Why so little info on A.G. Russell knives?

Shepherd Jim

Shepherd Jim

Joined
Mar 21, 2010
Messages
174
There was recently an A.G. Russell folding "rigging knife" (single SS sheepfoot blade & marlinspike) listed on eBay.

Trying to research the knife I googled "out in the world" AND did a number of searches here in BF and basically found no information about the listed knife. A.G. Russell currently markets a very pricey folding rigger and I found links about that, BUT nothing on the version of the knife that they obviously sold a few years back.

BTW: reverse tang on that knife was stamped "MADE IN JAPAN"

Jim
 
AG has a forum for his knives at the knifeforums site. You can ask questions there. Traffic isn't high. You can also email his site and people generally report useful responses.
 
That rigging knife was specialized and expensive. Not the kind of knife that gets a large following.
He recently released his Acies framelock. That got a tremendous amount of discussion.
 
Up until a few years ago, A.G. Russell listed in their catalog a marlinspike knife that was Japanese in origin, with either black or 'coral' (red) Rucarta (A.G.'s version of Micarta) scales on a stainless frame. So far as I know, I think the only version available was with a fully serrated blade (I think it was AUS-8). Up until they discontinued that knife, I believe it was priced somewhere around $60 - $70. For a while, they could be found on eBay occasionally, although I've seen a couple that were OUTRAGEOUSLY priced ($200+), as they were innacurately described as either 'custom' or, in one case, as a 'prototype' (with no included provenance or documentation to prove it). Russell sold these for many years, so I'm certain they're not THAT rare.

The current versions listed in the Russell catalog are significantly more expensive and sophisticated, in both materials and design (frame lock). One offers a stainless handle w/440C blade in plain edge, front-serrated combo edge, or rear-serrated combo edge. The other is a titanium handle w/ATS-34 Ti/Al-coated blade (front-serrated combo edge only). You might've already looked at these newer versions on the A.G. Russell site but, if not, here are the links for those:

http://www.agrussell.com/ag-russell-stainless-seamaster-front-serrated/p/AGSAhhh118SSF/

http://www.agrussell.com/ag-russell-seamaster/p/AGSAhhh118TI/

I've been equally frustrated in finding (not) any details on the web about the older version. As far as I can tell, it's no longer listed anywhere on the Russell site either. Your best bet for info on A.G.'s older product line might be in finding some of the older A.G. Russell catalogs (also found on eBay occasionally). I think the earlier, less-expensive marlinspike knife could be found in catalogs at least from mid-90s thru maybe early or mid-2000s. I think I still have a good many catalogs laying around here. I'll see if I can find one that still lists that knife....

Edited to add:
I've forgotten that some of the older versions also came with smooth bone handle scales (nicely suited for scrimshaw). I just took a look at eBay and found a completed listing for one of these. I don't remember what A.G. originally sold these for, but I'd assume they were priced a little higher than the Rucarta-handled version.
 
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I just came across a few of my old A.G. Russell catalogs, dating back to '95 - '97 time frame. Found a listing for the A.G. Russell 'Sailor's Knife' in black Rucarta, coral (red) rucarta, and smooth bone handles. Fully serrated stainless blade with oval hole for easy opening. Doesn't specify steel type (although I'm pretty sure it was specified as AUS-8 in Russell's later catalogs). Model numbers were as follows:

AGSA-1 (Coral Rucarta)
AGSA-2 (Natural Bone)
AGSA-3 (Black Rucarta)

All three were priced at $79.00 apiece in that catalog. I think, in more recent years, when Russell decided to sell remaining inventory of these, the price came down a bit to somewhere in the $60 - $70 range.

I also found a 'Spring 1997' Russell catalog with a scrimshawed (etched w/a whale design), bone handle version of same knife, model AGSA-2W. It does list the blade steel as '8A' at 57 - 59 RC. It was priced at $99.00 in that catalog.
 
Thanks for all the info -- you guys are amazing!

I'm thinking that I'd had all the "Russells" a bit mixed up in my head: A.G., Dexter, "Green River", etc.

So, it's a little unclear on his website: does A.G. actually make/manufacture ANY knives or he is he really just aggregating knives from around the world and marketing them from his brand/site/catalog?

The photos I've seen of the 'Sailor's Knife' from the mid-90s don't make it look like a really high quality product -- not compared with Myerchins of the same "format".
 
I'm sure I'll get corrected if I'm wrong, but AG is mainly in the business of designing and marketing knives, not making them in-house. He typically contracts with knifemakers in the US and around the world to produce "AG Russell" branded knives. The few that are made in his shop in Arkansas are labeled "Shopmade". The earliest knife I have like this is a '73 Puma from Germany that is labeled "AG Russell". The listings in AGR's current catalog and website state the country of origin for his knives.

One thing to note that is very important, while AGR doesn't make many knives themselves, they offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on ALL the knives they market, regardless of the OEM. Not bad.
 
Shepherd Jim said:
Thanks for all the info -- you guys are amazing!

I'm thinking that I'd had all the "Russells" a bit mixed up in my head: A.G., Dexter, "Green River", etc.

