O.K.:
So David is fixin' to receive a "way-cool" Randall knife that we (the "Happy Campers") put together. I was wondering: If you had the opportunity, what "wood" would you use on a Randall knife. What color, weight, density, figure or mystic type of wood floats your boat? What would you order? Would you use it? How about the options you would have?
Having our #15, CDT finished up and "on the road" to it's new home just got me to thinking. (That's always dangerous) Let me see and hear your opinions. Ya' never know: We might could had outta' get something started here. (That's proper grammar around here)
Best, Capt. Chris

I'll start...

I like a couple of types of wood. A nice buckeye burl (which might be what you have on that model 4) or redwood burl is hard to beat. However, the right piece of Curly Koa can make a fine looking knife as well.

I tend to prefer NS hardware with the redwood or buckeye but the browns and golds of the Koa go very well with either brass or silver.

For me it's pretty much a matter of taste/opinion so I'm interested to see what other folks have to say...

A new arrival to the forum, but an avid woodworker.

I have always been partial to a curly maple or mahogany, capped off with Nickel Silver. However, a beautiful rosewood burl would also be nice. In this case I would prefer the brass to complement the wood, but nickel could still work.

What do you think?

-Scott

Great Idea Cap!
I would LOVE to have a Randall with an ...
Olivewood Handle! Never saw one before. Don't know if there are any negatives to using this
wood for knife handles. But at least one company I know of offers it for knife handles.

I really like the look of Koa wood. I know it's hard to come by and expensive. I also like the look of Cocobola and spalted maple. I've also got 3 piece of stabalized babinga wood that I haven't decided on which models to have them mated to. Here's a picture of 2 Randalls that I have with wood handles. A TC Special with Cocobola and a 12-6 Sportsman with a walnut handle, plus the 3 pieces of stabilized bubinga wood just waiting for me to decide which model I want them installed on.

Dan Snyder
RKS #5537
SHAG #010

Captain Chris,

Thanks for asking.

I just happen to have a few pieces of stabilized Redwood Lace Burl and CA. Buckeye Burl that you can have just for the asking.

Hey Captain,

Circassian Walnut - to match the reel seat on the 7 1/2 foot 5 weight bamboo flyrod that I build a few years ago.

It is an amazing wood.

Cheers,

Alan Grombacher
RKS#5531

I am partial to nice ironwood, and I have a large Gambler in stabilized box elder burl which is quite amazing.
I am dieing to see the mesquite on the #25 I bought at the Randall sale, and will post pictures as soon as it arrives.

Peter

i think a randall with a snakewood handle would look good on a randall knife with nickle silver and black spacers with a nice high polish would look cool, but thats just me

I'm a huge fan of wood handles, especially darker colored and more reddish wood with a lot of texture like Ironwood, Mahagony, Cocobola, Rosewood, Teak, maybe Walnut.

A good texture is important as well: Swirls, or even better: stripes.

I don't really like the lighter colors with a greenish touch like olive wood

Wood is warm, light and gives a good grip. Combined with a butt cap for protection a knife like this is a pleasure to use.

In the EDO Photo Contest, Peter Kaufman had shown us some top examples in his "Randall Ironwood Forest"


Best, Peter