Thanks to all that have participated thus far.

Model 7 Fisherman-Hunter

The Model 7 Fisherman was designed as a scaled-down version of the Model 3 Hunter.

From Randall Made Knives: The History of the Man and the Blades by Robert L. Gaddis, pp107-108

Quote:

---

Almost immediately, the concept of a reduced-scale version of his new Hunter suggested itself to Bo as an ideal knife for his fellow fisherman. An avid fisherman since his youth, Bo viewed this new knife as a labor of love, and he got to work on the project right away. He tried both 4- and 4 1/2-inch blades at first, rapidly settling on the 4 1/2. Bo wanted just the right grip for cleaning brook trout and similar-size fish, so he reduced the handle size from the new Hunter and modified its shape some. Naturally, he named this one the "Fisherman," and some early prototypes with the 4-inch blade went to a few dealers during the latter part of September 1945.

---

From the current catalog:
" Model 7 Fisherman-Hunter 4 1/2" and 5" blades of 3/16" stock. 4 1/4"-5/8" leather handle. Brass hilt. Duralumin butt cap. Similar to Model 3 except this knife is smaller and lighter. Ideal for small game, creel and tackle box."

Along with the Model 3 the Model 7 is one of my own personal favorites.

Lady and gentlemen may we please see some Model 7's.
Kevin

Here is a nice one circa late 1945-46 in a Moore sheath.

Here is a model 7-5" Oosik handle, SS blade, NSH, Nickle butt plate, thumb notches, black&silver spacers with black sheath.

This one came up on e-bay about 5-6 years ago. I lost it to Perry. He still had it when I saw him at the next Blade Show and we've been friends ever since I figure late '46 / early '47. Coolest 7 I've ever seen.



This one came up on e-bay about the same time. A buy-it-now from "Earl the Pearl" (He frequents this forum from time to time). This one started my pin stag collection. I tried to get the best example of every model I could and had some decent ones before my collection theme turned to Hunters. I love the piece of stag on this one as well as the nickel silver pin that matches the hilt (According to Doug the pin is aluminum or unobtainium but I digress ) Photo courtesy of Sheldon's photographer Jim McDonald.



This one popped up on e-bay not too long ago buy-it-now. The price was good and the knife and sheath were so damned nice I coldn't resist.

Nice one Burnie!

Here's one with BIG stag.

Model 7 with Treeman Yellow Micarta.

Jerry

I’ve never seen a #7 I didn’t like…

#7-4 1/2 , SS, NS hilt, stag w/ finger grips, Dura. Butt, wrist thong. No-hone sheath. Late 80s.

Thanks Patrick, The model 7 is one of my all time favorites just the right size!

Here is an old yeller in a Johnson Smmoth back.... with a #6 grind and a reduced hilt.


And an another in old brown micarta and seven spacers....in a Johnson rough Back sheath.

Here's one that was deliverd at the end of October

Stainless, nickel silver hilt, black micarta handle aluminum and black spacers.

I would like to thank everyone for such a great first day response.
From Joe and Ron's early models to Graham's present day knife. All are wonderful examples of RMK's highly skilled craftsman.
Thanks,
Kevin

Those are some great pics guys! There isn't one there that I would not love to own. These are my current 7's. As luck would have it, the UPS guy just dropped off the 7 with the 6 grind this morning... I had sent it to Sullivan's not too long ago to be custom fitted to a black sheath so I can have one of both colors. I snapped a pic of it with it's new sheath and will post it too just because it's neat.
~dale

P.S. I'd also like to add that the #7 has proven to be a very useful knife for us. It is light weight, very well balanced, large enough to do most any skinning/cleaning job you will encounter, yet small enough you won't even know you're carrying it. It's running a close second to the model 8's for being my favorite model for a user knife, and in all fairness to it, is actually probably tied for a favorite depending on the task at hand. Bo had it figured out when he down scaled the #3 for this model... overall, a SPECTACULAR knife! I urge anyone who doesn't have one to place this model on their list of knives to order. If you plan on using it, you won't be disappointed, and if you just want to hold and look it, you got a winner there too.

.

