Quicky Review - Various - AG Russell order

[Bob W]

Recently I placed an order during AG Russell's Customer Appreciation Sale (20% off selected knives) and wanted to pass along my thoughts. The sale is expired, but the knives are all still available from Ag Russell's website or catalog at the regular prices.

1) AG Russell's Hunter's Scalpel, sale price $15.95
Having lost my Opinel, I needed a new knive for backpacking, hiking, and working outdoors. This small and lightweight blade is perfect. It locks tightly into a hard plastic quick-release sheath. In situations where weight is critical, it'd be hard to find a better knife than this. Absolutely worth every penny, even at full price.

2) AG Russell Woodswalker, sale price $15.95
I gave one of these ten+ years ago to my brother who used it for squirrel hunting. He absolutely loves it, and now I finally have my own. The main feature of interest for me is the leather pocket sheath, a perfect fit for Levis. Very neat knife, made in Japan, and a good deal even at $20.

3) Paragon Interframe Folder, sale price $79.95
This knife was designed by George Herron and made in Japan. I'm always intrigued by extinct knife companies, and already own the Paragon Drop Point Hunter. The Interframe Folder is a good knife, no blade play, thinner than I expected, and very attractive. I did have a bit of grittyness to the action, but it's clear now. It's a good knife for the money, but if I could only keep one Paragon it would be the Drop Point Hunter instead.

4) Benchmade Griptillian, sale price $59.95
These knives get plenty of attention on the forums here; you guys 'made' me buy this! I'm also interested in knives with unusual or new mechanisms. The exact model I chose is the 551, modified drop point, straight edge, thumb stud. This is a very well made factory knife: the action is perfectly smooth, there is no blade play at all, the blade seems durable and sharp. The lock design makes the knife worth $60, but I wish the handles were a different material. "Clicking" the handle with a fingernail makes a very chinzy and hollow sound, like cheap plastic. I'm sure it's plenty durable for my needs, but I'd rather it was the same material as the Spyderco Endura/Delica, or a 'grippy' rubber like a Gator.

Overall, I'm very pleased with my order and I'd do it again, even without the sale prices. Super-fast shipping, very friendly service, and the best guarantee in the business.

Questions and comments are most welcome.

Best Wishes,
Bob

 

[Cliff Stamp]

I love that sheath, lightweight, swings easily and thus moves out of the way. I have used the Deerhunters a lot, the Scalpel look like an excellent small utility, work knife.

-Cliff

 

[Bob W]

I also have one of the Deehunter and like it OK. For actual deerhunting, I'd prefer something more traditional with a heavier blade, like a Buck Vangard or Special. And to me the lightweight aspect becomes less important when carrying an actual work knife. And since mine DeerHunter is a First Production, there was no cost advantage; I could have bought a heavier-duty Buck for less.

The in-beween size Bird and Trout seems like a good compromise of weight, function, and size. I don't have one of those. Yet.

I do love the thumb-release sheath on the whole series. I always wanted one of the original Buddy System knives, but never followed through.

Couple of interesting points with the Hunters' Scalpel. I have another that I bought several years ago. It came with an alligator clip; the new one didn't. I think a strong clip would be nice for attaching to a backpack or pants pocket; the lanyard tends to get in the way. Also, a couple of years ago I asked AG about the oval indention on the handle. They were designed to hold a small escutcheon. A small bit of pearl, abalone, or engraveable silver would really add a touch of class to the knife. Maybe some day...

Best Wishes,
Bob

 

[Cliff Stamp]

I use them mainly as light utility knives, you forget about them, hang them off a pack or whatever and you always have a nice efficient knife wheneven you need one. Long enough for most food prep, and still so small that it never prints as dangerous to anyone. The Scalpel looks like a really nice downsized version, I think I'll pick one up shortly.

In general I really don't care much about weight, I have always found that when working that the weight of the knife is insignificant compared to the effort of the work. Unless you use something really overbuilt like a 20"+ Ang Khola khukuri for cutting weeds, which is a fun way to exercise your wrist.

-Cliff