Randall #19: Opinions?

T

Torakan

Joined
Jan 30, 2001
Messages
29
I have been offered a Randall #19 "Bushmaster" knife for an extremely good price. I would like to use this knife for general hunting and camp use and to strap on my LBV to use when my unit is deployed. I would have preferred a #5 or #15 but have had a real hard time finding one for a price I can afford. What are some opinions as to how it might function for light chopping, camp chores, opening up & skinning the odd deer or elk? The knife seems really stout but maybe a little specialized for general use.
 
I think the issue with that knife is its 'stoutness'. It looks pretty heavy for a knive with only a 4.5 inch blade. It would probably make a half decnt chopper, but it is a small knife for that role.

I would prefer the #3, 5, 7, or 25 for general outdoors use. The model 25 in particular is a nice knife.

Both of these knives list for around $235 in carbon steel. $25 more for stainless.

Have you called Dave Harvey at Nordic Knives to determine availibility on other Randall models? They keep a stock of Randall knives and can get you one much faster than ordering direct from the Randall shop. Try www.nordicknives.com

Someone else you should have a chat with about Military knives is Les Robertson at www. robertsoncustomcutlery.com

Give him a call. He will steer you toward even more expensive custom knives, not Randall's. But you might enjoy hearing his reasons for the knives he recommends.

Paracelsus
 
I agree that one of the other models might be a better choice, especially a #3 or #5, but finding one is proving difficult. Just called Nodric on Thursday but all they have in are two #26 with special option handles and a Noric bowie. All three are out of my price range and a little too fancy for what I want. The only reason I am considering the #19 is a local guy here has one he is willing to sell for an excellent price. It is a basic model and has been used a bit. Price is about half of what the Randall catalog lists as a new price. Any ideas on another Randall dealer besides Nordic Knives? When I called the Randall shop they gave me Nordic's # and another dealer called Sharp Stuff (I think). Sharp Stuff did'nt have anything in stock.
 
In that case, post a wanted message in the knives wanted Exchange forum here at BFC. Also search 'randall' in the individual for sale forum. I don't like to shop EBAY, but you might find a good used Randall there.

That model 19 would probably serve you well, and that is a good price. If your don't have your heart set on a Randall, consider a Fallkniven A1 or F1. It will cost you less than the used Randall#19 and might be a better choice anyway. www.knifecenter.com

Paracelsus
 
Hi Torakan and a belated WELCOME to these fine forums. If you've been offered the #19 for a good price, go for it! For some reason well used, (or even used), Randalls are very hard to come by. Probably because most people that fancy Randalls DON'T use them hard and when they do, they keep them. I fancy the larger ones, (#1, #14, #17 and #18). Randalls, whether used or not, always will have a good resale value. They are like Harley's, (oh boy, let the flames begin), they are not the best but they get the job done and with "style". If you can live with the #19, get it. Even if used hard it'll always be worth SOMETHING just because it's a Randall.
 
The 19 is a good field model that provides plenty of woodworking ability in a nice short package. It's a beefed up version of the classic Marbles Woodcraft.

BTW, If you don't want it send it my way, I am always willing to give a nice home to a nicely priced Randall.

N2S
 
torakan, the Model #19 is a stout knife as you know. It's best use is not to field dress game. It can do it but any knife with a sharpened top edge is going to cut something you don't want cut. I've processed game professionally and won't ever use a knife with a sharpened top edge, so for someone who only field dresses a couple of deer a year, this is not the knife for them. For military duty, it would be a pretty good knife. I carried a #14 but it was too much knife for a logistics officer, I would have been well equiped with a #19.

Bruce Woodbury
 
Well, the #19 is now mine. The best part of this deal is that the guy I got it from took a fancy to a couple of mountain man bowies I picked up at a black powder show about 6 yrs ago. So he got a couple of knives I really did'nt want any more and I got the Randall I wanted, with no money changing hands. The knife it self is in very good used condition with just enough of the "newness" knocked off to allow me to use it without lowering any collector value.
 
Congratulation on your Randall. They are great knives.

I would never plan on doing any chopping with any knife as good a Randall. Get a $12 boyscout ax, or use a trench tool. You'll finish copping in a tenth of the time and you won't ruin the edge on a fine knife

Good luck
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top