Recieved my A.G. Russell Featherlite

B

bwb

Joined
Dec 12, 2003
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I recieved the AG Russel Featherlite for Christmas, and so far think it's great. Better for EDC than my Gerber EZ-Out. The finish on it isn't great in some spots, as other have mentioned, though.

Anyways, now I need a sharpener. I have read good things about the Spyderco Sharpmaker, but I have also heard it takes a while to reprofile an edge. I'm thinking of getting an AG Russell Field Sharpener or Ceramic Sharpener. Does anyone have any experience with either? Also, I cut rope occasionally, is it alright to keep a 30 degree edge, or is it too fragile to cut (dirty) rope?

Lastly, I'm a little concerned about the lock on the Featherlite. The slot on the tang (hopefully that is the correct term), where the lock engages, seems to only be about 1 or 2 millimeters high. While it does lock with a satisfying click, I'm afraid after time it will smooth down enough where, with some added pressure, it will decide to become a slip-joint and close on my fingers. Any comments about this?




Thanks!
 
First off, don't worry about the lock. It's designed for wear and if it DOES ever become a problem, send it back to AGR, and you'll get a new knife or your money back!

I don't see a problem with a 30 degree angle for rope, but if that is a big part of your cutting chore, I might suggest something with a partially serrated edge next go around. AGR makes an all stainless one-hand, but it's ALOT more expensive with a partially serrated blade. Also, the lock on that knife tends to not be all that "one handed", it's a BRUTE! But that would put your fears to rest regarding the lock wear concern!


The AGR field sharpener will take almost as long to reprofile with as the Spyderco 204. That's just the way it is with ceramic sharpeners. You can get a set of diamond hones for the 204, but again, they are pricey at around $65+ for a pair. The 204 is ALOT more versitile than the AGR sharpeners, and I personally think that it is the best all around sharpener on the market. I'm not alone, Chris Reeve endorses it as well!
 
Originally posted by marcangel

The AGR field sharpener will take almost as long to reprofile with as the Spyderco 204. That's just the way it is with ceramic sharpeners. You can get a set of diamond hones for the 204, but again, they are pricey at around $65+ for a pair. The 204 is ALOT more versitile than the AGR sharpeners, and I personally think that it is the best all around sharpener on the market. I'm not alone, Chris Reeve endorses it as well!
Click to expand...

The A.G. Russel Field Sharpener includes both a pair of diamond rods, as well as a pair of ceramic rods.


Man, the lock on the featherlite keeps getting easier and easier to close, I'm starting to do it subconsciencely now (initially I had to put a bit of mental effort in, and sometimes just used two hands). Nice :cool:.
 
I have had a featherlite for years and it is one of my most favorite carry knives. Never had a problem with the lock but it did take a while to get used to. I use my ancient Sharpmaker to keep it sharp. It does a good job on all my knives.
 
I've been carrying a featherlite for several years as my work knife. The only time the lock slipped was because a ball of pocket lint was caught in the lock recess. I use the knife daily and use it hard. It's held up great.

Paul
 
Both the field sharpener and 204 are great. I have a 204 and have used the field sharpener a lot, but!!! try a DMT benchstone. Yes, they are pricey. However it is the best sharpener I habe used. I worked in a knife shop for a year and a half and sharpened more knives than I care to remember on one of these. There is nothing like it. And YES you can get a hair shaving edge on your blades with the DMT alone. If you want an even finer edge though, it is hard to beat ceramics.

My .02
BTW- I used the Fine and Extra Fine almost exclusively and cleaned up some pretty nasty edges with it.
 
Thanks for the replies.

Originally posted by MAURICE
Both the field sharpener and 204 are great. I have a 204 and have used the field sharpener a lot, but!!! try a DMT benchstone. Yes, they are pricey.
Click to expand...

Yes, unfortuantly way outta budget (which is about $50).
 
Sorry about the ooops there, I thought you were referring to the AGR ceramic. The big disadvantage to either one of these is they use entirely rods. This will cause "tip rounding" if you are not extremely careful. This is much less of a problem with the 204, particularly if you use the flats more that the edges. (AG admitted this himself in a post over in Knifeforums about a year ago.)
 
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