A. G. Russell's Cutting Edge venture

[Joss]

Hi,

What do people think of this business? I'm having a hot and cold shower experience. I saw the listing of a knife I might be interested in. I e-mailed them, and they responded by sending me a couple of catalogues, which is great since they would normally sell those, I'd guess. However the pics in the catalogue are tiny and of a horrendous quality, in black and white. Now, the knife I was looking at was more than $550, and it's not an amount I'm willing to spend on a bad picture. So I e-mailed them and asked if it would be possible to get a better picture. The answer was no. No explanation.

Their return policy seems great, and it's as if they're encouraging customers to buy and then return. I just don't understand the business sense here.

I know that Mr. Russell is well respected in the collectable knife cirles, but I'm puzzled at those weird marketing choices.

Is there anyone here who's dealt with them?

Cheers,

JD

 

[Wulf]

According to the website,

Most of these knives belong to individuals. Because of this, prices and availability are subject to change.

I have never dealt with the Cutting Edge, but if my interpretation of the above is correct, the business is in part a brokerage operation, which limits their ability to satisfy customer requests.

 

[ROBB]

I have dealt with them on 4 different occasions(for custom knives).Great service.Its true about the small and low quality pictures.Only one time I was'nt satisfied with the knife.I just sent it back in the same condition I recieved it and they refunded my money.You always take a chance buying a knife you can't see or touch but A.G.will take it back no questions asked.You can get some good buys once in a while by well respected makers.

 

[Bastid]

I agreee with Robb, if A.G. and Paul can't please you I do not think anyone can. Good deals can be found there, but you have to know what you are looking at from doin' that home-work that has been talked about.

 

[Joss]

I have no doubt the people there are not only honest but also commited to the custom knife world. I just don't understand their marketing.

JD

 

[Burke]

I'm guessing it's a margin thing. If they spend x hours photographing each one of a kind knife, they have to charge x * (hourly pay) more per knife. Same with printing fancy color pics, sending them out via emails, etc. If they're working on consignment, as here, with individual knives, the margin is probably relatively low per knife. I am subscribed to A.G. Russell's e-mailing list, and this contains links to on-line Cutting Edge Specials. The pictures are generally pretty good color pics, of decent size (though they usually show 1/2 dozen knives in each pic). You might try this, though I realize it doesn't help with the knives not listed in the Specials.