So I just purchased my second Randall. An absolutely beautiful model 16 with butterscotch colored micarta handle, double forward nickle hilt, with a model 18 grind. I purchased my first Randall when I moved to Montana back in 2003. It is a model 14 that I carry and used everytime I hit the woods. Since ammo has become so expensive, I have focused more on my blade collecting. This knife will most likely become a safe queen. I can't say that I feel any regret in purchasing this knife. I have plenty of blades which see use. However there is nagging in the back of my head as to why I would just let a knife of this caliber sit dormant in the back of my safe and not fulfill it's intended purpose. So, bash away! I know there a few different trains of thought out there on function over form, and miss-appropriation of funds spent on items which were designed to be used. My train of thought.........I just had to have this gorgeous knife for no real reason at all. Sorry, but I bought the knife instead of a new digital camera. I will post pics in due time.
Who uses their Randall?
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Brian Dale
Member
Nope.
I inherited one rifle which has become a safe queen for various sentimental reasons. Apart from that, I believe in owning a few good tools and then using them, all the time. I do it that way because that's the approach to "the ownership of good stuff" which happens to bring me pleasure.
It's your money and your knife, so it's your preference that matters.
Nothing wrong with that at all. You have some company in that experience on this Forum.66912 said:
I'm looking forward to pics.
Oh, and I don't have a Randall. My good knives aren't that good.
Dave P
Member
I used to take a Randall to the beach all the time, for surf fishing. A little saltwater, a little sand... doesn't take too long to get broken in! And never leave it laying on the sand - if a wave comes up over it, it will normally sink like a rock into the sand. So you end up jamming it back into the sheath as is covered in clam juice and sand - that's tough on the finish!
You must not know us very well. No one's going to bash you for buying a beautiful knife that you wanted just because it's beautiful and you don't intend to use in the field. Heck, that's what knife collecting is all about.
BTW, I too use one of my Randalls pretty frequently, but I have others that sit in the display case because I bought them for their beauty/collectability. That doesn't mean that every one of them is fully functional, it's just that they don't need to be used to prove their worth.
bannockburn
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66912
I've got a Randall Model No. 1, which I had custom ordered from them many, many years ago. I chose the 6" stainless steel blade, nickel silver crossguard, and black linen micarta handle. On the few occasions that I do take it out of the safe, it's only to inspect it, admire it, perhaps clean the crossguard, and then it's back in the safe with it. I've got a lot of working knives that I use on a regular basis, but there are a few that I just like to keep in pristine condition. The Randall is one of them. I'd never sell my Randall (I also had my name engraved on the blade), so it's not a matter of collectibility or resale value. I just liked the idea of having a well made custom knife in my collection.
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I've got a Randall Model No. 1, which I had custom ordered from them many, many years ago. I chose the 6" stainless steel blade, nickel silver crossguard, and black linen micarta handle. On the few occasions that I do take it out of the safe, it's only to inspect it, admire it, perhaps clean the crossguard, and then it's back in the safe with it. I've got a lot of working knives that I use on a regular basis, but there are a few that I just like to keep in pristine condition. The Randall is one of them. I'd never sell my Randall (I also had my name engraved on the blade), so it's not a matter of collectibility or resale value. I just liked the idea of having a well made custom knife in my collection.
[/IMG]TrapperReady
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My Randall #3-5" was used hard enough that I just sent it back to them yesterday, to be refinished. 
I really like Randalls, but will only buy them as users. The one possible exception would be if I ordered an Astro. There's nothing wrong with collecting them, it's just not what I do.
I really like Randalls, but will only buy them as users. The one possible exception would be if I ordered an Astro. There's nothing wrong with collecting them, it's just not what I do.
I have one, the first I ever bought, that is well used and will continue to be used. As far as I'm concerned, it proved the worth of them all. I have 5 others that are on display on the wall. Bought all 5 over the years simply because they are beautiful, I have no need to prove they'll do the job, I know they will. On the other hand, if the one I use ever becomes lost or stolen, I won't hesitate to grab one of the display models. Well, maybe I'll hesitate a little, but I'll do it anyway.
