Perry Miller

It is with deep regret that I inform all of you that we lost a giant in the knife community yesterday evening. Past President of the NKCA, Randall Made Knives' authorized authenticator and my very...very good firend, Perry Miller was found dead in his home last night. Details are forthcoming but the cause of death may have been a heart attack.
As many of you know, Perry had been in poor health for several years now. Perry & I used to set up together at several knife shows. He was my friend and he will be missed...by many!
Semper Fidelis, my Brother.
Respectfully submitted, Captain Chris Stanaback
Perry, Rhett & Janie (The last time we were all together)

Perry was a very good friend. A genuinely kind person. Too young....too soon. A damn sad day.

R.I.P. Knifekid

Bad news, indeed.

R.I.P.

I hate to hear that. I bought several knives from Perry and talked to him a lot. He was a super person and I will sure miss him. Jerry aka oldguy.

R.I.P.

Terrible news. Never met Perry, but I wish I had. My sincere condolences to his family.

I have lost a very good friend. The last Blade Show he attended a few years ago, we roomed together.
He taught me alot about knives.

Rest in Peace, Perry

Since Perry was only an hour's drive from Orlando, I always opted to go pick up any knives I purchased from him. He was a good guy, and a pleasure to do business with. He will be missed within the knife community. RIP my friend !!

So sorry to hear this. RIP

Capt. Chris--

You know more about Perry's situation than I do, but others might like to know about the particulars of his circumstance.

I know he had back problems, he told me some time ago how he was injured as a radioman in the Marines in VN. He said they were going in for an insertion and somebody pushed him out the door of the helicopter when they were still pretty high. Wearing the 40 pound radio, he broke his back when he hit the ground. That injury apparently bothered him for the rest of his life.

I talked with him last winter when we were in Florida, and he told me he was hoping for some help or a solution via the VA. I did not talk to him again, so I don't know how well this went.

If the details that I remember are correct, it just serves to remind me that we don't always know what others have been through and how it affects them and the quality of life they might have, so it is best not to jump to hasty conclusions.

Set me straight if my info is wrong.

Larry

I think "most" of that is correct but I don't think Perry served in Nam. Like many Vets, Perry died, waiting for the VA to help him.
Best, Capt. Chris

Sad day indeed...Perry was one of the 'good guy's' and he will be missed.

R.I.P

I both met and dealt with Perry. A truly great guy. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers to his family. Fair winds and following seas.

Sorry to hear this....I didn't have the opportunity to know him well, but he sure was a good guy to deal with.....really liked his Tuna Valley Knives.

damn bad news

Very sad news indeed.
Last knife I purchased from Perry was a 26 with Red and Blue Micarta.That has been several years ago at the Blade show.He will be missed but not forgotten.

Billy Poyner
RKCC CM 021 RKS 5030
NRA Endowment
MM
SO MOTE IT BE

I purchased my 2nd and 3rd Randall off Perry back when it was hard to find dealers that would post to Australia. He was always easy to deal with, I'm sorry to hear of his passing. RIP

Very sad to hear this news today. Perry was a great guy and I am fortunate to have spent some time with him. It was Perry that I bought my first Randall from. Last time I saw Perry was a couple years ago at his place my family and I stopped by and watched the final Space Shuttle launch right in front of his place.....Godspeed Perry you will be missed.

Barry
RKCC CM 069

A GREAT LOSS to the Knife World.

A Prayer for your family and a Thanks for your service to our great country. Semper Fidelis Forever!

Tom V.

Sad,sad news indeed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. May he rest in peace.