By the way Rick, the 7 with the #6 grind has a very nice "white", smooth area on the handle... and as luck would have it, it's on the left side...hint, hint. Maybe you can think about a scene for it in your spare time (I know, I know, what's spare time? ).
~dale

Great knives from top to bottom Dale!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for sharing them.
Kevin

Thanks Kevin, I get a lot of enjoyment from them (actually, the kids and I both do).


Graham,
Every time I look at the pic of your 7, it makes me wish the one I ordered in micarta was already here...that's a keeper you got there.
~dale

Dale when it arrived I kicked myself for not ordering stag and another option. But pretty knives end up locked in the safe. This one resides in one of my hunting packs, it will become a favorite.

I do regret not getting the #6 grind though. Thinking about it. If the blade was a bit deeper and a bit shorter with a #6 grind it would be my perfect hunting knife. I think that's a close description of a GTR Special.

Add some black and metal spacers, a gold micarta or orange G10 gip so as it is easy to find when you put it down on the ground, a compass to find myself, pehaps some thumb notches and a waxed sheath.

It's time to order another knife.

I put this in the Edo thread, I'll show it here too.
7-4, brown micarta, compass.

Very nice, JP. I agree with Dale about what a great little user a Model 7 can be. Some of the handle options make it even more ergonomic like your BP. A single finger grip handle is another like this burgundy Micarta one with unusual spacers.

Graham,
I understand. The one I ordered has AGM, with a compass. The stag is beautiful, and has proven to be very durable beyond a doubt. The 7's I have now are all stag, and I like them very much, but just wanted a micarta user because it's so easy to clean and take care of... and I like it in yellow! But I was so excited when I wrote the order that I forgot to add the #6 grind. Oh well, in any config., it is still a great knife IMO!
~dale

HAVE A PEACEFUL THANKSGIVING DAY AMONG ALL YOUR BELOVED.



Best
Guido

Guido,
Just when I thought I had seen all of your beautiful Randall examples, you go and throw an exceptional one at me. That's very nice... I love scrim!
~dale

Here is a #7 with #6 grind. It features the old Westinghouse micarta and some unusual spacers. Can anyone help estimate an age for this one?

Here is my son's Model 7 and a Model 5 that I picked up around the same time.

Here is a early 50's pinned model 7. One of the best user models in the randall line! IMO.

Tom,
I'd guess between the late 70's and early 80's. I certainly could be off, but not by much.
Best, Capt. Chris

Here's a 7-4 1/2" I forgot to add to this thread. I just took these pics recently and made me think of it.
~dale





-walnut
-SS
-N/S
-butt cap w/ exposed nut
-wrist thong
-alum/black spacers

Here is a vintage model 7-5" seperate S, ebony handle, 7-spacer w/brass escutcheon plate. JRB sheath w/combo stone. MFG 1964.

VERY NICE, BURNIE!
A "classy, classic" Randall.
Tony

Our good friend, Kent Warnberg, wanted to share some of his knives and sheaths with us. Here are two Model 7-4"s. The first one has a very pretty cocobolo handle with engraving done by Ron Skaggs. The sheath is Diamondback rattlesnake.





The second 7-4" has a great ironwood handle and the engraving is by Joe Mason. The sheath is beaver tail with a tooled belt loop.
Thanks,
Kevin

Kent,

All I can tell ya is something that I heard once or twice from a good friend of mine, "you get all the good knives".
Those are several of the nicest 7"s on the planet.

Best,
Warren

Kent,
ANOTHER BEAUTY! I especially like the geometric pattern on the hilt!
Tony

Warren and Tony,

Again many thanks go to Kevin, for the Great job he did shooting picts of these!

Since your the only two reading this, I will tell you how that sheath came about. My slot for 3 sheaths came up with Greg, and we talked a few times about what material he should use. We decided on diamondback rattler with a border for the 4-6, and natural baby horn back crock for the #26. We then talked about the 7-5, (the one with ironwood, and engraved by Joe Mason), and kicked around a few ideas. This is the honest to gosh truth, I don't even remember talking about Beaver! I may have said, "just find something that you think will match".

