Knife of the week AG Russell Dealer Special!!!

Dale, you're right, of course. I got in a hurry, the 25-5 Maple Burl was an AG Russell "Exclusive" not dealer special. I think it was limited to 200. I did not know that AG added the serial numbers on the Stag 5" AG Dealer Specials. They are on the top edge of the blade as you noted. What about other dealer specials like Buxtons, are they numbered at RMK or later? If so, why didn't the RMK shop number AG's dealer specials? Thanks, Bill.

Bill,
I am pretty sure the shop etches the others as they are all done on the right side of the blade like normal. As to why the AG Specials were #'d that way... I have no idea, that's just what Gary told me. I guess in hind sight I could have asked him why but didn't think of it when it was mentioned. Scott may see this (if the water isn't too dirty and he's wearing his goggles ) and may shed some light. Perhaps AG just wanted something different from the norm, who knows?
~dale

They never asked.

---DW---

After learning of some long time authorized dealers that do not have a dealer special, it is evident that I am wrong in stating that certain criteria must be met (# of years, # of knives sold as mentioned earlier). So to Bill and any others that read my post and took it as fact, I apologize for the misleading information. These bits of trivia are passed around in the knife community and I picked it up somewhere without actually checking it out thoroughly. Once you start checking into it, you can see holes in that theory.

Also lets not forget the Randall shop did # the first Stanaback Specials on the left side. I mentioned the shop etches the #'s on the right side of the blades, and was referring to current protocol as it is done today to the best of my knowledge (when Bill asked about the other dealer specials and their #'s). I do know about the #'s on the AG Specials as Gary told me that info himself... as to the others, I pressume they are #'d at the shop but do not know that for a fact. I guess you would have to ask the respective dealer when ordering to know for sure.

Hope this helps,
~dale

This is my first AG Russel Special just acquired. This 4 1/2" blade reminds me of the Model 11 drop point but has a similar thinned out blade grind like a Model 22. This one is S/N 179 and has the small old style black face compass. This would make a very nice whitetail skinning knife.

Best,
Warren

Warren,
A beauty! You know how much I like orange and amber stag! Here's a "NON" A.G. Russell. No S/N, as I bought it out of the Randall shop's case! Obviously a long time ago. It came in a Model #11-4" sheath and I also got a brown-stitched AG sheath. Go figure?? I cannot explain why, but there were 6 of them in the showcase. Here's a photo or 2. Not as "amber as yours, but it was the neatest piece of stag in the case to choose from...and it is extremely functional.
Best, Capt. Chris

Here's the other side and brown stitched sheath.
Best, Capt. Chris

Warren,
VERY NICE!
Is that one of the new/latest 4.5s, which have come with the Ironwood,
or from an earlier run??
Tony

Captain,

That's a great story about that knife. Probably pre-production huh? Anyway I'm glad you posted the AG blade next to the Model 11. The profile is srikingly similar albeit the extended top grind. To me the blade is really thinned out like a 22 though.. Yours is really nice. Does that one have a compass or plain butt?

Best,
Warren

Tony,

In error I listed this knife as a 4 1/2" but is in fact a 4" blade. Using the start and stop dates at the beginning of this thread probably dates this knife somewhere 1999???

Best,
Warren

No, Warren:
I picked this up at the Randall shop in 2002 or 2003, just before the "internet" caught everybody up in the "craze"! It was definately not "pre" or "post" anything.
No butt cap...No compass...Just a nice knife...and, really a "non-A.G.Russell" Model A.G. Russell.
Best, Capt. Chris
P.S. I knew yours was a 4"...I just wasn't gonna say anything, what...with it bein' Easter and all...CCS

Great knives Capt. Chris and Warren.
Thanks for taking the time to post.

Kevin

Here's another one with leather.

Hi
I just received this AG Russell Special from AG Russell yesterday. The invoice says RA AGDI42 which is the 4.5 inch model, but my blade measures just a bit over 5 inches, so I think it is the AG AGDI5. Much to my surprise when I opened it it is serial number 001. The ironwood is great. So here it is.

Peter

#001! Great score Peter.

or....If you turn it around, it very well "could be" S/N 100. Nice knife in any case...but I think I'd make a phone call.
Best, Capt. Chris

From file shots

Peter, it appears that you do indeed have #001.

