A.G. Russell Wharncliffe Lockback

DavidZ

DavidZ

Gold Member
Joined
Oct 30, 2004
Messages
4,227
Does anyone have one of these? They really look great, and I have been thinking about which one to get. The stag looks simply exquisite. I would like to see if any of our forumites here might have one and give a review here. I love it when A.G.'s catalog hits my mailbox, as there is always something that catches my eye!

Thanks,
Dave
 
I like the discrete one-hand capability of A.G.'s knives. Nothing about the appearance of the Wharncliffe makes it look like anything other than a common pocket knife. I like the style of the old school, but I also like the convenience not using both hands every time I open my knife. Dave, maybe you and I should get one of these and compare notes.
 
I hope one of you guys gets one. This particular model doesn't interest me but I'm a big fan of A.G. Russell's knives. They are so well made that once you get one you just have to have a few more. That's been my experience anyway.

His 3 5/8 inch Gunstock is probably the most well constructed lockback that I've ever owned. Such a nice knife. I have a few others that have impressed the heck out of me as well.

I'm sure this Wharncliffe Lockback will be an excellent knife. Looking forward to hearing from anyone who might get one.
 
I've been itching to get one for a couple months now. Debating on the stag vs smooth bone.
 
The mark is much wider and deeper than usual and there is one on each side of the blade. The top of each nail mark is sharp to easily grip the skin of the thumb for the best one-hand opening device being used today on an unobtrusive gentleman's pocketknife.
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Pretty neat.
zozPAdO.jpg
 
MerryMadMonk said:
Pretty neat.
zozPAdO.jpg
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This is the picture that I keep looking at. I wish I knew the height of the blade. Being a one hand opener without a hole or thumb stud, I am guessing that they are lightly sprung. I am still hoping that someone here has one and can chime in.
 
Reitwagen said:
I like the discrete one-hand capability of A.G.'s knives. Nothing about the appearance of the Wharncliffe makes it look like anything other than a common pocket knife. I like the style of the old school, but I also like the convenience not using both hands every time I open my knife. Dave, maybe you and I should get one of these and compare notes.
Click to expand...
Maybe we will! :0)
 
I'd be really interested in some feedback on one of these as well. I just posted a thread elsewhere on the forums looking for suggestions for a modern Wharncliffe folder with some traditional appeal, as I'm in need of one-hand opening ability but find most modern knives soulless and ugly.

This one has just about everything I'm looking for without sacrificing the 'traditional' aspect. Get one and tell us all about it :D
 
Also the steel snob in me wants something better than the steel they're offered in. But they're winners in the looks department and the steel build.
 
boykinlp said:
The only thing I would change is I prefer polished bolsters to satin finish.
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You take a loaded leather strop and you can polish them with a few minutes wrk. I agree on the polished look, matte preferred for the blade though. It's actually the outlandish nail nick/opener that inhibits me....Also, that Copperhead style bolster might give you hopes of a sunk joint/hidden tang effect, no such luck o_O
 
Well, the knife arrived, and I was super impressed. I ordered the stag model, as that is my favorite handle material.
Here are the technical items first.

By my caliper and scale measurements:
Closed length - 3.855"
Open length - 6.937"
Blade length - 3.093"-
Blade height at max. - 0.831" This is a measurement that all knife descriptions should include IMO.
Thickness behind the edge - 0.022"
Blade thickness - 0.132"
Length of cutting edge - 2.875"
Weight - 87.34 grams, or 3.077 ounces.

My impressions and observations:
It was way better than I expected. The blade was perfectly centered closed. The fit and finish was first rate. No gaps or step between the bolsters and scales. The lock-bar was absolutely flush both open and closed! The action was perfectly smooth, no grittiness or hesitation throughout. The long pull is on both sides of the blade, and as a lefty, I really appreciate that. Interesting is the fact that the top edge of the pull is "sharp" in the sense that it really allows a good grab to the skin of your finger when opening. It is reported that this long pull allows for one hand opening. I tried several times and was unsuccessful. However, I switched to my right hand and managed to do it. However, as an old less flexible guy with XXL hands, many things I could do easily are now not so easy. I believe with smaller and younger hands, this could easily be a one hand opener. It has a full flat grind that only very slightly on only one side breaks through the top at the plunge line transition (only by 0.004"). ( I know I am nit-picking here. )
No need to ever see those swirl marks on the tang area, as they have what appears to be bronze washers at the pivot! WOW!
Now what amazed me even more, was that the lock up was perfect. No wiggle or wobble anywhere! A smooth action and perfect lock up in both directions.
An interesting item to me, was that the lock spring is integral to the rear spacer. It is also rebated into the lock bar to give more room in the handle. From the fertile mind of A.G., I am sure. My pictures below show this.
A. G. is really teaching this company how it is done! I am blown away at a riveted knife that is this good at this price point. A real home run. And the stag was nicely matched and beautiful too. I am more that happy with this purchase, and can sit with the best of them in my EDC rotation. Get one, you will be pleased.
Pictures:
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Thanks for looking.
 
Great review, David. Thank you for sharing your impressions. I don't have this particular model but many of your comments are the same way I feel when I get a new A.G. Russell knife. One simply cannot help being deeply impressed.

Nice knife!
 
It looks nice. I'm really tempted even with the country of origin. Stag is a little thick but that is a well made knife.

Also thanks for the detailed pictures
 
I've been tempted by that wharncliffe for a while now :)
AG Russell is producing some new lockbacks they look pretty nice too.

New_AG_Russells.jpg
 
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