A.G. Russell drop point hunter or Schrade D'Holder?

G

Grapevine

Joined
Mar 5, 2002
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I'm fairly new to this forum so please forgive if I breach any unwritten rules or etiquette.

I just got back from the East Coast Custom Knife Show where I drooled over some of the fixed hunters. My interest has been more toward utilitiy and tactical folders but now I'm itching to own a nice fixed Loveless style drop point hunter. I can't afford a true custom. I may be able to afford one of these two production knives that I found on the A.G. Russell site:

http://www.agrussell.com/agrussell/ru-d500cq.html

http://www.agrussell.com/schrade/sch-sdh2.html

One thing that stands out that confuses me is why the Russell is so much lighter than the Schrade--4.5 oz vs. 7.6, even though they're the same size. Is lighter better for this kind of knife or heavier is better? Maybe what makes the Schrade heavier is what makes it $60 more, and is it worth that much more?

Opinions, views, and critiques would be greatly appreciated.
 
Since you seem to be very concerned about price you may want to take a look at a Loveless pattern made by Marbles, I've enjoyed mine thorougly. With this knife you get a great steel and a bunch of dollars stay in your pocket. BTW, I've been looking at both of those knives also. Money is just way too tight right now to do much buying.
 
I would go for the BG42 Schrade. I like the edge it takes much better than ATS-34. If you don't need stainless I would take a look at the Marbles 52100 alloy blades. They get fantastic sharp and are durable.
 
I took a look at the Marbles knives. The two Loveless type designs that I could find are too big, being more camp knives than medium hunter, while the medium sized ones don't really have that Loveless drop point blade that I love so much. Nice knives though, thanks to you both for recommending them. I'll have to keep them in mind for the future.
 
I take that back. I was looking at dealer websites. Just occurred to me to search for Marbles direct site. There are a couple of knives there that fit the bill. Now I have to decide if stainless is worth the extra price of the first two knives, that and the burl handles that have somehow imprinted onto the section of my brain that lusts after things.
 
I am still kicking myself for not getting the first edition Schrade D'Holder, when I had the chance. ( for a good price )...The Knife Outlet refused to ship via USPS, and I stuck to my guns, 'cause UPS is a much longer drive for me...did not want to ask the neighbor to accept it, again. I think they were selling it for about $139 - $150. It had the stag handle.
 
Take a long hard look at the Fallkniven F1 -- a Loveless-inspired drop point in a superb stainless steel, VG-10, which surpasses ATS-34 in edge holding, according to most sources. And the price is right. Get a Concealex sheath from Normark to go with it:)
 
Hmm...the Fallkniven is too much of a tactical looking knife. I guess what I'm looking for is something that looks like a nice custom collectible knife without costing like one. The D'Holder and Russell have the look of pieces of art. And upon thinking about it I'm nixing the Marbles from the running because it falls just short of that criteria. I'd probably never end up using this knife, just displaying it and admiring and handling it and daydreaming that I was in the wilderness with it.

You knife knuts know what I'm talking about right? :)
 
Originally posted by Grapevine

I can't afford a true custom.
Click to expand...

You can find custom knives in your price range. One maker to look at is Geno Denning. You can have one of his Loveless style drop points for less than $200. Some can be seen at Robertson's Custom Cutlery. There are many custom makers that have great knives in the price range you are looking at.
 
Check out Bob Dozier's knives. Not as traditional, but very good values.

I have a Becker Campanion and a Remington ATS-34 hunter that have proven to be useful for camping, hiking, etc. The Becker is a lot more knife than most drop points though!
 
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