I am a big fan of the AG Russell Rancher. Here is a copy of a mini review I did some years ago.
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 wasn't 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.
Nice little knife. Its a shame traditional knifes are not more popular. It is looking like the Manly Wasp.
Here is the Rcharlance HS - M005
I love this knife, amazing quality with a super deep pocket clip and a blade similar to the doukdouk. Very comfortable and not too heavy. I was afraid of a lock rock like on many cheap knifes but its a super quality knife at a discount price at Gearbest.
I like veeeery much the traditonal knives!! And of course I like a lot AG Russell’s knives! But, as you know, here in Italy they cost like an…ehm…cost too much for me!! My Sodabuster is from Ebay, second hand, but perfect!
Here my:
And, sorry guys, but it’s a shame that here on BLF (an american forum) we are talking/buying only chinese knives. Well, I like them a lot (like you I have many Ganzo/Sanrenmu/Enlan etc), but american traditional knives have some kind of magic.
C’mon, show your american knives pride!!
and always very nice to see some different kind of knives, than these, at least during the last times,
prevailing usually brought up types of blades we get to see here.
Manx— I too like some of the American slipjoint designs. I can’t tell you how many hours I’ve looked at the WIDE variety of styles and options of the Great Eastern Cutlery knives. Thanks for sharing yours.
Anyone know where I can get a CH3005 here in the US? I know I can order from China but I was hoping to get it a bit quicker than that. I searched but can’t find anything in the US. Thought maybe someone knew something that DuckDuckGo didn’t.
Back in the ’60’s I started shooting After I came out of army.
My knives were a mix of Schrade. Puma and a Martiini.
Plus a coupla hand ground power saw blades for serious (Buff. Croc. Goat) skinning.
Puma. Hunters Pal. and Prince. Both Staghorn.
Beautiful knives. for both quality of build. Looks and work.
50 plus yrs and still the best all rounders.
Schrade “Lil Finger’ x 2. Staghorn Engraved, and std handles.
They more a novelty for looks (beautiful looking little things)
but would NOT hold a skinning edge for more than two foxes at best.
Lovely for caping small animals though.
Martiini. the most useful. reliable. “camp knife” for all round work.
Basic. and unkillable. Around ’71/’73 For that one from memory.
Passed on from mate.
Heavy skinning. Aust Buff’s. (and croc’s, shhhh a grand a skin up to 6 ft
softer/thinner skin)
I made several 2in power saw blade skinners. moulded tyre rubber handles.
Mate worked in mould room at tyre mfg’s.
Would be VERY hard to find any Heavy duty skinner to match those blades.
Rough but more than ready.
In pocket nowadays. Either Micron 2 on keyring with house keys and stainless
torch. or a little no scales Puma. Mostly for cleaning finger nails nowadays.
Oh Also a custom Crosssman skinner I bought back in ’86. But yet to cut a skin.
Nicely proportioned and looking blade.
Plus multiple other “pocket” knives over 65 yrs or so. Some good.
Some shouldn’t exist.
Nowadays, there’s a zillion makers and quality’s. I wouldn’t know where to start.
But a 2 1\2 to 3 1\2 inch, Quality, drop point blade with “comfortable” handle would cover 99% of uses methink’s. with a Martiini size/shape FIXED. for general use.
For long periods I’d say a custom moulded (or carved scales handle)
to your hand is the better one. Better than all these fancy “hard” handles.
I.E. Multiple animals a day.