Demographics of our club.

My daughter who is an emerging Randall-holic asked me a question tonight that I had no answer for. She wanted to know the demographics of the club. That is, how many members under 30....40....50 and so on are there in the club. She is a marketing guru and wants to help us out. She believes there aren’t very many folks her age interested in Randall Knives. She pointed out something that she saw at the Blade Show. She divided the show into thirds. One third to the right. One third in the center and one third on the left. From the front doors of course. She said that in the first third where all the older knives and Randall Knives were she didn’t notice many younger people. She also said it wasn’t as crowded as it was in the other two thirds of the show. She noticed lots of younger folks in the other parts of the show. I say all this because I gave my daughter a Randall Model 10 NASA 1 of 20 Knife for Christmas. She posted a photo on her Facebook page and she got several comments. She wanted to refer the comments to and Insta Gram account for Randall Knives and said she couldn’t find an Instagram Randall account. I had no idea what an Instagram account was but she said we need one. She said folks could look at pictures of knives and such. I really don’t see what the difference between that and the Randall site would be but she insisted on Randall taking a look at it. I think it is way cool that my daughter has adopted a desire to collect and learn more about Randall Knives but she is concerned that one day there won’t be anyone around that wants to collect them. I told her about the five year wait....she said it doesn’t matter.
I’m the least technical computer person there is and don’t understand all this stuff but apparently the bottom line is she wants to be able to tell someone who asks her about Randall’s to go look at their Instagram account and check out all the old beautiful and historic pictures. I think what it would be like would be like Joe’s web site where he has all those great photos of knives he has owned and or sold. Same for Mitchell’s site. I don’t know if this makes any sense but I admire her desire to help others learn about Randall Knives.

Here is her Mod. 10 and a bracelet I gave her that has all of the planets on it. She is really into the space thing.

I know you know Ronnie, but tell your daughter there are two Facebook groups dedicated to collecting and using Randalls. Both are very active.

I told her...she is just sold on this Instagram thing. Thanks for the comment.

Ronnie That's a great looking knife. She's a lucky girl, to have a dad buying her knives. Ronnie, I have 2 nieces and one is 19 and the other is 21, both in college. Well, Mallory informed me not long ago, that Young People mainly used Instagram, Twitter, and snapchat, and older people get on Facebook!! LOL! So, I guess her Aunt Lori is officially older people.

Actually, Aaron Johnson; who works with me in the office, has an acct. and he's always posting RMK pics there...@superchrono369...

What's her age? I have several thoughts on what she is saying. I agree that with some marketing changes it would move things along for all & have minimal if any changes at the shop.

Thanks Lori.
I’ll give her the info Scott.....she was looking under the Randall name.
Chief she’s 33.

Ronnie,
She has two good habit's she don't need to break.Randall's and guns.I've known her since she was young and she turned out to be a fine young lady..

I just followed Aaron,nice photos,Knives n Watches.

Ronnie, she is already a member on my Randall pages, so she is set. I messaged her about my Instagram Randall pages also!

You saved the day Bill.

Always do......

I'm a bit behind on the social media for my age. I'm 30 and don't have a Facebook or Twitter. I created my first Instagram account 2 weeks ago only because there was a knife for sale that I wanted and there was no way to contact them without creating an account. It seems that all of the people my age and younger use these social media platforms to communicate and market goods and services. I'm sure that Randall Made Knives could generate a lot more attention to their craft with an Instagram account. Behring Made Knives uses Instagram for example and it really helps them showcase their brand. But honestly, with a 6 year wait for a Randall Knife, do they really need the social media accounts?

Thank you Billy. She mentioned you last night during our conversation.

Thanks Nate. Again I don’t really understand what Instagram is and have not researched but she knows. She is the Marketing and Creative Director for a big company. By what i’m Reading here she must be spot on. How do you find the Behring Instagram account?

That’s very good Bill. Thanks for doing that.

Haha yep give em hell Tat!

I'm still trying to figure it all out too but if you go to Instagram.com and type in behringmade it pops up

Just go to the BMK website at the bottom. You can choose several social media options.

Thanks Warren appreciate it.

Could easily be divided into old farts over 50 and young whippersnappers. I know which category I fall into.

Pap

Me too Pap.....I have been an old fart for some time now.

Forums are always a select group of more extreme enthusiasts. With all the knives sold over the years it's hard to peg age as many of us bought the knives a long time ago. I'm in my 30s and bought my first Randall at around 18 years old. A nice 1-6 with a black BPH handle!

49 here. On Facebook and Instagram. But into Randalls for about 20 years now.

Youngsters don't spend much time on Facebook. The average age of the facebook userbase advances by "1" every year, much like Cadillac owner average age.

