A.G. Russell
Encyclopedia
A.G. Russell was born in Eudora, Arkansas
where his grandfather taught him how to make knives when he was nine. Russell went on to make knives as a hobby and profession. In 1964, Russell switched his focus to selling Arkansas whetstone
s and a year later began selling knives. In 1968 he started the first forum for selling aftermarket knives, the A.G. Russell List of Knives for Immediate Delivery, which later became The Cutting Edge. His mailing list was used as a basis for the first two knife magazines, Knife World and The American Blade, now known as Blade
. In 1970 he co-founded the Knife Collectors Club and the Knifemakers' Guild
, both of which are the oldest continuously functioning organizations of their types.
Russell was the first member of the Knife Digest Cutlery Hall of Fame and produced the first commemorative pocket knife. Russell designed and produced the first linerless pocket knife with all-plastic handles in 1970. In 1975, he designed a unique boot knife
he called the "Sting", a small knife intended for hunting and personal defense. In 1987, he introduced the "A.G. Russell One Hand Knife" which was one of the first production knives to use a blade thumbstud for one-handed opening. In 1988 he was inducted into the Blade Magazine Cutlery Hall of Fame.
, Morseth
Knives, and what were becoming collectible custom knives. By the 1970s, Russell was hiring knifemakers to assemble in-house designs.
Eudora, Arkansas
Eudora is a city in Chicot County, Arkansas, United States of America. The population was 2,819 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Eudora is located at ....
where his grandfather taught him how to make knives when he was nine. Russell went on to make knives as a hobby and profession. In 1964, Russell switched his focus to selling Arkansas whetstone
Sharpening stone
Sharpening stones, water stones or whetstones are used to grind and hone the edges of steel tools and implements. Examples of items that may be sharpened with a sharpening stone include scissors, scythes, knives, razors and tools such as chisels, hand scrapers and plane blades...
s and a year later began selling knives. In 1968 he started the first forum for selling aftermarket knives, the A.G. Russell List of Knives for Immediate Delivery, which later became The Cutting Edge. His mailing list was used as a basis for the first two knife magazines, Knife World and The American Blade, now known as Blade
Blade (magazine)
Blade is a long-running consumer magazine about knife collecting.First published in 1973 under the title American Blade by Southern House Publishing Co. with Blackie Collins as the editor, the magazine's title was changed to Blade in 1982 after its purchase by Jim Parker and Bruce Voyles...
. In 1970 he co-founded the Knife Collectors Club and the Knifemakers' Guild
Knifemakers' Guild
The Knifemakers' Guild is an organization made up of knifemakers to promote custom knives, encourage ethical business practices, assist with technical aspects of knife making, and to sponsor knife shows...
, both of which are the oldest continuously functioning organizations of their types.
Russell was the first member of the Knife Digest Cutlery Hall of Fame and produced the first commemorative pocket knife. Russell designed and produced the first linerless pocket knife with all-plastic handles in 1970. In 1975, he designed a unique boot knife
Boot knife
A boot knife or a gambler's dagger is a small fixed-blade knife that is designed to be carried in or on a boot. Typically, such a knife is worn on a belt or under a pant leg. If worn around the neck they become a neck knife. Boot knives generally come with a sheath that includes some form of a...
he called the "Sting", a small knife intended for hunting and personal defense. In 1987, he introduced the "A.G. Russell One Hand Knife" which was one of the first production knives to use a blade thumbstud for one-handed opening. In 1988 he was inducted into the Blade Magazine Cutlery Hall of Fame.
A.G. Russel Knives
In 1964 Russell founded "A.G. Russel Knives", the largest reseller of aftermarket knives. The company began selling Arkansas Whetstones and moved on to sell Randall Made KnivesRandall Made Knives
Randall Made Knives, usually referred to as Randall, is an American manufacturer specializing in custom handcrafted knives founded by Walter Doane "Bo" Randall, Jr. The factory and showroom is located in Orlando, Florida. Randall offers 28 models of knives for different applications, each...
, Morseth
Morseth
The Morseth brand of knives was founded by Harry Morseth, a native of Norway who emigrated to the United States at age 17. After his death his grandson, Steve Morseth continued making knives under the Morseth name. AG Russel bought the rights to the name and the equipment in 1971.-Harry...
Knives, and what were becoming collectible custom knives. By the 1970s, Russell was hiring knifemakers to assemble in-house designs.