The first Randall I ever saw had seen hard use and was getting hard use at the time. That was back in 1976 at ORNL. To most folks they were just an outstanding knife, but nothing collectible. In only 5 years all that changed and Randalls became thought of more as collecting knives than using knives. Once custom knives started being made in numbers Randalls took off.
alaskanativeson
Member
The only Randall I have as a safe queen is the one I ordered about a year ago. It's a model 12 - 8" Big Bear Bowie with a black micarta handle, stainless blade (I'd only order a stainless blade on a collector) scalloped brass collar and scalloped brass butt cap.
All my other Randalls are users. I see no problem with ordering Randalls for either purpose. You can never have too many Randall knives.
All my other Randalls are users. I see no problem with ordering Randalls for either purpose. You can never have too many Randall knives.
Fred Fuller
Moderator Emeritus
I ordered my first Randall in 1982 when a friend was graduating from the Special Forces Q course. I promised him a Randall if he made it through (he was a relatively old man at the time ) and I decided I wanted one too. So I got two just alike- #1s, six inch, stainless blades, brass crossguards and stacked leather washer handles with aluminum pommels.
We both used them. We both got yelled at for using them.
Mine eventually developed a fish-hook shaped crack in the false edge. I called the company about it and they said send it back. They decided it was a problem in the steel, or the forging, or whatever, and replaced it for me.
That one I haven't used- it's still in the safe.
lpl/nc
) and I decided I wanted one too. So I got two just alike- #1s, six inch, stainless blades, brass crossguards and stacked leather washer handles with aluminum pommels.We both used them. We both got yelled at for using them.
Mine eventually developed a fish-hook shaped crack in the false edge. I called the company about it and they said send it back. They decided it was a problem in the steel, or the forging, or whatever, and replaced it for me.
That one I haven't used- it's still in the safe.
lpl/nc
steveno
Member
I have a Randall # 1 , #5 , #8 , #10 & #18. the #8 & #10 have been used quite a bit in years past
Lee, Who yelled at you for using them? Both my father and my grandfather carried Randall's in the service (WWII, Korea & Vietnam). My Dad currently has both of those in his possession. He was quite happy when I purchased one of my own. He was not so happy when he found out how much I paid for my model 14. He was happy again when he saw the amount of elk and deer I broke with it. I have yet to tell him about the new one. Hey dad, think of how much money you could have saved me if you would have given me one of yours!
I bought a big 14 to go with my commission as an infantry officer. It is big and intimidating and mostly impractical, but what does a 21 years old butterbar know? It's been used one or two times.
I really need to get a good Randall working blade, but 5 years wait is a long time.
Bottom one:
I really need to get a good Randall working blade, but 5 years wait is a long time.
Bottom one:
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Joe Demko
Member
I have a #14 Attack I bought back around 1992 or 1993. Got it with a carbon steel blade. I've used it since I got it and also cold blued the exposed portion of the tang. I won't fault anybody for buying knives and just keeping them in a box...Cthulhu knows I've done my share of that and then some. Really good tools are a pleasure to use, though, and the #14 is a really good tool.
Fred Fuller
Moderator Emeritus
66912,
A number of folks took here and there seemed to take exception to 'using' a Randall. I always thought that's what they were for, and so did my friend I gave the twin to. He made it through the Q course and wound up in 7th Group, he carried the knife a lot in the field and it wasn't a big deal most of the time.
But he got chewed on by some officer type while he was going through the SWC scuba school in Key West for using his to grill and eat a steak at a cookout. Several folks have talked nasty to me at various times and places for using mine (never abusing it, mind you, just using it) for stuff like butchering deer, cooking, shaving fuzz sticks to start fires etc.
Some folks think you're supposed to keep 'em in the box, I guess. I found out over the years I like a smaller blade for most outside stuff, and put away the new #1 when it came since it was a 6" blade too.
