Customer Testimonials
I just noticed that the "mirror finish" of my blade displayed what appear to be grinder marks on both sides. Unfortunate. Still, a nice knife overall. I'd prefer NOT to see crude grinder lines in the "mirror finish." Rating: 6/10
Dwight R. Athens, GA
[This was a clerical error on our staff's part. The blade is a Satin finish not a Mirror Polish.]
Boker Plus Steel Mariner - I’ve not seen many Boker fixed blades. This is only the second one in my possession. I should note first that the knife is very nice; but more on that in a minute. The sheath is a bit of a puzzle as the belt clip is worthless. How they came up with this design is a mystery. It is configured for horizontal carry with only two screws and is impossible to use effectively. I put the belt clip back in the presentation type box just in case this knife is ever sold. The new owner can at least have the benefit of seeing all the pieces and make his own decision. However, I have no intention of selling the knife. That may end up being my grandson’s decision when he inherits it.
John W. Brackettville, TX
As for the sheath proper, it retains the knife very securely so much so that the knife can be hung upside down. And there are loops and holes which will allow the unit to be mounted effectively on a back pack. As a dive knife, which this is, the alternative carry would need to utilize nylon straps with a buckle. As a defensive carry the only feasible method would be a nylon shoulder strap with locking hooks at each end secured in the two holes – one closest to the blade handle and the other at the sheath tip. The angle would provide a cross draw from a handle down and slanted position. This is quite effective though very obvious to observers unless you are wearing a button down something over it which, in hot weather, is not always ideal. Otherwise, the knife and sheath can be stored somewhere accessible as is. An alternative would be to purchase a leather or nylon aftermarket sheath to your liking. There are many available.
The knife itself is very nice. It is made of 440C steel which many folks today consider out of date compared to the new, expensive super steels. That’s a shame since 440C is and always was a very good steel and is inexpensive compared to today’s modern steels. For a dive knife it is ideal; and this knife is coated everywhere except the cutting edge with a titanium finish. The grip and feel of the knife is very nice. I would be reluctant to throw it, however, because the grips are only secured with two small screws. But as a fighting knife it should do well as a backup. Drawing it from the sheath requires a hefty pull since it is secured tightly; and that is why any carry method must be substantial unless you opt for a different sheath.
All in all, I rate the knife10, the sheath 5 and ½, and the belt clip 0. But for my purpose the knife is a keeper since I’m pretty good at improvising. Overall rating: 7/10.
Ceramic V sharpener - I like that I found an easy to use product that can actually sharpen my kitchen knives! I like how it is easy to store the rods in the base. The whole thing is compact enough to be able to store easily, and big enough to sharpen big knives. I would have liked to have an eraser come with it. I didn't watch the whole video before buying so I didn't know I needed one. Apparently they are cheap but it would be so convenient to have it come as part of the product. Rating: 9/10.
Mikayla H. Roanoke, VA
Boker Plus Stag Hunter - I have never been a Boker fan; but this knife is probably the finest example of their work. I have several Spanish knives made in Spain and can attest to their beauty. This knife was also made in Spain. I'm a big fan of 440C steel. I am very pleased to have this very limited blade. Everything about it is spot on perfect including the sheath. Thank you for having it available. I'm certain others will enjoy it as much as I. Rating: 10/10.
John W. Brackettville, TX
Mantis Knives Gearhead in brass. OK, very cool knife. I was a 'Steam Punker' before there was such a term! This planetary gear knife fits the bill. The locking liner device did not work correctly and I had to bend the lock a little to make it work. The action is cool when not using the lever. I am old and have arthritis and the lever is a bit hard for me. I realize the lever will be a bit stiff until broken in a bit. This is a lovely knife, and something I wanted for my collection. I will keep it in running order, that is a promise. Rating: 8/10
Kathleen E. Snowflake , AZ
I liked a lot about the boker, exclusive small stag bowie except the exceptionally short handle. The stag is great looking the grind lines are great. Fit and finish are excellent. Sheath is well made.
