Knife of the week Denmark Special!!!

An original Denmark Special from my collection. See article below also from RKS newsletter #59 which includes an article from newsletter #5 by RKS Florida member, Brad Shepherd. Also notice the unusual side draw sheath that some of these early knives from Denmark's Sporting Goods had.

Regards,

Rhett








The following article is from Randall Knife Society newsletter, #5, dated January 1990. Written by member Brad Shepherd. I saw Brad at this years Knifemaker’s Guild Show, as he is a new member in that guild and makes a very nice knife.

The knife shown here, I traded for at the Solvang Show in April, from a custom knife dealer from Massachusetts.
The knife blade measures four inches long and is of 1/4 inch stainless stock. The Johnson sheath is one of the custom designed horizontal sheaths and “custom” is written , in ink, on the back of the sheath. The handle is black micarta and there is a black faced compass in the butt. There are nine spacers making up the typical seven spacer arrangement of this period. The two outside red spacers, are usually counted as one, each end of the spacer arrangement. The hilt is nickel silver.
Also notice that the “S”, denoting stainless, was stamped separately from the Randall logo.

In 1995 the RKS club knife was the “Denmark” blade. Today Randall offers this knife in 3/16 inch stock, 4-1/2 inch blade, as a Non-Catalog Model. In 1990 when the article below was written, the Denmark Special was not available from Randall. /// Rhett Stidham

RKS Newsletter #5 January, 1990

BRAD SHEPHERD / THE DENMARK SPECIAL

Many central Floridians and all of the Orlando area sporting community is familiar with Denmark’s Sporting Goods. Located for many years in downtown Orlando, Denmark’s was the hub of activity for local sportsmen of all persuasions. It was not unusual to find three generations shopping together for their hunting and fishing supplies. Indeed two generations of management could be found tending the store on most days. The familiar landmark founded decades ago by Pete Denmark and Walter Hudson is history now. The old wooden floors and racks of lures and walls covered with trophies have been replaced by jogging shorts and tennis rackets. But, beside the memories, a few tangible reminders are still around.

One piece of memorabilia that will remain for a long time is the Randall made “DENMARK SPECIAL”. The Denmark Special was commissioned by Pate Denmark at the urging of “Little Walter” Hudson. “Little Walter” is the son of the co-founder. Little Walter goes about 250 and could bench press a Ford Bronco if he put his mind to it! Pete and Walter thought their customers deserved a Randall specifically designed for Florida use. Their theory was that the ideal Florida hunting knife would be small, rugged and simple. A drop point skinner with solid metal all the way to the tip was their choice. The taper grind on the top of most Randalls is all right for thrusting but could weaken the very area that had to take the force of splitting the backbone of a fresh kill.

After a few hours going over their requirements with Bo Randall, the Denmark Special was born. The Denmark Special has never been cataloged and is actually considered by the Randall Shop to be a special grind rather than a custom design. The basic style is that of the Model 7 without the top bevel. The result is a strengthened blade that retains the flowing grace of the original. The handles were available in both stag and micarta. The spacers were alternating red and white. A typical specimen is shown in the photo above.

According to Walter, the Denmark Special was first offered in 1975. It was kept more or less in stock exclusively in the Orlando store until the business was sold in 1988. No records are available but Walter estimates approximately 195 were sold in the last 15 years. The majority probably still reside in local closets and gun cabinets.

An interesting optional feature on the Denmark Special was a custom designed horizontal sheath. Little Walter felt this sheath, which laid along the belt line provided added protection in case the wearer fell from a tree stand — an all too common occurrence.

The closest thing to the Denmark Special presently available is the Pathfinder featured in the last RKSA newsletter. Could there be an inspiration here from the past? //// Brad Shepherd

Wow great read thanks Mr. Stidham for this very useful knowledge! And awesome knife I like the micarta crows beak.

Rhett,
Thanks for the great read! Terrific looking knife.
I don't think I ever saw a Micarta handle shaped into a "crow's beak" at the end.
Can that be ordered today?
Best,
Tony

Rhett, Can you still order a micarta crows beak?? John

Here's a beut that belongs to Neale Jenkinson accross the pond in Merry Old England:



Looks like antique gold micarta with a border patrol handle, all black spacers, brass hilt and brass radiused butt cap. Very very nice set up Neale.

Regards, Doug

-Steve

Tony and Jesse,

I had to call the Captain on this as I am not very knowledgable on the new knives. A knife today would not look close to the old one I show. It would look more like the knife that silverknife shows.

Knives change through the years with all companies.

