Are Randall knives worthy of all the hype?

**Bushbaby** · 01-05-2010, 09:51

Maybe I'm just being cheap or ignorant, or both, but as one who's never examined, let alone owned a Randall, I fail to see why these knives are so pricey?! As far as design goes (and I realise that this is subjective) I don't find them particularly pleasing or practical and as for the materials, well they don't seem particularly special either! So why are so many enthusiasts so enthusiastic about them? Why do folks pay so much to own them? Are Randall knives the cutlery equivalent of Gucci?

**harm** · 01-05-2010, 10:26

Bo Randall is reputed to have sparked a resurgence of custom knife making in modern times.
his start is credited to William Scagel.
along with Bob Loveless and Bill Moran he is 1 of the most iconic knifemakers in the history of custom knives.now Randall knives are semi-custom production.
btw Bill Moran is credited with re-discovering the process for making Damascus steel.

**Buffalo Hump** · 05-05-2010, 08:31

Randall knives are not that expensive if you order them direct from Randall. However, there is a 5+ year wait list. You can only order one at a time.

**Bushbaby** · 05-05-2010, 10:17

I hear what you guys are saying and I understand the history of it all, but I still don't understand the hype because although Bo Randall pioneered the modern movement, I don't believe that his knives were of a better quality and design than many other, less expensive and more readily available knives around today. As I said, perhaps I'm missing the point?

**Buffalo Hump** · 05-05-2010, 12:41

They are of excellent quality and comparable to a handmade knife, from what I understand. If they were crap people wouldn't be prepared to pay what they do for them. You also have many different options open to you when you order one, so its pretty much like ordering a custom blade.

**18-Xray** · 04-07-2010, 23:32

Bushbaby if or when you do make a trip down to JHB, drop me a note or give me a call and I will show you two or three different Randalls. I don't want to "influence" you either way with my opinions as it would be tailored more toward my personal taste and perceptions. So I'm offering you an open invitation to judge for yourself, feel them in your hand and then you decide. :)

**ikor** · 04-07-2010, 23:55

They are very nice...nicer than many full customs I have seen and handled IMO. I have a couple and one that will soon be in SA...a Model 14 with Border Patrol handle. I almost bought another last week but could not convince myself I really needed it!