"IDEAL" Randall Knife

Posted by: Captain Chris Stanaback

"IDEAL" Randall Knife - 06/24/21 09:58 AM

Good morning members,
I'm cleared up from the epic amount of "post work" that is "The Blade Show" and thought it might be interesting to see where this topic might lead. OK: So...There's no "ideal" Randall Knife...I got that. "BUT" (Here we go) let's see what folks would come up with "if" they could have one RMK to come as "close" to the ideal knife as can be.
I'll interject thoughts and answer questions, if asked, during the proceedings. No particular "category" is required. No borders will be put on your ideas. They are, after all, just ideas...(at least at this stage).
Let's hear from you,
Capt. Chris
PS: Photos would be nice!
Posted by: pappy19

Re: "IDEAL" Randall Knife - 06/24/21 10:08 AM

Model 5-5" Bradford Angier equipped, carbon steel blade.

Pap
Posted by: Captain Chris Stanaback

Re: "IDEAL" Randall Knife - 06/24/21 10:12 AM

Not my "choice" but it was wilderness author's, Bradford Angier's, choice as the best damned camp knife!
Best, Capt. Chris
* #5-6"
* Carbon steel
* Thumb notches (std.)
* Nickel silver single hilt (option)
* Black micarta handle (option)
* Wrist thong (option)
* Compass (option)
* Model "A" sheath in tan leather (std)
Posted by: Shoot870p

Re: "IDEAL" Randall Knife - 06/24/21 10:56 AM

I’m looking forward to this discussion for sure.
Walker
Posted by: pappy19

Re: "IDEAL" Randall Knife - 06/24/21 12:12 PM

Again, a lot would depend on the circumstances. If I was in Alaska, in a bush plane, I would have a Model 19-5 on my belt. On a fly fishing trip in Idaho, a Model 8. Salt water fishing a Model 10-5. And so on.

Pap
Posted by: crutchtip

Re: "IDEAL" Randall Knife - 06/24/21 01:40 PM

I wrote this short article a decade or so ago on this exact topic.

http://www.rmkcollector.com/the-randall-collector/the-perfect-randall
Posted by: coachblalock

Re: "IDEAL" Randall Knife - 06/24/21 01:40 PM

Pap,

I was thinking #19 myself.

But then again, #12-9/14 is not bad.

And then, any of my Full Tangs...

Coach
Posted by: thevalueman

Re: "IDEAL" Randall Knife - 06/24/21 05:50 PM

I'd have to say that the model 5 covers the most "area" of any Randall....many options, blade lengths.....etc...

:-)Rocky
Posted by: rodbrown

Re: "IDEAL" Randall Knife - 06/24/21 06:35 PM

I will second Pap. Model 5-5”. I am on the fence, tool steel vs SS.
Posted by: Chief

Re: "IDEAL" Randall Knife - 06/24/21 11:05 PM

I'm thinking a Stanaback in Musk Ox.....
I wasn't till I saw yours at Blade!
Next as always a 19 4.5....just a beast of a knife!
As I call it a pry bar with sharp edges.
Posted by: Billy Poyner

Re: "IDEAL" Randall Knife - 06/25/21 03:03 PM

Model 5-6 Camper Special
Posted by: Gert

Re: "IDEAL" Randall Knife - 06/26/21 11:41 AM

Nr 15 Airman
Carbon steel blade pickled
Single nickel silver hilt
Full tang
Green micarta Border Patrol handle
Waxed sheath

That one ticks a lot of boxes for me!
Posted by: Captain Chris Stanaback

Re: "IDEAL" Randall Knife - 06/26/21 01:15 PM

Gert,
It's one of my choices...for sure!
Stay Sharp, Capt. Chris
* Model #15-5 1/2"
* Stainless
* Thumb notches
* Nickel silver single hilt
* Squared top
* NASA OD Green (G-3)
* Border Patrol Handle
Posted by: Kirko

Re: "IDEAL" Randall Knife - 06/26/21 02:36 PM

Non-catalog Fireman's Special !
Posted by: mic214

Re: "IDEAL" Randall Knife - 06/26/21 03:44 PM

It’s a tough call…

It be between this Model 15:



