Randall Model 26 Pathfinder

This is a general purpose medium sized outdoors knife which I think I will have a lot of use for.

I choose this maker as I wanted a high performance knife, preferably with a tradition as well as good looking. The choice was between the Pathfinder and Small Camp and Trail models. I choose the Model 26 model because the point is a bit less dropped and the grind line a bit higher.

The blade is hollow ground with a large radius and cuts very well in different materials.

The stag handle is smooth but with enough structure to give a good grip together with the shape. I very much like that it's assymetrical to fit a right hand better as it bulges out on the right side.

Working hard with the knife, the handle is comfortable and you can hold it different ways and all feel right. What doesn't work very well is placing the thumb on the spine of the blade, as it will then be over the edge of the brass guard, but it works well placing the thumb on the guard itself.

The sturdy leather sheath is of the type that rides on the belt, which I usually prefer instead of a dangler sheath. The knife sits securely, without being difficult to withdraw, nor is it hard to replace after you figure out you have to twist the knife clockwise a bit when inserting it.

Steel:                    Carbon
Blade length:             100 mm
Blade thickness:            4.0 mm
Total length:             210 mm
Mass, knife:            0.128 kg
Balance point:             15 mm from the front of the handle

Randall Made Knives come delivered in a very basic package. The knife, wrapped in paper, the sheath, the sharpening stone and the instruction leaflet, which I think very clearly tells you what you can and cannot use the knife for and how to care for it, come wrapped up in another paper with a rubber band around. I think this is an indication that this is a knife intended to be used, something I like.

It's very well made and clearly hand made, as not all angles and surfaces are perfect, which you'll see if you inspect it, but it's in no way in a lower class than custom knives in the same price range. I can't find a fault with either blade, handle nor sheath.

I've posted an initial impressions review of this knife here [1] and [2].

Randall Made Knives' web site.

Document created 2001 July 30 by