[Kestrel]

I've always wanted a Randall, but I would want to use it. (Such as a #1, #14, etc.) The price makes me pause, though. I'm reluctant to buy one just to sit in a safe, but wonder what the pros and cons are of actually using it?

Anyone else here use their Randall?

Thanks,
Steve

[Bainx]

Being a knife nut before I became a gun nut, I was fortunate enough to have aquired some of these. I keep them in a bank vault and would never use them since sharpening one would cause the value to drop about 50%.
Randall was one of the first serious custom knife makers and it's a good thing if you can get one of these.
If you order one, the waiting list is several years out.

[Brian Williams]

That is so sad a Randall that is Never used.:(

I wonder what Bo would say?



I understand collectability but a tool should be used.

[Joe Demko]

I have a #14 that I use. I also cold blued the tang where it is exposed between the handle scales. I bought it to use it.

[jthuang]

My RMK #14 is not due until 6/05 but I intend to use it. I can always put in an order for another one (and wait 4 years) if I want a wall-hanger. :D

[MaterDei]

OK fellas, edjucate me. I'm not a 'knife guy', per se. What is it about Randall knives that make them so sought after? Is it the history and prestige or is it something about the knife itself? Are they worth the $ and the wait?

[Brian Williams]

They are a good solid handcrafted knife with a wonderful history and incredible reputation, along with being a thing of beauty.
I would like to get a no 1 or 14 someday.

[Bill Hook]

I have a #1 that I use.

I imagine the History is what sells them. They are nicely crafted, but you could do better (probably not for the same money). They could be made out of "white" metal for the sake of those who never use them and just let them sit and admire.

[TrapperReady]

I've got a Model 3 that goes almost everywhere with me. I spent way too much money on it not to use it.

As far as what makes them so good...

They really are very well designed and crafted -- and the company is historically relevant. My wife is decidedly NOT into knives, but when I got my Randall, she played around with it and had some very favorable comments. Enough so that we've ordered one for her as well... although it won't be arriving until 2007 or so.

BTW, even though my kids are young, I ordered one for each of them over a year ago. My plan is to give them theirs at some suitable time in the future (taking their first deer, making Eagle Scout, or something similar). I also plan for them to carry and USE those knives for the remainder of their lives. The only folks I care about collecting them are future generations... and I'd prefer for them to have some history behind them.

[Harold Mayo]

Sharpening a Randall does NOT decrease it's value by 50%. I've bought and sold numerous used Randalls and it just isn't so unless you have an OLD Randall that has never been used. If you buy a new production Randall and use it, you've really lost little or nothing in terms of value. The newer ones really aren't collector's pieces like older ones are.

The wait can be cut considerably by ordering or buying from a Randall dealer. You can generally find one of the "stock" knives with a dealer immediately and, if you can't, then a Randall dealer can get one for you in a few months rather than a few years. If you order something unusual from the Randall shop, then it WILL take years.

[Kjay]

I've several Randalls and really like them. No they aren't made of the latest super steel or synthetic. They don't use the most scientific heat treat and don't test them to destruction dismembering cars and such. IMHO, they are well designed/made and more than adequate for a higher end knife in functionality. But that's just me... :cool:

[jthuang]

The wait can be cut considerably by ordering or buying from a Randall dealer. You can generally find one of the "stock" knives with a dealer immediately and, if you can't, then a Randall dealer can get one for you in a few months rather than a few years. If you order something unusual from the Randall shop, then it WILL take years

Yeah I wanted my #14 with a single nickel silver hilt, single finger grip and my name on the blade ... so I gotta wait. :( Fortunately I submitted my order back in April 2002 so I've only got until June 2005. That one will be my first RMK. For the rest, I'll prolly get a stock Model 3 from A. G. Russell.

[Steve Smith]

I've owned a few. Often wanted to use thembut couldn't bring myself to do it. They look so nice. I finally sold them all so I wouldn't worry about them anymore.

Now I carry a Case XXchanger with me in the woods.

[pistolero]

Blackjack Knives seemed to be making a real close copy of the Randall. They went out of business, but now I hear that they're back. I read in one of the gun rags that they have a new model out, I think that it is a camp knife. You are supposed to be able to sharpen it on cardboard. I was going to get one, but I found out that they are over 100.00, so I will stick with the Cold Steel Trail Mate (?) for 30.00.

