Quite a good philosophy Joe, can't say that I disagree at all.

I think when Bo started this business his intention was for the knives to be used. You are right, they are tools.
Somewhere along the line, there were those who started looking at them from another perspective. The older ones, historic value, then they held artistic value, thus the scrimshaw work, silver hardware with engraving. Some real works of art.

Joe, its no different than car collectors, watch collectors, whatever.
Beauty and purpose, and value is always in the eye of the beholder, and there is room for all of us who place different value, even purpose on these knives.

If altering that 28 made it fit your needs, then great. Looks like you did a great job, but what is gained questioning the skills of Randall's shop foreman?

These men are products of on the job training, tradition passed from the journeymen to the apprentices, the old fashioned American way. That's part of why we love Randall Knives. The tradition.

You will not get much traction with this approach Joe.

You do seem to be talented with these knives though. Good job.