Raymond A. Weippe, ID
Changes:
I would think one more inch of handle would be appreciated. I wear a mens large glove size. So it isn't like I have huge hands. If you don't count the thickness of the guard the handle is only 3 3/4 incges long. way too short. If I just got a short one let me know and I will send this one back.
Rating: 5/10.
I’ve bought a few knives over the years from your company and enjoy going through your catalogs for possible purchases. Mr. Russell always raved about Mr. Dozier’s knives and his D2 blades. Recently I had seen a Dozier small game hunter listed on your Cutting Edge site and thought if its still there in April I’ll try to get it. Sure enough, last week it was listed with the 10% reduction. I called the store and asked about the knife. I left my number and got a return call and the knife was available. The people I dealt with could not have been more pleasant or efficient. I paid via charge card and the knife arrived yesterday , a Monday, only 3 days after ordering. The knife is beautiful and I will NOT be returning it!
Steven B. Perry Hall, MD
Thanks again for a great buying experience. If I’m ever in your part of the country I’ll be sure to stop in.
Stay safe, Steve B.
Love it [Your Customer Service]! Lost my sheath for my pearl & abolony agent knife. And one was found for me! I was very, very pleased. Thank you! Have a blessed Easter, Rejoice for He is risen. James
James R. Hawthorne, NY
[Your Customer Service Representative] was great! Had a damaged blade tip on brand new Randall. Very disappointed in QC from what is supposed to be a world class maker. Called your company and reported issue. Individual was outstanding in getting me a return shipping label. Received replacement blade a week later. Happy now. Thanks you for excellent customer service.
Kirk H. Sandy, UT
WEB-HC301YD War Eagle Copperhead - Very nice fit & finish overall. Especially for a knife of this price. There were some dark marks, on the bolsters, where they meet the scales. I'm guessing they are from polishing the transition too aggressively.
Jake W. Oak Harbor, WA
Changes:
Not much, except the bolster marks but that's no big deal. I only mention so you'll know. I have several Case and Buck knives and this knife is built just as good, or better.
Rating: 8/10
Randall Copper Companion - Beautiful Knife. Randall Quality is hard to beat. AGRussell is excellent to deal with. Fast Shipping and great Prices! Rating: 10/10
Gordy L. Lancaster , OH
By the way, I also bought an A.G. Russell U.S.A. Made Drop Point Hunter (RU-U1310GR) “second” at the same time. I have to say that if it weren't for the notch in the choil, I would never be able to tell it was a second – I still have no idea what the visual defect that relegated it to “second” status is! A very well made and useful knife. Rated 9/10.
Anthony S. Albuquerque, NM
I thought you might want to know about a small problem I had with your A.G. Russell Personal Hunter (RU-C1153G) that I ordered recently. The first time I wore it, the belt clip separated from the rest of the sheath, resulting in the knife/sheath falling off the belt. It seems that the problem is that the rivets that attach the clip to the sheath are the same length as the rivets that hold the rest of the sheath together, even though they're going through three layers of Kydex instead of two. Since they don't reach all the way through the third layer (the belt clip) they can't be properly rolled over to secure the clip. I'm a knifemaker and I work with Kydex frequently, so it was the work of only a few minutes to re-attach the clip. There's no need for me to take advantage if your excellent warranty. But I'm not sure whether my experience was a fluke or whether the problem extends to all the knives, so I thought you might want to know about it. Aside from this, I'm very impressed with the fit/finish and design of the knife.
Anthony S. Albuquerque, NM
AGLB-CB23ED A.G. Russell Medium Barlow Lockback ebony delrin - I am a big fan of traditional pocket knives, especially the Barlow design. (I currently own a 1995 Cripple Creek two blade Barlow purchased from you.) I am extremely pleased with your take on this traditional design. With slim profile, practical blade shape and pocket clip, this has become my favorite EDC. A modern traditional.
Pete T. Grand Blanc, MI
Changes:
At this price point it would be hard to find any fault with this knife. If pressed, I would like to see one with a little more hand finish, more along the lines of my Cripple Creek, at a premium price of course.
