Randall Wait Times

[Kevin]

No knife to post pictures of, but I just got an invoice from Randall today.

The knife was ordered March 9, 2020. I think I actually ordered this knife before that, and swapped it out with another knife on order.

This knife was ordered back in the fall of 2018. But it’s a high school graduation present for our daughter.

It’s the Raymond Thorpe Bowie. God knows why she wants or needs this knife for a graduation present, but back when she was in 3rd grade (fall of 2018) she helped pick it out.

She really wants a dagger. I mean who wouldn’t. And this is one of the longest knives they make.

But Randall is actually a really nice company to work with. They let me swap due dates with another knife.

They are still 5 years out. Well I guess almost 6 years really.

Oh, ok, I’ll post pics of the other knife that was actually ordered in 2020. It’s the “attack” knife.

It’s unused, as I don’t have anyone to attack.

Let me dig it out.

 

[Jeepnik]

But will it be a looking at knife or a using knife.
My current EDC

 

[eveled]

Wow! She has good taste. Go big or go home!

I can’t think of a better graduation present.
My sons

My daughters

My first Randall order in 2005 took 53 months My most recent ones took 73 months. I remember when it was a 2 year wait, and it seemed like a long time.

 

[Jeepnik]

Randall is up front regarding wait times. They only make so many knives a year and they aren't going to sacrifice quality for quantity. There are a few Randall retailers. I'm not sure how they get their stock, other than that some are "used". You can't get the knife truly customized. But unless you are just getting one to say you have it a truly custom knife isn't really necessary. Most of my Randalls have come from retailers. The rest bought from individuals. With the exception of this one all are using knives.

 

[eveled]

Pick exactly what you want, order it, the $50 deposit locks in todays price.

Then try to forget about it. In this world of instant gratification it is difficult I know, but it’s also refreshing.

I don’t see the big deal. We all have knives to use while we wait.

At least you don’t have to try to get in on a drop that sells out instantly. You know your Randall is coming you just have to be patient.

 

[Caftman]

congrats on finally getting that invoice after the epic wait, ordering back in fall 2018 (with the swap) for your daughter's high school graduation present? That's some serious patience, man.

 

[41Dude]

https://agrussell.com/knives/brand/Randall-Made-Knives

I posted that in case you have a little extra cash to spend

 

[Tuluk]

You can order a custom knife through a few outlets recommended by Randall. They have rights to “blocks” of knife orders each year and so are able to get orders much quicker. The one I used charged catalogue price, so it was no more expensive. Buxton Knives. I think my first one came in about 6 months and my second one in a little over a year

 

[eveled]

While waiting for my first one to arrive I bought a few from Buxton knives. Wayne is a great guy and a pleasure to deal with.

His Dealer Special is one of my favorite Randall knives.

The Buxton Fighter. (In the middle)

 

[Kevin]

Nice knives. The wait is part of the fun. I also have the Chef's knife on order with Randall. Expected ship date is 2028.

I paid last week and got the shipping/tracking info today.

 

[don765]

Nice knives.

 

[fieldgeneral]

Randall is up front regarding wait times. They only make so many knives a year and they aren't going to sacrifice quality for quantity. There are a few Randall retailers. I'm not sure how they get their stock, other than that some are "used". You can't get the knife truly customized. But unless you are just getting one to say you have it a truly custom knife isn't really necessary. Most of my Randalls have come from retailers. The rest bought from individuals. With the exception of this one all are using knives.

I bought the exact same Model 18 (brand new) six years ago from AGRUSSELL. It was about 300 less than current catalog price. My roommate carried one around (7 1/2" blade) constantly back in the mid-eighties. Former Texas state trooper.

 

[Kevin]

The Wait Is Over! And gotta love the USPS. It was supposed to Come Monday, only it didn't. Then Tuesday it was just left on my front porch. It was shipped requiring a signature. Nope, just left on the front porch. I'm glad I was home cooking dinner.

