Your Thoughts on the A.G. Russell Folding Knives...

N

Nalapombu

Joined
Oct 26, 2001
Messages
303
Hey all,

I was looking at the A.G. Russell site the other day and checking out their folders. AG Russell has some really nice looking folding knives. A couple that really caught my eye was the LARGE FOLDING HUNTER http://www.agrussell.com/ag-russell-large-folding-hunter-with-yellow-delrin/p/RUShhhCU12YD/ the Sowbelly Trapper http://www.agrussell.com/ag-russell-sowbelly-trapper/p/RUShhhCV13CO/ and a few others. They are not much more expensive than a new CASE is.

I'd like to hear your thoughts about them. Do you own one of these knives and if so, how is it and you like it? DO you think they are good quality knives? I'd like to pick up one of the LARGE FOLDING HUNTERS to use when hunting to dress game.

Any opinions you have on these knives that you can share would be great.

Thanks all.

nalajr
 
I don't own any, but by all reports, the recent line of A.G. Russel traditional-styled folders made in China are well made and a good value. Some object to the "made in China" aspect, but this keeps the costs down, and A.G. Russell doesn't put his name on junk. And if you're not satisfied, he has the best return policy in the business.
 
Yep, what Planterz said. Really if you don't like it send it back to AG and get your money back,no hassles. I do have one of his 3" lock backs in carbon fiber that is a great knife all the way around.
 
I've got the sowbelly in yellow. It's very well made, but be advised that it's big. It's not a typical sized trapper.
If you're looking for an excellent belt knife, then you'll love it. You won't find anything like it in that price range.
 
Planterzs pretty much summed it up.

I've got several of the inexpensive China made AGs, including the Sow Belly Trapper, and they are a very good value. F&F is excellent.
Add to that AG stands behind his products 100% and there is not much risk in giving one a try.
 
Too many good knives out there to buy that, including a lot from A.G., but I would have to pass on that.:thumbdn:
 
I owned one of those sowbelly knives and currently own one of those large folding hunters.

They're great knives but please keep in mind that they're both absolutely massive. I mean HUGE. You mentioned Case knives. But I don't think case makes anything in size comparable to the large folding Hunter.

Even the Sowbelly is quite a pocket full.

But like others said AG makes great knives and he's pretty much the gold standard when it comes to return policies.

Do yourself a favour and order at least one of his knives. You won't be disappointed. The man is in the cutlery Hall of fame for a reason. They don't call him Mr Knife for nothing.
 
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I've only owned three A. G. Russell knives, mainly because they are hard to get down here in Argentina, otherwise I'd have a few more.

Right now, I've got a Woodswalker (great EDC fixed blade) and a Premium Scout. I had a Featherlite in VG-10 but gave it to a friend, it was exactly what he was looking for and not really my cup of tea (but quality was there). If his current slipjoint offerings are anything like the Premium Scout, you'll love them.

Spring tension, scale and bolster fit, blade position, etc. were all perfect in mine. The only minor cosmetic flaw it had (and this is definitely nitpicking) was that the backsprings had a rather rough finish, something easily fixed with a bit of sandpaper but that most folks just wouldn't notice.

Service was top notch. My country has complicated importation laws and lots of vendors think it a waste of time to ship orders down here. Mr. Russell's employees were great at communicating and followed my instructions for a trouble-free delivery.
 
I have several AG knives. Got them in the early 90s. I like them all, well made and good fit and finish.

FeatherLite
SS handled version of the FeatherLite
toothpick pattern lockbacks in CF and G10
Brute

Ric
 
I agree with what others have stated here.

AG Russell is a legend in the business and does his best to offer quality knives at various price points.

Buy knives from his company without fear and with the knowledge that if they don't meet you expectations he will take care of you.

I have personal experience with several Sowbellies and would recommend them as fine knives for the money.




Big Mike
 
I own about half a dozen older Models and about a half a dozen of the newer Models and think they are about the same.!
Great knives for the money even though some are a little pricey on some of them that they are really proud of.**
The F&F from China is just as good as they made over here before they decided to save some money and time.!
Good for them and a few other Knife company's ~~ as I don't care as long as the knives are A-1 all the way and as of yet
it has been 100% all the way.
 
looks like a few nice folders in there but almost all of them are made in china. i'll pass. :thumbdn:
 
Here is my take on that line of folders. They look fantastic for the price.

I only own one of his large black micarta sodbusters (they call it rucarta because it is proprietary).

The fit and finish on that knife is stellar. The steel is great. Very sturdy backspring, with smooth opening and closing.




More importantly, or perhaps, just as importantly as the fantastic quality, and amazing price, are Mr. Russel's own contributions here.

He participates. He innovates. He has fantastic customer service, and is pleasant to deal with.
 
I purchased on his rancher folders with yellow delrin scales and I absolutely love it. It's his version of the sodbuster. The china thing had me a bit dubious at first but I knew AG wouldn't put a knife out there that he hadn't vetted. The steel holds a great edge and is very easy to sharpen. For my personal use I think that the 8cr13mov performs better than AUS8. I don't know if it's just toothier or what, but it works for a good amount of time. The rancher is a great pocket fit.
 
Mr. Russell and his company both share a well deserved, stellar reputation so there's truly no risk is ordering any knife that intrigues you on his site or in his catalog. If you're not totally satisfied with your purchase you can return it and simply tell Mr. Russell what you're were displeased with (my take on his guarantee, check out his site and read it for yourself).

I've had great luck with everything from a Barlow made in China (handy, very well made knife) to his U.S Made full-size Acies and everything in between.

Best of luck!
 
I own more knives from A. G. Russell than any other brand but KAI, which says a lot. It's at about 12, right now, and many of my non-AG knives were purchased from his store or catalog or on-line site.

I have 3 of the "China" knives, including the Cowboy in black, Beak and large folding hunter Texas Ranger edition (this thing is huge!). His newer folders are extremely well made, and even as "seconds" (the Beak) are better quality than most USA-made traditionals.

You can't go wrong with anything from A. G.
 
Guess I'll chime in here, if only to echo the majority opinion--A.G. is a top notch fellow, and puts out some super products. I have 6 or 7 from him, some vintage (mid to late 90s) and some more recent, but all are quality pieces. Planterz has it right...he doesn't put his name on junk.
 
I think I want one of those Large Folding Hunters, but I already have an XL Voyager that probably does the same thing for me. Anyone got a picture of those two together?
 
I've owned a few but they were all AG Russell one hand openers, I've met Mr Russell at a few shows, he's always been friendly informative and helpful.

His CS is to notch and IIRC his warranty states of your unhappy for any reason, send the knife back for a refund or replacement.

The knives I do own, I've had for over 20+ years and they have been used as work knives, I've never had a problem with any of them.

I would definitely recommend trying his knives the quality control is outstanding, I don't think you'll be disappointed.
 
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