What is with A.G. Russel?

A. G. Russell said:
Any one in the military of any country with troops in Afghanistan or Iraq can have the same discount as we offer the Troops of this country. That cover it?
Click to expand...

Typical response from A.G. Always quick to reply, fair and honest.
Hard to find better, all things considered.

I have purchased a custom knife from him, returned it because of cracked scales, which was absolutely the makers fault. I was completely satisfied and happy with A.G.'s response and resolution. (Got a refund and an apology.)

Have enjoyed his catalogs for years.

:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:
 
akadave2 said:
You cant compare internet business to a real store front. My brother-in-law owns a shop and service is pretty much everything. You cant provide what you are talking about over the net.

I do agree that price is not everything...but its one of the things and its a pretty big thing to a lot of people especially these days.
Click to expand...

I agree that an internet business and a real store front business are different, however AG has both and IMO, AG offers more service than a typical internet dealer.
 
akadave2 said:
I appreciate your response. I understand the cost of doing business. I am in sales and I am responsible for over a million in revenue yearly with my company. I have to be competitive in a commodity market as well as offer service that is at the top of the industry standard (no I dont sell cars). I will agree that 20% is a bit high for some of your products and at the same time a little low on some. I guess you are comparing your prices to the next highest on the net. I also understand, living in a relatively remote part of the country that it is often necessary for me to do business over the net. I understand this because a great deal of my personal purchases are done this way. I try to support the local guy and do so most of the time with the things I can. This usually results in paying a higher price for brick and mortar and I get really great service from my local knife dealer. That being said, I have also gotten great service from 90% of the online shops I have purchased from even though service from an internet shop is limited. I cant go in and handle the wares on the net, I cant talk to experts in the shop and I cant cherry pick knives on display. I could send back defective product or product that didnt live up to my expectation in every case without hassle one so aside from a very nice catalog, which I agree is top notch, the only advantage your shop has is exclusive knives and some semi-customs that have a long waiting list usually, which is fantastic. I believe someone made mention that a person could send a knive back to you after six months or so? I wouldnt expect you to be a Costco and I think this is ridiculous that someone would actually expect this if it is true.
Click to expand...



I never trust salesmen when it comes to numbers, and your blanket unsubstantiated gratuitous assertion that AG sells for 20% more than other dealers leaves me no reason to change this belief, despite your claim of "I understand the cost of doing business." Your first statement sounds nothing more than a blowhard salesperson speak, a waste of breath or typing over something that is not true, or even if it is, it has not been proven by you before you stated it.

Numbers are for businessmen and accountants, not salespeople. To be fair, I don't expect accountants to sell and move product. It's a rare bird that is good at both talents, numbers and sales.
 
You cant compare internet business to a real store front. My brother-in-law owns a shop and service is pretty much everything. You cant provide what you are talking about over the net.
Click to expand...
Yes you CAN get top-quality personal service from an online/catalog business that's on-par or superior to the level of service at a "real store front." AG Russell has proven this repeatedly, as have many other online knife dealers.

And, as I've mentioned, AG does maintain a 'real' showroom where you find fantastic service, highly trained staff, and knowledgeable salespeople that you can deal with face-to-face. Many other online knife dealers offer storefront locations as well.

I do agree that price is not everything...but its one of the things and its a pretty big thing to a lot of people especially these days.
Click to expand...
It pays to shop around, that's a fact. But as consumers it's our responsibility to find the best value/price/service that our money can buy. There's no cause for bitterness or resentment because a particular retailer doesn't have the lowest prices on every single item...
 
Silverdagger said:
I never trust salesmen when it comes to numbers, and your blanket unsubstantiated gratuitous assertion that AG sells for 20% more than other dealers leaves me no reason to change this belief, despite your claim of "I understand the cost of doing business." Your first statement sounds nothing more than a blowhard salesperson speak, a waste of breath or typing over something that is not true, or even if it is, it has not been proven by you before you stated it.

Numbers are for businessmen and accountants, not salespeople. To be fair, I don't expect accountants to sell and move product. It's a rare bird that is good at both talents, numbers and sales.
Click to expand...

Aside from sounding like my 15 year old, you have no clue about what you are talking about.

Part of my role as an Major Account Exec, is to sit in front of the CFO, CEO, COO or even Purchasing Manager is to provide: Lease rates, Amortization rates, buyouts, competitive bids, ROI, TCO and I have to put together the entire package including lease documents service plans and workflow engineering, so dont tell me I dont get into the meat of things. Also, if there is a billing issue, Im the go to guy to get things fixed at corporate. All part of the job.
 
Last edited:
Bob W said:
Yes you CAN get top-quality personal service from an online/catalog business that's on-par or superior to the level of service at a "real store front." AG Russell has proven this repeatedly, as have many other online knife dealers.

And, as I've mentioned, AG does maintain a 'real' showroom where you find fantastic service, highly trained staff, and knowledgeable salespeople that you can deal with face-to-face. Many other online knife dealers offer storefront locations as well.