Everyone,
I just got off the phone with Linda, Perry's sister. We had a great talk. Needless to say, if Perry is missed by all of us, you can imagine Linda's loss. Unlike folks who tell ya'..."If there's anything I can do"... I can share some news with all of you about something we can "all" do.
Perry is going to be cremated. Linda has told me that expenses are going to be piling up. She also wants all of Perry's friends to know that, in a couple of weeks, there will be a "celebration" (her words, not mine...but damned good words) held in Titusville. I will keep everyone informed as to that event.
I promised Linda that she would not have to worry about the expenses. I think we can (each) come up with a little change, along with the RKCA, and handle this obstacle for a great lady who has been driving her brother to Dr. appointments, to Randall when needed and taking care of Perry's personal affairs for several years now.
What say you? I have two raffle projects to get going here on knifetalkforums. One is the #12 (#14) raffle for Robert Welch and the other (now) is a fundraiser for Perry Miller's celebration of a life well spent!
I will start seperate threads for each of these worthwhile projects. If you wish to help with Perry's expenses, you can take part in the fundraiser, raffle or by a simple donation. Here's how you can donate (small, medium or whatever) immediately:
The RKCA was founded to help spread the word about knife collecting to our youth and to help our Veterans. Perry's celebration of life well spent definately qualifies! you can send donations to:
RKCA
11100 SW 93rd Court Road
Suite #10-357
Ocala, Fl. 34481
*Please note that your contribution is in memory of Perry.
Also, via Paypal to:
RKCASSOCIATION@aol.com
Again: Please indicate that your funds are sent in mmory of Perry.
I hope we can ease Perry's family burdon by lifting these financial worries. Your help will be greatly appreciated.
Best, Captain Chris Stanaback

Devasting news to us here at the shop. Perry was always fun to talk with and to hear his stories from the knifeworld and his past 30+ years! We will miss his visits and knowledge.

I'm glad I was able to buy my belt buckle from him the first Blade show I attended, it is one of the Stoddard's and it will help me to remember our friend.

Knifekid...gone but never forgotten....

---DW---

Sad days.
I had the pleaser of meeting Perry at Blade.
I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Perry was a fellow IBEW member.
Prayers will go out for his family.
Sad days indeed.

Dennis
IBEW Local 183

I got to know Perry pretty well from time spent together at a number of Blade shows. He was just plain fun to be with. RIP.

Another loss for the Randall community.
He will be missed.

Capt: If you read this, if you think that we could use the stuff I gave you at BLADE to raise some money I'm all in.

Rocky

Very sorry to hear this sad news. A real loss for us all here and of course his family. Prayers to the family.

We all have lost a great friend, who provided our Community with a valuable service to interested collectors.

The memory of our experiences with Perry help us through this time of grief.

I'll send a check next week.

Photo from Blade Show 2011

Perry was a friend to everyone that approached him. I will miss his humor and knowledgeable advice. The RMK and Knife world has lost an icon.
David Loomis

Very sad new today...another loss among my knife fraternity after Rhett's passing.
Perry, for years, was my first supplier...in Randall's and Case.
For years, While in Orlando for business, never missed to drive & visit him at SpaceSportCutlery...so many time I went to Titusville...so many knives and so many talks. Still keep my ivories in a mineral oil tank as he teached to me..!
I learned so manny things from him and so proud he was named Randall Expert after Pete's passing.
Lately He did so many authentications for me...the only way to help him without offence..!
He was a Gentleman in sales and trades...I will always remember him for good reason.
Riposa In Pace...Rest In Peace my Friend.
Guido Bitossi

Capt. I'll call you for donation.
Guido

He was a huge influence in my early years of the Randall Life. He sold me our 2nd Randall, a 28 for my son, influenced the direction of our collection, and saved my rear end on a couple that would not have passed the real deal test!

He will be greatly missed by many.... but positively affected so many more! RIP!

Met Perry about 7 years ago at a Spirit of Steel knife show. He, Big Jim and I had a good visit outside of the venue around a picnic table. The main thing I took away from our visit was he made me feel like I had known him for years. We didn't really talk about knives. We just talked.

There is nothing that I can add here....everything has been said that I would say. Rest in Peace my friend.

Just want to say 2 things:
1) Thanks to those who have contributed today. We are off to a great start with over $300 already!
2) Thanks for the kind words and remembrances of my good friend. If a man can be judged by how he is remembered, we are eulogizing one of the best!
Keep it coming. There are members of this forum who have not ever had the pleasure of knowing Perry Miller. These testimonials may very well be all they will ever know and take away from here about Perry.
Deepest thanks, Capt. Chris

A number of years ago Perry and I flew to Tulsa for the largest gun/knife show I had ever seen. This show is held twice a year. No excuses, put it on your must do list! Had an incredible time meeting friends of Perry's. One that really stood out was the one and ONLY Paul Bausch. He was a buyer for A G Russell for a number of years. Vast knowledge of anything edge related. It was amazing to see how much food/drink those two could put away!! In memory of Perry let's eat a sausage biscuit or two and carry a muskrat pocket knife daily. RIP

Jason R.

