"Model of the Week" (Week 2 Model 2)

[BoBlade]

OK here we are in week 2. Looks like week one went OK so hopefully we can keep this thing rolling. This is a 1943 Stiletto so dated by it's brass wrist thong link and logo on the blade itself. The period sheath is by an unknown maker, but it's one of the coolest sheaths I've ever seen a Randall in. The quality rivals Moore and it has some of the characteristics of a Heiser ("ridge" at the edges). It's a full half an inch thick. The neatest thing about it is that the leg tie down had to be inserted during the actual construction of the sheath! Anyway, hope you enjoy the pics.

Best,

Ron

[The "Captain"]

Boblade,
Cool "Toadsticker"! A little history, regarding "toadstickers", which Bo called "Stiletto's". 1943 was the beginning for them. The term "toadsticker" came from the troops that were looking for this "style" of knife and 1943 was the date, as best recollection serves.
Bo was not real wild about the design of the British "Commando" knife. I recall he tried throwing one and broke the point. He was determined to send the soldiers requesting this style of knife a better all-around knife. He rounded the point a bit more, made the blade wider and shaped the handles larger, making them very similar to the shape we know today.
Early catalogs, at least not the first catalog, did not show this design. The #2 was actually pictured as a totally different design. The Model #2 "Fighting Stiletto", as we know it, came about later.
As I side note: It was not uncommon for Bo to "modify" a Randall hunting knife and send it into combat. He would sharpen the top bevel, solder on a double hilt and install a handle. He often referred to these Randalls as a "commando" knife.
Now I hope that some folks show us their Randall #2!!! Best, Captain Chris Stanaback

[crimsontide]

Boblade,

That's a very nice model 2 and sheath.
The one below is the only model 2 that I currently have.

Wayne

[Wideglide]

This is a #2 that was delivered with the #1 from last week. I really commend the shop on doing their best to match them up.

[Byrdguy]

Here's my favorite #2 that I have. GREAT gnarly piece of stag, 7" SS blade, NS hilt and buttcap. The heavier cap balances the knife very well. I'll have to dig out the others for a group pic.

[BoBlade]

Cap'n:

Thanks to include the great history. Bang up job you and the guys are doing on the "Build It Yourself" thread!

Wayne (thanks), Wideglide and Byrdguy:

Nice 2's!

Ron

[tunefinK]

Great looking bunch od Stilettos.

The three in this picture are a 2-4" in old yellow, a verified mini in old maroon, and a #2-8, black micarta with seven spacers.

[tunefinK]

Back To The Top!!!!

Where are all the deuces?

[tomthbomb]

Moosehead,
Yes, they are black. I didn't care for them at first. Bought the 2 to appease my yellow micarta appetite but they have grown on me. I couldn't live without it now!

[Moosehead]

Hi all!

Here is my very first RMK "Stiletto", which I recently received directly from the shop:




It's has a beautifully grained, shop supplied Ironwood handle, with a Brass forward curved hilt, a scalloped brass collar and a flanged scalloped brass butt cap:




The craftsmanship that went into creating this exquisite dagger is outstanding. Here's another view. Closeups will follow in the "Reply" following this post:




Cheers!

David

[Moosehead]

Here are some up close shots of...

The blade: (It's very sharp!)






The scalloped hardware: (It's intricate!)






The handle: (It's gorgeous!)
(Please note that the tiny green spot that is visible on the handle closeups are due to a "blind pixel" in my camera and is not on the wood.)










I hope you folks all like this one, er... I mean two.

Cheers!

Moosehead

[crimsontide]

Nice !!!!

[clk]

Moosehead

If I ever grow up, I want to be able to take pictures like you do. Superb photography and a darn nice knife as well.

Rod

[SPryor]

Anyone with an idea of a ballpark value on the knife I pictured above..? Thanks.

[BoBlade]

Hi Steve,

The market's a bit depressed right now. If it was me, I'd send the knife to Randall for a replacement sheath. I don't think that would cost you any more than 30 bucks or so (Maybe the Cap or DW can give you a more exacting figure). When you sell the knife, you should get 3-4X more back out of it than you paid for the sheath. With sheath I'll ballpark it at ~ $400.

Ron