There has been some discussion, recently, in the Picture Gallery about Bo Randall's first knife. I thought that this topic should be re-visited here, on the main forum as it is historically significant and will be viewed by most, if not all, who visit KNIFETALKFORUMS.com.
We all know the story of Bo seeing a man scraping his boat with a Scagel knife (shrug!). Bo returned to his little workshop in Orlando, determined to make a knife just as nice as the one he had seen. And, as they say, the rest is history. Well folks: One of the absolute most prized possessions in my Randall "stash" is a 1937, Scagel-styled Randall knife! Some of you may have had the privilege to see (and even fondle) this knife at some of the shows I have attended.
The knife has traveled with me all over the country, being seen by many and offering a glimpse back...way back...to the work of the man who started it all, who gave me my first Randall and who sold me my second. He is also the man who shook my hand and offered me an authorized dealership in 1983. Yes: Gary was certainly a part of that decision (one I am sure he has questioned, from time-to-time)..."BUT"...(I know, I know)...it was in "Bo's" office, with "Bo" Randall, seated at his desk, that the deal was done and handshakes firmly given!
Rhett was very proud to own, what he named as, Bo's first knife. I often say: "Well if Rhett had Bo's first knife, I had the one made just before it"! Nobody knows exactly what Bo's first knife looked like but I would guess it looked like the knife you are going to see below.
I came by this knife, through Tom Clinton (You can see it was enclosed in one of Tom's old-style "Sharp Stuff" cases) and Perry Miller. Gary & Leanna have also seen my knife and remembered Tom owning it. I hope everyone appreciates this knife for what it is: A 1937 "original" knife, in (100%) it's original, un-altered, form! I am quite content to name this knife a 1937 Bo Randall-Made knife! Who's was first cannot be proven or verified....This one's "old": That much is for sure!
Stay sharp, Capt. Chris

Awesome Capt.!!
Thank you for sharing, both with the folks who remember this knife, and the new people to the hobby. Who may not know what it's lineage sounds or looks like. Thank You.

I can say that I've not only seen it, I held it in my hand. It's an awsome piece of Randall history. I would have to say Cap, this one is YOUR holy grail.
Thanks for sharing the pics and the history trail.

Very cool and interesting. Thanks Cap, for both the pic and story!

Doug

I believe I read where Bo said he wanted to make the best knife he could. That knife is over 75 years old and looks to be as solid as any knife made today. Granted, the blade is pitted, but it looks like it could hold a keen edge and be good for another 75 years if used as intended. a testament to his endeavors. And the tradition continues today. As I (and others) said before, "we are only caretakers of these fine knives" most will pass through many generations.
It sure is fun collecting them and being part of the Randall community.

I may be disremembering, but was not his first knife made from a file and him not happy with it in the main due to it being brittle, and him resolved to do better?

That is something else !! I'm guessing the sheath is long gone ? If only the original Zacharias Fighter was still around ; that would be the missing piece concerning what got Bo Randall's knife making off the ground.

The original Zacharias is still around. The family still owns it.

But remember, the Zach was made in June 1942..... Bo had been making knives long before the Zach fighter.

Cap,

How about sending it in to Joe for an authentication? I'm sure everyone would be interested in the result.

Thanks,

Joe has seen it at the Gator show, as well as at the Blade show. Besides: I just got "3" back from him. A little at a time, please.
Best, Capt. Chris