A.G. Russel knives made in China??

Status
Not open for further replies.
W

waterford

Joined
May 19, 2012
Messages
156
Hi,

I have recently be educating myself on the world of traditional folding knives and came across the A.G. Russell Knives website. I was intrigued by his own knives, until I looked a bit closer and was quite disappointed to see LOTS of
his own knives are made in China?? That surprising to me since his website has such a great Americana feel to it.
Does anyone know if he just recently moved production to China? Where his knives ever made in the USA? Sorry, I am just now learning all this.

Besides the Acies2, and according to his website, it looks like all his other folders are made in China. So how do Chinese made traditional folders compare to USA made GEC, Canal Street, Queen, as far as build quality?

Thanks!
 
Last edited:
This has been covered before, including posts by A.G. explaining why the knives are made where they are made.

Benchmade and Spyderco have also explained.

Say, did you know your computer was probably made in China?.
 
He is very strict about quality standards and consistency. I think a quick search on this forum will show almost nothing but satisfaction with his Chinese-made knives. Without going into politics, there is certainly an achievable balancing point between quality products and affordable labor, and enough evidence that the stigma of poor quality is not universally applicable.
 
OK, I was under the impression he was an American knife maker. So where is the US made Acies2 folder made, at his Rogers AR facility?
 
Have a wharncliffe curved jack and a sunfish from A.G.; F&F is spot on for both, showed up clean as a whistle. The 8Cr13MoV used on the majority of imports is serviceable, even if not a personal favorite. When US manufacturers can produce quality products equal to China/Taiwan for the same price point, I'll forsake foreign-made products. A product isn't good or bad because of where it was made, just how it was made.
 
I understand that his Chinese made knives are of good quality. But there is just something about knowing these knives are being made in China, with young men or teens earning $1.50/hr, is a real turnoff me when, when I can purchase a beautiful
GEC, Canal Street traditional folder proudly hand built in the USA. To me, its about about US pride of ownership, no offense.
 
waterford said:
Hi,

I have recently be educating myself on the world of traditional folding knives and came across the A.G. Russell Knives website. I was intrigued by his own knives, until I looked a bit closer and was quite disappointed to see LOTS of
his own knives are made in China?? That surprising to me since his website has such a great Americana feel to it.
Does anyone know if he just recently moved production to China? Where his knives ever made in the USA? Sorry, I am just now learning all this.

Besides the Acies2, and according to his website, it looks like all his other folders are made in China. So how do Chinese made traditional folders compare to USA made GEC, Canal Street, Queen, as far as build quality?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

The following is taken from the "Guidelines For The "Traditional Folders & Fixed Blades" Sub-Forum" which is posted at the top of the main page.

We understand that many knives and brands/marks that were once produced here in the USA are now produced overseas, whether that offshore manufacture resides in Europe, South America or Asia.
Be that as it may, the Traditional Forum exists to discuss the knives (pro and con) as opposed to hosting rants about overseas manufacture in general or specific countries in particular.
We feel it is safe to say that we all want to see the U.S. cutlery industry thrive. If for some reason you cannot countenance purchasing knives manufactured overseas then by all means "vote" with your dollars but do not use the forum for promoting any particular agenda.

Regardless of personal point of view, "China Bashing" is not welcome and will not be tolerated. Please discuss and critique the knives themselves...not the country of origin.
This applies to any "offshore" point of production.

Not that your post, or this thread, is going in that direction, but I figured it's a good opportunity to "reinforce" this particular guideline.
Thanks for humoring me. Oh and AGs knives are very well made.

I guess I didn't type quick enough. It seems you were headed in the wrong direction ....
 
Last edited:
waterford, you are in a very sensitive area with this post and need to tread lightly so it doesn't get shut down. An honest question about the country of origin is one thing, but xenophobic spew about it is another. Stick with facts only and not opinions and the modes will probably let this thread run a bit. If it gets off course it will be shut down and you won't get any answers.

The following is my understanding and opinion of the whole AG Russel situation. Who knows... AG himself has been known to pop in on occasion and we may hear from the man himself on this thread.

I have understood that AGR has his knives made where he wants using his own criteria. Price point, steel selection, production capability, and in all cases his concern for quality are the factors. I have never met him, but have talked to his long time staff members and they all tell the same tale. They have two goals; a quality product and a happy customer. I would guess that over the years AG has had his knives made for him in just about any country (including USA, Germany, etc.) known for quality cutlery.

Now, what I know for sure from first hand experience.

I have purchased three AGR branded from him made offshore, and the quality is no less than outstanding. The fit tolerances are so close on the three of them they look like the gorgeous custom work we see from time to time on this sub forum. The steels are good, tempered well, and the knives all operate well with buttery smooth action. All were received sharp (although not hair whittling sharp for those interested) right out of the box. They were ready to drop in the pocket and go.

I know some have received knives from AGR that they felt were less than stellar, but that's where his reputation of customer service kicks in. The only knife I had a small problem with (side to side blade wobble) he replaced cheerfully in a week and paid to send the knife in question back to him.

Hope that helps. AG is been a part of the knife world so long he himself might fall into the traditional category!

Robert
 
I understand Peregrin, thanks! I will not say any more on this and just keep my opinions to myself. I didnt realize how senstive and defensive folks are to this topic. I apologize if I offended anyone as I would love to remain in good standing with the forum!
 
waterford said:
I understand Peregrin, thanks! I will not say any more on this and just keep my opinions to myself. I didnt realize how senstive and defensive folks are to this topic. I apologize if I offended anyone as I would love to stand it good standing with the forum!
Click to expand...

Thanks for understanding. We get folks posting from nations all over the world. We're one big knife family here, so we try and take care of our family.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top