Hunting Knives: reliability and durability in the wild

KNIFE FROM A PRIVATE COLLECTION
* Type: Knife previously purchased and withdrawn from a private collection
* Condition: Like new, never used, never removed from the original packaging, and never placed in its sheath
* Commercial availability: Hard to find
* Edge: Factory sharpened
* Blade marks: None
* Handle marks: None
* Box: Nylon pouch with zipper, with Randall Knives logos
* Sheath: Perfect, never used, in oiled leather
* Manuals, Certificates, and Warranties: Original warranty sheet
Inspected and certified by our internal laboratory

Drop-point hunting knife, excellent for skinning and as a light all-around utility. The handle construction recalls a design from the 1930s. Thumb grooves and the upper part of the guard are shaped for thumb placement. The model features multiple customizations compared to the standard model, such as the single brass guard and pommel, handle in Desert Ironwood and leather, and oiled leather sheath.

Intended use: hunting / light utility

Production type: Handcrafted
Country of production: Orlando, Florida, USA
Blade: high-carbon steel
Blade finish: satin finish
Handle: Desert Ironwood and leather rings, brass guard, and pommel
Blade length: 132mm.
Blade thickness: 4.5mm.
Total length: 245mm.
Weight: 270g.
Sheath: oiled brown leather, with belt loop, front button pocket, and sharpening stone
Notes: knife previously purchased, withdrawn from private collection, absolutely like new - provided with Randall Knives zippered nylon pouch and paper warranty

PREVIOUSLY PURCHASED KNIFE, WITHDRAWN FROM PRIVATE COLLECTION
* Type: Knife previously purchased, from a private collection
* Condition: Like new, never used, never removed from its packaging, and never inserted in the sheath
* Availability: Out of production
* Sharpening: Factory edge
* Blade marks: None
* Handle marks: None
* Box: Present
* Sheath: Present, with an additional new leather sheath
* Manuals, Certificates, and Warranties: Present
* Inspected and Certified by our internal laboratory

The Bark River Aurora II is designed as the ultimate bushcraft knife, a result of extensive testing conducted by experts in North America and Europe. This outdoor knife, perfected through feedback received, is notable for its balance and versatility. The blade, made of CPM 3V steel, is renowned for its exceptional strength and its ability to retain an excellent edge over time. However, it is important to watch for moisture and acids, as CPM 3V is not completely stainless. Cleaning the knife after use and occasionally applying oil is recommended to ensure its longevity.

The Aurora II, significantly larger than the standard model, features a pointed tip ideal for detailed tasks and a spine suited for use with a fire starter. These characteristics make it an indispensable tool for outdoor activities.

The handle is made of desert ironwood, a hardwood appreciated for its color and unique pattern, giving the knife a luxurious look and improving grip. Each piece is handmade by Bark River, meaning that every knife is unique and may have slight variations compared to the images.

Intended Use: Hiking / Utility / Bushcraft

Country of Manufacture: USA
Blade: Full tang in CPM-3V carbon steel at 61 HRC
Handle: Desert ironwood
Blade Length: 140mm.
Blade Thickness: 3.85mm.
Total Length: 264mm.
Weight: 195g.
Sheath: Leather, with an additional leather sheath
Notes: Knife from a private collection, like new, never removed from its packaging and never inserted in the sheath, provided with an additional sheath, out of production and no longer available on the market

The Model 26 Pathfinder is an excellent lightweight skinning and outdoor knife. The blade design favours both cutting and pointing work. This knife has become one of the most popular small hunting knives.

KNIFE WITHDRAWN FROM PRIVATE COLLECTION
* Type: Previously purchased
* Condition: Good overall condition
* Sharpening: Original
* Marks on blade: None
* Marks on handle: Slight on the guard, the deer part is parts as new
* Packaging: -
* Scabbard: Original, leather, in good condition, some marks on the front
* Manuals, Certificates and Warranties: -
* Checked and certified by our in-house laboratory

Intended use: utility

Type of production: handcrafted
Country of manufacture: USA
Blade: stainless steel 440B
Blade finish: satin
Handle: Deerskin
Blade length: 150mm.
Blade thickness: 4mm.
Total length: 215mm.
Balance: set back about 2cm from the guard
Weight: 124g. (206g. scabbard included)
Sheath: brown leather with belt loop
Notes: -

The Model 16 was designed to meet the demand for an almost indestructible multi-purpose knife, including intensive use in salt water (careful cleaning and maintenance is however recommended). A special wax-impregnated sheath is included.

7″ (17.8cm) stainless steel blade with 6.5mm thickness. The top of the blade is slightly serrated to allow easy thumb placement. Black Micarta handle. Extra-heavy 7/8″ (2.2cm) wide tang that extends through a channel in the handle, securely fixed with epoxy. 

KNIFE TAKEN FROM PRIVATE COLLECTION
* Type: Previously purchased, manufactured in 2023
* Condition: Very good condition, like new
* Sharpening: Original
* Marks on blade: None
* Marks on handle: None
* Packaging: -
* Scabbard: original, leather, in very good condition
* Manuals, Certificates and Warranties: - - * Checked and Certified by our in-house laboratory.
* Checked and certified by our in-house laboratory

Intended use: utility

Type of production: handcrafted
Country of manufacture: USA
Blade: stainless steel 440B
Blade finish: satin
Handle: Micarta
Blade length: 178mm.
Blade thickness: 6.5mm.
Total length: 297mm.
Balance: on the guard
Weight: 362g. (522g. including scabbard)
Sheath: Brown leather with belt loop
Notes: -

Randall Made Knives' Model 11 is the original drop-point blade. Designed in 1952 by Alaskan guide Tommy Thompson it is designed for skinning large prey, has the tip lowered below the top of the blade to avoid cutting too deeply into skins when using the tip first.

KNIFE WITHDRAWN FROM PRIVATE COLLECTION
* Type: Previously purchased, presumably produced in the late 1990s.
* Condition: Very good condition
* Sharpening: Original
* Marks on blade: None
* Marks on handle: None
* Packaging: -
* Scabbard: original, leather, "Type A," in very good condition.
* Manuals, Certificates and Warranties: - -
* Checked and Certified by our in-house laboratory

Intended use: hunting

Type of production: handcrafted
Country of production: USA
Blade: stainless steel 440B
Blade finish: satin
Handle: ergonomic, walnut wood with through-guard and brass tang
Blade length: 130mm.
Blade thickness: 5mm.
Total length: 245mm.
Balance: backward
Weight: 290g.
Sheath: brown leather with belt loop and sharpening stone
Notes: vintage knife, late 1990s, previously purchased, withdrawn from private collection