A.G. Russell Hunter, Gunstock, Sowbelly Trapper

Back on March 28th, in this very thread, I pondered:

Obsessed with Edges said:
Just a thought.

It occurred to me, I'd really like to see a similarly designed & constructed Sodbuster pattern from A.G. Same choices in handle materials too, with the shield. AND with a lanyard hole, too (per my earlier post).

That'd be quite nice, I think. :)
Click to expand...

Fast-forward to today. I received my latest Knife Collectors Club flier in the mail, from A.G. Russell. Opened it up, and I saw this:

A.G. Russell 'Rancher' (3-5/8" closed; yellow Delrin and Ebony Rucarta):
RUS-CX13YD-er.jpg


A.G. Russell 'Cowboy' (4-3/8" closed; yellow Delrin and Ebony Rucarta):
RUS-CX12ER-yd.jpg


Ask, and (apparently) I shall receive. It's SPOOKY. :eek: This is getting expensive.

(Yes, I've already ordered one of each.)
 
@Obsessed with Edges
The ebony rucarta versions look really great, though I find there is something odd looking about the yellow delrin versions, like there is not enough balance between positive/negative contrast (purely subjective and personal). I was going to get the ebony versions last week with another order but they were listed as out of stock.
 
I wonder if these Sodbusters are made by the same manufacturer as the 'Big Guys' ? David, i think once you have these knives in hand you will be able to tell, so please be sure to post back with your impressions on the 2 'Busters.
roland
 
rprocter said:
I wonder if these Sodbusters are made by the same manufacturer as the 'Big Guys' ? David, i think once you have these knives in hand you will be able to tell, so please be sure to post back with your impressions on the 2 'Busters.
roland
Click to expand...

I'm assuming it's the same manufacturer. The description on A.G.'s site lists the steel as 8Cr15MoV (the others used 8Cr13MoV), origin is China (and price is surprisingly low). I'd think, based on the apparent success of the others, sticking with the same maker would be the logical thing to do.

Not sure how long I'll have to wait to get 'em. The Ebony Rucarta models aren't available for shipping yet, according to the site.

I saw these on my K-C-C flier (and at the corresponding K-C-C site), but they're also listed on his regular site, if you're interested in the details. I won't post the link here, per forum guidelines.
 
Last edited:
I've been using my Gunstock Lockback for some pretty heavy carving/ whittling for a while now, and so far, it has held up like a champ. I'm not super crazy about the recurve (which I'm getting used to) but other than that, it's a winner. I was a bit concerned about the steel at first, but it seems to be holding up fairly well. I think I'm going to order the large folding hunter too, also in brown rucarta. I like using traditional knives for carving, but I need something pretty beefy that locks. I've had too many "near misses" lately with slipjoints getting stuck in my work and threatening to close on my fingers.
 
wow nice looking soddies! should be great as users or backup, love the blade shape that reminds me of the TK4 and TK3
Maxx
 
Received my Gunstock and Sowbelly today. Unfortunately, I will be returning them tomorrow. They are built like tanks, and are quality pieces all the way through, but they are just way too big for my needs. Even the Gunstock, which is only about a 1/4 inch longer than my GEC Trapper, is bigger than I like in a traditional knife.

Even though they aren't for me, there isn't a single bad thing that I can say about them.
 
Well, I tried and tried to resist, but...

Just ordered a Gunstock in Rucarta and a Sowbelly in yellow delrin. I called on the latter, and they have a few in stock even though the website says mid-June for delivery.
 
6th, you'll be very happy you did order these 2 knives. There is nothing else like them anywhere in terms of design and unbeatable fit and finish. Either one will fit for the deserted island, only 1 knife theme, and i'm sure they will be just as fine when you pass them on to your grandchildren.
The only no-go would be as a knife to take in a pocket of your 3 piece suit. They are too big for that, but perfect on the belt in the AGR sheath.
You will be very impressed.
roland
 
rprocter said:
The only no-go would be as a knife to take in a pocket of your 3 piece suit.
roland
Click to expand...

All the more reason to never wear one. (I always knew I was right about that. (I had to eventually be right about something.)
 
Mr. Russell's shop took care of my need for a "suit" knife with my last order.

My wife is going to start hiding the catalogs!

Now if I could figure out why I "need" one of those Folding Hunters...
 
Well, I've been trying to resist ordering from Mr. Russell for about two years now. Ever since my last order with him went sour because my creditcard company was acting up. Ever since then I've been kicking myself for not getting one of his (no longer available) damascus lockbacks....and the 2008 gunstock texas ranger.

Ended up ordering a cocobolo sowbelly, 2010 texas ranger and a folding Hocho (because who doesn't like a good kitchen knife. If I like these as much as I think I will I'll most likely be placing another order when the 2011 ranger comes out :-)
 
To all who have contributed to this thread: Thank you SO much! I bought a gunstock after seeing your pics and seeing all the comments, I knew this knife was a good fit for me. I just got mine last week (in Rucarta), and I love it. Since then, I've ordered the Large Hunter and the Curved Regular Jack.

Just had to say thanks!
 
Finally got mine. Ended up paying the postal company and customs another $100 just to recieve them (bunch of thieves) but they're worth it. I'll just show off the 2010 texas Ranger and the Sowbelly here:

Closed and in Sheath
sam1582s.jpg


All together opened
sam1583h.jpg


The reverse side
sam1586.jpg



Texas Ranger in hand Look at that beast! What a hand filler!
sam1585.jpg


Texas Ranger closeup
sam1595.jpg


The monstrous Wharncliffe. Look at that Cocobolo, like it's glowing!
sam1587.jpg


Name of the designer. The man does very well too!
sam1588w.jpg


Very nice fit&finish. And I just keep on drooling over that lovely wood.
sam1592a.jpg


Overall impression:
Still kind of p#@#$##d off that I ended up paying near $350 for $225 in knives but that's the risk we run importing goods from the states.

However the fit and finish on these is amazing and even at the total price I paid they're easily worth it I think. Mr. Russell has stated about certain of his knives that if people don't think they're at least worth twice the price they should return them (not about these though) and that easily counts for these in my book even though he hasn't stated that about them.

I think these guys will be getting some brothers in the future.....
 
Post edited due to above and beyond customer service from A.G., soon to be chronicled in the Exchange feedback board. :thumbup:
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top