So Sorry to hear this.
Perry was a gentleman. I enjoyed my few talks with him.
Rest In Peace My Friend.
Tony

Great guy, we had many long conversations,he will be missed...

I just heard from Linda (Perry' sister). There will be a celebration of life, in memory of Perry, held at the Titusville American Legion / Post 1 on Saturday, August 16th...5:00 PM. I know of no other details yet, but will let you know what I know as soon as I know.
Thanks, Capt. Chris
PS: There has been a great deal going on behind the scenes for Perry's family. I have had donation offers from several folks, including an offer of a Randall knife from Gary Randall. I will get all of this sorted out next week. I think we will run one "Marathon Raffle", bundling all of the donated goods into one pool! Let me know your thoughts...CCS

Sad news. I had hoped to meet Perry during my travels to Orlando and the Space Coast, but time was too short on all of my abbreviated visits. It sounds like his company was enjoyed by all. RIP.

This is terrible news. I never met him FTF, but we corresponded through email. I bought several knives from him, and he was generous with his knowledge of RMK with me. I will miss him.

Damn...Perry was always a treat to chat with helped me out several times...it was an honor to have known him as I did.

- Rob

Yesterday, at the Titusville, FL American Legion Post, friends and family came together to celebrate the life of Perry Miller.

The turnout was as you would expect... Perry had touched many lives. There were a lot of great stories and remembrances and a few tears. But it was truly a celebration of a life well lived.

I didn't take any people pictures, but here are few of our friend......

RIP Perry.... You have earned it.

Thanks Mitchell. Great seeing you and the rest of the gang. As I headed home last night the sunset was truly amazing as was knowing Perry.

Mitchell

Thank you for posting the pics for those of us unable to attend.

Very touching, Tune, thanks for sharing. RIP Mr. Miller.

Mitchell,
Thanks so much for posting the pictures!!!



Billy Poyner
RKCC CM 021 RKS 5030
NRA Endowment
MM
SO MOTE IT BE

Thank you for the pictures Mitchell.
A fitting tribute to our missing comrade.

Thanks Mitchell for posting this. For those who did not, or could not, attend: The first 2 sections was the handout for the ceremony. It was an honor for me to be included in Perry's circle of friends...and they are many! Mike Mason said a few very true words yesterday when he said that this service was "just right". I agree. It was not long and drawn out. It was very respectful while, at the same time having just enough fun thrown in too boot!
I think Perry loved it and so did all who attended. Thanks to Jason, Mike, Mitchell, Tommy, Don, Linda and Marie for, not only making the entire event meaningful and correct, but seamless. I am proud to call them all my friends.
Respectfully submitted,
Capt. Chris
PS: Semper Fi!!

Thanks a lot Mitch for your post for people like me weren't able to attend.
Perry was a nice person and deserves everything Family & Friends were able to submit in this last ADIOS.
R.I.P. My Friend
With alot of respect
Guido B.

Guido,
Thank you for everything. Perry's sister, Linda, will be sending you (and a few other knife people) a thank you note. I just gave her several addresses...and yours was first!
Best Gunba,
Capt. Chris

Thanks Mitchell.

Thank-You Mitchell for the post. Very nice service, all in the company of good friends..

Thanks Mitchell.
Nicely done.

Tony

You done him proud, Tune.

Never was fortunate enough to have met Perry in person but I am sure I would have been smiling (and a lot more "knife Smart") after the encounter. Rest In Peace, Marine. At Ease!

Tom V.

Thanks for this Mitchell

I met Perry at my 1st Blade show, he and Mitchell spent hours educating me on Randall's that 1st evening there. The more I talked to him the more I realized that there was something different almost odd about him. I finally figured it out, Everybody liked & Respected him. RIP

Dear friends,

Whether personally known or just by association through the "knife world", this heartfelt THANK YOU is for you ALL.

You are the friends, customers, mentors, and associates which share in having a connection with Perry.