[mgjohn]

I have both a Model 14 and 17 that I carry and use. Bought them as work knives years ago. Great knives, wish I had more.

[Prodigalshooter]

I've used my Model 8 (trout & bird) for ... cleaning fish! Also, making shavings for starting a fire etc. Works well fot it's intended use. To make sure I never sold it, I had my initials put on the blade;)
I want a model 14 really bad, gotta rearrange my priorities!

[Bainx]

Sharpening a Randall does NOT decrease it's value by 50%.
Hmm....I've been living a lie, evidently.
I suppose this is the same logic that is somehow applied by the people who insist that a Luger is just as valuable without a matching magazine.

Side bar: Try locating and purchasing a Corbet Sigman knife. Tell the seller that he can go ahead and sharpen, use and nick it an not worry and see what reaction you draw.
There is such a thing as an "investment purchase".

[jthuang]

Blackjack Knives seemed to be making a real close copy of the Randall.

Seems like a lot of RMK copies going around these days. I was thumbing through the Cold Steel catalog and found this:

http://www.coldsteel.com/csstoreonline/14r1j.html

Looks like a Model 1 with black micarta handle and nickel fittings to me.

I may adopt one poster's strategy of "ordering a Randall on each birthday" so that I can have a steady stream of RMKs sent to my door. :D

[Joe Demko]

Yes, there are such things as investment purchases. Barring anomalies like the AWB, weapons seldom have dramatic increases in value over a short enough term to be really profitable. In other words, if you have $10,000 to invest, there are numerous better investment choices than purchasing $10,000 worth of Randalls in terms of getting a good return on your money. Becoming a knife dealer, which is perhaps what you are, is a little different. In that situation it becomes like the old David Letterman catchphrase "How do we do it? Volume, volume, volume!"

[Lee F]

My Randall is well over twenty years old and looks like it is over a hundred. I have used it to the extreme on several different continents. I suppose you boys would date a pretty girl just to "look at" too :)

[tex_n_cal]

I bought a model 25 carbon steel a couple years ago. Surprise, they don't come sharp!

I sharpened it carefully, doing as neat a job as I could. That hard Swedish O-1 tool steel blade took a very nice edge, and held it better than any stainless knife I've encountered. I later decided it was a little too big for me, so I sold it a year later for about 10% more than I paid, and I did clearly advertise that it had been used.

I also want a couple more, and I will use them!

[Lee Woiteshek]

Had a Model 14 Survival/Attack in stainless. Came with sawteeth. Bought it new from a dealer at a gunshow. Had it for about ten years used it camping and hunting, and snapped the blade in half at the guard. Stupidly doing something that was absoultely forbidden to do. Wrote a nice a letter and sent the two pieces and sheath to Orlando. Gary Randall wrote back and said he'd replace it. He did, and had a brand new one in 30 days. Remeber this was after having it 10 years! I replaced it with another 14 in carbon without the sawteeth. I no longer have that knife, as it got too big as I grew older. But you can bet the farm I have a Randall in my safe.

[Harold Mayo]

Hmm....I've been living a lie, evidently.

Or you've been taken horribly when selling your sharpened Randalls.

My worst-looking Randall was a #16 SF1 that I'd used extensively and had actually sharpened horribly, leaving all sorts of scratches. I had dropped it point down on a rock and had to file the tip down so that it was no longer a point from the side view but was more like a tiny tanto tip. It still sold at a gun show to a collector of older Randalls for about $40 less than I paid for it from one of the higher-priced Randall dealers.

I've never lost money on any other Randall unless you count two that I gave away as gifts to friends.

[tex_n_cal]

I think if you get one of the "using" Randalls, like the 25, 14, 5, 8 etc, etc. I think a neat sharpening job and honest use really won't hurt the value much.

Now if you get one of the big ceremonial bowies or the #1 or #2, with stainless blades and fancy fittings, I could see use dropping them in value, unless of course you could document miltary service with one. The #2 of course is designed for quietly killing bad guys in war, and signs of use on one of them might give people pause unless you could indeed explain its service!

