The Randall Collector

The existing sheath snap had been in contention for some time and due to its perceived frailty was referred to as “glove-snaps.” The requirement to keep the logo on the plastic snaps had precluded switching over to a more secure snapping device. Maurice Johnson followed suit and utilized the traditional snap on his new sheaths. He would retain them until he was able to help introduce the more secure nickel-plated steel snap sometime near the end of 1963 or the beginning of 1964. This then serves to establish the time frame of the Johnson brown button snap; roughly 1962 to 1964.

Identification of 1960’s Heiser sheaths is made from a logo usually found on the rear of the sheath, which incorporated the name and location “Denver” within a small oval stamping. This stamping was horizontally struck. The logo that Maurice Johnson used incorporated the RMK trademark in the shape of a diamond and it is my contention that he first struck the logo horizontally as Heiser had done, later changing it to the vertical, probably for ease of fit on the belt loop. It is my opinion, based on the sheaths that I have examined, that the earlier “horizontal” placement of the new logo was done by Johnson on his earliest sheaths.

Thus far, we have commented on the sheath that accompanies the Randall fighting knife. This in itself would be interesting but not compelling, had it not been for the changing characteristics of the Model #1 and Model #2. This time frame was to see the transition of the 1950’s “fighter” style, to one that would emerge with recognizable if not subtle design changes, earmarking a style designed to incorporate added strength and durability in the field.

Some of the blades during this period have a deep choil, and they retain the steep clip from blade back to tip and these may be knives made in the beginning (1962). Spacer arrangements on the leather-handled knives had become “standard” at three medium-thick and two thin. Many of the handles, which include stag, were visibly longer than before and in some cases seemed to incorporate a “handle drop.” Following this, the majority of fighters and fighting stilettos incorporated a shallow choil cut and a less abrupt clip point.

Handle material during the Johnson brown button period was obtainable from the Shop and continued to feature ivory, stag, and ebony. Coincidental with the transition to the steel snap, ebony and ivory were discontinued and the new micarta was introduced on fighters as well as “Attack-Survival” models. All of these changes serve to identify this period of Johnson brown snaps as transitional between the knife of the 1950’s and the redesigned fighters that were destined to accompany US Troops to Southeast Asia.

Now a word about those “other” fighters; the Models 14 & 15 that were made as prototypes during the mid 1950’s and produced in growing numbers about the time of the JBB sheath. Here we can safely use the word rarity when it comes to the sheath design referred to as “C” with the use of the “canteen snap” on the keeper strap.

As before, Heiser initiated the style and Johnson copied it, undoubtedly from a sample furnished by RMK. This sheath, which accompanied those two models, was not made in any numbers due to the low demand for those knives during the period that the canteen snap was utilized. As this snap had drawbacks that negated any gains in security it was probably dropped when production numbers became sufficiently high so as to reflect customer feedback in the field, or perhaps because of Johnson's own preference and the snap was replaced with a brown button.

The knives produced during this time were handled in tenite and had an extended tang. These features remained in the basic design(s) after the canteen snap keeper was dropped, so there were no non-extended tang knives, or epoxied handles in tenite or any other material during the Johnson BB period while canteen snaps were utilized. Further Heiser “canteen snaps” were offered for well over 6 years before the introduction of the Johnson version, which may not have been sold for more than 6 months. Therefore, there are predictable limits to the production of this knife sheath combination.

The Vietnam conflict provides an “historical link” for those who collect military knives. Although many Randall knives made previously were undoubtedly carried during the ensuing war, the recognition (with this period) is simplified by the relative ease of an association beginning with the Johnson brown button period. Here we have a specific time period relevant to the war; at least as a point of departure. This added appeal, coupled with a visually simplified system of recognition (brown logo snaps) should serve as an incentive for period collectors.

Other inducements should include the number of knives sheathed by Johnson that carried the brown logo snap, as we have to estimate that figure, since there is no reference available on sales. But the ability to estimate a beginning and an end, roughly 1962 to 1964 at the latest, during a time preceding the full commitment to the war should point to somewhat low numbers produced, rather than the high production, which was to follow after 1965.

Over the years, many have looked for Heiser sheathed knives and overlooked the JBB due to perceived “lateness” of production. However, if we can relate to the period identified, for the above stated reasons, then this becomes a positive factor. As an aside, there are increasingly fewer Heiser sheathed fighters after Johnson began crafting sheaths, and they are difficult to date. Ask yourself, how would you date a knife from this period in a Heiser sheath, the presence of a diagonal keeper strap for example? It's well to remember that these “guard keepers” first appeared in the early 1950’s and can be seen on sheaths of many models throughout that decade. Most likely, we would have to carefully examine the knife and make our decision based on blade characteristics, as a Heiser of the early 1960’s is not going to be much different from the Heiser sheaths of the late 1950’s. This is just one more reason to integrate our system of dating to include the knife, as they often turn up unmatched with their original sheath or without a sheath entirely. Relying solely on the sheath as so many do for identification purposes is folly.

Just what does this Randall/Johnson brown button knife offer to collectors? The answer includes the following: an identifiable period of time that is relevant to the Vietnam conflict, recognizable knife characteristics that are in transition from the “standardized” design of the 1950’s, low production in comparison with what was to follow during the remainder of the sixties, arguably Johnson's best sheath work, at least one example of rarity and a wide range of “Shop” supplied handle material(s), that served to provide variety to the finished product in the best hand-crafted tradition of the previous decade.

So there you have it. If you already appreciate them, so much the better. If your interest in collecting has not extended to these knives then perhaps this may serve to influence you in some positive way. In any event, the era does provide a benchmark that may be helpful in our continued appreciation of this transitional period of high collector interest.

For other articles and comments about Randall Fighting Knives, visit the Archives section of this web site, or see Randall Fighting Knives in Wartime, by the author.

Robert Hunt
Randall Collector

© 2003 by Robert Hunt. All rights reserved.