It is with wistfulness that I witness the turn of the page and completion of the life. Perry was one of the smartest and most creative persons I've ever known. Your many thoughtful words and gestures are a reminder that a part of his legacy is carried forward within you. This is a comfort beyond words.

Your support and kindness, so generously given in honor and respect for the amazing person that was Perry, is deeply felt and appreciated.

Additionally, a special and heartfelt thanks to Capt Chris, Jason, Mitchell, Mike and Tommy.

Best regards to all, in gratitude.

Marie Miller

Marie,
It's great to see you posting. (Check your text) Welcome aboard! I hope you come back and visit again real soon.
Love Ya', Capt. Chris

RIP my friend. You are missed.

Thinking of you Perry, especially today. RIP

Absolutely! One of my best friends...STILL! I miss him every day. As a side note to this: I spoke to Marie the day before yesterday. She is well and will be working with me on a project quite soon to be announced on these very forums...first thing!
Best to all, Capt. Chris

In reading through this thread... it's 1 of those things. The late to the party sort of things.

My absolute FAVORITE part of being in this hobby has been the people I have met. Every one of you TOP SHELF!

Obviously I have missed out on way cool knives that have been offered prior to this last year. But I can see here I have also missed out on meeting a very special individual. My loss. But it is impressive and warms the heart to see just how many people kept Mr. Miller in such high regard.

Hard to believe that this much time has passed.
I still see him at blade at his table, truly a larger than life person.

Got to spend some time with Perry at his place with Dubie while in the Orlando area. He was alot of fun to be around. He knew more about Randall & Case knives than anyone I ever met. Yeah he is missed but never forgotten.

Another year gone by with out the KnifeKid.

He sure is missed.

Mitchell,
Yes: Very well missed. You were there when we said our goodbyes to him. I was at his house the day before he passed. We were best of friends and traveling buddies. His knowledge of knives...."ALL KNIVES" was amazing!
Semper Fi, Lest We Forget,
Capt. Chris

It's hard to believe that it's been four years. Give 'em hell Knifekid!

Think of him on this day every year.

Seems as though I miss him almost every day. Perry & I worked together, traveled together, authenticated together and were best of friends. As a matter of fact...still are!
Thanks for honoring his memory again this year. It's sad to see such a great person leave us so soon but it's great knowing that Perry touched us and that life was/is better for knowing him.
Respectfully submitted,
Capt. Chris

Nobody could make you laugh & smile like Perry!

While going through my Randall's today.I ran across these 3 that
I got from Perry and wanted to share.21(2009)26&combat companion
(2010).

Remembering our friend Perry. He passed 5 years ago today. RIP Perry.

I was thinking about him yesterday Rod. I sure do miss the Knifekid.

Forever in our Memories.

Another good guy gone too soon. He's in some good company these days. RIP Perry !!

Well said all of you. I miss him everyday! I remember Perry's memorial service with Marie, Mitchell, Mike, Tommy and Jason. He was a true friend...to all who knew him.
Semper Fi, Marine
Capt. Chris

God bless and keep him.

...

If I'm repeating myself I apologize. First time meeting Perry was with Dubie Baxter of all people, also passed.
Dubie drove me out to meet Perry at his place. Dubie had that 3-4 that wanted authenticated. I met Marie and the 2 dogs, sweet lady for sure. Damn if I can remember the roadside diner next door. (Lucy's?)
Dubie and Perry introduced me to fried okra. So I'm watching for the reaction as I take the first bite. Not sure which heart skipped a beat but I liked it. They nearly pissed themselves laughing.
There were times I would call Perry for a gut check on a knife and he always obliged.
My last conversation with Perry well within a year of his passing was regarding a very early Case knife my customer friend discovered amongst an attic clean-out.
I couldn't find any provenance to confirm so I called Perry.
To his credit he did have some information regarding the knife and helped my friend pass it along with a nice payment. Turned out to be a rare Case folder of the model.
We'll all miss him for different reasons but he was a friend of everyone.

I am up late tonight.... and realized it's tomorrow. Our good friend Perry Miller, the original Knifekid passed 6 years ago today.

Time is moving fast and the world is changing faster. I sure do miss Perry and the times we had together.

He was a knife ambassador and a damn good guy. We need more of that.