[Hard Ball]

I have several and I use them all/ I have carried them in war and peace and they are outstanding knives.

[Kestrel]

Is the #1 not a "using knife"? What would be the drawbacks of using it compared to a #14?

[tex_n_cal]

#1's are sorta like Garands - a classic fighting tool in their day, and still pretty effective, but mainly a collectable. Seems like most of the ones you see on Ebay have fancy handles, and other decorations that no one would have thought about 60 years ago. I'd wager that less than 1% of the #1's being now made will go to war. It is a historic, classic fighting and miltary knife.

I personally think the #14 is a little cleaner design, as the blade is not reduced in width in front of the guard. It believe it is a newer design, as well. I will likely buy one, when I get sorted out from moving in the next couple months.

That said, there are probably guys here who have used #1's in service of this country, and their opinion is at least as valid as mine.:)

[brownie0486]

Lee F:

Women are decidedly not for collecting.

They usually have a problem with that unless you live in Utah and find a few of them women willing to coexist with one another like sisters.:uhoh:

Knives are for collecting and using, or collecting, or using.

I've got more that I don't use than ones I do use.

If we were relegated to only using the knives we buy, I'd only own two or three in total. Why would I need more unless I was going to carry all of them at the same time.

With todays choices and advancements in steel, why would I want to use a Randall thats 30 years old and collectable when I could buy an SRK and beat the hell out of it, then replace it for 50.00?

Brownie

[Joe Demko]

I've tried collecting women. Knives, even custom knives with exotic handles and precious metal furniture, are cheaper.

[hso]

And while they may not do what you want them to they never do it out of spite:evil:

[jthuang]

Update: I broke down and ordered a stock Model 3 Hunter (5" blade) from A. G. Russell. They said they had one in stock so I'm expecting it in the mail soon.

Keeping on-topic, I will be using this knife. My vacation plans this summer include one week at Tom Brown's Tracker School and one week camping in Zion National Park, Utah.

A 3-5" fixed blade knife is a requirement of the Standard tracking class ... so it was rather easy to justify the acquisition of the Model 3. The school offers its own flavor of knife but for some reason, that knife just doesn't do it for me:

https://www.trackerschool.com/AboutTrackKnife.htm

I would have preferred (1) stainless steel instead of high carbon steel; and (2) nickel silver hilt on the Model 3 ... but you can't get a RMK from AGR with "custom options" in the same timeframe.

I'll let you all know how it works out!

[TrapperReady]

jthuang - A stock #3 5" is exactly what I've got. IMO, it's just about the ideal general-purpose knife. I really like the balance, and the ability to grip-up on it (putting a finger in front of the hilt, but behind the cutting edge) for precision-cutting. FWIW, I actually prefer the tool-steel blade over the stainless, although it does require a little more care.

BTW, I looked at the tracker knife in the link you provided. To me, it looks like one of the overly-large "do it all" knives (in some ways like a Khukri). I prefer to use my knife only for cutting, while also carrying a lightweight hatchet for chopping/pounding/digging.

[jthuang]

FWIW, I actually prefer the tool-steel blade over the stainless, although it does require a little more care.

I think I'll like the tool steel blade as well ... my only concern is that I may not have the ability to oil up my blade on extended camping trips (e.g. my last trip to Glacier Nat'l Park, which was 10 days). I try to travel as light as possible on camping trips but in that case I may have to carry a small bottle of knife oil to make sure the blade does not rust.

[Joe Demko]

Instead of carrying a bottle of oil, carry a small oily cloth or a silicone cloth in a ziplock baggie.

[Ohen Cepel]

I have a 14 that I will carry, just haven't had a need to yet.

Got the letter in the mail last week that my custom ordered #23 is ready.
I ordered it to carry and I will.

If it costs me $50 to be able to use it for 15 or so years I see that as a great bargain!

I just can't see leaving them in the safe unless as mentioned you had one of the bowies.

[TrapperReady]

Golgo-13 has it nailed. I just have a small swatch of cloth which is saturated with oil. It goes in a tiny zip-lock bag and is used to wipe down anything that might rust.

[jthuang]

Thanks for the oily rag suggestion, that will save space and weight.