Regards,

Rhett

Tony and all other "interested" parties,
That is, indeed, a truly cool old Denmark. Unfortunately, Just like the cool old sheath, the handle shape has become a piece of history. It is no longer available and has not been for a couple of decades!
The closest you can come "nowadays" is to order a #22 handle and butt cap. If one solid piece of micarta is your goal, you can order a micarta "border patrol" shaped handle, but it will not be near as pronounced at the butt as this splendid old example.
The "dual-carry" roughback is a great idea, but "no can do" anymore. Perhaps Greg could replicate the sheath, "after the fact", but not the Randall shop.
Sorry to rain on your parade folks. Best, Capt. Chris

P.S. Sorry, Rhett. I did not know we were posting at the same time...CCS

Rhett and Captain,
Thanks for the reply. I appreciate it!
No "rain on my parade". It's just good to know the facts.
Thanks again,
Tony

Here's mine.
Actually my RKS #2!
Tony

Quote: P.S. Sorry, Rhett. I did not know we were posting at the same time...CCS

Not a problem Captain. We all appreciate what you do for us here on the Forum.

Regards,

Rhett

Heres my Denmark Special:

A group pic of 2 early DS's with the shorter blades, and 2 more recent models.
~dale

4 Beauties Dale!!!
Tony

What does a GTR look like next to these Beauties!

This is my one and only Denmark Special. This is a 5 option knife that I believe has a customer supplied smooth stag handle. This is one beautifly balanced knife that is loaded with character. A keeper!

Best,
Warren

Do not post very much but look in every day. Just rec'd my Denmark yesterday - ordered almost five years ago. Not my first Randall but my first ordered from the shop.I ordered it before I knew about this sight. Called the shop one day and asked the man who answered the phone - some guy named Scott - if this would be a good general purpose small field knife. I was told that w/ the blade length and the #6 grind it would serve me well. Man does he know what he's talking about! Was so pleased with the knife that I pickle juiced the blade right away. Love the stag and the shape - almost a bp handle - like they know the shape of my hand. And as a bonus the packing material was the sports page from The Orlando Sentinel! Do things get any better? Sending my next order this weekend. Will post pics soon. Thanks to all at Randall for a great heirloom. Darren

Darren,
Nice story ... can't wait to see the pics!
Tony

Coincidence? I was just photographin' some of my "stuff". Greg made me an ostrich "pouch" sheath for this ivory-handled "Denmark". It also has stainless, thumb notches, nickel silver hilt and collar. The ivory is flawless! Enjoy!
Best, Capt. Chris

If any of you folks are in line for a custon sheath from Greg and are not sure what you would like: Think about one of these pouches! They will fit quite a few different Randall knives!!
Best, Capt. Chris

Darren:

Yeah, that Scott guy might know a thing or two (he's the shop foreman). I'm happy things turned out so well for you. Thanks for sharing that great story.

I snagged another Denmark Special, this one with a Green Micarta handle in the Border Patrol shape, Nickel Silver hilt, and Compass.

Here is my new Denmark special with custom ironwood in the border patrol shape.

Peter

What ... let me guess ... YOU LIKE IRON WOOD????????????????
Another beauty Peter!

Beautiful piece of ironwood Peter. You scored another gret knife. Thanks for sharing.

Here´s my beauty!

Anybody have an up as to where Walter Hudson might be nowadays? It would be interesting to talk to him about quite a few subjects, including the "Denmark Special".

Ever since "Shooter's Den" closed I have lost touch with Walter. Let us know if you find him Mike.
Thanks, Capt. Chris

Nice knife Peter and a great looking peice of stag.

That's where he was the last time I spoke with him.

Just bought this beaty from our Great Capt.
It supposedly an user, but let's see how soon I will start looking for another user

Glad you like it. Use it well...
Best, Capt. Chris

Nice one!

Nice One !
Use it in good health.
Tony

Very nice stag! I like it!

...just adding my 'Denmark Special' to the thread....blade is 3-5/8" long. I had never heard of this blade length...but the smooth button sheath from the early 90's is stamped 'DS'....anybody else have one of these short bladed Denmark Special's ?

maybe a GTR Special???

Hey Steve...

The sheath it came with is stamped on the back 'DS'... and the blade has a longer choil than the GTR...could be that it was dis-continued in this blade length because of the GTR model. Maybe DW will fill us in.

Congratulations!! Very nice DS!
I guess you got it from Miles. I was about to buy it but you were faster than me.
The shorther blade DS is mentioned here:
http://www.knifetalkforums.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=41391&page=all

TienD
....yeah I got it from Miles, one thing I've learned is that if you see anything you're interested in on Miles Welze's site....go for it, 'cause they don't last long.

Denmarks were originally shorter and came in a Randall stamped sheath without the DS. Later examples of the first blade length were stamped as you can see my Rex's knife (very nice example). I have an earlier one, which I will try and dig up after I get fully un-packed from "the move".
Later on Denmark settled on the blade we know today, i.e. 4 1/2" length. It was also used (after Denmark closed it's doors) as an RKS "Club" knife before it was added to Randall's "Non Catalog" line-up.
Best, Capt. Chris

Thank you Captain....
That is exactly the info I was searching for...just a reminder of how much knowledge there is on this site..Cap'n Chris..Bo Blade..Joe..Knifenut.. and DW, if I haven't said it before 'Thank You' for all you do here.

