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Recommendation? Hiking companion choice dilemma

Discussion in 'The Randall Made Knives Collector's Forum' started by ewantit, Jan 26, 2021.

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Great Hiking partner in the Wilderness?

  1. #23 Gamemaster with Carbon Blade

    3 vote(s)
    33.3%

  2. #3 Hunter 6" in Stainless

    5 vote(s)
    55.6%

  3. Don't take either of the two

    1 vote(s)
    11.1%
  1. Jan 26, 2021 #1
    ewantit

    ewantit

    36
    May 21, 2014
    It had to be a Randall, but which to choose? All day hiking excursions in northern Michigan / Upper Peninsula. Rain, sun or snow - still exploring the wilderness. Some overnight camping possible. Randall #23 Gamemaster with carbon blade or 6" SS #3 Hunter. Want to make memories with a dedicated companion at my side. Not sure what tasks come to mind in the great wilderness, but never want to be lacking a good knife.

    [​IMG]
     
  2. Jan 26, 2021 #2
    .577NE

    .577NE Gold Member Gold Member

    186
    Feb 28, 2019
    The agony of choice.
     
    Last edited: Jan 27, 2021
  3. Jan 26, 2021 #3
    zanussi01

    zanussi01

    281
    Jan 3, 2012
    The 3-6 for sure,of the two.
    But take the 23 anyway,as backup,or give to someone that goes with you.:thumbsup:
     
  4. Jan 27, 2021 #4
    AR-Trvlr

    AR-Trvlr Gold Member Gold Member

    1,011
    Oct 3, 2009
    Will you be taking an axe or saw as well, or will you need your knife to process firewood?
     
  5. Jan 27, 2021 #5
    ewantit

    ewantit

    36
    May 21, 2014
    Hatchet only on the camping days.
     
  6. Jan 27, 2021 #6
    Melvin-Purvis

    Melvin-Purvis Not a Registered User Staff Member Super Mod

    18,595
    Jan 14, 2001
    Interesting bit of Randall Made trivia. The sheath maker (in this case Sullivan's Holster Shop) sets the stone pocket snap before sending the sheaths on to RMK. RMK then sets the keeper strap for the individual knife before sending it out (so yes, they've all been in the sheath at least once or twice) - on January 1st, 1995 the logo snap shown in the photo above was introduced; hybrid sheaths with both snaps continued to be sold through 1995 until existing sheath stock on hand was exhausted.
     
    eveled likes this.
  7. Jan 29, 2021 #7
    eveled

    eveled Gold Member Gold Member

    4,075
    Mar 11, 2016
    Either knife is a fine choice. The biggest consideration for me would be which steel I wanted to take.

    If you want to make memories take the carbon steel one. It will take some effort to care for it. It will have patina when you get home.

    If you want low maintenance while you are in the woods go stainless. But it will come back still looking new.
     
  8. Jan 30, 2021 #8
    ewantit

    ewantit

    36
    May 21, 2014
    The one concern is which knife presents as less threatening to those who pass by or come in contact with me on the trails (even though it’s in a sheath). I’ve seriously considering forcing a patina on the carbon blade to make it a better contender VS stainless. I agree the carbon steel shows more character after a lifetime of use. Originally, I was on the side of the #3, but starting to think the #23 may be a good way to go. I have a chance to buy the below at a good price, but not sure I’m happy with the balance with the heavy pommel. [​IMG]
     
  9. Jan 31, 2021 #9
    AR-Trvlr

    AR-Trvlr Gold Member Gold Member

    1,011
    Oct 3, 2009
    They both seem large for a general hiking knife. To me something like a #26-4 is a better size for general duties. The #23 is a great knife, but the deeper blade makes it harder for delicate work.
     
  10. Feb 1, 2021 #10
    Zzyzx Road

    Zzyzx Road Gold Member Gold Member

    15
    Sep 4, 2020
    I really like the Model 3-5, for just about anything and everything. For your chosen use I would select a Model 28, Woodsman. Not so big it would scare other hikers, but a superb purpose built knife!

    Link to the Woodsman, on Randall’s site:
    https://www.randallknives.com/knives/model-28-woodsman/
     
    Sluggy likes this.
  11. Feb 3, 2021 #11
    zanussi01

    zanussi01

    281
    Jan 3, 2012
    Ewantit,I feel the brass pommel would make for a too heavy handle on the 5-5 pictured.
    I had a 5-6 in the same setup and didnt like the weight or the balance.
    The 5-5 would be worse simply due to the shorter blade.
    I was going to send my 5-6 back to have an alloy pommel fitted,but ended up trading for a Bradford Angier type,much better.
    Eveled makes a good point in regards to the steel choice.
    My old 5-6 stainless is showing plenty of scratches,but still looks somewhat new compared to my 01 5-6 the same age.
     
    eveled likes this.
  12. Feb 6, 2021 #12
    Sluggy

    Sluggy

    22
    Aug 29, 2020
    Non catalog Fireman's Special
     
  13. Feb 6, 2021 #13
    Ray1911

    Ray1911

    64
    Apr 18, 2020
    I would the 3-6". Pure sexy!
     
  14. Mar 10, 2021 #14
    Ray1911

    Ray1911

    64
    Apr 18, 2020
    I vote for the Model 3.
     

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