.
From what I've read, the wait is around 7 years (!!!) now - just something to consider.

AG Russell and a few other dealers have regular orders with a relatively short wait...but you don't get to choose your own options.

*Edited because my phone isn't as smart as it think it is
 
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hhmoore said:
Not to be morbid; but if that is your situation, ordering a new Randall might not be the right option for you. When I ordered my two (the other is a Model 2-7 - similarly equipped, but without the single finger grip), the projected wait was 18 months...and they were completed right around the 3 test mark.
From what I've read, the wait is around 7 years (!!!) now - just something to consider.

AG Russell and a few other dealers have regular orders with a relatively short wait...but you're don't get to choose your own options.
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I was indeed thinking of AG Russell or Nordic.
 
Dorin Kish said:
I’m collecting some “gems” for my grandson. He’s only 7 years old now but with my heart condition I doubt I’ll see him turning 18. That’s life I guess.
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I'm sorry to hear this and great job giving him love and attention. Hang in there and be strong..
 
If I had it to do over again, I would choose something other than the 12-8. I'm not a huge fan of Bowie knives; and, while it looks nice in pictures, it remains wrapped in the original paper. There are no memories, no attachment involved with it - I just have it. The same would be said for the Model 2...but I have a fondness for daggers; so at least I like that one.

My suggestion would be to choose one of the more useable models as a gift. He might not use it for years; but one day he might decide that you gave him a fine knife...and the best way to honor you would be to use it. Another option is to get him a showpiece and get a user model for yourself. Build memories with that knife, and pass it on to him when it is time.
 
Dave Harvey at Nordic will get you exactly what you want in around 6-9 months with a very small increase in price over the Randall factory price.

You can option it as per a direct order from Randall

Gary Clinton could also do it for you.

Personally I collect 8” Model 1’s in Stainless. It’s probably my favorite Randall pattern.

Good luck with your search. Let us know what you decided on. :)
 
I would first decide if you want to buy your grandson a fighter or a hunter/camp knife.

One option that is not mentioned on the Randall site is the following: Other spacer options then the standard red, white and blue.

You can also get a rounded butt cap instead of the regular one. Another option that is not mentioned on the site.

You can go to the site of Nordic Knives, click on the tab that says Randall Knives and then on Randall Knives Special orders.
There you can see a lot of different models with different options, like the spacers to give you an idea. Spacers can change the look of a Randall more the one would suspect.

Wishing you many years together with your grandson Sir.
 
Sphinx3000 said:
I would first decide if you want to buy your grandson a fighter or a hunter/camp knife.

One option that is not mentioned on the Randall site is the following: Other spacer options then the standard red, white and blue.

You can also get a rounded butt cap instead of the regular one. Another option that is not mentioned on the site.

You can go to the site of Nordic Knives, click on the tab that says Randall Knives and then on Randall Knives Special orders.
There you can see a lot of different models with different options, like the spacers to give you an idea. Spacers can change the look of a Randall more the one would suspect.

Wishing you many years together with your grandson Sir.
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Which model would be more appealing from a collector’s point of view? Thanks
 
Buy what you like. That being said, the Randall #1, #14, and #18 are big sellers for them. The #3, #5, and #25 are very popular too. The 1-7" has been the more popular size since Vietnam, but the 1-8" was more popular during WWII and Korea. Also, just as a bit of trivia, the #3-6" stag was WD Randall's favorite model, he thought it was his best all around design for the outdoors.
 
That is a very good question. It al depends on what your grandson taste in knives will be. But I am sure he would love any knife that came from his grandfather!

I am primary a Randall collector and there are a lot of knives and models that I love, including the older ones. But you can't go wrong with a model 1 or 14.

The model 2 is also beautiful but only has one purpose as a dagger. I like the model 1 in 7 and 8 inches, If I had to choose one I would also go for the eight inch length.

When I choose options on my knives I always try to get matching features, like a brass hilt with a brass butt cap or a nickel silver hilt with a nickel silver butt cap.

I also try to match the spacers by ordering them in brass or aluminum with black or red spacers (there are no nickel silver spacers).

Ordering a Randall can be a little challenging with all the options and models to choose from. If you have any more questions, please feel free to ask them.
 
They are all collectible, just a matter of taste. I would absolutely go for stainless if the future knife you want to order is also offered in stainless.
 
Buy a Model 10, the most useful Randall. He'll like even if it turns out he doesn't care about knives 'cause he can use it in the kitchen.
 
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I have a number of Randall knives and love them all. The larger patterns are beautiful collectibles but don't really have any use. This does not matter if 'collectible' is the criterion. For a using Randall, the smaller patterns with blades not excessively long are a treasure for someone who likes to take a beautiful high quality knife and USE it. The 3,4,5, 7 and Denmark Specials are all great users. There are others as well, but those BIG knives are not users. What is the priority? Collectible or using? Decisions, decisions. Maybe buy a few. I have bought every one of mine on Ebay. Instant satisfaction. A few minutes ago there were 874 listings for Randalls on that site. Good luck and have fun with your choice.
 
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