I am eagerly awaiting my Model 3!

[jthuang]

Model 3 received this weekend. It looks like a very sturdy knife. We'll see how it performs after the class (August).

[Joe Demko]

Congratulations! I'm very sure that you will find the Randall to be a very satisfactory knife.

[GW]

I carry my #14 when hunting or camping. I have other Randalls that will never be taken afield (#12's, ) but the 14 is too good not to use.

[madhatta]

This was a very nice topic to come across...
I got the 'Randall bug' a couple years ago, and bought a number of knives. I REALLY like stag, so nearly all of them were stag models. A number of them I bought, and said- "This is the ONE that I will use and it will accompany me on many camping/hiking/hunting trips. But then I would get it home and.... I just couldn't bring myself to use it. A wise person once said- "a person doesn't own stuff- it ends up owning them" - some truth to that I do believe.
So, just this year I have greatly thinned out my knife collection. It was rather painful at first- but I saw I had given a bit to much meaning and reverence to some of these material items. Once I started selling them and trading them for some other items, it didn't hardly bother me at all.

Having rambled on all that- I still do desire a 'user Randall'. I have settled on the #3-5 in stag and probably brass- simply because I like the way the brass sets the overall knife off. When I find the one I like, I will get it and immediately go "get the new off of it" so that it will be my user.

However, I still have trouble deciding between stainless and carbon steel. Folks opinions seem pretty evenly split on that matter. I do not think I would use the knife enough on any one trip to dull a stainless edge (perhaps I am wrong there!?) and I do like the fact that the stainless will look better over time. Some folks tell me that if you do the minimal to clean the blade on a camping trip, the carbon still won't turn that bad- but all the carbon steel knives I have seen that have been used, do turn and get that grey to blackish colouring on the blade...
anyway- Randall's are beautiful knives and I have a few that I will try and keep- but I do look forward to that day when I have a user that I can take outdoors and attach some nice memories to actually using it...
hell- after all this, I may just have to go home a pull them out and pick one and take it out this weekend ! who knows!

madhatta

[TrapperReady]

OK. Here's my dirty little Randall secret. When I got my Model 3, it wasn't quite shaving sharp. I took a few minutes to refine the edge, which was then very nice.

As I was fondling... um, I mean inspecting... the knife, I found myself thinking "Gee. This sure is nice. Maybe I need to keep this one as is and get another to use."

Quickly, before that thought took hold, I (intentionally) drew the stone across the side of the front of the blade, making a very slight, but noticable line. It would have been easy to buff out in a couple minutes, but I kept it there as a reminder that I got that knife specifically to USE.

As far as "patina" goes. Probably my next favorite knife is a Marbles Fieldcraft my dad bought when he got back from WWII. He took that thing bird hunting, deer hunting and trout fishing all over the US for 30+ years. The blade looks like hell, but still holds an edge and will be passed down to my own kids when the time comes.

[jthuang]

Having rambled on all that- I still do desire a 'user Randall'. I have settled on the #3-5 in stag and probably brass- simply because I like the way the brass sets the overall knife off. When I find the one I like, I will get it and immediately go "get the new off of it" so that it will be my user.

Hm, that's the one shown on pages 19-20 of the RMK catalog. That is one bee-yoo-tee-ful knife. Someday I'd like to get a Model 3 like that, only with a nickel silver hilt.

I've always liked stag too but IMHO stag goes on a knife more suited for display. I bought my buddy a Model 1 w/stag handle for his wedding gift and it is NICE. I spent some time just staring at it when I got it in the mail.

Hm, maybe that's the ticket ... buy one for using and another for a desktop ornament. :)

Re: the patina on the carbon blades ... I find myself liking the darker color of the Model 26 shown on page 11 of the RMK catalog. No other knife displayed in their catalog has this dark blade ... I wonder if it was intentional or not.

[madhatta]

I've always liked stag too but IMHO stag goes on a knife more suited for display. I bought my buddy a Model 1 w/stag handle for his wedding gift and it is NICE. I spent some time just staring at it when I got it in the mail.