It pays to shop around, that's a fact. But as consumers it's our responsibility to find the best value/price/service that our money can buy. There's no cause for bitterness or resentment because a particular retailer doesn't have the lowest prices on every single item...
Click to expand...

Again another misinterpretation of my OP. Not bitterness, or resentment. I do just fine shopping the net and local dealers. Kneejerk reactions seem to be derigeur these days.

Im sorry but it is physically impossible to get the same service online as you get from a store front. It just isnt possible. I agree you can get a great return policy, price matching, possibly some personalized service from an expert (email advice). But aside from that nada. This is not a bad thing, its just how it works. I wouldnt expect anything different.
 
Again another misinterpretation of my OP. Not bitterness, or resentment. I do just fine shopping the net and local dealers. Kneejerk reactions seem to be derigeur these days.
Click to expand...

Indeed:

Do these people not check other prices on the net? They are a good 20% higher or more on most of their knives than any other place. How do they stay in business?
Click to expand...
 
Im sorry but it is physically impossible to get the same service online as you get from a store front.
Click to expand...

Sorry , but I dont think you can make a blanket statement like that. I have got far superior service from AG , than I have got from any of the brick & mortar knife shops I have visited. ( Although there is a new one in town that is getting high reviews ).

Communication online ( electronic format ) is much trickier to convey the right message. So you better know what you are doing or you stand the chance of losing not one just customer but perhaps many ( due to rants such as the original post ).

If someone is selling something , doesnt matter what it is , and you dont like the price , go someplace else , don't complain about it , just dont buy there.

A local gun shop ( just blocks from the house here ) is certainly not the cheapest place to buy stuff , but the service is so far superior to other places in the valley , that I will pay their prices ( usually 10-15% over others ) ? Why ? They know their stuff , and they give honest answers only obtained thru years of knowing their products.

Heck , now I need to go order something from AG just because :)
 
akadave2 said:
Aside from sounding like my 15 year old, you have no clue about what you are talking about.

Part of my role as an Major Account Exec, is to sit in front of the CFO, CEO, COO or even Purchasing Manager is to provide: Lease rates, Amortization rates, buyouts, competitive bids, ROI, TCO and I have to put together the entire package including lease documents service plans and workflow engineering, so dont tell me I dont get into the meat of things. Also, if there is a billing issue, Im the go to guy to get things fixed at corporate. All part of the job.
Click to expand...


OK, Oh talented one. Why not be a good person and offer up some suggestions to AG Russell, not that he needs them from you or anyone else here, as opposed to offering up the critical nasty thread that is worthy of the "Most nasty of the nasty bastard thread" BladeForums threads? (AG Russell is 20%(because I say so) more than anyone esle and how, under heaven have they stayed in business, never mind the fact they have for decades) You're so smart, do something positive. Why not build up, rather than tear down. I am the most small of small customers of AG, but he has my utmost respect. A few months ago, he posted something like an eulogy for a friend of his and knife lovers and he stated about his friend, "He didn't understand margins, but was a good man". Doesn't AG deserve more than unsubstantiated libelous venom?

There's an old saying, if you don't have something good to say, don't say it. Didn't you're momma ever tell you that? You mention you have a 15 year old. Didn't you teach your 15 year old that when he was 5?

PS, simply put, if you don't like AG Russell's website, don't shop there. It isn't brain surgery. But if you are going to put potentially damaging and libelous statements on a forum, such as, and I quote; "They are a good 20% higher or more on most of their knives than any other place. How do they stay in business? ", you'd better use your self proclaimed outstanding business mind to figure out if it's indeed true before you write it in a place that the whole world can read.
 
Last edited:
Silverdagger said:
...and your blanket unsubstantiated gratuitous assertion that AG sells for 20% more than other dealers leaves me no reason to change this belief...
Click to expand...

OK, let's substantiate it a little:

Buck Alpha Dorado 270 at New Graham = $41.25
At AG Russell = $49.95
Increase = 21%

Buck Vanguard 192 at New Graham = $59.37
At AG Russell = $69.95
Increase = 18%

S&M Mountain Man Trapper at Cumberland Knife Works = $99.00
At AG Russell = 144.95
Increase = 46%

S&M Mountain Man lock-back at Cumberland Knife Works = $58.00
At AG Russell = $69.95
Increase = 21%

These are examples I know because these are knives I personally have looked for recently. I have no doubt there are others, just like I have no doubt there are others much closer in price. Point is, AG does charge more and he pretty says he does. The only question is whether or not you as an individual are willing to pay the extra and be satisfied that you got your money's worth. Sometimes I am, sometimes I would not be. He is free to run his business any way he sees fit and the fact that he's still around means he must be doing something right.
 
Blue Sky said:
OK, let's substantiate it a little:

.
Click to expand...




A little is right. You do understand you are comparing AG to multiple other websites, not one vs one. That is an invalid comparison. It's apples to oranges, not apples to apples. It is ivalid and not comparable.