Thanks Mitchell.

Somebody messed up, better send it back for a refund....or send it to me!!

Pap

Thanks for the nice comments. The paperwork has the right serial number (001) but the wrong part number for the length. No matter, it is a really cool knife and fills in another hole in trying to collect the different dealer specials

Peter

Peter,
Nice knife, for sure!
But according to the info at the top of this post, the 5" is no longer made!?
So I'm curious about your Knife ... left-over? ... new production?
In any event ... NICE KNIFE!!
Enjoy!
Tony

Hi Tony
I wasn't sure if they were still available, so I called AG Russell. The person I talked to did not know what I was talking about so she checked and called me back later. They said the found one, so I bought it. I think it must have been left over.

Peter

NICE FIND!
Thanks,
Tony

Tony, What a beautiful desert ironwood. I quickly rushed to my Randall Drawers and panicked when I could not find mine. "Oh, no Tony has mine!" I gasped. Then I remembered that I had another set of drawers and lo and behold my #093 was there. Whew! I apologize for the fleeting casting of aspersions on you.


Best day, my friend.

Great snag Peter

Here is a scan of my invoice from AG Russell and it has the serial number 001 in the description. It states 4 1/2 inch blade, but measures just over 5 inches.
I am just really happy to have this knife regardless of length

Peter

Mine are:
small one: 054
large one: just 72

Could be.
As a moderator I could make this photo visible on your post if you use your full name and would be happy to do so.

Serial number #100....that's a nice A.G. too. As another moderator, I would also ask that you sign your posts with your name. Thanks

I thought it was number 001..... but I don't have my moderator glasses on. I gived them away......

Hey Mitch,
Peter's AG is indeed #001 and I believe it's a left handled AG as well , I was referring to the AG of Mr. doublethink98.

Man oh man you guys sure do want to know my name!
Clay Archey RKS# 5853

Second run RA-AGL #151 of 250.

I have an opportunity to buy the AG Russell knife but I know nothing about them. first what model is it and any ball park on price would help. this one isn't listed on any web site it belongs to someone I have bought knives from before. I will try to get better photo's.

I believe that knife was made in 2003 by Schrade for A.G. Russell and it's 440 stainless.

was it made in the USA or china? that would be a shame if it is made in China. Dang

USA, Last one I saw sold for 295.00 in mint cond., that was on the Arizona custom knife site, check it out.

or Japan, as here?
http://www.cuttingedge.com/knife/klc10408_1965_camp_knife

not, I made a mistake - Schrade, USA

http://www.arizonacustomknives.com/rare-usa-made-2003-bowie-by-ag-russell-168802.aspx

thank you both,

max pastor is my name.

I didn't know you couldn't see it.

thanks again

max pastor

Greetings all. I recently picked up an example of the 4.5" A.G. Russell Special to complete my 'set' of all three sizes issues, and I decided to do a bit of reading and research to try and update the available information on these knives. If anyone can add any additional information, correct anything that may be incorrect, or answer any of the questions listed, it would be much appreciated. Thanks, Bob.

A.G. Russell Special
Hunter/Skinner Knife
-Blade: Three different lengths have been available: 4", 4.5" or 5" of 01 Swedish tool steel, in 3/16" (4" version and newest 4.5" version) or 1/4" stock (other 4.5" and 5" versions). The profile is a modified drop point with a prominent spine "swoop" or "hump". Since approximately July, 2007, only the 4.5" blade length has been available (no more 4" or 5" versions are available).
-Handle: Various materials (Sambar stag, leather, Desert Ironwood, Maple burl, Ivorite). Single hilt in brass or nickel silver. Various spacer configurations. Various handle butt configurations (cap, plate, compass).
-Sheath: Randall (Sullivan’s) brown or black leather Model A sheath. Reverse stamped with RMK logo and "A.G. Russell Special" in arcs above and below logo. The sheaths for the first eighty (80) AGR Specials were instead stamped with "AGRS" above the logo.
-NOTES:
-Description of the knife (and the currently available version) from the A.G. Russell website: "Back in the 1990s, I designed a hunting knife for Randall to make just for A. G. Russell customers. We made the knife with a 4" blade, a 4-1/2" blade and a 5" blade. Most that we had made were with stag handles. We also produced a few with Maple Burl, Leather, and Desert Ironwood. In 2012, Randall made one hundred with a 4-1/2" blade of O-1 and a plain Ivorite handle. I really like the look of a finger grooved handle, and Randall does those so well. We have asked them to make a limited number with a 4-1/2" O-1 blade at 56-57 Rc. with a finger grooved Ivorite handle. Ivorite is Randall's proprietary off-white phenolic handle material.
-Production numbers and availability dates for 4” and 5” knives listed below are as per Jesse Egnew posting on page 1 of this thread.
-These knives appear to all be numbered by A.G. Russell (not by the Randall shop). The number is etched on spine between the thumb notches and the “swoop”.

