A.G. Russell Hunter, Gunstock, Sowbelly Trapper

if you allow, I've copied the pics with a link to this discussion on the hic sunt leones knife forum
awesome knives and PICS!

That's Italy, I assume? These are goin' VIRAL now?? :p

Well, as is always the case with the INTERNET, once it's out there, it's out there FOREVER. So, I guess, yes, I allow (as if I could stop it anyway)... ;)

hope to get a couple soon, I'm curious to test the AG quality

Maxx

I'm betting you'll like 'em. :)
 
I've got one of the yellow trappers inbound ( but it's back-ordered so I have to wait), I was thinking of getting the hunter too.

The description of the hunter mentions that the spring is a "coil" , I couldn't visualize this, what does it mean?
 
Here is the AGR description:
"This is a large Lockback folder measuring a full 5-5/8" closed. We have used a space saving coil spring, which I prefer because it will hold up longer giving more life to the knife, and it makes the action smoother therefore the knife easier to open and close. The extra space allowed by the coil spring and the addition of a stop pin which keeps the blade from ever meeting the back spring/locking bar, allowed us to design a blade that is a full 1" wide, much wider than usually found in a handle of this width."
I too would like to understand what this means. Can someone explain this aspect of it's construction ?
roland
 
Here is the AGR description:
"This is a large Lockback folder measuring a full 5-5/8" closed. We have used a space saving coil spring, which I prefer because it will hold up longer giving more life to the knife, and it makes the action smoother therefore the knife easier to open and close. The extra space allowed by the coil spring and the addition of a stop pin which keeps the blade from ever meeting the back spring/locking bar, allowed us to design a blade that is a full 1" wide, much wider than usually found in a handle of this width."
I too would like to understand what this means. Can someone explain this aspect of it's construction ?
roland

If you look inside the handle of a 'conventional' lockback (like a Buck 110, for instance), you'll see what looks like a thick piece of steel 'wire' (for lack of a better description), maybe 1-1/2" long, at the rear of the knife. One end of it is tucked underneath the 'spring holder' (looks like a spacer at the butt end of the knife). The other end rides parallel to the inside face of the locking bar, exerting some spring tension against it. It's a piece of tempered spring steel, against which the back end of the lock bar rides. It's the spring that is felt underneath the lock release, when depressed.

In the Russell Hunter, it looks (based on the description) as if this spring steel 'wire' has instead been replaced by a coiled spring underneath the spring holder. It's completely hidden out of sight, but I'd assume it stands 'vertically' against the inside of the lock release. I assume this would look similar to the upright coil springs seen around the shocks in the suspension of a vehicle. Because it's oriented vertically, this presumably frees up some extra room inside the blade recess of the handle, allowing for a bigger blade to nestle more deeply into the handle.

I hope A.G. can confirm my description for me, but I'm reasonably sure that's what it comes down to.
 
I'd say you're right Dave -- the clue is how the lockbar extends well past the unlock notch - the end of the lockbar has the coil spring underneath it, almost at the very end of the handle.
 
I'd say you're right Dave -- the clue is how the lockbar extends well past the unlock notch - the end of the lockbar has the coil spring underneath it, almost at the very end of the handle.

Thanks!

I'm sitting here examining my Yellow hunter, and there's about 1/8" (maybe 3/16", or so) of lockbar extending beyond the notch, as you've described. I'd bet that spring is just underneath that very end, extending downward, parallel to the seam between the bolster & scale. Being that this is something new (I assume), I'd be curious to see the build diagrams and/or the patent description on it, just to see what the spring actually looks like, in there.

For what it's worth, the spring tension on the lockbar feels just right, to me. I mentioned earlier that this knife (all these, actually) can be thumbed open, one-handed. The closing snap is also very definitive, and yet, not too stiff. I think there's a very good balance here.
 
Yup, looking at my large AGR Hunter, if I have the light just right, I can see it between the lockbar and the inside of the knife. Looks just like the spring on a button lock auto, but much beefier.
 
