Paula's Hunter in A.G. Russell catalog

[TorzJohnson]

Has anybody tried one of these yet? I really like the size 6 5/8" and the idea of bamboo scales. With the 440C steel and the bamboo I think this would be a great $75 knife.

The problem is, it's $125. That wouldn't be so bad, but in the catalog it's right below this Drop Point Hunter that only costs $20 more! Gee, which one should I pick?

 

[Grapevine]

That Loveless style drop point looks sweet. I have the version in quince burl, and the fit and finish is darn good for the price.

 

[Gryffin]

Gee, which one should I pick?

Aw, c'mon Torz, you've been here long enough to know the answer to THAT...

All together, everybody:

BUY THEM BOTH!

 

[Paul Davidson]

Yeah I thought $125 was a little high for that Kelgin knife. I do think the bamboo handle is cool though. I would much rather spend the extra money for the knife you pictured or a Dozier.

 

[Paul Davidson]

My other question when I saw that was, "Why did Orvis pass these up?" It could be for a very simple reason, but it makes me wonder.

 

[Bob W]

I've been wondering about those too.

For $30 more they'll make a true custom knife for you. Very Cool!!
http://www.kelgin.com/design.html

I wonder what the original Orvis price of Paula's Knife was? I found another knife dealer selling Paula's Orvis knife for $185, so AG's price is fair. I bet the price is due to the desirable "Orvis" name, not necessarily the Largins'.

-Bob

 

[TorzJohnson]

I found another knife dealer selling Paula's Orvis knife for $185, so AG's price is fair.

I have to respectfully disagree. I could put a price tag of $800 on that knife and make A.G.'s price seem like it's rock bottom. That still wouldn't make it worth $125 to me (or, I suspect, most non-millionaires like me). I'll bet they would sell like hotcakes if they were priced realistically... but then A.G. only has 300 to sell and he can probably find enough people willing to pay that.

 

[Bob W]

Well yeah, I understand what you're saying. I guess I meant AG's price is more than competitive with the only other place that sells that knife. I still wonder what the original Orvis price was. That's the figure I'd use to compute what's 'fair'.

And yep, AG's an expert at pricing knives for "collectors". He often raises prices as the stock dwindles, and charges a premium for First Production knives.

I still don't think $125 is too much to spend on a handmade knife, even if it's not an actual custom. The steel is decent, I like the design, and the handle material is interesting. Still, I'd rather pay the small bit extra for a true custom.

And I agree that for $75 they'd "sell like hotcakes"; I'd buy one without hesitating and we wouldn't be having this discussion because they'd already be gone. I really do think though that there are enough Orvis fans that the knives will sell out at AG's current price anyway.

Best Wishes,
-Bob

*Anyone know if that's the same maker who does the Kelgin Knives at SMKW and Knifeworks? Those sell for $40.

 

[MrMojoRising]

I had one and sold it not long ago. It's a great little knife, bamboo scales and mosaic pins look really great. I actually bought mine at Dollywood in TN. They were having a fair type setup with all sorts of crafts and things. The man himself was there and actually gave me one of the knives he makes from bandsaw blades in his knifemaker class. Very, very nice guy. I think I paid $80-$90 at the time. Never should've sold that one.