Back when I was stationed in Orlando in 1992 , I had never heard of Randall knives.  I came across a display case in a pawn shop and was shown an order form, by which I ordered my father a custom Model 3.  Back then, the wait times was only a few months, compared to the 5 year wait time you see now.  I gave the knife to my father when I got home on leave and he's had it for 25 years and never once used it.

A couple of nights ago, he asked me to meet him for dinner and presented me with it.  He told me that he wasn't sure how much longer he was going to live and wanted to ensure that I got it back.  My dad and I were estranged from each other for several years due to family problems with step mom and my real mom and lies told due to a nasty divorce.  He and I have grown closer in the last few months and I'm glad to finally get a relationship back with him and get some fishing and hunting time in before he is too old to go.
We share the same initials as I am a "junior".  This knife now has a special meaning to me, especially as a knifemaker and knowing the history and having an appreciation for the skill that goes into them. 

Feel free to post pictures of your own.

Wow, that's a beauty and the stag on it is awesome!

I have had several Randall's over the years and recently have handed down a couple to my kids. Here is my collection now:

Nice collection!  I'm a sucker for stacked leather and stag.
I'm keeping my eyes open for the right 25-5 and am currently making a stacked leather in D2.

Is that a 26 second from the end?

I have only this one.  5-year wait.  It's my huntin' blade.

DSC_6641-Randall 28 No Sheath by FredMan, on Flickr

That a 5" blade?  Looks bullet proof. I like a smaller blade like for skinning as I find a longer blade is harder to maneuver inside the ribcage.

Thanks!

Yep, that is a 26 second from the end. The Bowie is a 12-9 with a mode 14 blade grind. Then there is a pair of 15's and the little one on the far right is a model 10-3………

Great story!  I would use it and not make it a safe queen.  Of course I say that and I have a couple I have never used.  However, I do have a model 28 like the one pictured above that is my deer hunting blade.  Life is short bro!  Enjoy!

Mine?  Just about.  4.7".