Hank,

I only have one EDC a tri-athelete handled in Black Palm that I always have with me.

For Hunting it is a 25-5 stag in a waxed pouch sheath, that is razor sharp. Knife has been in many places around the world.

I display the majority of my collection for me to always see and enjoy. Value is in the eyes of the beholder.

Depends on what kind of collecting you want to do. Exotic handle materials and historical knife shapes are one of my go to's for builds.

I like all knives RMK and BMK. I also liked the work of Shaw/Liebowitz during the 70's with their blade etched Bicentennial set and the Lewis and Clark RMK issue.

RKS and RKCC Club issued knives are also great knives to collect.

Look at the work that James Behring is doing; his sources for artifact materials is extraordinary. His blued and hammered blade finishes are also an excellent addition to a knife. You will have to go looking hard to find a sharper knife than those made by James. The sheath work (artwork) that he has as resources are Roger Mudbone Jones, Amy Warlander and Rowe Sheaths. Wood checkering for handles is also available.

Classic RMK Catalog and Non-Catalog knives have set the standard for purpose designed knives. RMK also has the most knowledgeable dealer base; some with their own Dealer Special RMK knives. There are also highly qualified knife resellers like Mitchell Harrison(Tunefink)and Joe Dorsky (Crutchtip). They can also help you with Authentication and Appraisals.

Remember buy the knife not the story. Especially on the Bay- everyone has Vietnam era or some other unverifiable reference noted in their descriptions. Military knives with provenance are the tried and true collectible; usually exceed price paid on resale and are the best investment.

The greatest set of knives ever made in my opinion was the Continents Series RMK/Tom Leschorn; if you want to see excellent craftsmanship and materials along with a theme.

Good luck and buy what is right for you.

Tom Flynn

Thanks Steve ... and thanks for reminding me ...
I also use my carving set, of course!

Tony

I have two EDCs, a RMK and a folder.

My RMK EDC is a 5-4" with no options. It came from a friend, which came from another friend of mine (that ordered it from the shop directly). I brought the knife to Blade 2019 and left it with Amy for a pouch sheath build. The new sheath has taken some abuse but that's the purpose.

My folder is a Benchmade 730 Ares (Axis lock). Big fan of the drop point and axis lock.

That was well said Tom....

.

Sure would like to see a few pictures of the #2

Seems like a couple years ago, Lori nearly bought that knife for $5. Remember?

Several times I have found a Randall way too nice to use, I guess everyone has a preference. Bought a few with custom wood and butt caps, found myself not fond of butt caps.

I see a 50th anniversary on ebay for a little over 4k I would probably be tempted to want to use it, no phone sheath, really nice grind, I bet it would be a wonderful slicer! Way too nice to interface with general utility objects.

Yes...I have a Triathlete as well that rides in my boot daily. It is such a light, strong, and handy little knife to have along. Really, it is about all the knife I would generally need.

ctdair Take a look at the Randall Picture forum. I just posted pics of the #2 earlier as well as a vintage #20 and Vintage #1