Great thread topic Tony - Thanks for the opportunity to regale Randalls.

My story goes like this:

When/How did you first become aware/interested in Randall Knives? Back in the early 80's. I travelled into Sydney city as I did annually & came across Mick Smiths Guns store in George st. He used to sell all manner of guns & knives & associated equipment etc.

Who introduced you to Randall Knives? I'd have to say Mick Smith at the gun shop that day.

What was your first Randall Knife/Knives? Well it would be that model 11-4 Mick showed me & I didnt let go of untill I got home.

Where/How did you purchased/acquire your first Randall Knife/Knives? I was in store looking for a solid working pig knife & was tracking down the AITOR range. We were shooting the breeze & Mick asked me what did I do my skinning with. I had a Boker folder for skinning & he showed me a couple RMK model 11's. I bought a plain jane model 11 that suited my hand nicely. I spent about $700 in store that day buying 2 knives. I remember what "got me" with the 11 was the choil depth. I could slip my forefinger over the brass hilt & get extra dexterity with the blade pressuring the top edge gently with my thumb. I use to use the choil like a rocker & palm the handle with pressure alternating between handle & blade.

Regretably back in early 2000 it was stolen along with many other knives. I have never replaced that model 11 - but I will one day when the right one comes along.

As a result of Mick introducing me to Randall skinners I pursued many other models & purchased many for use in military, hunting & pure admiration / collecting since then. I collect only Randalls now after the theft though. I like many knife makers, both factory & custom handmades but stick to randalls purely due to there testament to modern artisan history. Few people could claim to have influenced such history like Bo Randall (& team) did & to which Gary & his team continue to do today.

I'll pop up a few pics of my RMKs when I can access them.

Great thread & I look fwd to reading its entirety.

Cheers