So I bought a small box of Knives at a yard sale(yes, I did), and I found this at the bottom of the box! Its a Randall 8-4 with its sheath. I know that Randall makes great knives, but they have always been out of my price range. It looks pretty old, but still in good shape. Yes, I'm wondering what this vintage piece is worth, and no, I dont want to sell it. There is some slight pitting, but the edge is still pretty sharp, with a few flat spots. I'm thinking that I might send it to Randall for a clean up and sharpening. Or, is that a no-no with a knife like this? any help would be appreciated.

On a side note, there was also a USN MKII Kabar in there as well! Looks to be from 1943. Pretty cool!

Some pictures..

I'm no randall expert, but I don't think it is all that old or it would have a heiser sheath.

One guy told me that the color of the spacers indicated that it was from the 70's. Guess thats not that old! But, I don't know. Figured I give it a shot here.

I'd have to agree with Hunts on the sheath dating it to some degree.

I seem to recall that there wasan older style #8 with a more upswept blade but I'm no Randall expert.

Great score on a really neat knife!

Thanks! So sending it in for a polish and sharpening should be fine. Yeah, Got the whole box for $25.

I'd call randall and see there thoughts on a refurb.

I edited my above post because I went and checked my model 8's spcacers. they are the same color and pattern but not the same width as yours. I've heard they can be dated very roughly by spacer configuration but have no clue if that's actually fact

will call them in the morning. I think it would look great all spiffed up! Will keep posted.

8-4 Bird and Trout. There is one on ebay for $625.00

NICE SCORE!!!!!

Wow! I had no idea they were that high!

they bring big bux for a prybar......

It is always good to get back with the actual manufacturer on such issues.
Myself, I would probably clean it up with some Mothers, sharpen it, use it, and keep it in the family.
Actual cash value is what someone will pay for it not what the asking price is. Check sold prices.
jmho
Tim
ps: very cool find.

Great find ! Just get a tube of Simichrome and a t shirt and go to town on it . It'll polish up nicely. Resharpen & continue to use it. The look it'll have from it's life is genuine.

Yes, keeping it for sure!

If you're on Facebook, there is a Randall group. And they would tell to leave it be as is or the value is ruined. But that is up to you. And you got a steal... I'll bet it is worth way more than you imagined.

That's the "new" style model 8. Made of O1 carbon steel. If it was stainless it would have an "S" beside the Randall stamp and would have been 440C steel. The "old" style has a more pronounced clip at the end of the blade. Google it up and you'll see.

I agree...mid 70's knife...I have one just like it. My dad bought it for me at a gun show for $150 years and years ago...he was a little ticked, as he thought he got taken at that price.

Randall will fix you up with a refurb. Congrats on a great find!