Well that's pretty neat guys. Thanks for the details. Can't wait to get back home in a few weeks so i can play with this Jumbo Hunter. Maybe even show it a deer this Fall. See how well it really works,
roland
 
That's Italy, I assume? These are goin' VIRAL now?? :p

Well, as is always the case with the INTERNET, once it's out there, it's out there FOREVER. So, I guess, yes, I allow (as if I could stop it anyway)... ;)



I'm betting you'll like 'em. :)

thanks Dave, I've credited you and this thread :thumbup:

I'm trying to get my italian forumited to like and get into slipjoint, with my limits, they gave me a section called "slipjoints" where I try ho bring this old knives culture in
I have and am learning so much here in this trads section
Maxx
 
If you look inside the handle of a 'conventional' lockback (like a Buck 110, for instance), you'll see what looks like a thick piece of steel 'wire' (for lack of a better description), maybe 1-1/2" long, at the rear of the knife. One end of it is tucked underneath the 'spring holder' (looks like a spacer at the butt end of the knife). The other end rides parallel to the inside face of the locking bar, exerting some spring tension against it. It's a piece of tempered spring steel, against which the back end of the lock bar rides. It's the spring that is felt underneath the lock release, when depressed.

In the Russell Hunter, it looks (based on the description) as if this spring steel 'wire' has instead been replaced by a coiled spring underneath the spring holder. It's completely hidden out of sight, but I'd assume it stands 'vertically' against the inside of the lock release. I assume this would look similar to the upright coil springs seen around the shocks in the suspension of a vehicle. Because it's oriented vertically, this presumably frees up some extra room inside the blade recess of the handle, allowing for a bigger blade to nestle more deeply into the handle.

I hope A.G. can confirm my description for me, but I'm reasonably sure that's what it comes down to.

You have it Dave
 
I am a terrible photographer but my Sowbelly Trapper came in today so I thought I would add some pics.

I don't do lanyards so I removed mine before taking the photos.

I agree with all of the positive comments about this knife. Great knife at a very reasonable price. I am very pleased.

Thanks, A.G.:thumbup::thumbup:

IMG_1032.jpg


IMG_1029.jpg


IMG_1027.jpg


IMG_1031.jpg


IMG_1030.jpg
 
Cow! These are just lovely - thanks for showing - the cobos especially :)
 
I am a terrible photographer but my Sowbelly Trapper came in today so I thought I would add some pics.

I don't do lanyards so I removed mine before taking the photos.

I agree with all of the positive comments about this knife. Great knife at a very reasonable price. I am very pleased.

Thanks, A.G.:thumbup::thumbup:

I ordered a yellow one and it came down to a coin toss between that and the Rucarta. But after seeing yours, I might have to get one of these too.
 
I've been carrying this knife since I got it. It's a bit too big for me, with a too large imprint in the pocket, and the 2nd (closed) blade interferes with the grip when using it. Also, there is a visible gap between the bolsters and the liners that I wish wasn't there. Perhaps the bolsters and end caps can be soldered instead of pinned?

Nonetheless, I love the knife and am particularly impressed with its quality. Case and GEC should take note! I also love the shape of the handle, and disagree with those that say that the bolsters are too large. The steel takes well to stropping and is more than fine for a knife in this price range.

I'm now wating for a smaller version with a single blade, to make it thinner. Actually, I would love to see an entire line with classic patterns. With this quality at this price range, I would buy them all. :)
 
I ordered a rucarta sowbelly after seeing this and comoha's thread. I've had it for a few days now and I love it. I think it really is one of the best quality for the dollar knives out there. Now I've got my sights set on a cocobolo hunter.
 
I've been carrying this knife since I got it. It's a bit too big for me, with a too large imprint in the pocket, and the 2nd (closed) blade interferes with the grip when using it. Also, there is a visible gap between the bolsters and the liners that I wish wasn't there. Perhaps the bolsters and end caps can be soldered instead of pinned?

Nonetheless, I love the knife and am particularly impressed with its quality. Case and GEC should take note! I also love the shape of the handle, and disagree with those that say that the bolsters are too large. The steel takes well to stropping and is more than fine for a knife in this price range.

I'm now wating for a smaller version with a single blade, to make it thinner. Actually, I would love to see an entire line with classic patterns. With this quality at this price range, I would buy them all. :)

Kid,

PLEASE, return the knife to my attention, I will see that it is promptly replaced, A gap is NOT acceptable.

A. G.
 
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