In order, name the three models that you feel are the most iconic or quintessential Randall knives.

Mine would be:

1) Model 1 (specifically leather handle)
2) Model 3 (specifically stag handle)
3) This one was hard. Came down to models 14 & 18, but I'm giving it to the 14.

Curious to hear everyone else's thoughts.

Good topic,
#1) #1 is a #1, of course!
#2) #2 is a #3, of course!
#3) #3 is a #8, of course!
Of course, it all depends upon your point of view. These three have great stories and history behind them. Many other models do as well, but these knives, especially the #1 & #3 are the hallmark of RMKs. Best, Capt. Chris

Hummm....being the outdoors type, my list is going to be a little different.
#1 - model 18 Attack-Survival
#2 - model 28 Woodsman
#3 - model 1 APFK

The #18 is the first Randall knife I fell in love with as a kid.
The #28 is my newest knife to me and is such a great multipurpose knife it is quickly becoming my favorite! I can see me buying another for a backup!
The #1 is just a great knife and to me their "flagship" knife. Everybody has to have one.

The model one is my favorite. But these other two are very iconic.

Model #1 - of course

Model #14/15 - the innovation of the full tang

Model #17 - the astronauts.

I would vote in order:

Model #1

Model #17- How do you quantify Astronaut's asking a specific knife maker, to make a specific] knife for the purpose of taking it to space... and then it happens.?????

Model #8

Model #1
Model #17
Anything with blue spruce pine cone.

Model 1
Model 17
Model 12 Bear Bowie

oldguy

I'm with Tom--1, 3, and 14

In my opinion and viewed from outside the US the most iconic model is # 14
For the 2nd and 3rd place I would not give a prognosis. Maybe # 1 and ...

Steve...... that #1 and #14 are certainly iconic. Very nice,

Great question Tom. And the answers are interesting.
My favorite iconic Randalls:

Mod #1- It has the lines and RMK history
Mod #12-8 Bear Bowie- Most elegant blade shape and American history
Mod #8- History: I remember when Powers' U-2 was shot down and the Mod #8 is my hunting partner!

_________

Doug

I agree with the #1...it has to be #1...ha ha
I also think that the Astro program did put RMK square on the radar screen for everybody....that must deserve some consideration

:-)Rocky

Model 1
Model 17
Model 25

Thanks for all the replies so far. I really thought the 18 would receive more votes - given its popularity, being the first hollow handle survival knife, and the Vietnam connection.

Thank you, Mitchell. I was in a "combat" frame of mind when listing these. Joe's Randall Recon special is iconic also--as a fighter, while retaining identity as a Model 3.

Nobody going with the StarFlite?

Model #1
Bear Bowie
Smithsonian

Model 1
Model 3
Model 18

I'm pretty rookie here, but:

Model 1 with leather
Model 14 with green micarta and border patrol
Model 3 or 7 stag

I have nine model,ones, in stag, leather, and rosewood. For a second choice, I would vote for the model two. I have a number of these as well. If I could have a third choice, I would opt for a model three, with double guard, and sharpened top edge ( on order now) .

1: Model 1
2: Model 2
3: Model 18

LOL, I've got 11 Randalls, but neither of these. Shame on me, I'll have to rectify that!

1 - #1
2 - #14 and #15 (In fact - one model, but different length)
3 - #12-9 and #18

I have included two model in the one point in list, because it is very difficult to differentiate and to give preference to one of the models))

1)-#1
2)-#3
3)-#5

1) rare pieces irrespective of model
2) #2
3) #18 - early ones

all the rare knives...wouldn't it be nice to see all of them?

:-)Rocky

1) Pre-War, Pre Catalog Knives
2) White Tenite Knives
3) Chromed plated Display Bowies

It occurs to me that this is more of a personality test than anything, eh?

Please explain !!

I don't know how it could be a "personality test", But it certainly is personal taste.

I just mean that some folks choose fighters and some folks choose hunting knives. Some folks choose users and some folks choose collectibles. Sorting out a top three or a top five says a lot about preferences and personality traits.

1. Model 1, Original Fighter
2. Model 12 Big Bear Bowie, RMK Letterhead
3. Model 3, Bo's choice for EDC

Tom,

I agree that the Model 12 Big Bear Bowie is truly the iconic shape that is Randall's best looking knife.

Model One

Model 18

Tom Flynn