When I got the knives back, I about fell off my chair as I was surprised and Very Happy to see the #7 in Beaver, and Tooling to boot! If you can't tell, I really like the work that Greg did, and how it turned out! I would order another one in beaver in a heart beat. Really nice stuff. I think that with the outstanding engraving by Joe, and now a awesome sheath to boot, I may as well just keep this one !
Kent

Kent,
Thanks for sharing that story.
Those sheaths do indeed, match the knives beautifully!
Tony

Did someone say Model #7's? O.K. Here ya' go...
Best, Capt. Chris

AGM handle, with compass installed and a wrist thong.
Best, Capt. Chris

Here's another!
Best, Capt. Chris

In the day when we could get fg's on 3/16" Randalls...Also compass and wrist thong.
Best, Capt. Chris

Here's another...This one is 5" long and has a custom wood handle (Lignum Vitae)
Best, Capt. Chris

Another one...This is 4 1/2" (heavy blade) and has fossil walrus, teardropped handle.
Best, Capt. Chris

Here's another view.
Best, Capt. Chris

One more...
Best, Capt. Chris

I had Greg make me a "pouch" sheath for it...
Best, Capt. Chris

ET1, just so I can remember who it belongs to...
Best, Capt. Chris

I'll apologize, ahead of time, for the quality of some of the next shots. This "pair" of Randalls are bruied deep within my stash and won't surface again until hunting season. I have used this set of knives so much, and for so long, that the #7-5", #6 grind knife is on it's "third" sheath!! Enjoy!!
Best, Capt. Chris

Another view...
Best, Capt. Chris

Again...fg's on 3/16" stock Randall knives (no longer an available option)...
Best, Capt. Chris

Name etching on both knives. I have Randalls in my "stash" that are more valuable, but none that have served me so well or are a better "matched" pair. To come up with 2 pieces of stag so close in texture, matrix and color is quite unique. Hope you enjoy looking at them as much as I do. I am working on a "carving" set with some of my "stashed stag" that, if it all flies, I'll post photos of at a later date. They are still in the "planning" stages...
Best, Capt. Chris

Great looking #7's there Capt., and functional too. I have used my #7 on many deer and elk. I do like the idea of a #6 grind on the blade. Can one send a regular #7 back to the shop and get a #6 grind done?

No...They cannot. The knife has to be ordered with that option.
Best, Capt. Chris

Capt in your opinion what benefits does the model 6 grind add to a blade? i.e. easier sharpening?

A Model #7 is "named" The "Fisherman-Hunter". It certainly lives up to that name..."BUT"...(There comes that word again) the #6 grind makes the knife far better suited for the "fish" side of the name. You can lay the blade down (flatter) and skin fish easier, faster and closer.
It also works better in the kitchen. That's why a Model #6-4 1/2", "Steak" knife is so named and chosen by the Randall shop to accompany the #6-9", Carving set. In short, at least for "me", ordering your Model #7-4 1/2" or 5" with a #6 grind just makes more sense...for it's "intended" purpose.
If you are looking for more of an "all-around" knife (I'm not ever sure what that means) then the standard grind "Fisherman'Hunter" might be the better choice. It has a little more "backbone" and is the perfect companion to it's big brother, The Model #3! Hope this "sorta" answers your question.
Best, Capt. Chris

Ever seen a #3 with a #6 grind??

Mike,
Yes I have. Although they are not available at the present time, the Randall shop made them in the past. I don't know the exact amount, but it was certainly more than just one forging and went on for a period of time.
Best, Capt. Chris

Here's an early one (Sheath is a bit older then the knife):



Best,

Great knife Ron, How much time diff. in sheath and knife?

Thanks, Bernie. I own just the sheath and not the knife. The sheath is mid '46 or earlier. The knife could be as much as 10 years later. With the No. 6 grind the ability to narrow it down by whether or not it has a "blade flat" goes away.

Best,

Here's a nice Model 3 with the Model 6 grind from the early to mid 60's...

Perry-

That's a great looking knife and a real "user" IMHO. Thanks for posting.

Just going through this thread I couldn't find another example of a 7-4.5 with a crown stag handle. I don't know how many were handled this way but my guess is very few. I purchased this knife earlier this year while I was building my collection of crown stag knives which eventually evolved into the clock photo. This was in fact the last crown stag knife that I needed for the photo project. It is a very well balanced and proportioned knife and it would make a great user. If anyone has additional examples of a Model 7 in Crown Stag please post some photos.

Best,
Warren

A recently acquired #7-4" with Rosewood handle.