The OP stated 20% more than most other websites. Substantiate that. You won't, because you can't. Even if you get it, in one case, you won't another, making the OP's initial post false. Also, why don't you quantify the warranty and service factor AG has been known for. Quantify taking a knife back after 6 months and somebody used it as a screwdriver. What is that worth? To some, nothing, to others, it's why we do business, it is everything.

I've only purchased one thing from AG, and it was dead on what the competitors priced.
 
This is a simple "Specialized store vs Wal Mart" thread. I'd be lying if I didn't say I shop at both. For those buying only on price, buy Chinese. They are the cheapest around, and their quality is getting better daily.
 
A. G. Russell said:
Any one in the military of any country with troops in Afghanistan or Iraq can have the same discount as we offer the Troops of this country. That cover it?
Click to expand...

That's great that the policy has changed, and I'm pleased you've decided to change it. How long has the policy been different, as you had told me you'd have to review the policy thorugh our emails quite a while ago?
 
Let me say what has already been said A G Russell puts out the best catalogue in the business and it is in color! His return policy is the best that I know of and his staff is eager to help. Also, you can buy and sell at his cutting edge website. He has knives at that website you cannot find any place else. And some of his traditional knives under his brand name are some of the best quality and latest steel. I bought my first featherlite one hand folder from him years ago and have bought many different knives since. Some I did not like and my money was refunded promptly. I had bought another Featherlite folder recently and exchanged it because the blade had a small amount of side play. A G Russell exchanged it promptly and did not even charge me shipping. No wonder this guy is a legend in the knife business and has been inducted into the Blade Hall Of Fame several years ago.

RKH
 
Silverdagger said:
This is a simple "Specialized store vs Wal Mart" thread. I'd be lying if I didn't say I shop at both. For those buying only on price, buy Chinese. They are the cheapest around, and their quality is getting better daily.
Click to expand...



thats the dumbest thing I have read so far. I'll buy the exact same product at Wal Mart for 30% or more less, thank you. Not some chinese knock off the exact same thing.
 
Silverdagger said:
OK, Oh talented one. Why not be a good person and offer up some suggestions to AG Russell, not that he needs them from you or anyone else here, as opposed to offering up the critical nasty thread that is worthy of the "Most nasty of the nasty bastard thread" BladeForums threads? (AG Russell is 20%(because I say so) more than anyone esle and how, under heaven have they stayed in business, never mind the fact they have for decades) You're so smart, do something positive. Why not build up, rather than tear down. I am the most small of small customers of AG, but he has my utmost respect. A few months ago, he posted something like an eulogy for a friend of his and knife lovers and he stated about his friend, "He didn't understand margins, but was a good man". Doesn't AG deserve more than unsubstantiated libelous venom?

There's an old saying, if you don't have something good to say, don't say it. Didn't you're momma ever tell you that? You mention you have a 15 year old. Didn't you teach your 15 year old that when he was 5?

PS, simply put, if you don't like AG Russell's website, don't shop there. It isn't brain surgery. But if you are going to put potentially damaging and libelous statements on a forum, such as, and I quote; "They are a good 20% higher or more on most of their knives than any other place. How do they stay in business? ", you'd better use your self proclaimed outstanding business mind to figure out if it's indeed true before you write it in a place that the whole world can read.
Click to expand...

Jesus...you are a testy one. If you cannot be civil then dont comment. I understand if you have reached your rationlization limit but keep it adult please.

Moderator, please lock this thread it has exceeded the limit of some peoples ability to debate.
 
You know I bet I could go search through the net and find prices higher than AG Russell's prices as well. Arguing about it is silly....if you don't want to deal with a certain company that is certainly your choice. However to make a blanket statement his prices are 20% higher is equally silly. Yes they may be higher than some dealers but I bet they are lower than some other dealers...it's called free enterprise. Why not just agree to disagree and let it go...lol.
 
My entire history in this forum has been moderate to level minded. I have been moderated once or twice over minor issues. I own my own business and have so for years. I'm attacked daily by those who would commoditize my business, if they could, and it's a never ending fight, not unlike the guy who posted "We offered great auto service advice and they would take the advice across the street to the cheapest competitor that didn't know how to fix it but when told how, they could do it cheaper."

A general contractor told me one time he offered up a bid of $20,000 to remodel the kitchen. He probably had $500 to $1,000 in the bid. The customer said that was way to high. He told her OK. To her suprise, as he left he told her he wanted his bid back, as it was no longer valid. She would have used this bid and given it to his competitor, and he would have bid $19,000, or whatever, and not had to come up with his own estimate of the build out materials and pricing. That's the way some people are, and I don't like them. They want something for nothing.

I just don't understand the piling on and attacking a business for no good reason. Again, if you don't like AG Russell Knives, don't shop there. Why complain about how high they are etc. If price, the one you so boldy state is 20% higher then everyone else, isn't your thing, shop elsewhere.

If you want to bitch about AG Russell's prices, bitch eslewhere. As mentioned, he's a who's who in the knife world. I'd doubt you'll find his biggest competitor is going to give much of an ear to how bad AG Russell's business model is. They probably respect his business model and what he's done to promote their own business and industry.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top