Not much sold here anymore, I believe that has a lot to do with new people turn out.
However for education on older RMK and ordering of new knives from a dealer for info we get the beginning, but they don't stay.
Also not much elaboration on knives posted here, most know what it is new people lurk but don't ask.

All boils down
"Do you want to participate or not"?
Tons of lurkers just waiting for an opportunity......
Sorry just passed you bye, or did it?
Ronnie, keep score on the age group.

Ok everybody give me your ages....if you don’t mind. Or does Chris have that info?

Attention all you lurkers out there. Please make a simple post and give us your age. This will not be a very scientific study but I will try and get the info. Lurkers I promise we won’t start messaging you like a telemarketer but just want to know how old our members and lurker Randall folks are.
Thanks.

My current age is 30. I lurked for a couple years before joining this forum. Mostly because I can't afford to collect as seriously as the majority, but it is still fun to buy, sell, trade, and learn. Even after joining I can't really contribute much. I try to participate where I can. As I get older and have more "fun money", I hope to aquire many, many more Randall's and Behrings and help teach the younger, newer people what I've learned from all of you.

75

Pap

Wally 56
Lori 48

58 and counting.
Randall enthusiast since 1986.
No social media.
Flip phone.

I just turned 62 and have been a Randall user for about 40 years…!

I am not into FaceBook, but I do use Instagram.

51

60

58,no Facebook,no Instagram.

38
active facebook and insta
Richmond VA

71 No instagram, twitter, facebook, or any of that stuff, oh ya no cell phone either.

62 11/12
No Facebook, no Instagram, no Alexa either.
Oh yeah no Twitter too. I don't even get that?

79

Got my first Randall Made Knife in 1965


Ken Lambert
RKCC CM-020 RKS #3610
NRA Benefactor
FOP

71
Hoping for more

Chronologically 70
Physically feel like 85

On Facebook and Instagram

63

Instagram: coach_blalock

No Facebook but I look at my Bride’s

Canadian years just seem longer; more snow.

63.

No Facebook but I follow knife makers on Instagram.

57 I Facebook, follow a few things on Instagram

69.
Facebook and Instagram.

66

I gave my age already (48) and I am active on Facebook. I do have a Twitter account and just opened an Instagram account.

Ronnie 68 and it looks like in our un-scientific poll that my daughter was right.
The Militaria hobby is the same. All the collectors are getting older and there are not many new collectors following.

Mostly Boomer's

39 I follow facebook and this forum as well as a few gun forums

10 in dog years.
Got tired of seeing crap on farcebook that insulted everything I believe. So, BAM I'm out of there.

62
I'm on Fb (alpicata pluto), Twitter and Instagram... What about the european/italian fanatics?
Antonio

So do KENKAN and I get a prize for oldest and youngest? Just kidding of course. It is neat to see the varying ages. Looks like the average is 60. That is if we're calling dog years 7.

64

Tom Flynn

The best response, so far, goes to Warren with the "Canadian" slam. I'm 70, have to FB pages but just post interesting knives for show. The most FB interaction that has been drawn to my attention was folks slamming me! Not a big fan, obviously, but Instagram sound promising!
Stay sharp, Capt. Chris

Just saw this ...

I'm 66 ... 67 in May ... although my Wife says I'm 12!

I'm on fb, mostly to stay in touch with Family and Friends
I don't get to see often. I do follow some groups
of interest to me ... knives, cars/racing, art/graphic design, wine/food, watches,
clays shooting sports.
I don't post much on fb ... I feel I don't want the world (strangers) knowing
my business. No other social media ... I don't have the time or interest. I read ...
REAL PRINTED BOOKS and get out as often as I can and live a real life.
I DO need to participate more here!

Tony

I'm 69, no Instagram, no twitter.

I am on fb, don't post a lot but do follow family, Randall knives, muzzleloading and cars / auto racing. I spend most of my time doing stuff in the workshop.

Art DeCamp

Warren
It is kind of like the US dollar vs Canadian dollar. 1 US dollar is worth about 1.30 CDN. 1 US year is worth about 1.3 CDN years!!!
I am 70 US years or 85 CDN years!!!!

If you want to see snow, go to upstate of where you live. Watertown, NY usually has feet of snow, where we usually have inches. Green grass and rain until yesterday.

Good analogy Rod.
My first two years in college 1975-1977 was at SUNY Oswego. It snowed every day from Thanksgiving to Easter. There were days when it would rain, snow, sleet, hail and have thunderstorms in blizzard conditions. Very violent weather.

Soon to be 57 here. I Facebook and Instagram but HATE twitter.
Instagram is a great place to see beautiful women, guns, beautiful women with guns, and to follow your favorite bands.

My RMK collection is small, I only have seven. Got my first in 92 or 93.