Looks like that one came in a roughback sheath!! Nice!!
Best, Capt. Chris

Yes it does, Captain! Both knife and sheath are just about mint ... no sign of use on either.
Thanks,
Tony

Tony,
Just so he doesn't feel "entirely" left out, here's a couple of pics for Tom.
Best, Capt. Chris

I like this knife so much that I allocated one of my last 3 pieces of antique gold micarta to have a Model #3-6" made up to match it! I think that will be a terrific companion pair!
Best, Capt. Chris

I realize that I won't be able to get all "8" options on the #3 (counting the black sheath). Haven't decided which ones to eliminate.
Best, Capt. Chris

I really won't need 2 compasses...but they look so cool!! Decisions, decisions.
Best, Capt. Chris

Captain,
I'm yellow with envy!
(I know ... I've used that one before)

Tom,
That looks like one comfortable handle!
Tony

Here's a recent acquisition of my son's...the whole package. I like it when a story can go with the original owner of the knife. No, nothing special ever went on with this knife but the original owner had quite a fullfilling life. Oh, and a special bonus of a near mint Blue Label Stone.

Enjoy, Tom
#3081

And another...

Tom
#3081

Tom,
What a great example of an early #7. Congrats to your son on a fantastic find.
~dale

Here are some pics I though I would add to the sticky thread for reference.
~dale

One in ivory...

This knife was posted before, has the #6 blade grind, but wanted to show the custom made sheath from Greg at Sullivan's... a dark brown hornback croc (just amazing). Greg's work is beyond a doubt worthy of posting pics for all to see.

One with the "Brass & Red" which isn't seen too often. Also has the "rounded" butt cap which feels soft or smoother than the standard edged cap in the palm of your hand.

To show the difference between the standard and #6 blade grinds for any of you who would like to see them side by side.

I had noticed recently that I had no model 7, I have since corrected that grievous error, with this attractive 4 1/2 inch version, with my favorite wood and a border patrol handle style.
I don't know why I hadn't picked one up earlier, it is a great model.

Peter

Other than my Model 5, my most used Randall has been my #7-4 1/2. Both are over 30 years old. I sent the original one to Mr. Johnson for a custom pouch sheath. No telling how many elk and mule deer I have gutted and skinned with my 2 Model 7's. As I have stated before, my first #7 was taken by the wife as she loved it's small features, so I immediately ordered another one. I now also have a #3-6 but it hasn't had the "experience" that my #7's have.

Pap

I've always liked the Model 7 -- this is one of the first Randalls I ever ordered, and it was early enough so that the Randall shop was still willing to put finger grips on small handles.

A couple of newer model 7's, both with #6 blade grinds, these are keepers.




Rob

Nice stag. Love the 6 grind.

Great lookers! Also like the 6 grind!

Two Beauties!

Thanks Guys! A couple more...

Here some of my Mod. #7 never posted before:

My Friend Tunefink posted(on page 1) Old yella' steak knife...shell we consider #7 ?..or as catalog says:....a #6..?

Very nice Guido!! You always have exceptional quality knives. You have a very good eye for style.

Mike Webb
Aggiemike

Jesus!! If I see the collections....... no comment!!

But:
I am so glad with one Randall!! What will I be if I´ll buy more...?

Good point Guido...... same knife..... but maybe in a sheath it's #7 with a #6 grind.... and a #6 when it's with a set??

Beautiful set by the way!

Just took delivery of a new 7-4.5 with a 6 grind and reduced hilt set up like a Chef knife. Sheath was a 6 4.

For what it's worth.

doug e.

Roger Tune..!...while expecting Capt. words...

Here's my late 70's-early 80's #7-4, seperate "S", #6 grind, NS squared hilt, thumb notches, maroon micarta and a Johnson pouch sheath. About as pretty a little user one could have. If it only had a wrist thong and a compass, it would be the bomb. As is, I can't wait to use it. So many Randalls, so little time........

Pap

VERY Nice Mike!!!!!

Mike/Pap!

Perfekt knife-sheath-combination for a user!!

Here is my daily driver 7-4 been on my hip since 1997 or 98 would have to look it up in my records but it has achieved many chores. Like for instance Eating/Trimming a N.Y. Strip at Don Shulas Steak House to bait, stripping wire, fixing bald tire's on motorcycles (not the most uplifting chore for a road captain but it beats a blow out at the front of the pack that would endanger other rider's lives) and last but not least just looking pretty awesome on my hip...enjoy the pictures if they post

The used knives are the best!!

