Randall knife

by Mutt
(MN)

I've been collecting knives for 45 years. I've spent months, solo, in the wilderness, I've used dozens of knives from all over the world...Cold Steel, Uzi, Sog, Ontario, SE Asian kukri, Gurkan kukri(w/2 xtra blades), J Marttiini, Schrade, Helle, Red River, CRKT, Mora, etc...( shoot, I've even carried a gunto Samarai sword for shts and giggles...) but the knife I always come back to as my main knife (always carry extras) is the Randall RAT 7...the thing is a beast...I've abused in every way, and it always comes through... it's a little heavier than others I've carried but the few ounces of extra weight are worth the handyness... you can chop down a tree and filet a fish with the thing... In the sheath pocket, I carry a diamond credit card sharpener and a magnesium firestarter...even if I lose my backpack survival kit, I'm still good cause I have my knife...it is a workhorse.

I also carry a Roger's Rangers spike tomahawk cause it is neat as all get out....and a sharpened Glock fold up spade w/ saw blade...for a neck knife, I carry a CRKT 4" 1/2 serrated tanto (handle wrapped in extra para cord)...I use this knife the most for all tasks around the campground except firewood...plus it's fun to throw at dead trees and stumps...it makes a perfect spear if you add a barb to the shaft...

Just to be on the safe side, since I'm usually alone, I carry a Leatherman on my belt and a mini leatherman in my pocket...

Randall model 18

by Gordon Davis
(Tehachapi Ca.)

Perhaps the only exception to the rule of having a solid tang knife might be the "Randall Made" model 18. This is one very tough hollow handle knife, made to withstand as much punishment as a solid, full tang knife.

With the screw on cap, it can be pounded into a block of wood like a nail, and the handle is completely watertight! You have to wrap the handle yourself (I use a layer of fishline covered with 550 cord)there is no chance of any plastic breaking. Epoxy a "button compass" inside the brass handle cap, and it is protected from any damage.

I have packed one since 1972, during nine years of military duty, and adventures from central Mexico to Alaska, it has never failed me yet.