So, it's a little unclear on his website: does A.G. actually make/manufacture ANY knives or he is he really just aggregating knives from around the world and marketing them from his brand/site/catalog?

The photos I've seen of the 'Sailor's Knife' from the mid-90s don't make it look like a really high quality product -- not compared with Myerchins of the same "format".
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I'm certain that 'A.G. Russell' isn't connected or associated with the Dexter Russell or Green River brand (although he's probably carried some of their knives in his catalog at one time or another, as with other brands).

A.G. has designed a lot of knives himself (most of which are then manufactured under contract by other factories/shops) and he's also collaborated with other custom makers & manufacturers to produce unique knives which were then exclusively sold through his own company. He does also carry knives from other makers. He's been at it a good, long time. I'm not real clear about the origins of his knife business, but he may have started out making knives in his own shop. I'm sure you can read some of his background via many sources on the web. If you order from him (and get on his mailing list), his catalogs are a good source of info about his own designs and interests in knifemaking. A lot of the same info can be found at his own web site:

http://www.agrussell.com/Default.asp?bhcd2=1247693336

Regarding the comparison of his Sailor's Knife to the Myerchins, I had taken a look at that too. What's interesting to me, is that in some respects, the two brands are very similar (one or two of the Myerchin models have a shackle/bail that appears to be identical in form to the Russell version). I've wondered if Myerchin might've supplied parts/materials/facilities to produce some of the Russell versions (but that's just me speculating...).

Edited to add:
As DallasSTB pointed out, A.G. Russell's guarantee is likely the most bulletproof in the business. If you're not satisfied with what you buy (for ANY reason), you can send it back for refund. That's pretty darn strong these days.

BTW, A.G. himself is a member here on BF. If you hang around a bit, you'll likely see him adding his own perspective to many discussions here on the Forums.
 
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Shepherd Jim said:
Why so little info on A.G. Russell knives?
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It seems all you have to do is ask to find out anything you need to know. :)

BTW, if you end up buying that particular knife on eBay and would like an original catalog page to add with it to your collection, just let me know.
 
DallasSTB said:
I'm sure I'll get corrected if I'm wrong, but AG is mainly in the business of designing and marketing knives, not making them in-house. He typically contracts with knifemakers in the US and around the world to produce "AG Russell" branded knives. The few that are made in his shop in Arkansas are labeled "Shopmade". The earliest knife I have like this is a '73 Puma from Germany that is labeled "AG Russell". The listings in AGR's current catalog and website state the country of origin for his knives.

One thing to note that is very important, while AGR doesn't make many knives themselves, they offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on ALL the knives they market, regardless of the OEM. Not bad.
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We have one very fine knifemaker and are looking for two more. When we have them we will make more handmade knives here in our own shop.

I will have knives produced whereever we can get the quality we require for our customers. Eastern USA, Western USA, Germany, Italy, Japan, Taiwan, China. . . . .
 
Bob W said:
...<snip>...
BTW, if you end up buying that particular knife on eBay and would like an original catalog page to add with it to your collection, just let me know.
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That particular knife wasn't in real good shape. But, I will be keeping my eye out for another. Thanks for the offer!
 
I've recently been bitten by the Marlinspike bug and have obtained several very nice knives. Specifically I found a couple original AG Russell Marlinspikes which seem to be few and far in between these days. I also have a Myerchin MYB300P made in Japan, current models are made in China. After close inspection and comparison between the older AG Russell and the Japanese Myerchin, I'm convinced they are made by the same Japanese company. The bails, materials, design, fit and finish, quality and workmanship are identical. Both AG Russell and Myerchin contract outside companies to build knives based on their design, and in this case both used the same Japanese manufacturer. The Myerchin is much larger and heavier duty, but very similar in design but for having a locking blade. The Russell blade is not locking, only the spike. I only wish I knew the name of the Japanese company as I would like to buy other knives from them if they have their own brand. Camillus made Marlinspikes for many companies including Case and Ka-Bar but they also offered the Piranha 696 under their own name.

In general I'm always looking for older American or German made knives, but lately I'm appreciating the quality of Japanese manufactured knives. These two specifically are very high quality and very nice knives. Also I have an older Tekna dive knife which is very high quality. Just thought I would pass this information along so the next guy who gets bitten by the bug has some additional information to make a decision.
 
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A couple pictures of part of my collection!

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Been buying from A.G. for more years than I care to remember - GREAT Company, people, Guarantee, Service and Man.

Will but from A.G. for as many years as one of us are still breathing.

Rubi
 
rubiconss said:
Been buying from A.G. for more years than I care to remember - GREAT Company, people, Guarantee, Service and Man.

Will but from A.G. for as many years as one of us are still breathing.

Rubi
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Same here! A.G is a class act in my book!
 
VA27 said:
Same here! A.G is a class act in my book!
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If you think about it, A.G. been at it for what, 40 years. Unlike the politicians, celebrities and Some Knife Makers of today..... look how his quality, dedication and Integrity - Namely, His Reputation has held up ALL those years.

Great American Story.
 
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