AG Russell Acies

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AG Russell Acies

I Like:
-Titanium Frame Lock
-Lock Stop
-Deep pocket carry clip
-Wide profiled blade
-Easy dis/reassembly and cleaning
-Perfect styled thumbstud
-ZDP-189 Steel
*Razor sharp

I Don't Like:
-ZDP-189 Steel
*Chips easily with 18* 20* 25* 30* bevels
-Finish on the blade
*Scratches easily
-Unfinished inside of scales and lockbar
*I would expect higher level of finish on a $375 knife
-Shiny finish on clip
*Sandblasted it and now it's perfect
-Clip doesn't slide into pocket very nice
*Countersunk screws into clip
*Ramped the end to better slide in
*Now it's perfect



After about 2 months of use I can't put this knife down. The ergos are great, the blade shape is nice and the full flat grind works great. The tolerances are pretty decent with no blade play at all, and a close to centered blade. Opens and closes very quickly without hesistation.

The addition of a titanium framelock with lock stop and a perfectly shaped thumbstud make this thing a close to perfect grail knife for me.

The

The zdp steel is where it falls off course as a perfect knife IMO. It's just a little bit too hard for an EDC - Hard use knife.

As an electrican I am always stripping wires and when the zdp come in contact with copper ( a soft metal) it chips, and it chips and it chips...let down. I first started with the stock sharpening/bevel which measured around 22* on the edgepro. I then decided to ramp it down to 25* and it still chipped...ramped it down to 30* and it still chipped.

I then decided just to see what kind of sharpness I could get out of it and ramped it up to 18* it still chipped of course, but the thing is that it didn't chip any worse than at 30* which is kind of surprising. So I might as well keep it at a sharp angle and take advantage of the cutting ability. But it just won't do for a work knife, that is were the softer s30v sebenza takes over.

Alot of people compare it to a sebenza, and with first hand experience they are two completely different animals.

In Conclusion:

If it was offered with a different steel such as s90v (which i'm going to get a custom s90v blade made for it since I can't put it down) it would be a hard knife to beat.

I hate to say it but at this price point ($375) I think it should have a higher level of finish and a more hard use type of steel.

As shipped I think it should be closer to a $300.

But other than that I think this is a very very nice knife and if you don't use the zdp too hard it's a great knife.

I can't put it down, when I reach to grab either my sebenza or the acies I keep picking up the acies.
 
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Good review. I also have one, and I agree it is hard to put down. Ergos are great, the blade snaps open with a minimal thumb flick to the stud, and the fit and finish are excellent. Hides deep in my pocket, and with the addition of a small paracord fob ala Sebenza style, it pulls out nicely.

I can't agree with you on the ZDP issue tho. I love the stuff, and have several knives with that steel. I've never had an issue with ZDP chipping, even my 18 degree inclusive Krein'ed ZDP Mini Cyclone that shares pocket time with the Acies. I think it's the best steel I've used. Takes a wicked edge and holds it a long time.

But to each their own. I really don't consider the Acies a "hard use" folder and don't use mine in that manner; to me it's more of good all-around upscale EDC that slices wonderfully. For the materials and features you get and AG's lifetime no questions asked warranty, I find it to be reasonably priced.
 
I just bought one - mostly because of the ZDP-189 blade. I have several other ZDP knives and haven't had the chipping issues that you've had. I'm surprised that copper wire would do that.

I agree that the comparison to the Sebenza (I currently own three) is apples/oranges.

I'm unsure about the ergos on this knife for my own use (left handed). Unlocking is super easy, but opening is somewhere between very hard and almost impossible. I am going to keep working on that to see if I can make it work because otherwise I am so far liking and impressed by this knife.
 
Hi swmp4L -

Nice review!

I love my Acies - it is just the nicest knife I own in terms of that tactile "feels so nice I don't want to put it down" feel.

I just last night took my Acies down, cleaned it up and re-assembled it using Gunslick on the pivot and washers. The Acies is the smoothest opening knife I own.

I have not experienced the chipping, but I have not used the knife to cut wire or metal that I remember.

Thanks for the pictures and review.

best regards -

mqqn
 
Thanks a lot for the review. As much as you like it you did talk me out of getting one.

I also expect a better finish and steel at that price point and agree with you that it should be at or under the $300 price point.
 
jvan said:
Thanks a lot for the review. As much as you like it you did talk me out of getting one.

I also expect a better finish and steel at that price point and agree with you that it should be at or under the $300 price point.
Click to expand...

Better steel? It doesn't come better than ZDP-189 in production knives. There are other choices that might be as good, but ZDP is definitely not a cost-cutting, budget choice.
 
jvan said:
Thanks a lot for the review. As much as you like it you did talk me out of getting one.

I also expect a better finish and steel at that price point and agree with you that it should be at or under the $300 price point.
Click to expand...

:confused:

JNewell said:
Better steel? It doesn't come better than ZDP-189 in production knives. There are other choices that might be as good, but ZDP is definitely not a cost-cutting, budget choice.
Click to expand...

