Randall wanna be.

[FP1201]

While paruseing a catalog I acme across a knife made by Cold Steel called the "Military-Classic" which looks to be a very good copy of Randall's model One.
msrp is ~$229. but they can be bought for about half that.
Here in the very near future I'll proabably buy one and compaire it to a real Randall model one.link to Military classic (http://www.coldsteel.com/14r1j.html)

[izaakb]

very nice looking blade .. i have two cold steel knives and they are both top notch

[raeldridge]

got one, will post pictures if you want. paid less than half that list price, seems like a pretty good knife.

would love to read your comparison article, please be sure to post it here.

[BlackCat]

$230 for a stainless knife?! Meh!

1sks.com has 'em for $130
http://www.1sks.com/store/cold-steel-r1-military-classic.html

I have their Recon Scout, and among a literal drawer full of other field knives, it's my go-to.

[yovinny]

I have one, bought it back in the early 90's when they first came out.
It's a good blade, holds an edge and is reasonably priced.
I reshaped the Micarta handle some, as it's kind of blocky from the factory, and sharpened the top edge better.
Sorry though, It dosent compair to a Randall Made in any way or shape, not even as a close second.

Buy a Randall, you'll never regret it :biggrin:
I like the #1, but if you'r buying you'r first Randall, I would recomend a model 16SP1, 14 or a 16 over it.
The full tang knives are stronger, thicker and will stand up to much more hard use.

Cheers, YOOO VINNY

[Jim in Alaska]

So were does one check the value of old randals??
I saw and was shocked to see a $600.00 price on an older randal at a gunshow.
Dont remember the model number but it was the hollow handel survival type with a drop point blade of aprox 7 inches.

Regards,

Jim

[raeldridge]

here, I built a search for you on eBay...

http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?sofocus=bs&sbrftog=1&fstype=1&ftid=2&fcd=1&from=R10&satitle=randall+kni*&sacat=-1%26catref%3DC6&bs=Search&fsop=1%26fsoo%3D1&coaction=compare&copagenum=1&coentrypage=search&sargn=-1%26saslc%3D2&sadis=200&fpos=45177&ftrt=1&ftrv=1&saprclo=&saprchi=

remember, some of the listings are *asking* price, but I see a lot of Randall's bid up over $500.

didn't see any of the hollow handle survival ones though...

[firefuzz]

I've got a BlackJack sub-hilt copy of the Randall #1 I've had for about 12 years.
Really good knife, if you like the sub-hilt which I do. I understand they've gone up in price in the past years.

I've seen pictures of the new ColdSteel knife, never owned one of these but if they're on par with other ColdSteel knives it will be a good one.

Rob

[yovinny]

Originally posted by Jim in Alaska
So were does one check the value of old randals??
I saw and was shocked to see a $600.00 price on an older randal at a gunshow.
Dont remember the model number but it was the hollow handel survival type with a drop point blade of aprox 7 inches.

Regards,

Jim

That would be a model #18 "Attack-Survival"
Price could vary widely depending on a few items, it's age and condition.
I'm no expert, but I should be able to give you some insight.
I have over 20 RMK's and have been collecting them for years.

Carbon or Stainless blade (Stainless marked with "S" on the blade by the logo)
If stainless, is the "S" right behind or below and behind the logo.
Original sheath, it's style, maker mark, snaps and color.
Brass or stainless hilt
Knurled or smooth handle
Saw teeth
Condition/has it ever been sharpened

[Jim in Alaska]

Thanx for all the info and fast replies.
I went back to have a look and its been used pretty hard over the years. The seller lowered the price to $550.00 but I still think its high with new ones going for $330.00 from Randal.

So I purchased a Baby Desert Eagle (Jerico 941) in .45 instead to go along with those izzy clones Ive been building the last few years.