Or this one…

Posted by: Tanasie

Re: "IDEAL" Randall Knife - 06/27/21 12:56 AM

If there is such a thing as a 'perfect' knife an obvious Model is the Dealer Special...'Stanaback Special'...in the 4 1/2" blade length....loaded with just about every option you could ever use...
Posted by: The Bushman

Re: "IDEAL" Randall Knife - 06/28/21 10:47 AM

Tried and tested, the #28 Woodsman. What is does not do, no other one will. It's perfect.
Posted by: Captain Chris Stanaback

Re: "IDEAL" Randall Knife - 06/30/21 06:03 PM

Chief-N-Rex,
Thanks for the kudos. Here's a practical way to go with my 4 5/8" version...especially for "whatever" may be needed of it...to include smackin' open coconuts, metal can tops of skulls! Maroon micarta with all matching brass hardware.
Stay Sharp, Capt. Chris
PS: See that silver metal, sticking outta' the middle of the skull-crusher/coolie cap? That's the end of the "full tang"...Plenty strong enough, indeed...CCS

Posted by: Shoot870p

Re: "IDEAL" Randall Knife - 06/30/21 09:49 PM

Capt, that is a good looking Special for sure. Really like the detail of the tang at tip.
Walker
Posted by: GCTom41

Re: "IDEAL" Randall Knife - 07/01/21 09:20 AM

That's a beauty Capt!

Tom Flynn
Posted by: Kirko

Re: "IDEAL" Randall Knife - 07/01/21 03:50 PM

That' memorable no doubts !
Originally Posted By: Captain Chris Stanaback
Chief-N-Rex,
Thanks for the kudos. Here's a practical way to go with my 4 5/8" version...especially for "whatever" may be needed of it...to include smackin' open coconuts, metal can tops of skulls! Maroon micarta with all matching brass hardware.
Stay Sharp, Capt. Chris
PS: See that silver metal, sticking outta' the middle of the skull-crusher/coolie cap? That's the end of the "full tang"...Plenty strong enough, indeed...CCS

Posted by: KANEMAN23

Re: "IDEAL" Randall Knife - 07/17/21 02:09 PM

Model 5-5 or 23
Posted by: Buck Buchanan

Re: "IDEAL" Randall Knife - 07/17/21 08:17 PM

Looks like almost all of my friends here have found the ideal blade length to be between 4-1/2" & 6". Great minds think alike.

My favorite is the "Combat Companion", carbon steel, & nickel-silver hilt, black micarta handle with a "C" sheath. EDC & camp knife.
Posted by: tomthbomb

Re: "IDEAL" Randall Knife - 07/19/21 08:56 AM

This 23 is the one I grab when I'm going to the cabin or the lake.
Posted by: Cut it out

Re: "IDEAL" Randall Knife - 11/07/21 02:02 PM

I’m with ya tombomb! The 23 is a great knife!!!! But if I was only getting one to do everything it would be the 15 with single finger guard. Bit stout for fishing and small game but if I can only have one to do everything it’s gonna need to be tough!
Posted by: JerryG

Re: "IDEAL" Randall Knife - 01/10/22 10:29 PM

Yeah, a 15 camp knife sure is handy. Kinda thick for camp cookin chores but it works out
Posted by: REK

Re: "IDEAL" Randall Knife - 01/11/22 07:23 PM

Very nice, Jerry!
Posted by: Michael_Mason

Re: "IDEAL" Randall Knife - 01/12/22 07:27 AM

Jerry’s knife:
Posted by: Leatherman

Re: "IDEAL" Randall Knife - 01/17/22 12:37 PM

1-6 or a 5-6
Posted by: alan_grombacher

Re: "IDEAL" Randall Knife - 01/17/22 08:02 PM

My 4-6 standard or my 23 standard or my Sergeant with its micarta handle (thanks Captain, it’s a great knife).
Posted by: alan_grombacher

Re: "IDEAL" Randall Knife - 01/17/22 09:14 PM

I might have added the Stanaback Special, but alas I don’t have one anymore. My boys liked them too much and they have them now.