Here are the versions of the RMK A.G. Russell Dealer Specials:

1. RA-AG
-Blade: 4" tool steel of 3/16” stock. Stamped “Randall Made Orlando FL” with d/s. Spine etched with knife number.
-Handle: Sambar stag. Single brass hilt. 5 brass and black spacers at hilt. Compass in butt.
-Sheath: Randall (Sullivan’s) leather sheath. Reverse stamped with RMK logo and “A.G. Russell Special” in arcs above and below logo. The first 80 knives had “AGRS” stamped on the sheath instead.
-NOTES:
-Limited edition of 100. This # seems incorrect given the sales figures cited in the RKS Newsletter (Issue #30, March, 1996, p. 3), which reported that “almost 200” had been sold upon initial offering to the AGR Knife Collectors Club.
-Available 1-96 through 1-04. First knives delivered February, 1996 as per KTS Newletter article. Closing date for this knife conflicts with Wickersham p. 202, which indicates that this model of the AGRS was replaced in 1997 with the model featuring a leather handle.
-Original AGR retail price was $335.00 ($385.00 for knives numbered 1-100).

2. RA-AGL
-Blade: 4" tool steel of 3/16” stock. Thumb notches. Stamped “Randall Made Orlando FL” with d/s. Spine etched with knife number.
-Handle: Stacked leather. Single brass hilt. 5 brass and black spacers at hilt and 3 at butt cap. Brass butt cap and nut.
-Sheath: Randall (Sullivan’s) brown leather Model A sheath. Reverse stamped with RMK logo and “A.G. Russell Special” in arcs above and below logo.
-NOTES:
-Limited edition of 250.
-Available 3-97 through 6-02.

3. RA-AGMB
-Blade: 4" tool steel of 3/16” stock. Stamped “Randall Made Orlando FL” with d/s. Spine etched with knife number.
-Handle: Maple burl.
-Sheath:
-NOTES:
-Limited edition of 35.
-Available 4-98 through 4-02. These availability dates seem unlikely given the small number of the edition.

4. RA-AGS4
-Blade: 4" tool steel of 3/16” stock. Thumb notches. Stamped “Randall Made Orlando FL” with d/s. Spine etched with knife number.
-Handle: Sambar stag. Single brass hilt. 5 brass and black spacers at hilt. Compass in butt.
-Sheath: Randall (Sullivan’s) brown leather Model A sheath. Reverse stamped with RMK logo and "A.G. Russell Special" in arcs above and below logo.
-NOTES:
-Limited edition of 525.
-Available 1-96 through 4-05.
-AGR retail price $495.00.
-Not sure how this knife differs from the RA-AG (very first AGR Special on list). White compass in earlier version versus black compass in later version? Different numbering? If numbering was the same, how are the two editions distinguished? Does numbering continue from where it left off at end of edition of RA-AG (else there could be two similarly configured knives with the same number)?

5. RA-AGS5
-Blade: 5" tool steel of 1/4" stock. Thumb notches. Stamped "Randall Made Orlando FL" with d/s. Spine etched with knife number.
-Handle: Sambar stag. Single brass hilt. 5 brass and black spacers at hilt. Brass butt plate.
-Sheath: Randall (Sullivan’s) brown leather Model A sheath. Reverse stamped with RMK logo and "A.G. Russell Special" in arcs above and below logo.
-NOTES:
-Limited edition of 225.
-Available 10-98 through 2-02.