I do agree that stag looks great on display- but I like it so much that I think it suits all applications.
For a knife that I would carry, use on game, use camping, always have handy when backpacking- I would like that knife to have stag, simply because of how it looks and the aspect of it being a natural material.
I think the leather stacked handles look a little plain to me. I don't think I would ever buy one of them unless I got a killer deal on one.
I have also heard that the micarta is indestructable, but it tends to get rather slippery if it gets wet.

[Hard Ball]

I have six Randalls. Five have seen use. Two of the five went to war with me. All are excellent knives, each does an outstanding job in the role it was designed ro do.

[Mannlicher]

I have several, and use them constantly. My #11 Alaskan Skinner is my 'always' hunting blade, and my #1 is what is in my ready bag. I do not collect knives, I use them.
Despite all the talk about the expense of Randalls, I have more of a problem with availability than price.

Back in the late 60's, both my brothers went off to SE Asia. I gave them each a #1 Randall, and a S&W Model 19. Both brothers came back without a scratch. The knives and revolvers were used often. Both brothers still have the Randalls and Smiths. That was the best money I ever spent.

[Slydlok]

Justin, it was good that you did not go with the Tracker for your tracking school class and went with the Randall. I had chance to look at a Tracker today and must say it's the most stupidest looking and designed knife I have ever seen, of course that's just my opinion.

[jthuang]

Justin, it was good that you did not go with the Tracker for your tracking school class and went with the Randall. I had chance to look at a Tracker today and must say it's the most stupidest looking and designed knife I have ever seen, of course that's just my opinion.

Glad to hear I made the right choice for once. :D I haven't seen a Tracker in person but I expect to see some at the class in August.

[JShirley]

I like really large knives, and have several kukuris...but, gawd, that Tracker is an ugly knife!

John

[Joe Demko]

I could be wrong, as I've never actually handled one, but the Tracker looks like The Wrong Tool For The Job TM.

[powderific]

I have the randall that is sold as a diver's knife (basically their classic knife with a bigger tang and stainless). That is some waiting time, mine was a graduation present (tradition in my family) and my dad didn't get to ordering it till the summer before my senior year. Thankfully, my grandfather had known Bo so we got it with plenty of time before Graduation. I haven't had much chance to use mine yet, but my dad always uses his randall when hunting.

[riverdog]

I have a Randall #14 that is used. ~19 years ago I bought it and had it sand blasted and parkerized. I also modified the grip to make my pinky fit better. It's been used camping at lot and it is extremely sharp; Randall carbon steel blades take and hold a great edge. This Mod 14 is way past being a collector piece although I hope my nephew gets some use out of it years from now.

Additionally, there is a Model 5 "Bradford Angier" wannabe that has been used camping (although I prefer my Randall 14 when I'm out because of the parkerized blade). A 5" Model 10 with a ding in the edge (I was using it in the kitchen and it came down on the edge of the counter) has also been used but not in many years.

There is a second Model 14 (per my request, Randall modified the grip at the factory before it shipped) and three Randall 1's that are never used.

[Michael Zeleny]

The Randall knife that works best for me is an 8" stainless #1 with a right handed finger grip stag handle. (In fact, that's the only working one that I have left, since my stainless #14 and 6" #1, along with the carbon steel #19 and the super rare Sasquatch Bowie, got burned up in my parents' apartment fire. I'll let everyone know how Gary handles the catastrophic repair; in the past, I've had my Randall knives fully reconditioned for a nominal fee.) Call a few authorized Randall dealers to find one that would fit you on his standing order without charging a premium over the list price. (Every one of them is allowed one custom non-catalogued design; look into their range before making up your mind on your order.) Randall will sell anything they have in stock at list price, though they do not stock stainless blades. The #14 is more of a hacking tool, not nearly as good at cutting as the #1. Sullivan sheathes are cheap and well made, but require you to send in the knife for fitting, so get some extras with your order. Avoid the miniature compass: they fail all too soon.

[Sport]

As working blades, Randalls are over priced.
There are other knives as good, or better, which
cost less. With a Randall, you are buying a top
quality knife and the assurance that , with reasonable
care, it will hold its value....That's the mystique factor.

I have owned several Randalls including two 14s and a 16.
I currently own and use a 5 and an 8. These knives have
been used by me for over twenty years with no thought to
their cost or collectibility. They have always been tools.
I value them as excellent tools and as items which provide
certain memories afield. I will soon pass them on to my sons.

