A.G. Russell™ Knives Celebrates 40 Years in the Knife Industry.

July 13, 2004

In the hills of northwestern Arkansas resides a man who has had more influence on the modern knife business " both handmade and production knives " than anyone else. A catalyst in the knife boom of the late 1960s and early 1970s, A. G. Russell's influence continues strong today!

A. G. began selling Arkansas whetstones and knives in 1964, and has led his company from a kitchen-table based mail order business to an industry leader in the sale of quality, value-priced knives. The current home of A. G. Russell^™ Knives, Inc. occupies 35,000 sq. feet with room on the property for expansion. Compared to most cutlery stores which usually occupy 400 sq. feet or less, the 1,200 sq. foot retail section of the new location provides ample space to display and sell the 2000+ factory and handmade knives in inventory.

Starting the first mail order catalog for knives was the beginning of a long line of "firsts" that make A. G. Russell a pioneer in the industry. A. G. set up the first collaboration between a handmade knifemaker/designer (Bob Loveless) and knife manufacturer (Schrade Cutlery). This collaboration created what's now a major trend in the knife industry; about half the knives that A. G. Russell Knives sells are designer/manufacturer collaborations. A.G. co-founded the Knifemaker's Guild in 1970, and has been honorary President since. The same year, A. G. co-founded the Knife Collectors Club^™, which is now the oldest continuously functioning knife collector's organization in the U.S. In 1968, he started the first forum for selling after market knives; The Cutting Edge®, a consignment catalog of one-of-a-kind knives for serious collector subscribers with knife values ranging from $50-$25,000.

The newest addition to the A. G. Russell family is the Russell's for Men^™ catalog. First printed in 1998, this catalog includes unique gift items for men including leather goods, tools, writing instruments and watches to name only a few of its categories. In 2003 it grew from two annual catalogs to six.

This anniversary is a celebration of the 40 years during which A. G. Russell has contributed immeasurably to the business of knives and knifemakers. We celebrate not only the past successes, but also the continuing growth of a modern company and a worldwide industry that is on an upswing. It was the passion for quality knives that brought A. G. to the limelight then, it is his wife and A. G. Russell Knives C.E.O., Goldie Russell, who has guided the company to the success it enjoys today. With Goldie as the driving force, A. G. Russell Knives has at least 40 more years of exciting growth and opportunity ahead.

Press Contact

Jarrellyn Davis
479-631-0055