Rare 1940s Randall Made Fixed Blade Knife And Heiser Sheath -
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:520494 | Brand: Randall |
| Features: Sheath Included | Authenticity: Original |
My husband purchased this knife some time in the 1970's from a small sporting goods store in Michigan. The owner was a former police officer and John visited the store often. He loved knives and over a period of several years in that 70's decade put together quite a collection. You will recognize the makers. He owned several Al Mar's and Gerbers, and many others and had personal relationships with many of the local knifemakers. John was quite an artis...t and was a little fussy about owning knives that were appropriate in both form and function. This particular knife - although certainly beautiful, and Randall was one of his favorite makers, was obviously damaged. However, eventually he purchased it, thinking he would design a new handle for it and have the Randall Company make the repair.
He sent a nice letter with several sketches to the Randall Company. A short time later he received a reply from them, and that letter is included with this offering. Gary Randall called it a an "old 40's" piece which would be quite valuable to collectors "as is". And now, with a new appreciation for Bo Randall's work, John decided to keep it and treasure it.
Total length of the knife ( handle and blade) approximately 12 inches
The handle material has yellowed with age
There is a second fastener on the back side of the knife - apparently to stop the material from crackingThe sheath is approximately 10-1/2 inches. It is designed to be worn with a belt (not included). The square "pocket" on the front of the sheath is empty. (Apparently designed for a knife sharpener which is not included)
As we both got older and found our retirement monies a little skimpy, we started to sell the knives. Most of them were sold here on eBay. Some of the purchasers I see are still collecting today. I hope there is a Randall collector out there who will provide a good home to this knife.
After receiving the letter from Gary Randall, John did quite a bit of research on Bo Randall's various knives. He began to think this particular knife was actually used by Bo as we never found another of Bo's knives which were exactly like this. We know that Bo began his knife-making craft in the mid-1940's, so not a big stretch, is it? Wouldn't it be wonderful if Bo did use this knife - maybe out around Walloon Lake, a favorite hunting and fishing spot of his? My husband and I spent a lot of time in that very area as we lived in Charlevoix, Michigan, for several years. Bo was well-known throughout northern Michigan.
John passed on in 2014, so he isn't here to tell you much more about this knife. Although I was his faithful "scribe" over the years, reading his many compositions on his beautiful knives as we sold them over the years, I will never be an authority on any of them. Let alone this gem that Bo Randall made. I'd certainly enjoy talking to any of our old friends who may have corresponded with John. Feel free to contact me. By the way, the knife and sheath were stored separately over the years. John wrapped the blade in tissue paper to protect it from pitting. I haven't touched it other than to take the photographs. I would certainly welcome your comments, and will take as many pictures as you like.