60
Opted out of social media accounts some time ago.
Still picking up Randall's here and there.

Chris Billie Claire said she is more than happy to help you with Instagram if you need any help.

44
no fb
no twitter
no insta
no snap
.....and I still live very well ;-)

I'm 68 feel older. On Facebook for family and guns and knives. Don't do any of the other things.

63.

81. I don't use any of that stuff.
Tom Philumalee
RKCC CM-99
RKS 3081

Makes me feel better to know that many in my age group shun the social media stuff. I survived just fine without it. It may be great for families too far apart to keep in touch.
Sorry Ronnie wasn't trying to hack your thread. Wish your Daughter the best in her research.

After a certain age, the count changes to decades instead of years. I am 7 and will be a while.
I have an individual account on Facebook and one for my website, but I am not a regular user.
I took a website class from one of the originators of Twitter when it first was created.
He was constantly updating his location and activity with his group.
I asked him why he would give up his privacy and if he really cared about what the rest of his group was doing.
He seemed to think that tracking all of their movements were very important to the group he was in.
I didn't understand it then, and I guess I still don't.
I will have to look into the differences between Instagram and Twitter.

No issues with me Warren. Just trying to figure the ages of our group and to figure a way to encourage younger people.

60 years old today!

On Facebook with family and friends plus a few fishing and hunting pages.

Cheers,

Alan

Happy Birthday Alan. Many more!

Happy. Birthday Alan and many more.

Glad to see the bitter Saskatchewan weather did not get you!

Rod

Interesting survey Ronnie, and no surprises.

I am 60.

I use most all forms of social media on my own terms. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Etsy, and Reddit.

With just a bit of effort you can tightly control your security and privacy.

I have a website which has a newsletter signup and email access.

All of these avenues have provided new Randall Knife opportunities and friends. Had I never tried them, I would not miss them. But, I have tried them and find them valuable tools for expanding my Randall network.

This is a revolving door. Every generation has resisted the next generation's innovations, be it music, movies, books and now technology.

One thing is for sure, there will be more changes...... and they will come faster.

Buckle up,

I’ll be 74 in May. Began as an Authorized Randall Dealer in ‘79.

I am connected to the three most popular FB Randall groups and view them everyday. Plus numerous muzzleloading, black powder, American History, and sailing groups.

I try to encourage new guys there on the RMK groups to come over to Knife Talk Forums to get more educated about collecting and using Randall Knives. Sometimes it’s like pulling teeth to get them “to see the light” over here. Guess the newer generations want to learn “on the fly”.

One young man wanted to buy a model 14 on one of the Facebook RMK groups and pay by “Cashapp”, which left me puzzled. I had to go to the Cashapp’s website to how it worked. I told him either a USPS M. O. or PayPal. No word further from him. Told him good luck. Guess I am behind the times.

It’s already been stated that Facebook is for us “baby boomers”, and Instagram is for the newer generations.

Thanks Mitchell.

Hey Guys,

Thanks. Saskatchewan is finally warming up, I hear. My wife says it was -48C at one point, Yikes. I am currently in Chile at my winter nurseries, am headed to Patagonia today for some trout fishing. Should be good. I am taking two bamboo fly rods that I built with me.

Cheers,

Alan

58 here. No Facebook. Ever.
Not much on Twitter. Not much into "social media."
But lots of texts and WhatsApp.
Love my WWW though and watch way too many YouTube videos about things I never realized I was interested in -- Google/ YouTube knew better.
Gary

Thank you all for responding. What did we learn......we need more kids in the hobby. How do we do that? I have no idea.

If most kids use Instagram, then an Instagram account seems like it would help lure in a younger crowd. After the 50, 60, 70, 80 year old Randall fans pass away, will the 6 year wait drop in half? Will there eventually be a wait time measured in weeks or months opposed to years? Just thinking out loud.

Sharpi here
65
Accumulated 15 years
Social media is the way to reach em
I guess I'll post some on Pinetress
The thing that drew me on was the Heros that took the knives to battle and the woods
First was the Bird and Trout The Gary Powers story
Got the Pistol too
I spent many hours at the Museum studying the stories of Men and Women who used them all over this world and in Space
The six year wait gives an opportunity to celebrate
I lived 5 years for my 60th Birthday
and that Smithsonian is sweet
But knives are somewhat available thru the Great Dealer network
and also collectors selling
And stories of sleeping in my truck to get a knife
A knife that is a one off ordered years ago by someone wanting something special who for whatever reason never got to see it
We need to see more stories of the knives used in modern day battles and adventure expeditions
We need to give them what they want in their world
Sharpi

I recently saw a Model T put together in 6 minutes
Acres of old Tractors Iron Idolized by old guys
and a beat up Mustang GT sell for 3.4 million $$
So What!