Are you or would you consider making this knife with a Cocobolo or similar type of wood like the original design? I would by a second one if so.
Thanks.
Rating: 10/10
Light'n Bug - Edge needs to be polished more - easy to do.
Henry R. Virginia Beach, VA
Nice feel.
Changes:
Remove the clip, extend the thumb button so that the knife can be opened with either right or left hand.
Break the edges of the scales sightly. The butt end edges are too sharp and a fine diamond hone took care of it.
Call it the "June Bug."
Rating: 7/10
K12 in G-10. Really like the knife, lightweight and easy to carry. Good for light duty around the house and farm. The spring clip, made of titanium leaves a bit to be desired though. While I'm sure it saves some weight, it did not retain its shape or "spring", making it necessary to check that the knife has not slipped out of the pocket. I also have found it impossible to remove the torx head screw holding the clip on because the Torx impression is not deep enough to apply enough torque. Changes: Maybe a stainless clip would hold up better and retain its spring.
Robert F. Lyndeborough, NH
A small cap head screw would work better than the one used.
Rating: 7/10
Can't say enough good about those [European] nail clippers. I've had a pair in my pocket for years. Always handy, never let me down.
Roger W. Perry, NY
I like stag or bone handles, and have started to collect knives with white bone. It’s my chosen poison of the moment. I recently purchased a couple of the white bone Boker Barlow models you offered and gave one away as a gift. It went over extremely well. The A.G. Russell K-12 One Hand Knife is another of my favorites to take to the steak house. I have it in white bone. The waiter has taken an interest in it so I need to be sure to put it back in my pocket. This note is running too long, but I can’t help but tell you something with respect to carrying a knife to the steak house. We go to a local restaurant every Wednesday night, and have for 20 years or more. A tradition. I was amused to read, or hear Mr. Russell talk about cutting a steak and cleaning his knife in a glass of water. For decades, I have done the same thing, usually cleaning it in my iced tea glass and wiping it with a napkin. It gets some looks, but is fun to do, and effective enough until I get home and clean it with dishwashing detergent. The K12 is the best feeling knife I have ever held in my hand and is my favorite for steak-eating trips. I have also explained to the waiter or waitresses that cutting a steak with a razor sharp knife lets the juice stay in your morsel of meat. The sorry restaurant knives saw instead of slice, and the juice is squished into the plate. A person owes it to himself to make the best of the opportunity.
Paul S. Harriman, TN
I just received these three knives [Sea Skorpion, Vest Pocket Semi-Skinner, Rancher Lock Back] and have given them a close inspection. They arrived a day earlier than predicted by tracking and were packed very well.
Paul S. Harriman, TN
Knife people talk about "fit and finish" a lot, to indicate the quality of the product's build. All of these knives are excellent in that regard, opening easily with silky smoothness and closing dead center. Those with a spring back (Rancher and Vest Pocket Semi-Skinner) close with a nice snap. The Sea Skorpion is an open-back frame lock. It is easily opened with the thumb and one hand. The action on it, as in the other two, is smooth throughout the entire pivot and is well secured with the frame lock. The back locks on the other two disengage easily. There is no side play in any of the blades and the fit 'n finish is excellent - smooth and tightly fitted across the back springs. With the blade open, there is a smooth, precision transition from the springs into the back of the blade. There are no flaws detected in the handles. They are beautiful knives, well made, and will be a joy to use. There is no break-in period required on these models; they operate as though they've been around for a long time. I have long expected such quality from your company and am happy to see that it continues. Good job, A. G. Russell! Rating: 10/10
2-RUSCH12ES Folding knife with hoof-pick. This is a lovely knife. I cannot find any aesthetic flaw in it, even though it is sold as a second. This is a great deal. Oh, I don't deal with horses, but anybody who has a car should be aware of the damage stones in the tread can do. Use the pick! All that buff stainless steel and stag grips...wow. Rating: 10/10
Edward E. Bethesda, MD