Paul
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Post by Paul on Apr 9, 2016 4:35:30 GMT
I've been looking for a traditional Bowie for a little while now and came across the Randall Model 1 which really peaked my interest. This lead me to compare the similar and less expensive options and I found the Blackjack Model 1-7 and after a bit of looking and a few emails I purchased one yesterday from DLT trading for about $230 with the leather sheath protection option. Got the tracking info this morning so hopefully I'll have it by the end of next week. But I'm still thinking about the origional Randall Model 1 and perhaps planning to also pick one up aswell........ You can order these direct with about a 4 year wait or you can pay a premium and for about $500-$600 get one now from a few dealers. I have to better look into the customs / importing issues around the sharpened false edge but it's a really appealing and collectible knife So what do you all think, is the Randal worth it?
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Post by randomnobody on Apr 9, 2016 5:03:54 GMT
I'm not particularly fond of the design, myself, so I couldn't personally justify the cost or wait, but they're popular for a reason and I have no doubt the quality is there. $5-600 isn't all that much, when you think about it, nor is four years a very long time.
If you like it, I say go for it.
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Paul
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Post by Paul on Apr 9, 2016 5:22:50 GMT
Really looking forward to seeing what the stacked leather grip is like on the blackjack. I know the leather is more traditional on the Randall but that iron wood with the butt cap looks fanatic. I also have mixed feeling about the nut but this is also part of the traditional look.
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Post by randomnobody on Apr 9, 2016 5:33:25 GMT
I can't remember if any of my knives are stacked leather. I think the old Kabar 1232 I used to EDC was, but it's a much smaller knife than these and had finger grooves carved in, so it's hard to say how it would compare.
I prefer wood, myself, either way, and am similarly unfond of the nut, but if that's the requirements for one of these knives, then so be it. I don't imagine they detract from anything, functionally, but part of me wonders how many of these knives actually see use these days. I imagine most sit in locked display cases...
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 9, 2016 5:44:48 GMT
I've got an older Blackjack and I have enjoyed it since 1994. The Randall will have a stouter blade. Slightly so in thickness and width. I have a 2-8 that kind of dwarfs the Blackjack, while the neighboring Tai Pan probably one of the best modern daggers. You can find some Randall dealer specials in stock at times and even if not in stock, they get priority re-supply. A.G.Russell comes to mind. It has been awhile since I have been shopping Randalls and other modern general purpose blades. The other small bowies next to the Blackjack are Ralph Bone, Kevin Cashen and Vince Evans. Lately, I have been picking up old EGW WWII knives for short money. I have pretty much bought another Randall's worth of them. Here are some before adding yet more. They are a bargain in the $50 range. I have sold one but most like new and shiny super steels. Another waits to be picked up at the PO. Very good all purpose knives. I have much better examples.
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Post by Timo Nieminen on Apr 9, 2016 5:47:20 GMT
For what the Randall would cost, I'd get the Fallkniven Thor instead, and save a little. (OK, it's much bigger, abut that's one reason why I'd get it. They have two in the range which bracket the size of the Randall 1-7: the NL2 Odin, at 7 7/8" and the NL3 Njord at 5 9/10".)
The Randall has (or used to have) a softer blade than the Blackjack (which is supposed to be 58 HRC) and the Fallknivens (59 HRC). So it's probably less likely to break.
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Post by demonskull on Apr 9, 2016 7:06:22 GMT
I've had both Randalls and Blackjack. Got my first Randall in 74 when I was nineteen. I currently own three Blackjacks, 2- model 14s and one model 1- 7. I sold the Randalls many years ago when money was tight and only got the Blackjacks starting three years ago. The only significent difference is the stone pocket on the sheath and for an extra 2-3 hundred dollars, I'll do without.
Randalls I have owned- model 1-7" Model 2- 7" model 2- 5" model 2- Custom 12" Large and small Arkansas Toothpick Confederate Bowie Smithsonian Bowie model 14
If you want a good knife for the money stick with Blackjack. If you're looking for a collector piece, that might increase in value and you don't plan on ever using, go with the Randall.
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Paul
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Post by Paul on Apr 9, 2016 11:00:26 GMT
Thanks guys, I suspect there isn't going to be a functional benefit of the Randal over the blackjack. I'm pretty sure if I go ahead and order a Randal model 1 it's not going to be a user blade, I guess it's going to be a case of want and desire.
There are not many genuine collectible knives out there but I feel the Randal model 1 may be one of them.
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Post by LG Martial Arts on Apr 9, 2016 17:07:46 GMT
Never owned a Randal, but did have a couple of Blackjack Model 1-7 exactly like the one you posted (sold one though my store, kept the other for myself). It's a beautiful and functional blade, which should give you years of service. As for owning a Randal just as a collector's piece, why not? It is your $.
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