Need some sage advice

Aias

Aias

Joined
Aug 1, 2012
Messages
5,188
Hello Ladies and Gents,

Though I've posted in the traditional subforum, I've never started a thread here... so here goes my first.

My name is Anthony, and I appeal to the collective wisdom of the porch!

For the past few months, I've found myself staring at AG Russell's 2014 Texas Ranger--King of the Woods all too often. I've read all that there is online about it, other knives in that series, and AG Russell himself. All very positive and impressive. Yet, I still cannot pull the trigger on the knife. I'm not really hung up on the "made in China" aspect; by all accounts, if a knife has AG Russell's name on it, it's likely a quality piece. I like the size, that it is a lockback, that, despite it's traditional style it can be opened with one hand... etc...

I am not altogether crazy about the blade being etched, but with use that will likely fade--and I do plan to use it. I'm still not totally convinced about the virtues of the blade steel. I read that it is good and AG Russell does it right... but can anyone tell me about how it compares to a GEC 42 or 23? I have and use those, as well as Buck 110s, both in 420hc and s30v.

What can you tell me, if anything, about this particular knife beyond what is out there already (most posts are a few years old, about previous models).

Does anyone own/ use one regularly? Pics, if you've got'em would be wonderful.

Thanks in advance.

Best,
Anthony
 
It sounds like you are pretty committed to buying it but just need a push.....

Hit the submit order button and let us know how you like it in a way that is different than what is out there already.

I look forward to hearing your opinion.

In all seriousness I hope someone can help you out Anthony. Ive never been able to stare at the same knife for a month and not buy it, if I can afford it.
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the reply Brett... in all honesty, I think my problem is that, for the money, there are a couple other options out there that also interest me--such as Queen's folding hunter: 2 4" blades, D2 steel, US made. They are about the same in price due to a credit I have at KSF. The Texas Ranger is larger with a lock, but the steel is not as good. A Case folding hunter is less than both, though I think Case's CV ranks a bit below the other two, particularly in edge retention. While I have no problem free-hand sharpening any of these, I'd like a fair amount of retention. Decisions, decisions...
 
Just took some cold & sinus so I may be off when it comes to memory but I believe the D2 is going to give you the best run for retention. F&f I would give to Russell and Case for the economic bargin. Have you sharpened D2?

Im only basing this on what I have read about Russell, but I would imagine that they lock up better in comparison the 42. I really like the 42 but have always experienced blade play. Not a big deal to some, but to others it is.
 
Yes, I've sharpened D2 often enough--I've had some Benchmades (and they run it at a higher RC), and still have an LT Wright Next Gen in D2. I like it very much. As for the other considerations--yes, I think you nailed it just right. F&F matter to me, as well as the general looks of the knife--and the most attractive in my eyes might be the Russell.

Hope you feel better soon; I had the flu about a week ago, and it knocked me right on my butt.

I'm still hoping to her from someone who might have the Texas Ranger in question--I guess I'll wait and see.
 
I don't have any experience with that particular knife. But...I can tell you that sometimes a particular knife will call to you- sometimes for reasons you can't explain! Since there is a lack of recent reviews maybe that means you should get it and the give some detailed feedback:)
Welcome to the porch Anthony!
 
Thanks Ernie--it might turn out just that way! And thanks--glad to be here!
 
I can't speak to the Ranger specifically, but I can say that I've yet to hear from somebody that bought a knife from AG Russell and regretted it. I'll be looking forward to hearing which you ultimately decide and how it works out for you.
 
Thanks Cory; based on everything I've read, they are quality knives... my ability to hold out is waning
 
I have seen and held it at the AGRussell store. It's a big heavy shiny knife. Opened and closed fine, fit/finish OK. My biggest impression was big and heavy. It's got a thick blade and weighs a lot (1/2 pound I believe). It does not come with a sheath, that's extra. It's a knife designed in and sold out of Arkansas, made in China and honors the Texas Rangers for $100. Wasn't the knife for me.

If you want a big knife, there is the Queen Mt. Man in D2, made in PA, amber stag bone, "only" 4.8oz, heat treated by Peters for $80 available from forum dealers.
 
Thanks brownshoe, even just your impressions helps a little. The mountain man is good, but I've got a custom buck 110 /s30v and a double linerlock GEC 23 that covers that size range. The larger profile of the Russell is what got my attention. Nonetheless, the Queen folding hunter, which is larger than the mountain man, w/d2 is still under consideration. To make matters worse, I found a Case single blade folding hunter w/ Med blue and damascus... really beautiful but pricey.

In all honesty, if I could just find a reasonably priced GEC Whaler or Lumberjack, single bladed, I'd just get that... those were my favorite large traditionals, but I missed them at regular prices, and now they are ridiculous on the secondary market.
 
I really like the GEC #42 and in particular the two blade versions. The Northwoods Madison Barlow uses the same frame and I like it a lot. The Large Gunstock made by Queen/S&M is another that is a beastly 42 sized slip joint. Like it! None of these have blade play, but none are lock backs either.

The only AG Russell branded slippie I have purchased was the large Sowbelly Trapper. The knife is well put together with great fit and finish. The spring is weak and that turns me off. But not enough to send it back. So, in regard to your AG Russell choice, if you like a good snap, I would call and ask someone there about it in particular if it is important to you. I pretty much decided that I won't buy any more of their slippies unless I pick them up at BLADE. I like a good snap. Too many knives to put up with something I am not totally pleased with.

Added: This is not a lock back design. The blade will close on you with little pressure on the back side. So it is something to pay attention to. There is no half stop.

I have a Queen Mountain Man also; beautiful knife!
 
Last edited:
Thanks 22-Rimfire. Agreed about the 42--I've have the Trader but sold it; I've kept the Trapper--excellent knife, tight construction, alligator snaps, and mine has some fine stag. Dang, just listening to myself, I might have to go grab it for today. ;)

With the Russell I've got in mind, the lock-up seems secure and the spring is light enough that the deep groove permits one hand opening. GECs are still my favorite, and set a pretty high bar... which I, perhaps unfairly, hold as a standard.
 
Pull the trigger -worst case scenario you sell it as lnib or some such, or simply return it and say it wasn't the right knife for you. Then you have some store credit towards a Dozier. :D $.02
Thanks, Neal
 
Neal, you enabler! Ah, who am I kidding... Brett saw it from the start... I may be looking for a push.
 
+1 on AG Russell. Although I don't own the knife you are looking at, I have 3 of his Lockback Folding Hunters, 3 versions of the medium Gunstock lockback, 3 versions of the 5/8 Gunstock lockbacks, 2 of his Arkansas folding hunters and a number of his other folders (barlows, ranchers, etc.) The fit and finish is excellent on all of them. I am extremely picky and all of the ones I've received have rivaled my customs in fit and finish.(I have quite a few customs). No gaps, flush springs, centered blades, bank-vault lock up with absolutely no vertical blade movement, etc. I have received a couple with a tiny bit of side-to-side blade movement which I sent back and got replacements for (My biggest pet peeve is the slightest "hint" of any movement at all, others might say I'm being too picky). Anyway , the steel has been easy to sharpen and the lock-back folder has replaced my Buck 110 as my go to hunting knife for deer and hogs. ( The Buck was just so hard to get sharp!). Edge retention has been decent as well, not like D2 but it meets my needs. The fact that these are not expensive is the icing on the cake and their customer service is excellent.
 
Much appreciated! Good to know that so many have been made so well. Thanks billsch8! And if my guess is right, that's a pretty clever screen name.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top