Which Model 2 has the best balance?
I am assuming the fulcrum moves forward, closer to the hilt with the longer 8" blade.

Does the 7" have a similar balance to the F-S?
If anyone can measure where it is, that'd be great.

Also, anyone have a photo of a 7" or 8" in the hand for a better grasp on the size?

A lot would depend on the handle material and if there was a butt cap and what it is. Aluminum, brass, nickel silver.

1950s 2-7...and now I need another safe...

Beautiful example

Couldn't pass it up.

I really like the thick spacers we see on this no. 2. Do we know why Randall changed over the years to the thin spacers. Are the thick spacers still available thru suppliers?

The thick spacers and wide mouth sheath caught my eye.

Yep it's a beautiful rig.

Knifescout, the first pattern FS balances on the handle side of the guard, 7/8" behind it. Comparable Randall model 2s ( 7" blades) balance as follows: leather, brass butt cap, 3/4" on the handle side of the guard, stag, no butt cap, and stag, duralumin butt cap, both balance on the handle side, 1/4" from the guard. As you probably already know, a first pattern FS, properly held, is just an extension of your arm, and feels virtually weightless.

Hope this helps......Fairbairn

Hey Whiteman, I see you're in Indiana. Did you happen to drive over to Illinois to pic up that beauty?