AG Russell Acies Question

Toyz

Toyz

Joined
Nov 2, 2006
Messages
1,838
I have been looking at this model ever since the first post before the knife was available. I have been on AG Russells mailing list for years now and I thought the knife was unique when he first started showing it in his catalog. I like the looks of the knife - I just wanted to wait until others purchased it and did reviews. I'm also a fan of titanium framelock knives, and I like ZDP-189.

I must say that I wouldn't mind getting one - with one exception.

The lockbar issue. (the fact that the retention of the lockbar when engaged is not as good as some other framelock knives).

My question - for those that have recently bought one - was there a second or third production wave and was there a remedy for this issue? I understand that AG Russells original design called for a metal insert into the lockbar - but it couldn't be done for production reasons.

Please - no flame wars - I am not starting this thread to drudge up all the negativity that was exhibited towards this knife and design early in 2010. Yes, I read all the posts (both here and on other forums). Yes, I own a Sebenza. Yes, I watched the videos. Yes, I know about AG Russells return policy.

I really want to hear from people that own the knife and what their experiences have been.

I'm on the fence with this one and I would like your help. Has the knife performed flawlessly regardless of the lockbar tension?

I have a liner lock BM that has a similar problem, and I find that in certain instances the lack of tension on the liner lock has caused the lock to disengage. I have never been cut, but it concerns me so I rarely use the knife. It needs to be sent to the spa for some treatment. Obviously, the BM was considerably less priced.

Thanks in advance for the help.:D
 
If you've read and watched it all, and know all about the return policy, perhaps it's you and your own evaluation that is needed at this point.
 
Hi Toyz -

I have had my Acies since Mid February of 2010, and I have carried it 50% of the time since then.

It is still my favorite folder. I love it for the smooth opening and great tactile feel of the knife.

The lock-bar on my Acies does not lock up firmly on it's own, you have to press the lock-bar into the tang to get solid lock-up.

If you just open the knife, and do not intentionally press the lock-bar into the tang, the blade has noticeable, significant up-and-down blade-play.

Just yesterday I had a friend over and he was looking over the Acies, and be mentioned that issue to me.

I have been considering talking to A.G. Russell about that, but the knife still functions properly if you simply press the lock-bar into the tang.

It is an issue with mine. Mine was one of the first ones sold when they were released in early February last year.

You remember correctly when you mention the fact that the Acies was supposed to have a steel insert on the end of the lock-bar. That information was posted here by Mr. Russell himself.

I have not heard that there were additional production runs of the Acies - and if memory serves me, there were ~600 knives made by Kershaw for A.G. Russell.

I will be interested to hear what Mr. Russell adds to the conversation.

I will add that I am still very satisfied with my purchase. The knife takes a great edges and holds it well. I have cut heavy carton cardboard with the knife and the grind of the blade makes it a very good slicer. It is on a par with the great Spyderco Military in terms of it's cutting abilities.

Thanks for posting your question - I was going to post a "1 year with the Acies" review and impressions - I will still to that at a later date.

best regards -

mqqn
 
Thomas W said:
If you've read and watched it all, and know all about the return policy, perhaps it's you and your own evaluation that is needed at this point.
Click to expand...

Thomas - thanks for weighing in - I just feel really guilty about "trying" something with the sole intent of returning it. I don't think that's fair to Mr. Russell, as he will then have a used knife he cannot sell or has to reduce the price on.

I rely heavily on the info provided by this and other forums - and respect the opinions of most people who have honestly used their knives.

MQQN - thanks for weighing in also - I see that among all of my research you have been in early and often about your positive feelings about this knife.
 
I had one for a while. Three things for you:

1. It is a truly great knife. I don't own it any more, but it was purely a question of not working well for me as a left hand primary user. The design, materials and workmanship were first rate.

2. The one I had did not have any issue whatsoever with lockup.

3. I can't think of any vendor you could deal with and have a greater degree of peace of mind than AGR. As Thomas says, AGR backs their products with a complete, no questions asked, return policy. You have only shipping costs to lose, but I think the odds are very high that you will be very pleased with the knife and will keep and use it with pleasure.
 
I have only had mine since Xmas but carried daily since Dec 25th. My Acies has no lock up issues or looseness and opens smoother then any other knife I have known.

While the lock bar admittedly is soft as the You Tube Video in question shows and bends easily it is think and your hand naturally is pushing it further into lock position as you hold it.