I do have 2 Randals in my collection. A Mod 16 divers knife with a double hilt and a Mod 14 attack. Used to have a Mod 15 Airman as well, but unfortunatly it had to go during one of those "lean" times when I was in the Military.

Regards

[yovinny]

I still think its high with new ones going for $330.00 from Randal

Yes, but theirs a 4 year plus wait if you order direct from RMK.
Might be even longer now after all the hurricanes.
If you want it now, you pay :cry:

That price seems a little steep on a used one though, it's possibly an older model, which bring more $$$.
If it has a stainless guard, go back and buy it, it's no longer an option and worth at least a grand.

[Jim in Alaska]

Wow I didnt know about the wait....
It has a brass guard, but it is an older model the sheath is sewn across the top as oposed to folded over like the current ones. I think the sheath design changed around 89 or 90?.
To late now any way the show is over but im sure I will see it again. The same guys travel the curcuit.

Regards,

Jim

[FP1201]

Well the distributor was "out of stock" when I placed the order, so it's on hold for right now.
I do own a Randall model 1 and previously had a model 14. Knowing how valueable they are, it's hard to make that first cut....kinda like a new pair of Cowboy boots: "You'll dance around all day trying to avoid cowshit, but after you do, ya don't care anymore".
Knowing now, what I should have known/cared about ~30 years ago I would have several Randalls.
I used to stop in the store of a stocking dealer of Randalls. (my last aqusition came from that secret location)
I used to work ~2 miles down the road from Randall on Orange Blossum Trail.
I met Beau Randall at the Lakeland gunshow back in the early 80's.
Ahh well, the follies of youth. :(

[yovinny]

I used to stop in the store of a stocking dealer of Randalls. (my last aqusition came from that secret location)

It sounds like you probably know Capt. Chris :)
A finer man to deal with about Randals, you wont find.

Stocking dealers arent really a secret, a call to RMK will supply you with a list of them, it's just that their usualy sold out or just have a few "plain jane, stock models" available.
Usualy their just leather handled knives with no options and arent desirable to most collectors.
Even then, you'r paying a premium over the current RMK list prices, they have to eat too :wink:

Mostly how the stocking dealers work is that they have standing orders, so their recieving knives all the time. They can change an order up untill a few months before the delivery date. So they can change a "stock" order and get you a custom knife in maybe a year as opposed to 4 years.

The shop also has some knives available over the counter from time to time, you just have to hit it right and take what they have available.
They even have a "stock day" from time to time, where they'll sell any extras over the phone.
Actually, the shop is family run and the people are very easy to talk too, giving them a call is never a bad idea.

Cheers, YOOO VINNY

[LAFAL]

I ordered one of the cold steel fighters from 1sks Friday. Should be here Tues or wed. I'll let you know what I think. I reeeeeally want a Randall #1 or 16 but for now I'll settle for the cold steel if it's quality is anything like the other cold steel stuff I've owned or handled. Man, that stuff on ebay is frightfully expensive.

[yovinny]

I think you guy's should be very happy with the cold steel knives.
I think their a good value for the money and well made with quality components.
It's well thought out and holds a good edge.

It even passes my personal "no brass" test :biggrin:
(Soft brass hilts and fittings that get dinged up and turn green are a pet peeve)

The only thing I was concerned with when I first got it, was the fact that they dont solder or braze the hilt to the blade like RMK, but just appear to hold it in place with the epoxied on handle.
But mine has seen lot's of use and abuse over the 10+ years it's been living in my truck and it's never loosened up at all.

[LAFAL]

I'm really happy with the one I just got in the mail. Got the last one from 1SKS.com. The handle is a tad big for my long fingers- is there any way to slim down Micarta and repolish it and can I drill a hole for a lanyard? Knife is sharp right out of the box and really looks and feels like a #1 fighter.

