A.G. Russell Ultimate Pen Knives Defects

[Tom Munch]

I'm going to post something that I posted over at the edcforums because I respect you guys' opinions.  I bought some A.G. Russell Ultimate Pen Knives with fancy Bolsters & Scales, & I'm not sure whether the workmanship is up to par on the scales.  I'm concerned that there is a bit of chipping around the screw holes.

Here's the original Ultimate Pen Knife with VG-10 steel & titanium scales.

[Tom Munch]

Here's the 2.5 Titanium Lockback Folder for comparison.

[Tom Munch]

Here's the Abalone model.

[Tom Munch]

Problems on the front of the Abalone model.

Notice the chip on the second picture - bottom left.

[Tom Munch]

Problems on the back of the abalone model.  Pretty rough around screws.

[Tom Munch]

Black Pearl

[Tom Munch]

Black Pearl chipping on back.

[Tom Munch]

Ironwood & gouge by screw on back.

[Tom Munch]

Mother-of-Pearl

[Tom Munch]

Here's the original model with bail & a dime for scale

[Grant Lamontagne]

I have looked at those a few times as I kind of like super tiny knives.  One of my favorites was always an Opinel #1 which many people mistakenly thought was a cigarette butt that I kept sticking in my pocket!

As for the issues with the finish, I wouldn't be overly pleased myself, but given the number of them that you purchased, and the percentage that have problems, my guess would be that it's a standard thing, and common to many, if not all of them.  Additionally, MOP and Abalone (as any decent git-fiddle player like yourself should know!) is a pain to work with, and for the cost of these little knives, I don't know if I would have expected too much.

That having been said, AG has built his business on customer service.  I'd strongly suggest sending the pics in to someone there and discussing the problem with them. 

Def

[Tom Munch]

Thanks, Def.  I have written them & sent pics, & I imagine I'll hear from someone in the next couple days.

I'm gonna check out that Opinel #1 too.

[Tom Munch]

Def,

That Opinel #1 is hard to find.  I have only found the #2 so far.  What other tiny knives do you like?

[Grant Lamontagne]

Most of the tiny knives I am into nowadays revolve around the Victorinox 58mm series or Wenger's equivalent 63mm series, as well as many of the key-chain tools offered by Leatherman, Gerber, SwissTech etc.

I was quite fond of Kershaw's Baby Boa as well but I don't consider it to be in the same catagory.  SOG's new Fusion Micron also deserves a closer look I think.

Def

[CacherX4]

I posted these pictures of my SOG Fusion in another thread awhile back.  It's a nice little knife.