Beware of purchasing knives form A.G. Russell (I don't know what I'm talking about)

Status
Not open for further replies.
D

Doc Trout

Feedback: +0 / =0 / -0
Joined
Jul 15, 2013
Messages
2
Beware when purchasing knives from A.G. Russell because you may not get what you paid for!!!

As a professional freelance writer, I have written over 150 knife reviews and consequently, I normally use the A.G. Russell web site as a source of information but, on two occasions now I have noted major discrepancies in the information listed on their web site and the manufacturer's web site. The first time this happened was with the KA-BAR Dog's Head Coppersmith Lockback. In this case, the Russell web site lists the weight of this knife as 5 ounces but the KA-BAR web site lists it at 4 ounces. Also, the Russell web site lists the blade length as being 3 3/4" but the KA-BAR web site lists it at 3 5/8". Last, the Russell web site lists the Rockwell Hardness as being 58-60 but the KA-BAR web site lists it at 56-58.
Now, I have discovered another major discrepancy with the Buck Folding Alpha Hunter (#0277RWS1-B) in that the A.G. Russell web site states that the blade is made from 154CM but, the Buck web site and every other source I have consulted states that it is made from CPM-S30V which is a drastically different steel!

Therefore, I sent A.G. Russell an e-mail concerning the discrepancy with the KA-BAR knife but, I received no reply whatsoever. Now, I have sent them another e-mail concerning the discrepancy with the Buck Alpha and once again I have received no reply.

Consequently, I would suggest that you avoid purchasing knives from A.G. Russell since, not only are they dispensing misinformation on their web site, they apparently will not take the time to address these issues!
 
Welcome to Bladeforums.
Looks like you will soon be well on your way to making a ton of friends soon *huge*. :thumbup:
 
These seem like innocent mistakes and not something that would justify boycotting their business. Considering scales are calibrated differently and people measure "blade length" by any number of methods it seems silly to have this kind of reaction. Only take away from this should be to search around and perform a little fact checking before purchasing something.
 
This-is-gonna-be-good.gif
 
I would expect a professional writer, especially one who is picking at details, to have mastered spelling and punctuation. By the way, I am not very knowledgeable in the intricacies of internet terms, but, does this smell like TROLL?
 
Last edited:
I once bought a knife from AG Russell. It weighed .1 onces less than they said it would. I think that because steel prices are so high they are sanding a little off of each blade and melting it down to sell for scrap. Thank you for being a whistle blower. I would not have had the courage to to my story if you hadn't told yours.
You sir are a true hero!
 
Did anyone bring popcorn?

As a quick aside. If I did order something from A.G. Russell and found that the item was not as described, I'm absolutely confident that Mr. Russell would make things right.
 
If and when I purchase a knife form A.G. Russell, should I post my experience here? Or in the feedback section? Now that you brought this up I want to see form myself.
 
Nice first post. Do you even own any of A G Russels knives or do you just like reading details from various sources looking for discrepancies to try to stir the pot with?
 
Doc Trout said:
The first time this happened was with the KA-BAR Dog's Head Coppersmith Lockback. In this case, the Russell web site lists the weight of this knife as 5 ounces but the KA-BAR web site lists it at 4 ounces. Also, the Russell web site lists the blade length as being 3 3/4" but the KA-BAR web site lists it at 3 5/8". Last, the Russell web site lists the Rockwell Hardness as being 58-60 but the KA-BAR web site lists it at 56-58.
Click to expand...

The KA-BAR site lists both the regular and large Dog's Head Coppersmith Lockback as "0.25 lb." (kind of a stupid way to measure):
http://www.kabar.com/knives/detail/174
http://www.kabar.com/knives/detail/173
I believe Knifecenter has the large at 4.9 ounces.
In fairness, you're correct about the HRC and blade length discrepancy, though on that last note -- if I received a knife with a blade length of 3 5/8" that was advertised as 3 3/4" I probably wouldn't care.
 
Last edited:
Having had the pleasure to meet Mr. Russell, I can tell you that I'd leave my life savings with that man and not lose a wink of sleep. I'm sure they're honest mistakes, how picky are ya gonna be, really?
 
Where are your 150 reviews published? What magazine, websites, etc. under what name? Only 1 post to date? Seems very strange.
 
Could it be AG has had the manufacturer make a run of knives to his own specs, thus differing from their own websight?
Just a thought.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top