Help i need a EDC folder-AG Russell,Kabar,or Spyderco?

T

tholiver

Joined
Feb 22, 2003
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Hey. I really need a new folder for EDC. Specifically a one handed opening, non-serrated, 3 inch(ish) bladed locking folder. I've narrowed it down to
1. AG Russell spearpoint framelock. http://www.agrussell.com/knives/by_...knives/a_g_russell_framelock_spear_point.html
2.Kabar thumbnotch folder http://www.agrussell.com/knives/by_type/folding/locking/kabardozier_thumb_notch_folder.html
3.Spyderco pacific salt. http://www.agrussell.com/knives/by_.../spyderco_pacific_salt_yellow_plain_edge.html
I almost pulled the trigger on the Russell frame lock but then i read a thread here about problems sharpening 154CM. http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=433562

Bear in mind I already own a serrated Spyderco endura so do i like spydies. But i have no experience with the Russell and the Kabar folders.Anyone here have any positive/negative things to say about any of the above? Or any similar alternatives? I need to keep the price under 100$
Thanks!
 
The choice being between the blades mentioned I like the Pacific Salt with that new H1 steel. I also like the Dozier Kabar. If those are your choices I think either way you cannot lose. I do not care for the framelock you mentioned first. Not my style at all. AUS8 is ok though.

Which trips your trigger?

that other addition choice is ok too. AUS8 is decent steel and easy to sharpen. I have no problem sharpening 154CM myself and find it to be an awesome steel.
 
Out of the knives you mentioned I have the Kabar Dozier and the Spyderco Pacific Salt. The Kabar is much smaller than the Salt and not in the same overall quality league as the Salt. Sort of like a Benchmade red class blue class comparison. If you liked your Endura you would like the Pacific Salt.
 
Thanks for the links! I never even considered Cold Steel. I like their fixed blade stuff but I forgot they do folders as well. The Ti lites look interesting but i don't want a false edge.The CS Ultimate Hunter looks good but it has a kraton/thermorun grip, i prefer either a steel or micarta/synthetic grip. I've had a couple of kraton knives go to goo so i'm looking to stick with solids.
The Russell featherlite also looks interesting. What kind of lockup does it have? I assume that black knobby thing between the blade and the grip is the lock? The Russell write-up doesn't exactly specify the kind of lock it has.
 
I gotto go with the Salt, I have had alot of good experience with Spyderco.
The kaybar is second in my book with the other folder trailing like a donkey in a horse race.
 
The Russell featherlite also looks interesting. What kind of lockup does it have? I assume that black knobby thing between the blade and the grip is the lock? The Russell write-up doesn't exactly specify the kind of lock it has.
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The Featherlite is the factory-made lightweight version of the AG Russell One-Hand Knife. Here's a FeatherLite review: http://outdoors-magazine.com/s_article.php?id_article=148

The lock mechanism is rather simple and foolproof. As the blade rotates open, a sprung bit snaps into a notch on the back of the blade. To release the lock you simply lift the spring out of the notch.

The Original One-Hand knife is a real piece of art, if you ever get a chance to handle or buy one. The spring and scales were laser-cut from a single piece of steel, then the blades were added, and the knives were hand-finished.

The plastic FeatherLite version is a lightweight and inexpensive knife using the same lock design. The third version is the stainless steel factory-made One-Hand Knife, built like the FeatherLite but with stainless handles instead of plastic. The AG Russell Airweight also uses the same lock design and Rucarta handles.

Checking A.G.'s website, the Original is still available, but only in the small size. The FeatherLite is in stock, in two blade shapes, two metal choices, and with or without the neck sheath. The factory metal version appears to be unavailable. And the Airweight is in stock, but it costs $195.

I hope this helps,
-Bob
 
Thanks for all the info and input everybody! Right now i'm mostly leaning towards the spyderco pacific salt.
:)
 
Bob W said:
Just want to throw out another possibility, in case you missed these:
http://www.agrussell.com/knives/by_...rliteclip_point_blade_with_aus8_steel__1.html

These are fantastic, with a choice of blade shapes, materials, and are available with a neck sheath.

Best Wishes,
-Bob
Click to expand...

Bob W, I've seen this knife for years in the Russell catalogs.

Is it a slipjoint? Is it a lockblade?

What's the story with it staying in the open position?

Thanks for any info you may have on this.
 
Hello Rifon. I explained it the best I could two posts up, using my limited writing skills:
The lock mechanism is rather simple and foolproof. As the blade rotates open, a sprung bit snaps into a notch on the back of the blade. To release the lock you simply lift the spring out of the notch.
Click to expand...
If that's not crystal clear, you'll just have to buy one and see for yourself. :D

Best Wishes,
-Bob
 
I just scanned this to show the different variations. The knife on the top is the original hand-finished One Hand Knife. The second is the FeatherLite. And the third is the factory-made One-Hand Knife with metal handles.

OneHandvariations.jpg


Seeing them side-by-side it's very easy to distinguish them. But I've recently seen a seller on eBay who was either confused, or purposefully trying to pass off one of the factory-made knives as an original.

And looking at the original should help to understand how the lock mechanism works.

-Bob
 
i also looking for a edc folder but i what to only spend $30-50
Click to expand...
The Ka-Bar Bob Dozier knife, linked in the first post, is only $20. The Featherlite is only $35 or $50, and the Spyderco Salt discussed above is available in many variations here www.knifeworks.com starting at $48 (enter "salt" in the site's search function).

Best Wishes,
-Bob
 
Bob W said:
Hello Rifon. I explained it the best I could two posts up, using my limited writing skills:

If that's not crystal clear, you'll just have to buy one and see for yourself. :D

Best Wishes,
-Bob
Click to expand...

Yes, I've got it now -

Thanks for the very helpful picture!
 
Bob W said:
I just scanned this to show the different variations. The knife on the top is the original hand-finished One Hand Knife. The second is the FeatherLite. And the third is the factory-made One-Hand Knife with metal handles.

OneHandvariations.jpg


Seeing them side-by-side it's very easy to distinguish them. But I've recently seen a seller on eBay who was either confused, or purposefully trying to pass off one of the factory-made knives as an original.

And looking at the original should help to understand how the lock mechanism works.

-Bob
Click to expand...
Hi Bob, thanks for the great comparative photo. I went to Russell's site and I don't see the third knife listed. Under "One handed" is a photo of something similar to the top one. Is the third one discontinued? And do you know how much it retailed for?

Thanks!
 
Bob Yes AG sure does have some nice stuff and the best customer service. I should know as he is singlehandly to blame on my oppsession with sharp pointy objects. Started with AG long before the net.
 
I went to Russell's site and I don't see the third knife listed. Under "One handed" is a photo of something similar to the top one. Is the third one discontinued? And do you know how much it retailed for?
Click to expand...
I don't know if that third model has been discontinued, or is merely out of stock; I can't find them in any of the recent printed catalogs. You could ask over in the AG Russell section at the "other" knife forum website.

Retail price for that third model? The First Productions were $70, and I think the regular production knives were about $20 less, so $50-ish. A bit more than the FeatherLite and quite a bit less than the Original.

Bob Yes AG sure does have some nice stuff and the best customer service. I should know as he is singlehandly to blame on my oppsession with sharp pointy objects. Started with AG long before the net.
Click to expand...
Yep, I've been getting his catalogs since long before the Internet too. Best knife photography of any catalog, ever.

-Bob
 
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