[yovinny]

Mircata sands and buffs very well.
Just wear a dust mask and dont get it too hot, heat will soften the epoxy that holds the handle.
I recontured and slimmed the handle on mine quite a bit without trouble.
I did'nt drill a lanyard hole, but I wouldent think it would be a problem.
If you PM me you'r address, I can mail you a pic of it if you'd like, so you can get an idea of how much can be taken off without trouble.
I cant post a pic of it here, as my contributor status lapsed without notice and hasent been updated yet.

[hso]

The CS will be a good knife.

If you can find a good condition Blackjack in the same style it will be a better knife.

If you get a Randall you'll find that there's a reason the other 2 companies "honored" the Randall by copying them (but never equalled them).

[FP1201]

Originally posted by hso
The CS will be a good knife.

If you can find a good condition Blackjack in the same style it will be a better knife.

If you get a Randall you'll find that there's a reason the other 2 companies "honored" the Randall by copying them (but never equalled them).

It's interesting that Blackjack also made a copy. I did a quick search and found a web page of history on the "1-7" HERE (http://www.blackjack.0catch.com/) .
Not being a "collector", it's interesting how many diffrent knives are in the cabnet.:biggrin: Might not be a bad idea to take a closer look at the used knives that end up on the tables at gunshows.

[fastprofessor]

I bought the CS military classic about a year ago. I have wanted one of them for quite some time and caught it on sale. I think it was definitely worth the money. It is a well built knife. My only complaint is the handle. As mentioned above it is a little "blocky" feeling as well as a little too slick. If you can find it for a good price..go for it. Otherwise your probably better off adding a few dollars to it and getting a Randall.

[motosapien]

Originally posted by fastprofessor
I bought the CS military classic about a year ago. I have wanted one of them for quite some time and caught it on sale. I think it was definitely worth the money. It is a well built knife. My only complaint is the handle. As mentioned above it is a little "blocky" feeling as well as a little too slick. If you can find it for a good price..go for it. Otherwise your probably better off adding a few dollars to it and getting a Randall.

I ordered my Randall #1, 7" blade 2 years ago and it is supposed to get here fall of 2007. A 4 year wait............

[FP1201]

Well I finally got one in, it's a 7" which is a little longer than the Randall.
The figer guard on the CS is made of steel vs soldered brass on the Randall.
The sheath of the CS was real leather, but the stiching and riveting was lackluster.
Tonite I'll try to take close up pictures and post a link back here.
FWIW: There was a lightly used CS on AR15.com in the blades section for $110. shipped, and from the pictures it looked better than the new CS that just came in.

[FP1201]

Pictures start here. (http://groups.msn.com/ARFcomAdPictures/shoebox.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=173)
Well my curiosity is satisfied, now it'll proabably go up for sale.
The Cold Steel knife, like most of their products is pretty damn good, but I'll stick with the Randall....Now I wish I hadn't sold that #14 "Attack" knife.

[slikrickabn]

Back in the late '80's, I bought a Blackjack 1-7, with the black micarta handle. I drilled a lanyard hole in it, no problem. I had a stocking Randall dealer nearby, and bought a #1 sheath, as I didn't like the Blackjack one. Sharpened the false edge, but have not used it much. Damn thing was scalpel sharp out ot the box! I have recently seen several of these at gun shows, but start at $150, usually over $200. Good knives for the money.

Rick

[owlcreekok]

I drilled a lanyard hole in it, no problem.

For some reason that rings a bell. :confused:

Deja Vu perhaps ?


heh heh

[slikrickabn]

You should remember it- you were the one that drilled the lanyard hole with your drill press. Remember how sharp that thing was? Still is!

Rick:]

[FP1201]

Originally posted by slikrickabn
You should remember it- you were the one that drilled the lanyard hole with your drill press. Remember how sharp that thing was? Still is!

Rick:]
Are you implying that somebody got nicked?
WECSOG points for blood drawn might be available IF we recieve a well written report detailing the nature and extent of the project, and don't forget to note all machinery and fixtures/jigs used in the project. :tongue: