by Larry Vickers
Vickers Tactical, retired US Army 1st SFOD- Delta combat veteran

As a former Delta Force operator, firearms expert, and all-around gear enthusiast I’d like to talk about something that’s near and dear to my heart: the history of Randall Made Knives. These blades are the real deal, handcrafted pieces of American history that have been trusted by the military, outdoorsmen, and collectors alike for over 85 years. And if I had to pick a favorite from my time in Delta, it’s gotta be the Randall Model 14—hands down, the toughest, most reliable blade I ever carried. Let’s cut into the story of Randall Knives and why the Model 14 stands out as a legend in its own right.

The Birth of a Blade Empire: Bo Randall’s Vision

Randall Made Knives kicked off in 1938, born from the grit and ingenuity of Walter Doane “Bo” Randall, Jr. down in Orlando, Florida. Bo wasn’t some factory suit chasing a quick buck—he was an outdoorsman with a passion for crafting tools that could take a beating and keep on slashing. It all started when he saw a Bill Scagel knife shrug off abuse while scraping paint off a boat. That durability lit a fire in Bo, and he set out to make his own blades that could match it.

Starting in his garage with nothing but an auto spring and elbow grease, Bo’s hobby quickly turned into a full-blown business. By the late 1930s, he was selling his knives through his father-in-law’s clothing store, and word spread fast among hunters, fishermen, and sportsmen. Then World War II hit, and Randall Knives went from backwoods to battlefields. Models like the Model 1 “All Purpose Fighter” became icons among Allied troops, proving Bo’s designs weren’t just pretty—they were lethal.

Evolution of Excellence: From WWII to Vietnam and Beyond

After the war, Randall didn’t rest on his laurels. Demand exploded, and Bo expanded the lineup to meet the needs of a growing crowd—soldiers, adventurers, even NASA astronauts. That’s right, the Randall Model 17 “Astro” was co-designed with Major Gordon Cooper and flew on the first manned space flight. How’s that for reaching new heights?

By the 1950s and ‘60s, Randall Knives were hitting their stride. Bo patented designs like the Model 14 and 15 in 1956, cementing their place in knife history. Vietnam saw these blades shine again—General William Westmoreland was often spotted with one, and guys like me in Delta Force relied on them in the toughest jungles and firefights. Today, Bo’s son Gary keeps the tradition alive, hand-forging about 8,000 knives a year with a team of 20 craftsmen. Each blade takes over eight hours across a 17-step process—no shortcuts, no mass production, just pure craftsmanship.

Spotlight on the Randall Model 14: The Delta Force Blade of Choice

Now, let’s talk about the star of the show: the Randall Model 14 “Attack.” This bad boy was my go-to during my Delta days, and for good reason. Picture this: a 7.5-inch blade forged from 1/4-inch stock, with a sharpened top edge for extra cutting power. It’s got a beefy 7/8-inch tang running through a Micarta handle—black or green, your call—that’s epoxied in place like it’s welded to your hand. Add a brass double hilt and a wrist thong, and you’ve got a knife built to dominate combat and survival scenarios.

The Model 14 was designed to be damn near indestructible, and it delivered every time I needed it. Whether I was prying, slashing, or just beating the hell out of something, this blade held up. In Delta, we didn’t mess around with gear that couldn’t take the heat, and the Model 14 was a constant companion through some hairy missions. It’s no wonder Vietnam-era troops, including MACV-SOG guys, snapped up Solingen-made versions when wait times for Orlando-forged ones stretched over a year. Those German blades, marked “Solingen,” are collector’s gold today.

Why Randall Knives Endure: Craftsmanship Meets Combat

What sets Randall apart? It’s the hands-on approach. No cookie-cutter factory runs here—every knife is forged, shaped, and finished by artisans who know their trade. You can customize ‘em too—handles, hilts, spacers, you name it. But here’s the kicker: order direct from Randall, and you’re waiting seven years. That’s how much demand there is. Hit up an authorized dealer, though, and you might score one in under a year.

From WWII grunts to astronauts, from Hollywood stars like Errol Flynn to hard-charging operators like us in Delta, Randall Knives have earned their stripes. The Model 14, with its rugged simplicity and unrelenting toughness, embodies everything Bo Randall stood for. It’s not just a tool—it’s a legacy you can hold in your hand.

Final Thoughts: A Blade Worth the Hype

If you’re into knives that blend history, performance, and extreme high quality, Randall Made Knives deserve a spot in your collection. The Model 14? That’s the one I’d trust with my life—and I did. Whether you’re a collector, a hunter, or just a gear junkie, these blades are the real McCoy. Drop a comment below—what’s your favorite Randall model or other blade? Let’s keep this conversation sharp.

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