Long story, but here goes... I used to go to Fri night auctions in a small town in upstate SC. This night there were some bowie knives, two were alike, but only one marked with the Randall logo. There was also some knife making materials for sale. The Randall marked knife was in a plain sheath, the other in a Randall marked Johnson brown button. All I knew about Randall's were they are expensive and you're in for waits measured in years. I set my limit at $150, this in 2000. The Randall marked one came up first, bidding ended at $95.00, and I had my first Randall. But I needed the sheath, so had to pay $105 for the unmarked knife. I showed the knife around to dealers at gunshows for a year or two, only getting more questions than answers. Some thought the marked knife was fake because they had never seen one like it. Some just wanted to know "how much". I had been collecting guns long enough to know to find out what you got before putting a price on it. One helpful soul said to send it to Randall, which I did. Gary Randall examined it and sent the letter below.


Joined the Randall Knife Society and even on that forum, got some interest and little help. Took the trip to the Blade show in Atlanta for the RKS meeting. Met Pete Hamilton who was introducing his book. Pete said they made 4 of these with NS "S" hilts around 1959, it was a special knife and to keep the letter with the knife, it would add to the package when I got ready to sell. I was beginning to appreciate what I had found in the little home town auction. When I answered that I had come to Atlanta to sell, he took me out to the floor to met Tom Clinton. Tom's face lit up when he saw it, held it up and said he just loved a beautiful Bowie. Asked me if it was for sale, and what I wanted for it. He was very fair and generous in meeting my inflated price. I nearly fainted as he counted out those $100 bills.

I had digital pics of the knife and some hard copy print outs, but over the years, lost it all. Every time a new Randall came along, it would rekindle an interest to find a pic of this one. I heard that Tom had passed away and someone suggested I contact Gary Clinton. Unbelievebly, Gary recognized the knife from my description, dug it out and sent me some pics. I cannot thank him enough. A long-time itch finally scratched. Well, I said it was a long story ...



Charlie