Anyway, here it is, the Raymond Thorpe Bowie. It's meant to be a graduation present May 2027 for my daughter from High School. But will probably be a birthday present next year when she turns 18, close to the end of school..

She helped me order it, and we kind of went crazy and tried to figure out how to get the most expensive knife they offered. If we didn't get the most expensive, it's certainly up there.

 

[Kevin]

 

[Kevin]

It is absolutely flawless. Any spots on the knife in the pictures are just reflections. It came with the standard leather sheath. Not pictured.

It's just a massive knife. And it really makes me wonder if they carried these knives back in the day. And if so, what the heck did they use them for? Why does anyone need such a big knife?

I guess the same reason people need a 30 round magazine, huh? Still, it's heavy and awkward to use. Cutting a steak at the dinner table? This knife would eclipse the steak and the plate.

Why a present for my daughter? She has always wanted a sword. Well, she would really love to take fencing lessons. I can't bring myself to buy a cheap Chinese fake sword. And fencing lessons are hard to find. Perhaps when she goes to college she can take them. Anyway, this is very dagger-like in size.

Now I only have one Randall knife left on order. One of their Kitchen knives. The Santoku knife. Expected to ship 2028, so I will probably get it 2029. Oh well. It will be fun to wait. Sadly, that will probably end my Randall knife buying, the wait times have gotten too much.

 

[Cholo]

Can I borrow it?

LOL

 

[eveled]

It’s very nice!

 

[Kevin]

It’s very nice!

Thanks,
And @Cholo it probably isn’t legal to carry, and I’d really hate for you to get in trouble.

 

[Cholo]

Oh, I didn't want to carry it. I have some old fence posts to chop up that are embedded with nails and barbed wire. I didn't want to mess up my hatchet.

But, hey, it's your knife; you don't have to lend it to me

LOL

 

[Xrayist]

View attachment 94441

A real beauty!!!!!!!!

 

[neilin]

View attachment 94441

View attachment 94441

A beautiful knife, for certain!

 

[6GUNSONLY]

Now that's a knife!

 

[oliver507]

Beautiful knife, Randalls’ are great knives!

 

[eveled]

@Kevin You probably know, but I want to make sure you know not to store it in the sheath.

 

[WendyZXZ]

I agree, that is a beauty of a knife!

 

[Jeepnik]

And if you do decide to carry it, have a sheath made. For all of the quality Randall puts into their blades, the sheath design sucks.

 

[Kevin]

@Kevin You probably know, but I want to make sure you know not to store it in the sheath.

Thanks, yes, I have the sheath and knife separate. In fact, I just ordered some brown paper for preventing rust. That and I bought some more of those rust stopper tablets. I'm not sure what they are. These little "No Rust Vapor Capsule" It's a passive, non electrical way to stop rust in a closed space.

And yeah, @Jeepnik , I really don't like the sheaths for Randall knives. With the sharpening stone stitched on the outside, it's very bulky and awkward. You're right, they are terrible designs.

 

[eveled]

I like their sheaths, you can order a “no hone” sheath as an option. They still include a stone. Just no pocket.

The sheaths turn white over time. Like they are releasing wax? IDK? Whatever it is it wipes off, but they turn brass green.

 

[Jeepnik]

I like their sheaths, you can order a “no hone” sheath as an option. They still include a stone. Just no pocket.

The sheaths turn white over time. Like they are releasing wax? IDK? Whatever it is it wipes off, but they turn brass green.

The white "dust" is likely mildew. Not uncommon on leather goods that aren't stored with some sunlight and plenty of fresh air.

 

[eveled]

No definitely not, Thanks for trying to help though. Mildew is nasty.

I definitely know about mildew, this is different. It is waxy not dusty. It comes out of the leather not growing on it. Somehow it is related to the tanning process. I think it’s called fatty spew. You see it on harness leather. A hairdryer melts it back into the leather.

Whatever it is, it seems to cause rapid verdigris to grow on brass. Which is why I warned about storing a Randall in its sheath.