You will not go wrong buying a Randall knife. Your real happiness
will come is using it for its intended purpose.

[ssr]

As a surprise for this Christmas, my wife researched knives and found a Randall at a local dealer and bought it for me as a Christmas gift. So this morning I opened up my Randall knife and of course was very happy. :D

We were opening up some more gifts and needed a knife to open some boxes and she said "just use your new knife right there" :eek: No, I didn't use it for opening Christmas presents.

[ClarkEMyers]

I used my #1 for a long time - as compared to the more robust designs (14-15) I like the choil and the ability to choke up on the blade most conveniently - perhaps especially for a longer bladed knife. Anybody ever see it? It's got my name on it. I do have a Randall stag handled stainless carving set I use, especially this time of year.

On the other hand my Number 1 was stolen more than 25 years ago and I have lived in calmer surroundings since so I mostly use Russell/Morseths or some of the beautifully made knives from less famous makers for lower prices. If I got in line to replace the Number 1 I wouldn't use the replacement and I'd sort of expect lines a little more symmetrical than the carbon steel blades of long ago.

I think using Randalls was more common when there were fewer alternatives in the market place.

[steveno]

I have models 1 , 5 , 8 , 10 & 18 and I got them when the longest you had to wait for one was a year. there may be some knives equal to a Randall but there isn't any that are better.

[pistolero]

The Chris Reeve Knives are probably stronger, I have never owned either one, so I don't know for sure. For hunting, if I could get a Randall for less than CRK, then I would. For combat, I would probably go with CRK.

[Gordon]

OK bedtimes stories: Hell yes I used my Randalls. I currently use a Big Bear Bowie 8" with a stag handle I bought in the 80's to slaughter ranch animals (sheep, goats(lots) and chickens), this thing sticks and cuts throats par exellance! I bought a Model 14 7 1/4" in 70's and carried it around the world and it is THE definitive heavy duty general purpose knife! I still have it and use it when I go hiking ect. I DON'T have my #1 a got from Bo in 66 right before I went to Vietnam the first time. It was an 8" carbon model with the new fangled Black Micarta handle and nickle silver guard ect. My oldest son has it now . It went through 2 1/2 years in Nam and 6months in South America and 3 months in Africa. It survived (won ) 2 knife fights: one in VN against a crazed Hawaaian with a bayonet and one in a south american ????hole against 2 knife weiding street rats. I haven't got my Mad Dog Razine 2000 yet , but up till now the Randall # 1 has been the fastest fighter I've ever USED! :evil:

[aablades]

Great looking knives, decent price, good collector value, good history, good user but probably the crappiest blade finish in the industry (factory or custom).

At the price they charge, I think they could get a little better finish on the blade than the splotchy uneven buffing that they do. If any of my knives left the shop looking like that I would be out of business in a heartbeat.

I recently picked up one of the Randall Knife Society #4, 8 inch fighters. This knife currently trades for $700 plus. I've seen a better blade finish on a $2 Chinese bowie.

My opinions only.

[ClarkEMyers]

My experience is Randall stock removal (stainless) has a fine finish - forged is nowhere near the same standards for shape and finish but there aren't a lot of forges out there these days. Some say 154CM/AT34S is popular because it takes a nicer polish than other steels that might make a nice knife.

[jthuang]

My RMK #14 is not due until 6/05 but I intend to use it. I can always put in an order for another one (and wait 4 years) if I want a wall-hanger.

Hah, it's finally here! :D

Model 14 with single nickel silver hilt, single finger grip black micarta handle and thumb notches. Modifications were to facilitate saber grip (single hilt, thumb notches). Also, the single finger grip was more comfortable to my smaller hands than a stock Model 14 handle. You can see in the pics with the Model 3 the difference between a nickel silver and standard brass hilt.

[Dave P]

Looks great - Now go forth and use it as it should be!

Here is mine that I blued:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v371/Finster123/Knives/PC190614.jpg

[armedandsafe]

Here: I'll let you judge for yourself. (Page 210 of Gaddis's book on Randall. Change "Arkansas" to "Alaska." Page 211; change "Micarta" to "stag.") Notice the finger grooves are cut for left hand. Thanks, Bo.