It's likely I won't ever really need a fighting knife, but just in case I do I carry the same mini-AFCK I bought while I was still working at JFK. I sharpened about 3/4" of the false edge (covered when the blade is folded) and cut down the liner lock so it takes a thumbnail to unlock now- it can be used for a backcut if needed. And it takes a good edge- on both sides. It'll do for a 'get off me' knife if needed. Besides, NC has really strange attitudes about fixed blade knives, so I mostly only carry folders any more.
lpl/nc
A number of folks took here and there seemed to take exception to 'using' a Randall. I always thought that's what they were for, and so did my friend I gave the twin to. He made it through the Q course and wound up in 7th Group, he carried the knife a lot in the field and it wasn't a big deal most of the time.
But he got chewed on by some officer type while he was going through the SWC scuba school in Key West for using his to grill and eat a steak at a cookout. Several folks have talked nasty to me at various times and places for using mine (never abusing it, mind you, just using it) for stuff like butchering deer, cooking, shaving fuzz sticks to start fires etc.
Some folks think you're supposed to keep 'em in the box, I guess. I found out over the years I like a smaller blade for most outside stuff, and put away the new #1 when it came since it was a 6" blade too.
It's likely I won't ever really need a fighting knife, but just in case I do I carry the same mini-AFCK I bought while I was still working at JFK. I sharpened about 3/4" of the false edge (covered when the blade is folded) and cut down the liner lock so it takes a thumbnail to unlock now- it can be used for a backcut if needed. And it takes a good edge- on both sides. It'll do for a 'get off me' knife if needed. Besides, NC has really strange attitudes about fixed blade knives, so I mostly only carry folders any more.
lpl/nc
Hawk
Member
I had a Randall 14 that saw pretty heavy use. The 14 wasn't the best suited for a field blade but it had the advantage of not having a waiting period - it was under the counter when I was visiting Orlando and made a pilgrimmage to the shop / museum. Sold it a short while ago.
Two others I got were associated with the Randall Knife Society and they got donated to a vet before being used.
I haven't replaced any - I'm of an age where a 5 year wait just doesn't have much charm anymore.
Two others I got were associated with the Randall Knife Society and they got donated to a vet before being used.
I haven't replaced any - I'm of an age where a 5 year wait just doesn't have much charm anymore.
I have only Beretta "safe queen" that has a deer in gold on the blade that I purchased at a charity auction. I'd probably just use that too were it not for the gold somehow. Other than that I am of the use it or don't buy it school but I understand that some want heirlooms that someone else will own one day. If they enjoy that then that is fine.
A buddy of mine decided he wanted me to sell his safe queen #1. "I've never used it and it's just taking up room in the gun safe."
I took a look at it and realized that it had the characteristics of a late Vietnam era micarta so I asked how long it had been sitting in the safe.
"Ohh, since Vietnam."
Now I have to find someone at Blade to tell me what it is worth before I can begin to get a fair price for him.
I took a look at it and realized that it had the characteristics of a late Vietnam era micarta so I asked how long it had been sitting in the safe.
"Ohh, since Vietnam."
Now I have to find someone at Blade to tell me what it is worth before I can begin to get a fair price for him.
Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow
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66912
RaferJanders
Member
You see being one of my friends since 4 grade and the godfather of two of my daughters, and the Son of Allen Pinson, one of the Greatest stunt men of all time, When you watch Mr. Magestic with Charley Bronson, The guy that fires the SW76 into the mellons, Or the Lone Rangers stunt man for the entire series, What do you get a man turning 40, and lives in the Union of the Sociallist Republic of California, I was going to buy him a pistol, but you can't buy friends guns anymore without the risk of legal implections, So a Randel Airman was the present, As all the glitz and glam gifts were passed out, I smiled and handed him mine, He looked at me what this, Open dummy, Oh my god! I have always wanted one of these, Ole 66912 knows what I buy my friends, He got a SOG TAC II that same year, So since I turned 40 You should probley just give it to me. LOL
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