I just acquired a nicely engraved Model 2-4. The engraver's initials are apparently KH. Attached is a photo of the hilt showing the mark. Can anyone help me identify the engraver?

Many thanks, Jim

Jim...
I was looking thru some old copies of the RKS newsletter's and in Issue #11,July 1991 I found a mention of a Master engraver who was just starting as an engraver for Randall Knives..his name is Ken Hurst. I have posted the page for you to read.

Jim & Rex,
That's exactly who it is. Terrible...Gettin' old. Ken used to do work for the shop and carried their recommendation 15-20 years ago.
Thanks Rex, Capt. Chris
PS: You've helped silence the "voices"...This has been driving me up the wall...CCS

I'm a little confused as to what you're saying Chris. Maybe you'll elaborate? I'd like to see some of the engravers work. Will Jim post some photos of Ken's engraving please?

I'm just saying I am glad this mystery is cleared up as to the engraver for Jim's knife. I was asked, prior to this thread being started, and could not remember the engraver's name...although the initials were familiar. Sorry to confuse anybody.
Capt. Chris

I'll bet our forum member, Keith Hicks, would love to have that knife.

Don't think for a second that hasn't crossed my mind!

Rex,

Thanks so much for ID'ing the engraver. One of our other forumites was kind enough to steer me to a supposed expert in the names of engravers. I contacted this individual by email and below is his response to my question and photos of the knife and close-up of the initials. I think I (as many other Randall collectors) was/were insulted!!!

"The engravers I know would never engrave a Randall knife. This guy is a gun show engraver or a hobbyist.
Well known engravers don't stamp their initials on a piece."

Below is a photo of the entire knife.

Jim

Jim, That's pretty damn funny. Did you respond with the Ken Hurst information.... given that Ken is a master engraver and has worked on the finest firearms made? Google him for some really intersting photos of his work.....

Yeah...That "Tom Leschorn" character wasn't worth at a flip at engraving. I wonder "which" dipstick responded so kindly to Mr. Gates.
Best, Capt. Chris

Capt. here are a few examples of signed engravings on Randall knives by those "Amateurs" Tom Leschorn, David Perdue, Ron Skaggs, Joe Mason and Jere Davidson.

Jim

I can't show the signatures, but here is Perdue on a Griggs folder with Bowles scrim:



And this is a set I put together with Ron Skaggs. The Captain supplied the knives and ivory...... and Greg Gutcher of course on the sheathes.

Tune,

That is a beautiful set. Too bad you had an amateur do the engraving.

Jim

I second Jim's comments. Holy that is a beauty set.

Alan Grombacher
RKS #5531

It is a very cool set.....but no longer in my collection. It has gone to a good home.

I worked with Ron on the feather pattern with the intentions of having each one scrimmed with a bird of prey......

Exquisitely Beautiful Work!

When I Googled Ken Hurst I did find a huge amount of information and many knives and guns he engraved. Very impressive! Here is a little more about him:

"This past summer makes 50 years of engraving firearms & I think I'm getting the hang of it --- enough so that I may make a career of it. My past history combines working as a custom shop master for both Colt and Win. with doing work with Tom and Bill Ruger as well. After leaving Colt, I started an engraving Co. and also sat up the engraving course for the state of N.C. at Montgomery Tech. Institute in Troy, N.C. I taught this course for a short time & turned it over to Mr. Jessie Houser (an apprentist of mine) while I went back to running my engraving co. in Linchburg, Va. Over the years, I have continued to work seven days a week , 10-15 hours a day."

Here are a few photos.

Jim

Great stuff!