Took Lucas on a summer field trip

[squawberryman]

Nestled in a bad part of downtown Orlando is 88 acres that was once quiet and beautiful. NOONE else owns that much single piece land in Orlando. Across and up and down the street is prostitution, drugs, crime and blight. A quarter mile past this nondescript sign sits a small house that is the factory. Yep, that's where they make Randall knives.

Fifteen years ago when I was there the museum was two rooms within the factory. Fast forward to today and the original Randall residence now houses the museum.



Most of the furnishings have been removed to make room for the MANY cases full of history. Some areas of the house are intact as left and you cannot go into. The study is below. Notice the jewfish on the wall, a no-no today. I took the picture through wrought iron bars. Out that window is a beautiful lake I'm sure didn't have houses around it when it was built.

View from entry level down into trophy room

View from trophy room up towards entry

I took pics of about two thirds of what was on display. Lights were everywhere as well as ample natural lighting so glare free pics weren't going to happen






If anything looks like ivory it is. There were at least two full tusks on display up at the showroom.

Ivory handled Randall folders






Model 14 minis. I have one of the full size purportedly carried in Nam.



Big knives with big ivory




I have no idea how many knives are there and there's no telling what the value is. Newspaper and magazine articles literally covered a few walls as well as pics from stars and astronauts. Chuck Yeager was up there thanking him. It was neat. One of the Randall "kids " working in the shop said current lead time is about six years. I suppose a man could order a Randall and a Dustin Bisquero and be double surprised when the mailman came.

[wheelguns]

Cool stuff! Thanks for sharing.

[Robster]

I love the Ben Lilly knife. I am into hunting with hounds and have read up quite a bit on Ben Lilly so was pleasantly surprised to see the pic you took of his knife.

I bought 4 Randalls over the years. One each for my Dad, son and daughter and myself. Last time I was at the Randall factory was before the new museum opened. I think it's time to stop in again and spend some time browsing the museum

[dougader]

Great trip for Lucas! Incredible array of knives.

[squawberryman]

Robster if you come down lemme know.

[warhawk]

Outstanding, had no idea. I wonder how often the hoodrats try to break in?

[Robster]

Squawberryman, will do. Didn't we try to hook up last time I was in Orlando? I think I will be back for a conference in 2020. Definitely let you know and will have to hit the museum.

Great pics BTW, thanks for taking the time to post them.

[gunzo]

Wow, I was there about 30 years ago. to say it has grown is an understatement. I'm in the area every couple years, must stop in again. Thanks for the pics.

And... take squawberrymans word for it. That section of Orange Blossom Trail is pretty rough. Be alert.

[sixshot]

What an amazing display, thanks for the photo's!!

Dick

[bushog]

Great post!

Used to have a sizeable Randall collection. Only a few left.

I too have read a lot about Ben Lilley....a legend here in NM!

I gave away a book on Ben several years ago as a Karma drawing here on the Forum.

[Burnston]

I'm glad you got to make that trip. Great opportunity for the young man you brought with you.
I frequently have dinner with a Vietnam vet who has a lot to say about General Westmoreland; one of the only good things he has to say about him was that he carried a Randall knife.

[Markbo]

Awesome memories right there now.

[mike454]

Nice! took the kids to Randall when we went to Disney last year. My favorite part of the trip. Fun quick little side visit. Wish I could have taken a quick look back in the shop.