6. RA-AGDI5
-Blade: 5" tool steel of 1/4" stock. Thumb notches. Stamped "Randall Made Orlando FL" with d/s. Spine etched with knife number.
-Handle: Desert Ironwood in standard shape. Single brass hilt. 5 brass and black spacers at hilt. Single black spacer at butt plate. Brass butt plate.
-Sheath: Randall (Sullivan’s) brown leather Model A sheath. Reverse stamped with RMK logo and "A.G. Russell Special" in arcs above and below logo.
-NOTES:
-Limited edition of 99.
-Available 2-07 through 7-07.

7. RA-AGDI42
-Blade: 4.5" tool steel of 1/4" stock. Thumb notches. Stamped "Randall Made Orlando FL" with d/s. Spine etched with knife number.
-Handle: Desert Ironwood in standard shape. Single brass hilt. 5 brass and black spacers at hilt. Single black spacer at butt plate. Brass butt plate.
-Sheath: Randall (Sullivan’s) brown leather Model A sheath. Reverse stamped with RMK logo and "A.G. Russell Special" in arcs above and below logo. "4 5" stamped above log.
-NOTES:
-Limited edition (number unknown?; as per KTF, at least 60).
-Available 4-07 through 2012 (?).
-AGR retail price $545.00.

8. RA-AGIV(?)
-Blade: 4.5" tool steel of 1/4" stock. Thumb notches. Stamped "Randall Made Orlando FL" with d/s. Spine etched with knife number.
-Handle: Ivorite in standard shape. Single nickel silver hilt. 5 black spacers at hilt; single black spacer at butt plate. Nickel silver butt plate.
-Sheath: Randall (Sullivan’s) black leather Model A sheath with hone pouch. Reverse stamped with RMK logo, "4.5" and "“A.G. Russell Special" in arcs above and below logo.
-NOTES:
-Limited edition of 100.
-Available 2012 (?).
-AGR retail price $665.00.

9. RA-AGIV42FG
-Blade: 4.5" (4.625") tool steel of 3/16" stock. Thumb notches. Stamped "Randall Made Orlando FL" with d/s. Spine etched with knife number.
-Handle: Ivorite with finger grooves/grips. Single brass guard. 5 brass and red spacers at hilt. Wrist thong.
-Sheath: Black leather Sullivan’s Model A sheath with hone pocket. Reverse stamped with RMK logo and "A.G. Russell Special" in arcs above and below logo.
-AGR Website Description: “The 4-1/2" blade of O-1 tool steel measures 1-3/8" wide at the widest point and 3/16" thick. It is both hollow ground and convex ground in a very complex design to give you real slicing ability. The nickel silver guard and nickel silver and red spacers wonderfully compliment the Ivorite handle. All knives have the words "A. G. Russell Special" above the Randall stamp on the back of the sheath. Measures 9-1/4" from tip to butt and weighs 7.0 oz. Includes a black model A leather sheath. Handmade in the U.S.A. Limited to 200 pieces.”
-NOTES:
-Limited edition of 200.
-Available currently on AGR website (2017).
-AGR retail price $695.00.

Looks like you hit the Trifecta Bob. Nice haul!

Thanks Warren.

Once I had the 4" and the 5", the collection was whispering to me to finish out the 'set', and since I didn't have any Ivorite handles in the collection, the 4.5" knife clicked on a few different buttons.

Bob

Well look at you, very stylish adds and a nice collection Bob.

Updated information regarding the A.G. Russell Special version #3 (with maple burl handle). The knife shown in the photos is #009.

-Model: RA-AGMB (AGRS Version #3)
-Blade: 4” 01 tool steel in drop point profile with (very) small swoop or hump to spine. Thumb notches. Stamped “Randall Made Orlando FLA” with double scimitar logo. Blade spine is etched (by AGR and not at the RMK shop) with the number of the knife.
-Handle: Maple burl. Single brass guard. Brass and black spacers (5) at guard and (3) at butt cap. Brass butt cap.
-OAL: 8.625”
-Sheath: Randall (Sullivan’s) brown leather Model C sheath with hone pouch and “Fine India” stone. Reverse is stamped with RMK logo and “A.G. RUSSELL” in an arc above the RMK logo and “SPECIAL” in an arc below the RMK logo.
-Notes: This 4” AGRS knife with maple burl handle is Model No. RA-AGMB (as per KTF website comments and as per the notation on the original shop butcher paper outer wrapper), which was the third version of the AGRS. Issued in a limited edition of 35. This model was available from 04/98 until 04/02 (as per KTF website comments).

