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I have always bought Randalls from dealers. I might be dead by the time I got one from Randall. I am not a young man.1967redrider wrote: ↑Mon May 31, 2021 11:16 pm If you want a Randall, it's easier to find one that's being sold than waiting in my opinion. It is usually slightly cheaper to order one, but I don't think I would have the patience.
One guy working by himself can only make a limited number of knives. That’s how they started, but any who have a modicum of success will have more demand than one person working alone can support. Apparently that’s the moderator’s definition of ”custom” but many successful custom makers I know of (G.W. Stone, Barry Dawson, Tony Bose) have (or had), a few employees assisting with some of the processes. Read the stories in Knife Magazine featuring the work of custom makers and you routinely see them crediting someone, be it a son, wife, or hired employees, instrumental in their knife production. But the design, finishing, tempering, and other critical process elements are done (or closely overseen), by the maker whose name is on the knife. The employees helping with any task were personally trained by them. So to say those knives aren’t “custom” is just silly. All those makers I mentioned are considered custom makers, all had employees working in their shop. And they probably still have/had a waiting list. JMOtongueriver wrote: ↑Mon May 31, 2021 8:43 pm I once saw a Randall offered for sale in the Exchange of another forum under the category "custom knives," and a moderator got all over him for it, as Randalls are "not custom knives." I happen to know that every knife from Randall made is completely made by hand. All of the knives except a few of the smallest are hand-forged. It takes a six year wait to get one. So, what is a custom? Ruanas are made by two brothers. Custom? Do any of the "custom" makers have help? What about 5 people in a shop? Custom? I smell an anal moderator here, but that forum is known for it.
I agree.Mumbleypeg wrote: ↑Mon May 31, 2021 11:51 pmOne guy working by himself can only make a limited number of knives. That’s how they started, but any who have a modicum of success will have more demand than one person working alone can support. Apparently that’s the moderator’s definition of ”custom” but many successful custom makers I know of (G.W. Stone, Barry Dawson, Tony Bose) have (or had), a few employees assisting with some of the processes. Read the stories in Knife Magazine featuring the work of custom makers and you routinely see them crediting someone, be it a son, wife, or hired employees, instrumental in their knife production. But the design, finishing, tempering, and other critical process elements are done (or closely overseen), by the maker whose name is on the knife. The employees helping with any task were personally trained by them. So to say those knives aren’t “custom” is just silly. All those makers I mentioned are considered custom makers, all had employees working in their shop. And they probably still have/had a waiting list. JMOtongueriver wrote: ↑Mon May 31, 2021 8:43 pm I once saw a Randall offered for sale in the Exchange of another forum under the category "custom knives," and a moderator got all over him for it, as Randalls are "not custom knives." I happen to know that every knife from Randall made is completely made by hand. All of the knives except a few of the smallest are hand-forged. It takes a six year wait to get one. So, what is a custom? Ruanas are made by two brothers. Custom? Do any of the "custom" makers have help? What about 5 people in a shop? Custom? I smell an anal moderator here, but that forum is known for it.
Ken
Both routes have merit. Instant gratification from a dealer. Some even charge list price with no markup. Only downside if you buy from their stock is you don’t get to pick your options.1967redrider wrote: ↑Mon May 31, 2021 11:16 pm If you want a Randall, it's easier to find one that's being sold than waiting in my opinion. It is usually slightly cheaper to order one, but I don't think I would have the patience.
Ain't that God's own truth.tongueriver wrote: ↑Tue Jun 01, 2021 1:06 am Very true, Eveled; good points made. However priorities change from 44 years old to 74 years old.
Terryeveled wrote: ↑Tue Jun 01, 2021 12:59 amBoth routes have merit. Instant gratification from a dealer. Some even charge list price with no markup. Only downside if you buy from their stock is you don’t get to pick your options.1967redrider wrote: ↑Mon May 31, 2021 11:16 pm If you want a Randall, it's easier to find one that's being sold than waiting in my opinion. It is usually slightly cheaper to order one, but I don't think I would have the patience.
If you can plan ahead and are patient ordering from the factory let’s you pick your options and will save you money. I ordered my 50th Birthday present when I was 44. When my son was 14 he ordered his high school graduation knife. It came in about 6 months ago and he just opened it yesterday. Each time my $50 deposit saved me about $100.
There is something to be said about anticipation. Looking forward to something at a specific milestone, made the events that much sweeter.
My sons new Randall
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