I was ‘speaking with Rod Brown only last night and we where both reminiscing about our experience of Perry,I had no idea it was the anniversary of his passing,great guy,helped me out a couple of times in a way that only he could do.

You guys know I'm missing him. Sad and great thoughts...all at the same time.
Semper Fi, Perry
Capt. Chris

I met Perry a couple of times he was always a fair in all my dealing with him. I still have my Glades Hunter that he and the Capt. had made up.

I too miss Perry. He taught me much about RMK as well as selling me some great knives.
Rest In Peace Perry.

I met Perry at my first Blade Show. We both smoked at the time, so we would take smoke breaks together back on the dock. This went on for many consecutive years, so I had the privilege of getting to know him pretty well. He was a tough-as-nails country gentleman. I cherished our friendship. RIP, Perry.

Only had the privilege of knowing him @ 3 years. Bought my second knife from him which shortly there after was gifted to my son for HS Graduation (yes... It's a user). Perry had that magnetic personality mixed with the splash of sarcasm! Always willing to answer this exuberant newbie's not so... thoughtful questions!!! He saved my a$$ at my 1st Blade from jumping on what was a too good to be true stag re-handle!!!

Now we gotta hear that story.

OK Rob, here goes. Met Perry at the Orlando gun show in 2011. The shop had told me to get in touch with Perry to value some (old/inexpensive) knives destroyed in our house fire. When I told him what insurance was going to cover he told me to take it and run. I walked away with my 2nd Randall. A #28, now my son's!

Fast forward 2012 Blade show with my son and a pocket full of cash $$$!!! So pretty much being green as a fresh cut oak limb, I'm in a frenzy... been to the ATM 3 times... Looking at a gorgeous 27, unbelievable stag, had my money out, too much as well, and Perry walked by. Ask him what he thought and after he told me to relax cause I was sticking out like a first time Blade Show guy!! He pulled me away from the table and explained a few things about Randall Knives! It turned out to be a re-handle and not a good one at that. It was a great experience, great show and the never-ending knife fever continues!!

Here is Captain Chris, Perry Miller, and some feller from the Randall Shop, (Scott Maynard, of course) at Blade Show 2011.

Perry left his mark on the American knife world.

Many years ago I met Perry once at a knife show in Arlington, TX (Spirit of Steel?) as well as Big Jim. Two interesting guys. I am sorry about Perry's passing. I lost touch with Big Jim not too long aferwards.

Remembering the Knifekid today. Here's to you Perry.

I'll drink to that. RIP Kid.

Good guy, gone too soon..

Special Breed!

Bought my 2nd Randall from him, clicked... and he saved my ass at my 1st blade from buying one that none of us would want!!

Tip what ya Tip to the KnifeKid!

Met him once terrific guy !

The look. "Another photo? Really?" 2012 Blade Show I believe.

Blade Show 2011, "El Capitan", Perry, and Scott.

He left his mark on the knife world.

Joe
If it was in fact 2012, I think that was the last year Perry attended Blade. We roomed together the last year he attended. Just can’t remember the year.

Here's to the original Knifekid!

Missing Perry Miller

Elizabeth & I were talking about Perry this morning. We (Perry & I) traveled all over the country together. He was my best friend and I miss him all the time.
Like a lot of veterans, Perry died, waiting for a bed, at the VA!
Sad: I miss him,
Best, Capt. Chris

Good guy, gone too soon.
May he RIP…

Great Guy. He will always be remembered fondly.

Tony

I was thinking of him last night while looking at a couple of pocketknives I got from him. He was always super nice to me also got a Glades Hunter.

I am a day early, but being busy all day tomorrow, today I remember our good friend Perry who passed on July 29, 2014.
I learnt a lot of knife information from him and am thankful for our friendship.
RIP Perry.

Great knife man!!!!!!!!!!!
Great friend!!!!!!
RIP Perry

Hard to believe it's been 9 years.

I am sure the Knifekid has a 7&7 in his hand and a muskrat in his pocket. Miss you Bud,

He collected serial number 15.

After posting the Randall 27 under Flashback Friday, I was remembering Perry and the great times he brought to Blade Show.
9 years have gone by in a flash in some respects.
I miss him.

Good travelin' partner too.
RIP KNIFEKID,
Capt. Chris