Does make you scratch your head a bit, doesn't it. Especially considering titanium is a tad more expensive than G-10. I guess you can always buy a Ti frame with softer run S30V for a couple hundred bucks more. :D

And to swmp4l, beautiful work with the Edge Pro! :thumbup:
 
Great work with the Edge Pro. Really showcases what can be accomplished with one of those. Lots of elbow grease involved but that mirror edge is something to be proud of! Hope all that work got you past the brittleness of the factory belt sharpening. I have a Spyderco Native that had some chipping issues. After a good sharpening, the factory belt sharpener brittleness was gone and the blade edge doesn't chip anymore. Hope it works out the same for you on this un. Thanks again for the great pics and review. :)
 
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:thumbup:Good Review.Thanks for pointing out the cons as well as the pros.There's too many 'reviews' with just one or the other lately IMO.

I been on the fence about this one since it came out.I probably won't get one,because my EDC blade length has shrank from 3.5" to closer to 3" lately.However,if I see one on the secondary market for a good price....well you never know.:)
 
I really like mine, appreciate the thinner grind and the distal taper of the blade, and have had no chipping. I assume they keep the cost lower by not finishing interior surfaces.
 
Great review. Its a fine folder, very well made but the biggest problem I have with the Acies is the handle is so slippery. I'm afraid I'm going to accidently cut myself. Mine has not seen any pocket time. I think I will eventually trade it.
 
Nice review, and really nice pics.

Still, I'll pass. The unfinished bits really throw me off. That and the Blur thumbstud.
 
Tripton said:
Nice review, and really nice pics.

Still, I'll pass. The unfinished bits really throw me off. That and the Blur thumbstud.
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Yes, I always tear down a folder before I buy it to make sure the insides if the Ti slabs are properly finished. :rolleyes:
 
SPXTrader said:
Yes, I always tear down a folder before I buy it to make sure the insides if the Ti slabs are properly finished. :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

At Sebenza prices, I expect Sebenza quality. When I see an Acies at WalMart for 50 bucks, I wont be concerned about rough, unfinished pieces and off-the-shelf hardware.


I am sure that the Acies is a great knife, but it is disappointing to see some parts of it. I wish Mr. Russell the best and hope he sells a buttload of these. Looks like a good alternative in the Ti framelock field.

It's just not for me.
 
:thumbup:Thanks for the review and pics. I will look into these soon. They look like great users.
jvan said:
Thanks a lot for the review. As much as you like it you did talk me out of getting one.

I also expect a better finish and steel at that price point and agree with you that it should be at or under the $300 price point.
Click to expand...
:foot:
Oops, as stated ZDP is a great steel. It's ok if you've never owned a titanium knife before, but don't knock them until you hold one and use one.
If you want a less pricey knife with titanium handles, they are out there.
 
Pretty good review. I've had mine since they were released. It's not the only knife that I carry, but I do carry it. I haven't found any issues with the ZDP-189, but when I strip wire it's not a normal occurrence that I nick the wire so I haven't had any chipping issues whatsoever. The fit and finish is well done where it needs to be well done. I'll be honest with you, I couldn't care less that the inside of the Ti scales aren't finished. If it's that big of a deal you canalways get the insides bead blasted. I can guarantee you that the unfinished inside of the slabs will not hinder performance at all.

As far as the thumbstuds go, I actually prefer them over most thumbstuds out there. They offer a secure surface, cut on a bias so that your finger doesn't slip off the stud. Believe me, your finger is not going to slip off of these thumbstuds. I haven't had any issues with the handle being slippery either, even with slightly sweaty hands.

Yes, there are slightly unfinished areas of this knife. Fortunately they are all in areas that don't even matter. The clip has always been a problem to me. It's not the design of the clip, but the shininess of it that threw me off. As soon as you figure out the way you want to dull the shine it's much better. The stabalizer, higher end steel, and the fact that it's one of the smoothest pivots I've ever felt far outweighs the fact that the insides of the slabs are nicely finished. At least to me.
 
Smart guys dont complain about taking a 66RC ZDP blade to 18* and it chipping. Seriously?
 
Tony, is the clip polished stainless, or chromed steel?

I agree on the studs. Actually, much as I love my three Sebs, the studs on those are disagreeably sharp.

Tony8179 said:
Pretty good review. I've had mine since they were released. It's not the only knife that I carry, but I do carry it. I haven't found any issues with the ZDP-189, but when I strip wire it's not a normal occurrence that I nick the wire so I haven't had any chipping issues whatsoever. The fit and finish is well done where it needs to be well done. I'll be honest with you, I couldn't care less that the inside of the Ti scales aren't finished. If it's that big of a deal you canalways get the insides bead blasted. I can guarantee you that the unfinished inside of the slabs will not hinder performance at all.

As far as the thumbstuds go, I actually prefer them over most thumbstuds out there. They offer a secure surface, cut on a bias so that your finger doesn't slip off the stud. Believe me, your finger is not going to slip off of these thumbstuds. I haven't had any issues with the handle being slippery either, even with slightly sweaty hands.

Yes, there are slightly unfinished areas of this knife. Fortunately they are all in areas that don't even matter. The clip has always been a problem to me. It's not the design of the clip, but the shininess of it that threw me off. As soon as you figure out the way you want to dull the shine it's much better. The stabalizer, higher end steel, and the fact that it's one of the smoothest pivots I've ever felt far outweighs the fact that the insides of the slabs are nicely finished. At least to me.
Click to expand...
 
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