A. G. Russell's Cutting Edge closing down

Joss

Joss

Joined
Nov 20, 2001
Messages
7,351
I noticed that the latest of A. G. Russell's Cutting Edge will be the last, at least for a while. To me, it always seemed that this was the single largest pool of second hand knives. They were not always priced cheap, but every once in a while there were some bargains.

I have mixed feelings about this announcement. To some extent, the offer (all the 2nd hand knives people want to sell) isn't going to go away, and Cutting Edge had some huge drawbacks, especially the very, very poor quality of the B&W pics. On the other hand, it was a large volume of knives in one location, and I'm going to miss the convenience.

Hopefully someone will replicate this model online, with better pics. I'm sure it's going to take time.

A few weeks ago, Les (I think) said that some announcement was going to rock the custom knife world, and I wonder if it is related to this. Mr. Russell isn't young and I wonder if he's going to retire soon too.

JD
 
Yes, there was the occasional bargain, but they were far and few between. Mostly, like you, I appreciated the catalog aspect, lots of pieces in a single place.

I think however that most knife knut migraines can be attributed to looking at those photos in the magazine - kind of the equivalent of repeated viewings of "Eraserhead".

I find it hard to believe that they are going to be able to deal with that kind of volume in an Internet-oriented format. The presentation quality on the other custom-oriented sites is much much higher than what Cutting Edge ever attempted. Plus, there is simply not going to be enough reach. Just remember the prices that pieces were going for on Cutting Edge Auctions. They were dismal from a sellers perspective.

Prices on customs on Ebay are quite dismal as well, with very few exceptions.

Good luck to all who were part of Cutting Edge.
 
Over the years I've bought a few knives from the catalog, more from the web site Russell sends out about every month.

It has been hot and cold -- some of the knives I have kept, others have been returned. One thing to say; dealing with a company as big and as well run as AG Russell has always been a pleasure. I have never had a problem in any way with AG Russell. The few returns I've had to make have gone through quickly without any problems. Everyone I have dealt with has been very helpful.

I wish the prices had been better. Hell, EVERYONE wants to get great knives for very little money. Too bad the world doesn't work this way.

My question? What is going to happen to all the knives stored in the warehouse? Will there be a "Bruce Voyles" type of auction? If there is going to be one, I hope I get a catalog.

Scott Bieg
 
Hi Joss,

Yes, the fact that the Cutting Edge was being discontinued was part of the "big news".

Later this week there will be yet another big announcement concerning custom knife dealers...stand by!
 
Originally posted by Les Robertson

Later this week there will be yet another big announcement concerning custom knife dealers...stand by!
Click to expand...

:eek: Your a cruel man ;)
 
As Ross Perot once said, "Ah'm all ears...'

To Paul and Amy, thanks for a great venue! You guys kicked ass, and we're gonna miss you! Don't be scarce friends, and we hope to see ya at a knife show soon!

Mel
 
The Cutting Edge would post pictures of 800-1,000 knive each month and sells about half of them. Those left would have their piice reduced two monts later by 10%.

We were not setting price, except by the market. I think that the prices have been right on. Why else would so many dealers send us the knives they could not sell and have us sell those knives for them.

Even BIGGER news in a few days!!!

A. G.
 
Remember that a lot of the knives in Cutting Edge were on Consignment.

I used this method to sell a few of my knives and was pleased with the results.

One of the benefits I saw in using the Cutting Edge over our own BladeForum Exchange was that A.G. Russell handled the customer interface in terms of collecting the money and dealing with any returns. They also were very helpful in setting prices balanced to get the biggest return and sell quickly.
 
I sold a lot of knives from my collection as consignment in The Cutting Edge. Sure, AG got his cut but he did all the work. I also purchased many knives from The Cutting Edge. Amy was always great. I’m going miss it.
 
I will miss the cutting edge. I always anticipated the cover shots. The photography on the covers was always top notch and you never new what clasic oldies or new makers wares you would see.
Where else could you find so many second hand knives in one place.

Anouther reaseon I liked the cutting edge verses on line site was its portability. You could take it...

Amy and Paul you will both be missed. I hope you will both stay active on the knife scene.

Tom Krein
 
I sold about 10 Randall's through the Cutting Edge. Only once did I have a knife that would not bring the appropriate price and I had it returned, later to sell it on the forums. Overall I am pleased with the service. It was a better place to sell knives than to buy but AG deserved his cut.

I once saw a Ruana Bowie that listed new for over $300 for sale in the Cutting Edge for $135. By the time I got the phone call in, it was sold. Somebody got a bargain!
 
Hmmm.... So AG posted on USN that Cutting Edge is for sale. Great brand name there (reputation, etc...)

JD
 
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