Would Randalls be a success today?

L

Lavan

Joined
Nov 8, 2000
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IF....they hadn't been one of the (if not THE) pioneers of custom knives, do you think they would have a shot at their fame in today's market with their designs?

(Brace for SACRILEGE)

Personally, I find them kinda clunky and without grace. However, I don't OWN one. They LOOK heavy.

:confused:
 
Originally posted by Lavan
Personally, I find them kinda clunky and without grace. However, I don't OWN one. They LOOK heavy.
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And how many beers did you have before looking at them? ;) J/K
I have always found most Randall Made Knives to be very elegeant and graceful, and allt he ones I have ever handled (particulalry the fighters) are well balanced, and move very very well.

Actually, Bo Randall gave credit, IIRC, to William Scagel - so perhaps the "The Pioneer" comment should be given to Scagel.

Yes, Randall would be a success today - no doubts about it. And yes, as PhilL said, their designs and products are still a success. The Randall Model 1 fighter is one of the most copied knives out there, and one of the best fighter designs ever put forth in personal sized edged steel, perhaps the classic modern fighting knife. Randall Made Knives have also inspired new craftsmen and women for many years, and have served everyone from hunters and guides, to some of the best armed professionals in the world.
 
Yes. If not for folks like Bo Randall we wouldn't need several forums to talk about nothing more than sharp stuff.
 
do you think they would have a shot at their fame in today's market
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RMK has been in business since about 1938, and you still get to wait three or four years for a new, "production" Randall if you order factory direct.

You might get lucky and find what you want in stock somewhere, or you can buy one on the secondary market - but the bottom line is that demand for these knives remains very, very high, despite 60 plus years of sales.

Ultimately, "today's market" would not be anything like it is without the innovation and dedication of WD Randall.

I find them kinda clunky and without grace. However, I don't OWN one. They LOOK heavy.
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Hmm. Looked at a Strider lately? Graceful they are not, but they certainly are purposeful.

"Clunky" would not be a word I'd choose to describe any Randall, but to each his own.
 
Randall designs are very popular within their niche. Randall copies are also quite successful.

I might caution one from making value judgements on appearance alone. There is a "feel" that goes with a knife. In the hand, a Randall is "alive", at least to those that appreciate the refinement of their designs. The origin of that "feel" might be in their innovation, or the reliability or even the passion of the knifemakers that craft them.

Spyderco knives lose much in sales, despite their high-performance, because many judge them on appearance alone, I think "fugly" is the most commonly word used. Appearances can be deceiving.

BTW, Spyderco is proud to be the Randall Distributor for the state of Colorado. We get a monthly allotment. They are always sold out. We usually take orders about 90 days in advance. We also find that Randall customers are intelligent, aware and interesting people.

sal
 
Thank you Sal.

My Model 25 is my guage for the "feel" of any knife of that style.

Regardless of history, if they weren't any good, they wouldn't still be selling as fast as they do....
 
So instead of waiting until fall 2005 I can simply order a Model 14 from SFO? Kewl.:eek:
 
fit & finish of randall knives are not what they once were when they were made by bo himself - at least when i compared a fighter made in the early 60's (my dad's) with the same model today. that said, they still have a year-long backlog. the legend continues, still a great-looking knife, & i'd love to have one in my collection.
 
Lavan,
I think the key word in your post/question was "Look".

I'm assuming that you haven't had one in your hand. To be honest I once thought the same thing in that I was impressed with the "one-piece" stuff of Chris Reeve and some others and I wondered about the Randalls toughness with it's traditional tang and butt.

Well...a dealer had about 30 at a knife show and Man, are they awesome up close!!

In the hand, as Mr. Glesser said, they are a work of art and plenty tough. They feel very substantial and are a total quality piece which you can see in the blade and handles.

I would LOVE to own a few...maybe someday as the budget allows.

Hold one and you will know...LOL:D
 
If they were just getting started today, I am not sure if they would be successful or not. There is a tremendous amount of competition in the knife market these days. Personally, I think that RMK would be a success if they started today, but not nearly the success they are. Their history and reputation are a big part of why they are where they are today.

Could you please tell me what models you consider to be clunky and without grace? Though I do not care for the look of all their models, I would certainly not describe them in that manner. In fact, I find the model 1 to be a very sleek design, especially with an 8" blade.
 
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