Randall Knives: O1 or Stainless?

A

Altaraz

Joined
Mar 9, 2012
Messages
33
Hi all, I'm looking for a recommendation. Now that I've started using different knives for different things, I'm starting to know what I like and dislike, and what I'm looking for. For example: my Linder Crocodile Hunter. It's tough as hell and relatively easy to sharpen, which is great. Unfortunately, seeing as it's 1065 carbon steel, I find it can't hold an edge (my opinion). I find the handle also promotes fatigue rather quickly in the hand. This becomes rather annoying when I'm out in the forest for long stretches.

I'm a big knife lover, and not just because I'm compensating for something :P I actually enjoy using big knives; I often get angry or frustrated when using smaller knives for some reason... maybe it's because I have big-ish hands, maybe it's just my natural style.

I think it's time for me to get on the waiting list for my very own Randall. I've heard nothing but good things about them. I have their catalogue and I'm trying to decide between a few different things, so I would appreciate any advice or suggestions you could offer.

Does anyone have experience with their stainless steel? How does it perform? According to them, it's "high carbon stainless" with 1% carbon. Apparently it's something that commercial knives cannot hope to replicate. It's supposedly immune to saltwater and in general very resistant to corrosion and stains. It's also considerably more expensive than most of their other knives, and the max size they'll use stainless for is 9" blade (I would assume because of difficulty forging?) Randall's FAQ says that (they find) O1 holds an edge 10% longer and is much easier to hone. Then again, if I never have to worry about rust or stains, that'd be aaaaawful nice.

Or should I just stick with O1? I have no experience whatsoever with that steel either, but from what I've read, it hones very easily and holds an edge superbly well? How is it for rusting? (Keep in mind here I'm in a valley; I go through very hot, humid summers and bitter cold, snowy winters. I have a feeling that might affect the O1 negatively...) I read that it is not as tough as A2... how is it for strength? According to Randall, they only make knives from "the finest ores". This tells me more purity, and more purity makes a better knife right? If I go with O1, I can get either a Confederate Bowie or the beautiful, mouth-watering Raymond Thorpe Bowie.

As for attachments, they recommend a brass butt cap for the bigger knives, in an understandable attempt to try and help balance some of the weight on the already blade heavy knife. Thing is I want nickel silver. Is it heavier than brass, or am I mistaken? I noticed also they show many models with spacers. I've never had them on a knife before... do they serve some practical purpose, or are they just for show? Do thumb notches actually do anything useful on bigger knives? Would a wrist thong make sense on a Bowie? Unfortunately, there is a limit of 5 chargeable features for any one knife now, which is why I'm asking all these things. *SIGH* :S Decisions, decisions...
 
I don't know anything about Randall's knives myself, but I like the shape of them, so I ended up buying a BlackJack Halo 14 in A2. When the knife was new I decided to do a cut test on a pineapple, and I ended up getting a tiny stain/patina on the blade, which wasn't too bad of a thing because I bought it knowing that it would be my "woods" knife and it was going to be a user. well, to make a long story short, I think that I would go with the stainless if I had the option even though I live in a desert. I would like to be into sea fishing or more water sports, and I always like my knives around. You're a lucky man getting that Randall. Here is a picture of my BlackJack after I battoned it through its first piece of wood.:thumbup:
SanPedroTrip5-6-12014.jpg
 
Last edited:
Randall's stainless is 440b I believe which isn't anything special. O1 is my favorite blade steel. Unfortunately Randall makes both their steels quite soft. Don't think they'd hold an edge particularly well compared to other knives. Unless you're absolutely stuck on a Randall I'd suggest commissioning a knife from one of the excellent makers here. You'd get a one of a kind knife made by one craftsman instead of several people(Randall is bench made) without the 5 year wait. It'd probably be cheaper made of a better steel(if going with stainless) with a better heat treat and it'd be made exactly how you want instead of having to choose a model. Just my opinion
 
I have four Randalls including a Smithsonian #12, an Airman #15 in stainless, a #2 letter-opener size, and a #5. I have had all these since the 1970's and the only one I actually use is the #5 - 6", stag handle, carbon steel. Personally, I like the mistique of a forged knife. It holds a good edge and is easily sharpened.

The Smithsonian is a beauty with extra thick guard and brass strip on the blade. It's big, beautiful, and really useless except to hold, view, and admire. It's the centerpiece of my collection along with two Ruana bowies...if the Chinese were coming over the hill, I would grab the Randalls and Ruanas and run like hell! :mad:
 
You'll get more responses if you post directly in the Randall sub-forum we have under the Manufacturers Forums.
 
Hmmmm... that sounds like an EXCELLENT idea. Do I just message a certain maker directly, or is there a specific section for commissions?
 
Look under exchange. Fixed blades for sale. Peruse through there and see what's out there. Or there's a place in the exchange where you can put what you're looking for and price range and makers look there and I'm sure someone will respond. They'll probably have a website where you can check out their work
 
No problem. It's just an option and to let you know there's other places to get a good handmade knife.
 
Trail Edge said:
I don't know anything about Randall's knives myself, but I like the shape of them, so I ended up buying a BlackJack Halo 14 in A2. When the knife was new I decided to do a cut test on a pineapple, and I ended up getting a tiny stain/patina on the blade, which wasn't too bad of a thing because I bought it knowing that it would be my "woods" knife and it was going to be a user. well, to make a long story short, I think that I would go with the stainless if I had the option even though I live in a desert. I would like to be into sea fishing or more water sports, and I always like my knives around. You're a lucky man getting that Randall. Here is a picture of my BlackJack after I battoned it through its first piece of wood.:thumbup:
SanPedroTrip5-6-12014.jpg
Click to expand...


My model 14 is a sweet blade. I have used it for skinning and butchering but never had it rust.
 
I was always under the impression that Randalls were made to be tough and not necessarily to hold an edge for a long time. They got a good reputation during the Vietnam war and there they were probably used as chopping and prying tools as much as cutting tools. Of course the Randall #1 is a real classic design and anyone that wants one should buy one, but for the current price of a Randall you could buy a couple of very nice custom knives from other makers made exactly as you want. I had interest in Randalls at one time and I own 3 of them now, as well as a couple of Blackjacks with similar styling.
 
It is true that Randall forges their blades at a very low rockwell hardness compared to the current standard of 58-60. In my best recollection Randall's are 54-56 RC.

The reason for this is well documented. When Bo Randall began making knives, he wanted something that was indestructible. His knives became famous in every theater during WW2 and every war thereafter. American soldiers needed a knife that was reliable. The rest is history.

The benefit of a softer RC is the steel is easily sharpened in the field and has increased pliability. Most importantly... they are made to withstand the rigors of war. Chop with it, dig with it or fight with it. The knife will outlive you.

Randall knives are an American icon. Everyone should own at least one.


.
 
Say Heah, I bought a Randall Made model #18, in the Attack, with Saw Back, Knurled Handle and Brass Hilt and Pommel because of compass, I got lucky it came out Simply TiT's, Beautiful. I also was told that when they get a good price on 440c. they will use the 440c. Guess what, Mine is a 440c. Blade.

Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top