A Randall Model 5 Camp & Trail
There are times in life, when you get a bit crazy, throw caution to the wind, spend more moola than you should. Something catches your eye and you can’t stop thinking about it. Relax my friend, it happens to all of us. Still, over time, those expensive items can pay you back in spades, making you proud of your risky decision.
A Randall Model 5 Camp & Trail
For me, one such event was taking a chance on a Randall Made knife. Hand forged by skilled craftsmen and considered by many to be the finest fixed blade knives on the planet, they are beautifully handmade and highly respected. Doubt me? Back in the 1960’s NASA commissioned Randall to make a survival knife for astronauts heading to the moon.
Pictured above is the Randall Model 5, I bought last century. If my memory serves me, with the options I wanted, they were asking a hair north of $250? What options did I pick? Mine has a stag handle with finger grooves, and a 5-inch stainless steel blade. Five is about perfect for general use, does most everything; easy to belt carry; easy in and out of a truck, or boat; okay for carving. The hilt and butt cap are nickel silver. It’s harder than brass and more corrosion resistant.
Back then, $250 was big bucks, believe me. Far more than I was really ready to spend. And there was a snag too. Randall was backordered for 2-years. But that damn delay saved me. I paid for it slowly, sending Randall 10 bucks a month for what seemed like an eternity. It worked.
At this point it has served me well for over 30 years, showing no signs of giving up. I use it near every day – thrilled with it. And, it would be impossible for me to replace. Today, Randall is backordered for 7- years. Seven years! And with the options I picked, the price would be almost triple. And forget getting one from an online knife dealer. Saw one without any options listed north of a $1,000. Yeah, it was a risky decision years ago, but the right one.
