The Randall Collector

Stockman Sheaths

Stockman Sheaths

June 11, 2024

There is a good bit of misinformation floating around about Randall sheath maker Jimmy Stockman. Much of this is due to one author’s claims in his publication that Stockman supplied the Randall logo stamped sheaths in the late 1950’s to early 1960s. Nothing could be further from the truth.

The period in question is from around 1958 to 1962, as Bo Randall had been looking for a local sheath maker. Stockman was used on a limited basis for one off type pieces, and to a lessor degree, if the Randall shop was out of a particular model of an HKL (Heiser-Keyston-Lichtenburger) sheath, the last incarnation of the H.H. Heiser company. This topic is covered in other articles on the site, primarily ‘”A Johnson Sheath Footnote” part 3.

There is a distinct difference in leather and quality of assembly between the HKL supplied sheaths and the product offered by Stockman. By all accounts, and after examining numerous examples, it is patently obvious that the quality of the Stockman product is inferior to the HKL product, and also inferior to the subsequent Maurice Johnson supplied sheath. Johnson replaced HKL, and is the man who would become the sole sheath supplier to Randall Made Knives for decades.

Based on extrapolation, I estimate maybe a couple hundred Stockman sheaths may have been made during the time frame mentioned, and that estimate may be generous. Of the number of Stockman sheaths I have seen/examined, albeit some by photo only, there is no mistaking whom they were made by. The sheaths are that distinct compared to other makers.

The hides Stockman used were definitely different than what HKL used, and closer to what Johnson used, yet still a different. The stitching was different and often “erratic”, not being as clean looking. The “butterfly” stitching may be the most obvious difference between the other two sheath makers, and would best be described as “abbreviated” compared to the other two. Lastly, I have never seen a Stockman sheath that had an RMK logo stamp.

You can see these differences in the photo reference I have provided, which should give the reader a decent handle on what to look for if they run across that odd sheath.

 

Vintage stag is sought after by collectors for several reasons. One of course is the perception of overall “quality” accorded vintage stag versus newer material, and also the patina that only time gives the material. Now I am not saying newer material is necessarily inferior, but some of the old material just has the “look” that only comes with age. This “look” is amplified by the finger grips of the day which are generally deep and more defined relative to modern finger grips. The feel of these early grips in the hand is truly special.

Stag also offers good stability and durability compared to some other vintage handle materials like ivory and wood. Both of those materials are affected to a much greater degree by temperature and humidity variations than stag. This is evidenced by the many vintage stag handled knives with few if any checks much less cracks. On that note, checks in a handle material whether it be stag, ivory, or wood, are not the end of the world and often add character to the piece. So in your collecting venture, don’t completely discount a vintage blade because of a few checks in the handle. The handles are a natural product and you should expect some movement.

Still being the second most produced handle material used behind leather, it is not surprising that over the years some fantastic stag handled knives have been made, and the benefits to us as collectors is imeasurable. The addition of the finger grip option further enhances the appearance in some cases and often presents as some of the most beautiful handles to come out of the Randall shop.