- Joined
- Aug 24, 2006
- Messages
- 491
Handle scale & bolster close-up. Note the subtle shaping of the Rucarta scales from the curved forward bolster to the flat rear bolster as well as the perfectly inlaid shield.
Interior shot with the visible stop pin. Note the clean fit and finish.
Specs:
Overall length: 6½" open
Length closed: 3-5/8"
Blade length: 2-7/8"
Weight: 3 oz. (approximate)
Steel: 8Cr13MoV
Hardened to Rockwell 57-58
A.G. Russell is well known for the high quality knives which bear his name, backed with an iron-clad guarantee of satisfaction. The new 3-5/8" Gunstock is a scaled down version of the original Medium Gunstock; it is offered with the same handle scale options as its bigger brother: Cocobolo wood, yellow Delrin and black Rucarta. While most of my knives are slip joints, I do appreciate the added security of a lock. I chose the smaller Gunstock as it is a better fit for my working (office) environment. Cocobolo is very nice but I decided to purchase the version in black Rucarta a very practical material that appeals to me.
As would be expected of an A.G. Russell knife the fit and finish of this model is excellent. Do not be put off simply because the knife was produced in China as the quality control is superb and the knife is absolutely first rate! The clip point blade is flat ground with a well defined, crisp swedge. It is a full 1/8" thick from the tang through to the swedge where it distal tapers to the point. The edge is hair popping sharp right out of the box, it literally shaved hair off my arm when I first opened the blade to test it. In the closed position, the blade is perfectly centered. It has been provided with thumb notches on both sides of the blade rather than a nail nick. As advertised, this allows the thumb on either hand to swing the blade open, however, I find that the "pinch and pull" method of opening works best.
The shield, liners and bolsters are stainless steel, the rear bolster is flat with a lanyard hole; a braided leather lanyard/knife pull is provided, the front bolster is lightly curved. Personally, one of the more aesthetically pleasing aspects is the way the Rucarta scales are subtly shaped following the curve of the front bolsters, becoming flat by the middle of the knife. The (bomb) shield is perfectly inlaid into the scales and the pins sit flush with the surface. The construction is very tight: there are no gaps anywhere, including the inlaid shield. The interior, while not mirror polished is very clean.
The lock/spring is very sturdy and secure, there is an audible snap as the blade locks open and when closing, at around 35- 40 degrees to the handle, the spring snaps the blade closed. When opened and locked there is absolutely no blade play.
Edge retention: as soon as I received it in the mail I immediately used it to break down a bunch of cardboard boxes we had laying about the house for the recycling bin. Cardboard can be tough on a knife's edge, but the Gunstock was still nice and sharp; no touch-up was required. This past Sunday I attended a cook-out/barbeque at a local beach park. I had failed to bring a cooking knife, but I had the Gunstock in my back pocket. It minced garlic and sliced mushrooms and onions like a champ, performing almost as well as a paring knife. I wiped it down with a damp paper towel and oiled it with just a drop of (food grade) mineral oil when I got home. A few passes on a strop brought it to where it is even sharper than when I first got it.
In conclusion, this knife is robust, well designed and well constructed with excellent fit and finish. It is a tremendous value for the dollar. This is a knife that begs to be used; one that will serve the buyer well, a great EDC that with the proper care might likely outlast its owner.
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