It would take your finger pushing it the opposite unnatural direction in order to allow it to fail.

It is a more pleasing knife then my large Sebenza 21 to hold and fondle. It has a larger blade width and superb quality construction tolerances and materials.

Buy it you will be happy. I made a choice to buy it before a Strider or Hinderer, though I plan to buy them as well, but this blade was and is a decision in value for my money better then both others which I have played with but not owned.
 
My Acies works great. Opens with a solid click with a proper amount of lockbar in contact with the blade. I won't comment on lock strength other than to say that for me there are a number of other considerations more important than how strong a locked knife is against pressure to close. Most of the locks I've had fail from throwing them failed in the opposite direction (also the direction the lock typically experience much greater loads). Admittedly that was years ago and they were cheap knives.
 
Dumb question, but couldn't you contact them directly to check for blade play issues and perhaps do a spine whack to check how solidly it locks up? Of course, I don't believe the spine whack is a standardized method for testing lock-up, but I would like to think that the seller can do something to check how a folder locks up if that is the primary concern of the buyer.
 
Toyz said:
Thomas - thanks for weighing in - I just feel really guilty about "trying" something with the sole intent of returning it. I don't think that's fair to Mr. Russell, as he will then have a used knife he cannot sell or has to reduce the price on.

I rely heavily on the info provided by this and other forums - and respect the opinions of most people who have honestly used their knives.

MQQN - thanks for weighing in also - I see that among all of my research you have been in early and often about your positive feelings about this knife.
Click to expand...

Toyz,

If you have even a 10% probability of keeping the knife if it does as you want then by all means order it and see how yoiu like it. I have carried one of the first and it just gets better and better.

If you do not like the knife return it, when they are all gone the price will begin to rise.
 
Ive been looking at getting one too. thank you Mr Russell for your response in this thread. even though i have never sent a knife back, i would feel awful if i took advantage of customer service like your company offers. I like this knife, but i typically like to handle knives first - especially if i am spending hundreds of dollars. I'm glad you understand this. thank you again for having such and outstanding warranty.
 
I have one and no problems with the lock up. The lock does'nt have the strong tension as a Sebenza but I've heard many people complain the Sebenza is too hard to unlock. The one thing I don't like about the Acies is the handle is a little slippery. Otherwise its very well made.
 
mqqn said:
Hi Toyz -

I have had my Acies since Mid February of 2010, and I have carried it 50% of the time since then.

It is still my favorite folder. I love it for the smooth opening and great tactile feel of the knife.

The lock-bar on my Acies does not lock up firmly on it's own, you have to press the lock-bar into the tang to get solid lock-up.

If you just open the knife, and do not intentionally press the lock-bar into the tang, the blade has noticeable, significant up-and-down blade-play.

Just yesterday I had a friend over and he was looking over the Acies, and be mentioned that issue to me.

I have been considering talking to A.G. Russell about that, but the knife still functions properly if you simply press the lock-bar into the tang.

It is an issue with mine. Mine was one of the first ones sold when they were released in early February last year.

You remember correctly when you mention the fact that the Acies was supposed to have a steel insert on the end of the lock-bar. That information was posted here by Mr. Russell himself.

I have not heard that there were additional production runs of the Acies - and if memory serves me, there were ~600 knives made by Kershaw for A.G. Russell.

I will be interested to hear what Mr. Russell adds to the conversation.

I will add that I am still very satisfied with my purchase. The knife takes a great edges and holds it well. I have cut heavy carton cardboard with the knife and the grind of the blade makes it a very good slicer. It is on a par with the great Spyderco Military in terms of it's cutting abilities.

Thanks for posting your question - I was going to post a "1 year with the Acies" review and impressions - I will still to that at a later date.

best regards -

mqqn
Click to expand...

Thank you for your year-end report, mggn.

I've had the same question about the lockbar issue. Yours is the most direct and useful answer I've seen from an actual user.
 
silly question, but my quick search turned up fruitless.

what is the blade thickness and handle thickness of the Acies?
 
Burdan said:
silly question, but my quick search turned up fruitless.

what is the blade thickness and handle thickness of the Acies?
Click to expand...

Check out DarkChild 57 videos on Youtube of his unboxing and his comparison to the Sebenza.
 
Toyz said:
Check out DarkChild 57 videos on Youtube of his unboxing and his comparison to the Sebenza.
Click to expand...

okay, but that will have to wait until after work. i can sneak away to check the forums, but i cant sit on youtube and watch videos very easily
 
A. G. Russell said:
Toyz,

If you have even a 10% probability of keeping the knife if it does as you want then by all means order it and see how yoiu like it. I have carried one of the first and it just gets better and better.

