A.G. Russell Knives

Limited to 500 serial numbered knives

In the late 1960s, A.G. Russell had an idea that changed the way we think about knives. A knife is a tool, but men are so intrigued with good knives that they have accumulated, or collected, many more than they need to accomplish the jobs for which the knives were designed. A.G. was one of those men. Finding that he could not really afford to buy as many one-of-a-kind handmade knives as he wanted, he came up with the idea of making a factory knife in a limited quantity which would be serial numbered like a fine art print. This created a knife which was unusual but which would sell at a more affordable price than the handmade knives.

Together with Schrade Cutlery, A.G. founded the Knife Collector's Club, the first organization of its kind. The idea was to make these special knives available to a limited number of people, thus was born the Limited Edition Knife. The first knife produced with this new concept was the Kentucky Rifle which was manufactured by Schrade in 1971.

To commemorate the 35th Anniversary of the founding of the Knife Collectors Club, A.G. has designed the Cattaraugus® Two Blade Whittler. While this is a Reverse Congress pattern, notice that it is like no other Reverse Congress you have seen. There are no sharp corners here, all edges have been softened to create a knife that feels easy in your hand or pocket. While the blades are a Spey and a Sheepfoot, they show a touch of A.G. Russell. All parts of the knife are newly designed, right down to the arrowhead inlay which was inspired by the old Cattaraugus® arrowhead marks. This 35th Anniversary knife is being manufactured by Canal Street Cutlery which was recently formed by key employees of the now bankrupt Schrade Cutlery.

The two 2-3/8" blades are 14-4CrMO Stainless Tool Steel at 60-62 Rc. from Timken Latrobe. 14-4CrMO is a wear resistant, martensitic stainless tool steel that exhibits better corrosion resistance than 440C. The combination of the high carbon and molybdenum contents results in the formation of hard, wear-resistant molybdenum carbides in the microstructure of the steel. The molybdenum carbides provide superior wear resistance and edge retention for cutting tools and knives. C-1.05, Mn-0.50, Si-0.30, Cr-14.00, Mo-4.00. Measures 3-3/4" closed and weighs 3.6 oz. Made in the U. S. A.

As is typical of a Knife Collectors Club knife, this Two Blade Whittler is being produced in several grades.

Knife Collectors Club™ 35th Anniversary Knife - Premier Grade - 1-25

The first 25 serial numbers have solid 14K gold bolsters and shield with Wooly Mammoth Ivory handle scales and stainless liners. Includes a glass top display box of American Walnut.

Knife Collectors Club™ 35th Anniversary Knife - Collector Grade - 101-500

Serial numbers 101 through 500 have Nickel Silver bolsters and shield with Burnt India Stag handle scales and stainless liners.