Randall King Knives

Randall King Knives stands as America's oldest custom knife manufacturer, handcrafting fixed-blade knives in Orlando, Florida since 1936. Founded by Walter Doane "Bo" Randall during the Great Depression, the company has maintained its commitment to traditional knife-making methods for nearly nine decades, building a reputation that has earned it comparisons to luxury watchmakers in terms of craftsmanship and prestige.

The brand specializes in handmade fixed-blade knives spanning hunting, military combat, outdoor survival, and collector categories. Each knife is individually crafted using time-honored techniques that have remained largely unchanged since the company's inception. This dedication to traditional methods has created extraordinary demand—Randall currently maintains a 7-year waitlist for new orders, requiring non-refundable deposits from customers willing to wait for their custom pieces.

Randall's military heritage runs deep, with the brand gaining legendary status during the Vietnam War. Special Forces veterans have particularly praised Vietnam-era models for their reliability and performance in combat conditions. This military connection continues to influence the company's designs and attracts collectors seeking historically significant pieces.

The ordering process reflects Randall's focus on quality over quantity, limiting customers to five custom features per knife to maintain production standards and manage the extensive waitlist. While the company's reputation remains strong, community discussions reveal mixed perspectives on whether the multi-year wait times and premium pricing justify the investment, with some enthusiasts questioning the value proposition in today's competitive custom knife market.

Despite debates about accessibility and cost, Randall King Knives maintains its position as an iconic American brand, representing a living connection to traditional knife-making craftsmanship that few manufacturers can claim.