Ah,
A noble user!

That one looks like my #1 son's favorite knife. He uses for everything from cheese to deer and bear.

Cheers,

Alan Grombacher
RKS#5531
RKCC-CMI-010

My #7-5.

Classic model 7-5 with beautiful stag handle.

Looks like a waxed sheath. A new arrival?

Let us know when the meat's done and we'll drop by.

Other than the Model #5, the Model #7-5 is my most used Randall. A great choice.

Pap

I arrive in 8/2012.
A Steak Tartare?.

Here are some photos of the newest Model 7-4 I just scored this week off eBay from Duke McCaa at Gulf Breeze.

Model 7-4-1/2"
Stainless blade
#6 grind
Brass & black spacers
Maroon micarta handle
tear-drop shaped handle
brass hilt
My new "favorite" knife!

Art DeCamp

I can see why it's your new favorite; a very nicely optioned #7. I have one almost identical only it has a JRB pouch sheath. Congrats!!

Pap

Mod 7-4.5"
Stag, Reduced Hilt, two shells - original and new.
Received as a gift from my old friend.
I am very happy

Beautiful Knife!!
You have a very nice friend!!
:-)Rocky

GREAT knives, Guys!
I ' m Green of envy!
Best,

Here is an older Model 7-4-1/2" I've had for a while. I like Model 7's!
Art DeCamp

That is a very nice "oldie" for sure. After my first Model 1, I bought a Modle 7 and used it alot for a few years until I got my first Model 5-5.

Pap

I think the model-3 and model-7 blades are the two most graceful and visually appealing of all the Randall models... even though I have mostly m-1s, m-2s and m-14s. Art, your oldie is especially nice because I like the deeper choll that lends a kind of delicate look ... the "wasp-neck" from a couple of years earlier with a really deep choll has even more visual depth.

Here is a model-7 I found crusing the net. It may be one of the most beautiful and interesting of any model-7 partly because of its rosewood box and handle, and of course because of the initials of Mr. Randall on the ricosso. The story can be read at this link, worth the read:

http://svalbardrepublic.org/ebay/randall-boxed0910.htm

It has a fairly rare Johnson brown button sheath*, no model numbers on back, which probably dates the knife pretty precisely to late '62, early '63. This of course would be one of the first sheaths made by Johnson.













* this sheath has most of the characteristics of an early Johnson brown button... but the stitching seems poor.

Beautiful knife, grind #6?

Me too:

7 G10 Jade

old one

Nice fairly early Model 7-4.

Art,
You just "drop in" and post that beauty!!!
not fair!!!
got more?
:-)Rocky

The postman just delivered this early Model 7-4 today. Note its diminutive size compared to the 7-4-1/2" with Heiser sheath shown below it in the second picture.

Perhaps someone knows more than I about this very early Model 7.
Art DeCamp

Art. You have a very nice pair of #7's there. Nice sheaths too. Especially the top Clarence Moore sheath with both a translucent and brown button snap.
I would guess both to be made in the 1945-'49 range, judging the peened tang on them both, with the bottom knife with the Heiser sheath just a bit older. Your newer one seems to have a more defined grind line.
Great pair of knives Art.

Art what are the markings on the sheath pictured at bottom

Burnie:
See photos of the backs of both sheaths posted below. They are in the same order as my first post. Bottom knife shown second.

My #7-5.

That's a great lookin 7, and that weaved sheath... W.O.W. !!!

Agreed!!

Pap

oh yeah! that sheath just yells for attention!

Here's my 7-4, maple burl handle.

The Maple is great, but what are the spacers?

GHD, Your handle wood is Birdseye Maple, and very nice at that!


_____________

Doug

I had to look at the spacers under a loupe , The thin spacers are a browm micarta with very thin red on either side, then white , and a thick brown micata in the center.

thought that was brown, extremely awesome set up there!

very nice knife and great looking Maple handle. 1977 to 1986 era would be my guess on date of knife.

congratulations.

max

Birdseye maple, your right, don't know why I was think burl, Duh. Gettig old I guess :-)

Pretty sure it's in a Moore sheath. Now someone will come on and tell me I'm wrong....again.