Very neat Tom, thanks for posting that.

Google books search (bradford angier randall) turned up the following three titles that also show pages where Bradford Angier references his specific knife in 1, the Randall shop in 2, and the compass in his Randall knife in 3.


1. Looking for gold: the modern prospector's handbook By Bradford Angier c 1975

2. One Acre and Security: How to Live Off the Earth Without Ruining It By Bradford Angier c 2000

3. Basic Wilderness Survival Skills By Bradford Angier, Lamar Underwood c 2002

Many of us are familiar with Gaddis's description of Bo and Bradford being pen pals and coming up with the 5-6 with Micarta handle, nickel silver hilt, and compass. (pg 221) I think from the reading this was occuring in the mid 60's. Perhaps it wasn't until Angier's later books that he began to directly credit Bo and the Randall shop?

Either way, an Angier 5-6 is on my want list.

I think that's probably the case. I finally gained access to a scanner so I could post these pages from "On Your Own in the Wilderness" (1964 edition). This book was co-written by the great Townsend Whelen, and it seems to be his 'voice' that's speaking on these pages. In the photo the knife on the right looks like an early Randall.

Edit: There's no specific mention of a Randall, but I think what Whelen says about knives in general is interesting.

Sorry for the poor quality scans.

Good call, Rick. One of the many reasons I like stag is that every piece is unique. Like a fingerprint:




Best,

Thanks Tom, Chad, and Rick. You all nailed getting to the bottom of Bradford Angier's Randall references.

Ron, is that the same knife in the photo? Second knife looks like a Marbles and the third might be a Buck.

Hi Tom,

I believe it is. I just about s%#@ when I compared the handles! Thanks for posting that scan, Rick. It seems I need to pick up a copy of that book. Agreed on the others. I think the 4th is a Randall as well.

Best,

After comparing the handles over and over, I think you're right, Ron. It's the same knife. The question is, did the knives in the photo belong to Townsend Whelen and/or Angier?

Knowing you, you probably have Frances Gary Power's knife in your collection and you don't even know it.

Good question, Tom. I think the chances of finding out for sure are pretty slim. It's worth looking in to.

Wow, Ron, that is very cool!!

Thanks, Rick. For some reason I've had more than my share of luck with Randalls. Karma? What are the odds of a matchup like this? Pretty long I'd say.

Best,