I know maybe you think this is a stupid question but I ask any how, why is this model named Denmark? Denmark is my neighbour country. :-)

Kimmo, here is the story in the third post: http://www.knifetalkforums.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=41366#Post41366
Very interesting

Thank's Peter. Much appreciate it. :-)

Here is my old Denmark Special. As you can tell, this one is a user. I pickled the blade and it even has a bite mark from the dog.

Now THAT'S character!
Tony

Tony,

I like the way the blade looks but I was mad at the dog for chewing the stag. He's a little monster sometimes.

Here my Denmark Special... with a wonderful premium ironwood handle; simply love it!

I think "simple" is the key word for this knife. Sometimes less is more as they say and in this case it's definitely true. Beautiful knife. And, very nice pictures (wish I could do that). Thanks for sharing.

Jim E.

Jim,
Simple? Maybe in looks..."BUT"...( I know..I know ) that bad boy has "5" options!
Nice, Capt. Chris
PS: Jim: You won part #1 of Perry's raffle. Get in touch...CCS

Super nice "Denmark" in ironwood, that model has become one of my favorites.

Rob

Really enjoyed this ! I had no idea of the origin of this randall blade ..... thought it was named after the country ..... not knowing it was designed by outdoorsmen for outdoorsmen liking this model more and more because of that great knives guys !

This is a picture of the original store in downtown Orlando.

beautiful knife, Stefano!! enjoy it...
best,

A Denmark, with their trademark red-white spacers. This is one of my preferred RMK models.

Love those spacers on that knife. oldguy

Denmark Special

How nice is that ! My favorite Randall outside of the model one APFK six inch blade I have.

Nice Denmark Billy. I'm beginning to like those red and brass spacers the more I see of them. That's a combination I do not own.

Just received my Denmark Special.

They just keep coming this week. Congrats on another killer knife with over the top stag.

From the spring 17 shop sale, the new Thula Burl

Peter

Nice, Peter. That's a looker for sure.

Here's one of the early 'short' versions! The handle is buffalo horn.

Sexy!!

Mike,

Wicked cool SFG handle.

Holy Crap that's an AWESOME GTR!

Whoa.....That could only be better if it was in MY collection!

James,
The early Denmarks were short like the one shown. Agreed, it's an awesome looking little knife

Originally Posted By: RamKingJCHoly Crap that's an AWESOME GTR!
James,
The early Denmarks were short like the one shown. Agreed, it's an awesome looking little knife cool
_________________________
Michael


Trust me I know... I saw the one YOU posted earlier in this thread, "sport"...

Pretty cool:

Michael

It is a lot more than "pretty" cool!!! Very unique. Looking at the spacers, do you think it was assembled by Gail White, Leschorn or someone like them?

Not sure Rod, anybody's guess?? I hadn't paid much attention to the knife until this morning.
I've probably had it 10+ years now. As with most unusual RMK's I own, this one is no different. It has an issue with the sheath. Had an R stamped into it...
So, it's no help !!

Or possibly a rehandle which might explain the sheath stamp. In any case a well done example.

Warren, my learned friend

Where the heck is the sheath with Michael's knife? Perhaps we Canadians have filters on our ISP and can not see all the pics!!!!!

Rod,

Border security, LOL.

Do we see a hint of the Mini 27 in this blade?

Larry

Larry,
More correctly: A "GTR".
Stay sharp, Capt. Chris

Mike...and others,
If you're interested, that is...Below is an example of an early Denmark (Prototype, if you will) with it's proper RMK shop-supplied sheath. Johnson's smoothback pouch-style with no keeper strap!
If you look closely at my poor attempt (It is, after all, Nightime right now) to highlight the back of the sheath you will not notice any blade length denotation. What you "will" notice is the ever-controversial "R-UP" sheath stamp!
For more clarity on this, I also burned up some flashlight battery and dove into The Captain's STASH! Second RMK is an ivorite (Westinghouse, "Old Yeller") Model #8-4".
The sheath, at casual glance looks to be the same,,,,"BUT",,,(Been a while)...The sheath shows the "4" indicating it is for a 4 inch RMK, which the T&B is. You will also notice the sheath stamp, back to it's now accepted "R DOWN" position.
Both sheaths Johnson and, yet, whaddya' know..differences. I hope this helps you Mike in your sheath search.
Stay sharp everybody,
Nighty Night, Capt. Chris

Very nice Cap, both are the bomb for sure. I used a Model 8 for the entire summer of 1975 as a fishing guide in and around Yellowstone Park. Great knife.

Pap

That old Denmark looks really awesome! Thanks for sharing, Capt. Chris!

Here is mine ....

The trademark of knives sold by Denmark's Sporting Goods were the red / white spacer configuration. Can anyone tell me, was this done across the board with all models of RMK's ordered by Denmark's, or just on the "Denmark Special"?

Is Walter Hudson still around?
Ha-Ha, Capt. Chris

A neet old photo of the place.

Spent a lot of Saturday's with my Dad in that ole place!!
Cool pic!

I like the old glass-eyed Creek Chub also!
Stay sharp, Capt. Chris