How to Date Randall Made Knives by the Handles

Early RMK's (Pre-War): Early Randall Made Knives, crafted before World War II, bore a striking resemblance to William (Bill) Scagel knives. They frequently featured leather and brass spacers near the hilt and were often finished with 'crown' stag handles, reflecting a high level of craftsmanship.

1939 Randall w/ the Scagel-style spacers

By the End of 1942: WD 'Bo' Randall had largely standardized the handle types for his knives, favoring plain stag, stacked leather, or wood handles. This period marked the beginning of more uniform production methods.

Stag Handles

Pre-1958: Stag handles are among the easiest to date. Early stag handle knives produced prior to 1958 utilized brass pins for securing the handle. Initially, two pins were used, but by 1946, this was reduced to one pin. As better epoxies became available, the use of pins was phased out entirely, with the exception of some special order knives into the early 1960s.

Single-pin and double-pinned stag fighters

Until Around 1973: A seven-spacer stack was commonly used at the hilt end on most stag knives. Around 1973, Gary Randall decided to standardize to a five-spacer configuration for all regular production models, including those with stag and wood handles.

Stacked Leather Handles

1942-1945: Early stacked leather handles were more cylindrical and tapered down on both the hilt and pommel ends. These handles were also thicker than the washers used today.

1943 Fighter with thicker, cylindrical Leather Washers

Late 1945: The thinner, more oblong leather handles we recognize today first appeared. This period also saw the introduction of the thong hole through the Duraluminum buttcap. Two versions of stacked leather handles were produced in 1945, and these versions resurfaced during the Korean Conflict in 1950. It's believed that sales plummeted post-WWII, leaving many knives unsold until the 1950s.

By 1953: The thinner, tapered style of stacked leather handles had become the norm for virtually all models.

Tenite & Micarta Handles

1954: Tenite handles made their debut with the introduction of the RMK Model #14 'Attack' and Model #15 'Airman' knives. The first Tenite handles were off-white, but by 1955, the more common green Tenite was in use. All production Tenite models featured two exposed screws and an extended tang with a thong hole. A few 'transition' knives were made during the change to Micarta handles, including some Model #16 'Diver's Knife' versions.

Model 14 White Tenite Handle

1960: Gray Micarta was introduced for the Model #17 'Astro'. By late 1963, the extended tang had been removed from RMK Models #14, #15, and #16, and a chocolate brown Micarta was used. These transition knives initially had exposed screws, but this was soon changed to plugged handles. By early 1966, screws were no longer needed, as epoxies secured the handle.

By 1967: Black Micarta became the standard. Some Tenite models were rehandled with Micarta as they returned to RMK for repair, since Tenite handles did not hold up well to the moisture and heat of Vietnam, often warping and breaking.

Modern Black Micarta handles

Late 1968: Originally, Micarta handle knives featured an unlined, chamfered 3/16" thong hole. In late 1968, a brass ferrule was introduced as a special order item, and by late 1972, it became a standard feature in normal production. Be cautious of those removing the ferrule to make their knives appear older.

Hollow Handle

1963: The Model #18 'Survival Knife', known for its hollow handle, was introduced. The original design utilized modified blades from Models #14 and #15 and featured a rubber 'crutch tip' butt cap and a pinched tube handle, which aligned with the hilt widths of Models #14 and #15.

Randall Model 18 Crutch Tip

By 1965: The hilt of the Model #18 was widened, eliminating the need for a severe pinch. Rubber crutch tips were used until 1972, after which a threaded brass end cap was introduced.

The evolution of Randall Made Knives' handles reflects a rich history of innovation and adaptation to both materials and user needs. Understanding these historical developments not only enriches our appreciation for these knives but also helps collectors and enthusiasts accurately date and value their pieces. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a new enthusiast, the history of RMK handles offers fascinating insights into the legacy of one of America's most iconic knife makers.

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