Andylaser
Administrator
Due to a recent new job opportunity, I decided to invest in a new EDC to accompany me to work. As I am spending less time in the workshop and more time office based as a design engineer, the trusty Leatherman needed to be replaced by something a little more graceful, and still socially acceptable in almost any situation.
I know there are a multitude of legal slippys to chose from, but after much deliberation, I chose the AG Russell Rancher. A traditionally styled Sodbuster, using a modern steel and traditional (1920s) handle material. These knives are made in China and are available at a very reasonable cost. AG does make some claims as to QC procedures and it would appear he is correct, this is indeed a lovely little knife.
The blade is from the ubiquitous 8CR13MOV as beloved by Chinese manufacturers. Both Spyderco/Byrd and SRM seem to use this steel and produce very fine knives with it. I have always rather liked it as well and prefer it to the more commonly used 440 series steels. The handle material is Delrin, an engineering grade plastic. I chose the yellow colour as its significantly different to most other pocket knives.
The knife has excellent fit and finish, AG wasnt kidding about this, the blade is perfectly centred and the rivets, hinge pin and shield are completely flush with the surface of the scales. The back spring and liners are well finished with almost perfect metal to metal fitting. There is no provision to adjust the pivot, but that is not expected in a knife of this cost.
In use, the broad blade is easily gripped with thumb and forefinger and can be pulled open without needing to use the nail nick. Handy if like me, you have really short nails.
There is no centre detent and the blade clicks open with a reassuring thunk. Once open there is no lateral side play, or vertical movement in the blade. Its been some time since I saw a cheap slippy that locked up like this.
The blade arrived sharp enough to remove a generous strip of arm hair, and after a couple of weeks use, is still sharp enough to shave off plenty more. With a blade length of 3" and a cutting edge 1/8" less, this makes an almost perfect little EDC knife.
At the published price of $29.95, this sailed through customs without incident or additional cost. Postage to the UK was an additional $13 and took about 2 weeks. That's £24.85 on the doormat and makes this an absolute bargain. I am looking to get some serious use out of little this knife.
Oh and other peoples reactions? That's nice, where did you get it from.
PS: Also available in black.
I know there are a multitude of legal slippys to chose from, but after much deliberation, I chose the AG Russell Rancher. A traditionally styled Sodbuster, using a modern steel and traditional (1920s) handle material. These knives are made in China and are available at a very reasonable cost. AG does make some claims as to QC procedures and it would appear he is correct, this is indeed a lovely little knife.
The blade is from the ubiquitous 8CR13MOV as beloved by Chinese manufacturers. Both Spyderco/Byrd and SRM seem to use this steel and produce very fine knives with it. I have always rather liked it as well and prefer it to the more commonly used 440 series steels. The handle material is Delrin, an engineering grade plastic. I chose the yellow colour as its significantly different to most other pocket knives.
The knife has excellent fit and finish, AG wasnt kidding about this, the blade is perfectly centred and the rivets, hinge pin and shield are completely flush with the surface of the scales. The back spring and liners are well finished with almost perfect metal to metal fitting. There is no provision to adjust the pivot, but that is not expected in a knife of this cost.
In use, the broad blade is easily gripped with thumb and forefinger and can be pulled open without needing to use the nail nick. Handy if like me, you have really short nails.
The blade arrived sharp enough to remove a generous strip of arm hair, and after a couple of weeks use, is still sharp enough to shave off plenty more. With a blade length of 3" and a cutting edge 1/8" less, this makes an almost perfect little EDC knife.
At the published price of $29.95, this sailed through customs without incident or additional cost. Postage to the UK was an additional $13 and took about 2 weeks. That's £24.85 on the doormat and makes this an absolute bargain. I am looking to get some serious use out of little this knife.
Oh and other peoples reactions? That's nice, where did you get it from.
PS: Also available in black.
