Rick, that was the first time I've read that and I appreciate you sharing it.
My first Randall is on order, and my second and third and fourth and... I've almost lost count. I was at the shop this morning and just had to put an order in: #12-9 with 14 grind, ironwood, border patrol, brass forward curved hilt, brass and black spacers, brass radiused butt cap. I want one (at least) big bowie in my collection, and I'm partial to stainless, so that was the one.
I was familiar with Randall Made Knives back in junior high and high school when I considered myself a knife nut. Of course, back then I had no money and a Randall was not in the cards. They fell off my radar as I went through the predictable stages of college, career, marriage, kids, etc.
As for the person who got me interested? That would be Jason Randall. With one visit this past spring from Jason to a local fly fishing club here on the Space Coast, I was hooked. He gave us a backstage video tour of the shop, and spent quite a bit of time sharing the history of Randall Made Knives and answering questions. His passion for the shop that his grandfather built and for the knives they produce was evident.
I started reading everything I could find on Randall Made Knives, including this site. I grabbed Gaddis's book and read it cover to cover and started daydreaming of the various models I'd like to start with. Capt Chris has been very helpful, and I'm looking forward to seeing the ones I've ordered with him, in addition to my couple of shop orders, come to fruition.
So, that is the short story of one recently afflicted with the Randall addiction. I'll be adding pictures to the knife of the week threads as they arrive. Till then, I'll continue to drool over all of yours.
_________________________
Chad Helpling
RKS #5970