If you do not like the knife return it, when they are all gone the price will begin to rise.
Click to expand...

AG

Thanks for weighing in - much respect for you, your knives and your company. Let me also add that your catalogs litter my office at home - getting one is like my kids looking thru the toy catalog at holiday time.

I think someone on this forum has been kind enough to lend me one to handle - I do not want to divulge details yet as I am not sure this was the intent of that certain individual to make this info public.

I also respect and appreciate your return policy. At this price point I really feel badly about "using" your policy if I have doubts.

I'm certain that if the knife is as good as most say I will be ordering one shortly thereafter.
 
flash900 said:
Thank you for your year-end report, mggn.

I've had the same question about the lockbar issue. Yours is the most direct and useful answer I've seen from an actual user.
Click to expand...

Hi flash900 -

My pleasure - I will do a more in-depth review in the coming weeks.

Burdan said:
silly question, but my quick search turned up fruitless.

what is the blade thickness and handle thickness of the Acies?
Click to expand...

Hi Burdan -

The blade on my example is 3.08mm at the spine, and the titanium handles are 3.80mm thick.

best regards -

mqqn
 
Toyz- Not what you decided or even if this knife is still a consideration. I have had three (3) Acies. One in my pocket, one to my best friend and the first one I exchanged.
ALL three had zero issues with lockup. The one I exchanged was simply due to a couple minor adjustment issues that once I brought to AG's attention HE asked to see the knife. They could have easily been accomplished by me but out of respect for AG I complied with his request which was obviously out of his dedication to quality both in customer service and his products.
The knife in my pocket is by far my favorite knife and I own many fine knives from all the names that a knife person would have.
My friend has an equal collection and his reaction was the same as mine. We no longer rotate our EDC's - the Acies is the one in the pocket.
I won't belabor ALL the features (they are well documented) my personal top comments would be it's "feel" and all that goes into that. Balance, texture, tactile feedback from weight and material. I have an average hand (large glove, size 11 ring) the knife is a perfect fit. How it rides in the pocket. How the blades Deploys! Anyway. I waited to order it, Why? I don't know. I could not be happier. I am glad I didn't miss it.
 
Kicking this back to the top as I was able to get an Acies in hand.

I like this knife a LOT. My first impressions when I opened the box was that it was considerably smaller than what I thought. It fills the hand nicely - from the pictures I was expecting a much larger folder. The ergos are very nice. Actually - the size is perfect and grows on you from the moment you start using it.

ZDP-189 - kicks butt. This is not my first time with this particular steel, but I have been cutting many things with this knife (cardboard boxes, plastic trim, oak, poplar and pine, paper, old carpeting with Jute backing) and it holds it's edge for a long time. A few swipes on the ceramic and one or two trips on the strop and it is back to shaving sharp. The blade shape and grind are well done. No complaints at all about these. I did not / have not experience any chipping or rolling of the blade.

I found that by moving the clip to allow for tip up carry, the clip actually exerts a little more pressure on the framelock, thereby requiring a little more thumb effort to disengage the lock. The lockbar is not as "tense" as other framelocks, but lockup on the one I have is around 75% and even when the clip was tip down the lockup or framelock pressure was never in question.

The titanium frame where the clip makes contact was not milled to allow for the clip to be recessed, so the clip will move slightly back and forth unless you use a little loctite and really tighten both clip screws well. Not a problem for me but worth mentioning. I m adding that this was not forgotten - it appears to be a part of the design. A large portion of the clip makes contact with the scale - so to mill out that titanium would leave two large depressions - one of which would be visible at all times. From an aesthetics point of view - the current design is better.

The jimping on top of the blade is very aggressive. I have tough thumbs, and when I was doing some hard cutting the jimping was really digging into my thumb. Honestly - I'd rather have it more aggressive than less - and this accomplishes that.

The knife disappears in the pocket - carries very easy and is somewhat sheeple friendly due to it's size and lack of "blackened / industrial" parts.

It's been with me since I received it, and it has bumped both my Sebenza and Umnumzaan out of my pocket for the time being.

I would classify this as a strong "gentlemans knife" leaning towards a somewhat hard user.

I have friend who has been contemplating a Sebenza for a while now, and when I showed him this one he was completely enamored -definately a contender.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top