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My favourite RANDALL is a version of the John Styers' knife that Bo had done for me back in the 70's when I still used and carried such pieces. Another copy was made for the museum, but was stolen several years ago when the museum was broken into. The Styers Blade is approximately 7 inches, spear point with top cutting edge sharpened, a "Commando-style" handle in black micarta, brass butt cap, and an S-shaped hilt as Styers specified to prevent the thumb being jammed on impact. So far as I know mypiece and the museum copies were the only Styers knives done since the original was made.
Most carried Randall nowadays is one or another variant of the Model 11 Alaskan skinner--always my favourite hunting/skinning knife.
Haven't bought any Randalls in a few years since I have basically what I want, but I've got examples dating back to 1961 when I bought my first one.
Do think that QC has improved since WD Randall's son, Gary, took over but I miss the variations and slightly different lines of the earlier Randalls.
Randall's models still stand out, not only for the workmanship, but also because unlike many of the knives which are made for collectors, for display, and for some fantasy world, the blade designs were and remain practical and functional. The steel is good, will hold an edge, and can still be sharpened in the field--again, unlike many contemporary steels which while harder are better returned to the maker for an edge and are virtually impossible to sharpen under extended field conditions.
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And unfortunately, in the final result it does not matter how brave a man is, but how closely he can hold.
fm SEW, THE LAND OF FOOTPRINTS
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