A.G. Russell ATS-34 Pocket Lockback

[dirtsqueezer]

I've had my A. G. Russell ATS-34 Pocket Lockback photo in G-10 for about 6 weeks now.

I was looking for a thin lockback to drop in my slacks at the office.
The knife has a 2 ½ inch blade and a 3 ½ inch handle which gives you 6 inches open. The handle of the knife is about 5/16 of an inch thick (0.8 cm). There is no pocket clip on the knife and it is a two-hand opener. The geometry works very well for my needs. It rides nicely in the bottom of my front pocket without taking up much room at all. I really like how thin the scales are. The handle is very comfortable - plenty big and it feels right.

The blade is mirror finished, something that is not clear from the website. I am not a fan of mirror finishes and find myself muttering about those fingerprints every time I use the knife. The knife was razor sharp right of the box and it does have a "splinter-picking point". Russell put about 1 inch of shallow thumb serrations on the spine of the blade. These seem too shallow and finely spaced to be of any use.

The lock passes the spine whack test. Lock up is solid, the action is smooth. Edge holding ability is no problem with the ATS-34.

My overall impression is very favorable. I think of it as a gentleman's folder with roots in the working class

-j-

[This message has been edited by dirtsqueezer (edited 05-29-2000).]

 

[kevinb17]

Judging by one tour of Mr. Russell's showroom, I believe he marches to his own drummer. Russell designs are sometimes like other designs but not a copy -- he has his own special touch. And he favors high quality craftsmanship, smaller sizes, and pays little heed to trends which perhaps he feels have yet to pass the test of time.

I have one of his one-hand, zytel handle pocket knives that I bought as a curio. Despite no pocket clip, it is so light and thin (yet the handle is comfortable to use) that I find myself often carrying it. His Jess Horn folding boot knife, though not a particular useful design, opens with such a bank-vault "snick" that I almost bought one on the spot. I'm sure I'll end up with one someday.

It's good stuff.

 

[Samurai6]

I've got one of the Jess Horn folding boot knives, and I consider it very versatile and useful. Not as a boot knife necessarily, but as a general, splinter picker, apple slicer, and thread trimmer, it works perfectly. The workmanship is the best Japan has to offer. Really excellent fit and finish.

I think one of the nicest little pocket knives available right now is the Russell lockback in ATS-34 (click here if you want to see them). Sturdy and purdy.



[This message has been edited by Steve Harvey (edited 05-31-2000).]

 

[JOCKO]

DIRTSQUEEZER,
I HAVE JUST ADDED THE CARBON FIBER RUSSELL
ATS-34 POCKET LOCKBACK TO MY DAILY CARRY KNIVES.BEAUTIFUL FIT AND FINISH,RAZOR SHARP
OUT OF THE BOX.A FINE KNIFE.

THIS BRINGS ME UP TO THREE KNIVES FOR EVERYDAY CARRY.
1. CAMILLUS SILVER SWORD MODEL 802
MAINLY USED FOR CLEANING MY NAILS

2. THE ABOVE MENTIONED RUSSELL ATS-34
FOLDER.
FOR OPENING MAIL,CUTTING STRING ETC.

3. ANOTHER RUSSELL KNIFE. THE FIBER GLASS
REINFORCED NYLON HANDLED FEATHERLITE
ONE HAND KNIFE WITH THE AUS-8A BLADE.
FOR BEING ONLY 1.5 OUNCES (AND $29.95
WHEN I BOUGHT IT) IT SURE IS A GREAT
EVERYDAY CARRY KNIFE.
USED FOR JOBS KNIFE #1 AND #2 ARE TO
SMALL TO DO.

WHEN I ORDERED THE FEATHERLITE YEARS AGO
FOUR OTHER KNIFE-NUTS IN MY OFFICE BOUGHT
ONE TOO. ALL OF US LOVE THIS KNIFE. WE ALL
LOVE THIS DESIGN ENOUGH THAT WE ALL JUST
BOUGHT THE SAME KNIFE IN ATS-34.

 

[fudo]

Jocko, please don't yell. Typing in all caps is the equivalent of screaming at the top of your voice.
Welcome to the forums.

------------------
The thorn stands to defend the Rose, yet it is peaceful and does not seek conflict

 

[JOCKO]

sorry about that!