Pops

[Dave P]

AAS - you win the prize! That is much worse than the one my ex always took surf fishing - saltwater and carbon steel don't mix well :banghead:

[Vern Humphrey]

I've always wanted a Randall, but I would want to use it. (Such as a #1, #14, etc.) The price makes me pause, though. I'm reluctant to buy one just to sit in a safe, but wonder what the pros and cons are of actually using it?

Anyone else here use their Randall?


I have (or had) three Randalls. I bought a Model 14 (That's a 7 1/2" blade Bowie style) in '65 and carried it through two tours in Viet Nam, plus all my other assignments until I retired in '85.

When my daughter was commissioned, she went through Officer Basic at Fort Eustis. One day she told me, "Dad, we're going to the field next week, and they told us we'll need knives." I passed her my Randall.

This particular knife has my name and old Regular Officer's serial number on it (OF102XXX) which makes it a bit of a collector's item and a great family heirloom.

A few years later, she gave me a new Model 14, this one in stainless, which I carry all the time -- I use it for things like chopping away branches when riding or hiking in thick brush.

The third Randall is a Model 3 with 5" blade. I lost my pack in the Rockies one year -- just got up from lunch, picked up my rifle, and walked away. A while later I was marvelling at how strong I was, "Why, it's just like I wasn't wearing a pack -- D'oh!"

I found that pack next elk season -- after it had spent the winter under a blanket of snow. Needless to say, the knife is a bit the worse for wear, but I used crocus cloth to clean off the rest and neatsfoot oil on the sheath, and it's still perfectly functional -- if not as pretty as it once was.

[Lt. G]

The Randall shop is just about 1/2 hour drive from me. I grew up 15 minutes from the place, (lived off of Oak Ridge Road, Orlando), guess I should drop by before I leave the planet!!!

[Vern Humphrey]

You should get a Randall -- life is to short to be lived without one.

When I was a young lieutenant training to go to Viet Nam at Fort Bragg, everyone had a knife. The SF NCOs doing much of the training would say, "What kinda knife you got, Lootenant? Hmp! Piece a junk!"

Until they came to me. To me, they'd say, "I'd have one a them, but they're backordered." :p

[armedcitizen]

My two are unused:

http://www.parkcitiestactical.com/album/00001552/MVC006F.JPG

[hdj2520]

I ORDERED MY FIRST ONE , WAITED 3 YEARS, PUT IT IN MY SAFE FOR A
FEW MONTHS AND SOLD IT FOR A NICE PROFIT. OPTION #1.
I GOT MY SECOND ONE, A #5-5" AND AT ONCE PUT IT IN LEATHER AND STARTED USING IT. OPTION #2
OPTION #1 IS FINE, BUT TO REALLY APPRECIATE A RANDALL, OPTION #2
IS BETTER.
GET AT LEAST ONE TO USE. I HAVE SEVERAL MORE OEDERED THAT I MAY OR MAY NOT USE, BUT I DO LIKE HAVING A WORKING KNIFE. I TAKE GOOD CARE OF IT,BUT I USE IT.
I HAVE A #3-5" STAG ORDERED FOR MY SON AND I HOPE HE WILL USE AND APPRECIATE IT FOR WHAT IT IS. I MEAN THE BOY NEEDS A KNIFE, HE'S ALMOST THREE YEARS OLD.

[tellner]

I've got three. One of them hasn't been used yet. The mini Saltwater Fisherman and the Trout and Bird get used all the time. They're freaking tools for Chrissake. I've even *gasp* modified them, knocking off a couple sharp corners and molding one of the hilts to fit my hand better.

[M249MachineGun]

I have a model 16 dive knife that was made in 1967. It was given to me as a graduation present. It spent many years in someone's drawer collecting dust before being passed on to me. It was stored in its waxed leather sheath, so the brass guard is a little corroded in a couple of places.

I think it is a well-made knife that could outlast any of my other knives at any task or even just the wears of time. If I ever go diving, it would go with me.

[Sharpdogs]

I know a guy who carried his during the first Gulf War. His Dad surprised him with it just before he shipped. Had his name inscribed on it as well.