Bob

Here is the complete set of nine RMK AG Russell Dealer Specials. Versions are from top to bottom #1-9 (as per my earlier listing of versions).

Happy Thanksgiving!

Bob

Nice. I have a few but not all. You are definitely committed to them.

May I ask what turned you on to the A. G. Russell specials?

Happy Thanksgiving as well.

Here's my AG, purchased used and will keep it that way. It's razor sharp, pickled and ready to go.

One of the best users ever designed in a Randall, IMHO.

Pap

Tom,

I loved the design of the knife (a Model 11 with a touch of the Model 17 'swoop' thrown in), and they feel great in the hand. It was also the challenge of tracking down all nine varieties; the "thrill of the hunt" can be both frustrating and rewarding.

Bob

Updated information on the AGRS version 3 (with a 4 inch blade and maple burl handle).

This AGRS version was originally noted to have been issued in an edition of 35 knives. It appears, however, that the actual edition was 100 knives. This updated information is taken from page 18 of the March, 2019 edition of the AGR The Cutting Edge catalog which states that the maple burl handled version of the AGRS was issued in an edition "...of 100 made in the late 1990's."

Still rare, but no longer qualifying as the rarest of the AGRS knives.

Bob

AG Russell special, 5th offering started 10-98, 5" blade, #295, brown stitched sheath.

I have #24 exactly like that one, only it has white stitching and a white face compass instead of a butt cap.

Pap

Nice, I was taken with the amber color stag, looks so good with the brass. IMHO

Can you still get an AG Russell dealer special?

They appear to still be in business and selling RMKs, but I don't see any of these blades on their website.

I called and asked and the answer was no, they aren't planning on making any more. AG Russell passed away a few years ago and no more since. Russell Special was done differently than all the other dealer specials. AG would send in an order of 100 or so,with different options for that specific run, and they were individually serial numbered. I don't recall how many different runs he did, but there are a few on this forum that have every one of the different runs. I have 2, leather handle Brass nut, and a stag handle.

Pap

That's a shame, I like the grind.

They come up for sale every so often, and yes, they are a great user.

Pap

I am new at this so please bear with me. I wrote a letter to the rks newsletter that was published in issue 85 Feb 2010.there were 3 prototype ag Russell dealer specials that were made and never released .two were gold micarta and one was green micarta.I have the green micarta one and it does not have a serial number.i would like to post a photo as soon as I learn how.I have met most of you at the blade shows in the past and am looking forward to being part of the forum. Did anyone on the forum buy the other two prototypes?

a dealer special I snagged, a nice piece of stag on this lightly used knife, ...I am thinking early 90's.....any info appreciated..

lets see some more !!!!!

What's the serial number?
Capt. Chris

294

I'll bet if you call AGR someone (Maybe Goldie herself) could tell you the year...or may DW would know.
Capt. Chris

good idea.....thanks

I recently sent AGR a message via their website contact procedure.

Asked if they could provide a list of the RMK specials they have mode over the years.

They have not replied.

Is there such a list here on the Forum?

Larry

AGR #'d their specials themselves so I cannot give any insight on this subject...sorry

I just wonder if each batch/group from the first post started with a new #1 or they kept going continuous with the numbering

It would appear to have been bought from AG Russell between January 1996 and April 2005.
(based on compass; see below)

I have a 5" with ironwood. The listing says only 99 were made. Mine (number 80) came after February 2007, so each run would have had a separate set of serial numbers.

so mine was in the middle of that run, that narrows the date down more .....thanks STEVE

Check out rfcarlin post on page 6 of this thread. He gave us some great info.

Dennis

I only show 5 pages for this thread

Post number 164921, 09/23/17 07:53 PM
posted by rfcarlin

different user profiles may have different number of posts per page.

Ferexample, I show this thread as one page.

Mr. Loomis brought up the post number, which is the best way.

Here's the link: http://www.knifetalkforums.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=164921#Post164921

How to get that? Find the post you are referring to, locate the itty bitty icon in the upper left (left side of the green bar) that looks like a sheet of yellow tablet paper, right-click, "copy link".

yes I found that and was a great source of information.....thanks David