A.G. Russell Medium Barlow Lockback Review

btmccutcheon

btmccutcheon

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Jul 10, 2013
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Yesterday I got the chance to visit the A.G. Russell store in Rogers, AR. I've been wanting an A.G. Russell knife for about 30 years and finally have added one to my collection. The A.G. Russell Medium Barlow Lockback. I had seen them online but wanted to check his offerings out in person. A.G. Russell used to make all of his knives here in Arkansas, but I understand that production costs and materials have forced him to have many of them made in China. He still designs and has the final say in everything and it shows. Looking at his knives felt like I was looking at customs in regards to several. The Medium Barlow Lockback feels and looks like a custom knife to me. Very simple and clean bridging the gap between modern and traditional.

It's a traditional Barlow with the oversized bolster and teardrop shape, but the covers are black Rucarta which is Russell's take on micarta, and it has a lockback lever I've not seen on many Barlows. This knife also sports A.G. Russell's "Zulu Spear" blade in 8Cr13MoV and satin bolsters that really compliment the black covers.



There are absolutely no gaps in this knife except around the lock button itself. And, the locking lever is flush with the blade both open and closed.



The blade is dead center with near perfect geometry looking down from the top.



The "Zulu Spear" blade is a really nice shape complete with a long pull and swedge and came semi shaving sharp out of the box. The blade rises out of the handle enough that you can actually utilize the deep, long pull with your thumb to open it one-handed. With practice I'm sure I'll get more effective in doing so. Pull is very smooth and easy at about a 4 locking up tight with no play at all. There are no half stops and though the pull is light, the blade will lightly snap when closing. The blade is satin finished matching the bolsters. And with care you can unlock and close the knife one-handed as well. My only complaint about this knife is the tang stamp appears printed on the blade instead of stamped or engraved. I'd prefer a tang stamp that I wouldn't worry about disappearing. Mark side simply says A.G. Russell, and pile side is stamped 8Cr13MoV China.







Overall, I think this is a fantastic knife. Fit an finish is fantastic, and were that way on each one I looked at in yellow or black Rucarta or the cocobolo. And, it is an attractive piece from a designer and maker who has won many awards. At $35-$45 how can you go wrong with this?
 
Another fine review thanks. That looks like my kind of Spear blade! I like locking Traditionals , could you state the size though please?

Regards, Will
 
Great review. Thank you for taking the time.

I've been wanting one of these ever since they were released. The only thing that has stopped me from getting one is the way the tang sticks up so high when the blade is closed. One of my pet peeves, so to speak. However, it doesn't look as bad in your photo as it does in other photos I've seen. It's pretty high in your photo too but I might be able to live with that considering all the other positive aspects of the knife.

I've been itching to buy something lately as I haven't bought a knife in almost three months. The very reasonable price and your favorable review have got me thinking maybe I should go ahead and scratch that itch.
 
IIRC, the term Zulu for a spear point was coined by Bose. The AGR store is a great place, internet prices at a Brick and Mortar store. Good staff, convenient location, right off the highway.
 
Thanks for the review, and the trip story was great!
I have been on the fence about these a long time,
I wish they would make it without the lock. Just my
preference.
 
brownshoe said:
IIRC, the term Zulu for a spear point was coined by Bose. The AGR store is a great place, internet prices at a Brick and Mortar store. Good staff, convenient location, right off the highway.
Click to expand...

Nope. AG told the truth (as he always does). Schrade coined the term.

https://www.allaboutpocketknives.co...5&sid=54508d83cd8f4c3c03f858d30e8af092#p93555

Nice 83s MM. Love that pattern!!

FWIW, here's the Zulu in the 1936 Schrade catalog! I believe this is where the name came from. Some marketing wizard's big idea. The name kinda sticks though.
Click to expand...

Edited to add the pic of the 1936 catalog page:
URL]
 

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This is the first review I've noticed on this knife, great job!

Generally speaking, I don't carry/use traditional style knives much, but I certainly respect the history behind them, their usefulness and the fact that they've stood the test of time. My grandfather and father always carried a Barlow so over a year ago I ordered this exact same knife...same scales as well. I don't carry it every day, but it's the knife I grab most often when I don't want a pocket clip showing, that along with my thin A.G. Russell 3" Titanium lockback with the VG10 blade (another wonderful knife from Mr. Russell). I do like the A.G. Russell Barlow a lot, it doesn't scare non-knife people like a larger titanium framelock might, and it still gets the job done plus his 8Cr13MoV holds an edge very well and is easy to touch up when needed.

I hope I have the opportunity to shop in person at the A.G. Russell Store sometime soon. I always love receiving their catalog in the mail, but I'd much rather browse the store (spend too much) and hopefully get the chance to meet Mr. Russell. He and his wife are wonderful ambassadors for the knife industry...we need more like them.

Anyway, very nice job on the review and great pictures too! Thank you!
 
The phrase"no-nonsense knife" just came into my head when I saw the pics.
ability...to...resist...failing...
 
I've always wanted to try one of AG's knives. That one looks like it was very well made. It's also on my list of things I'd like to do, to make the trip over there to his shop. About a 6 hour drive, though, so it would have to be an overnight thing.
 
Very nice review Todd. Glad to hear you enjoyed your trip to the A.G. Russell store.

If you get the chance ask A.G. his opinion on half stops. He has a story to share on that subject.

Todd, I think we need another sit down over a cold beer. It seems you have some new stuff I would like to see and I have a couple of projects you might enjoy.

Chris
 
Chris Montgomery said:
Very nice review Todd. Glad to hear you enjoyed your trip to the A.G. Russell store.

If you get the chance ask A.G. his opinion on half stops. He has a story to share on that subject.

Todd, I think we need another sit down over a cold beer. It seems you have some new stuff I would like to see and I have a couple of projects you might enjoy.

Chris
Click to expand...
Sounds good my friend. I might need to come see you soon and beat on some steel for a bit.
 
For those wanting to try a Russell knife, I can vouch for their customer service. I've bought a couple of knives sight unseen. When a Buck purchased from Russell had too much blade play, they replaced it immediately. No questions asked.

Thanks for the review, Todd. Very helpful!
 
Thanks for the write-up about the Barlow. I've been eying them for some time.

A.G. Russell used to make all of his knives here in Arkansas...
Click to expand...
Since I've been following Mr. Russell's catalogs, since the 1980s, his products have been made all over the world. Wherever he found a manufacturer that could build to his specs for a reasonable cost. Italy, Germany, Japan, Taiwan, USA... His famous Sting knife, for example, was made in Germany starting in the 1970s.
 
Thanks for a great write-up. I'm a big AGR fan---he consistently does it right, and now here's yet another to tempt me!

Andrew
 
Great summary on your AG Russell medium barlow. I like it! The only thing that concerns me is the spring strength. Honestly, I would have to handle in person before I purchased one which probably means at the Blade Show.
 
Well, he does state the pull being 4 and as this is a lockback I can't really imagine spring strength is an issue.

I'd like to get one of these but living in Europe seems to rule it out, they look a thoroughly good knife.

Thanks, Will
 
Great review. :thumbup: Some how I've never acquired an A.G. Russell knife. I hope to change that this year.
 
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