Sharpi....me too on the military aspect of Randall Knives. My first catalog was in 1979. I read that thing so many times. Inside and out. Every word. In fact I still have that catalog. I was fascinated by the military history of a homemade knife from Orlando, Fla.
Nate-dogg I have the same question after all us old guys are gone. Good question. I hope Randall Knives lives on for many generations to come.

I think sometimes Randall is anachroism and then immediately think what better reason there is to own one. They're great !

Friends, these numbers scare me. Instagram, facebook, etc. it’s certainly beautiful, but after a couple of months there’s almost no found information there, unlike the forum. Forum is knowledge and experience that are laid out on shelves, Instagram is rather a large barn where everything can be buried under the following layers of trash. If a server crashes accidentally, where is the forum and all the information with photos stored, does anyone have a full backup? If someone have, then need at least 3 different people to have it (in different parts of the country), so that if some kind of disaster occurs, then 1 or 2 others have information left and can restore again. We did this with one of our forums, it is in the form of an archive, but photos unfortunately still disappear sometimes.

Desert Snake has a good point...

How much of the legacy of this Forum is gone or inaccessible already?

It looks as if the content has been pared down, but there was a lot of significant information accumulated over the years. Some of it will not be duplicated again.

Maybe the older stuff can be reached here, but my impression is that it cannot. Consider how far back a search can be run. If I am wrong about this and just need to learn how to access the "ancient" stuff, that is OK.

Apart from whatever drivel we might have created over past years, the really good stuff is still worth keeping. If we hope that coming generations will appreciate the knives, we might provide them with a full record and all the reasons for doing so.

Larry

The forum goes back pretty far Instagram isnt really designed to be like a forum but its handy for posting neat photos where as you cannot search a photo as it's not in text.

Looking back at some stuff on here I already see a few members that are no longer with us. Post em while you got em and use em while you got them!

When I do an Advanced Search, it only allows going back three years.

This prevents access to all the stuff that came before.

Larry

Here's a link going back to 2005 Larry, I think it all depends on what or how you do the search. It'll go back more than 3 years. I just picked a random thread for example:

http://www.knifetalkforums.com/ubbthread...ch=true#Post547

Ha that example brings up some memories. I was more chatty back then. Miss some of those old guys.

You know...

A little ignorance goes a long way!

I was under the impression that the Forum went back much further than 2005...but noodling around I found the original postings congratulating Rhett on getting it set up and going! In 2005.

And, in doing that, I played around with the options for doing searches that pop up at the bottom of a thread page, and found that you can put in choices there including "all dates" and whatever is in that thread will pop up from as far back as it goes.

I don't know if threads have been pared back over the years, hope not but know it can be hard to manage stuff like this and keep "everything" "up front" when users are only looking for the most current topics.

I don't want to complicate the life of those who maintain the site, and obviously I am still in the post-infancy "learning stage" of life.

Larry

Larry,
About a month ago I was looking for some pictures here of some custom Sullivan’s sheaths that TK was wearing at the Gator show. I finally found the post, going back to somewhere around 2006 / 07. The post was one of Rhett’s, unfortunately after succeeding in locating the post, the pictures were no longer there.
As Steven noted, I find reading posts back in that time period as very interesting. There was some great info being posted in those days.

Larry I think the original Randall Forum was on the Blade Forum. There was some kind of issue and Rhett left there and created the Randall Knife Forum or what ever we call this now. Someone can help out here with a bit more knowledge.

Go to a google search and type:

site:www.knifetalkforums.com tenite


That is an example of a google search within the forums for tenite.

Change tenite to any word you wish to search.

It has none of the crap associated with the search function within the forum.

Tune,

Thanks! I think you had posted that shortcut before, but I had forgotten.

Lots of good information to be had, and it could save a lot of duplication of effort and perhaps chasing the wrong info if we know "how" to get at what had already been done.

Larry

Don't want to hijack but how far back does the newsletter go?

I think Rhett started the Society either in the late 80’s or early 90’s. I visited the shop in 1993 and while there Pete asked me if I belonged to the Randall Knife Society. Told him I had never heard of it. He gave me a newsletter that I took back to my hotel and read every word of it. I joined as soon as I got back home. I still have that Newsletter. In fact I have all the newsletters dating back to that time.

All of the newsletters are on my website.

61 and counting.
Randall enthusiast since.... ever!
With FB, Instagram, Twitter.

56

I was curious enough about this survey, so I did the math.

Average age is 61 years old, excluding the fact that Tony's wife thinks he is 12.

I'm 62
My son is 28 and has a couple of RMKs but doesn't join in on the Forum.

Dennis

45 years young.

73 and counting.

441 (dog years)

I'm 56. The wife is 48. My fate is sealed.