A.G. Russell’s Wharncliffe Lockback

When A.G. Russell passed away in October 2018, the cutlery world lost a true icon. Founder of A.G. Russell Knives, Russell was best known for being an entrepreneur and a pioneer in mail-order knife sales. A.G. was also a cutlery historian in both custom and factory knives.

Often overlooked, however, was his keen insight into knife design and many of his creations ended up in his catalog — as well as his Rogers, AR retail stores. The A.G. Russell Wharncliffe Lockback was one of his last — and one of his finest — creations.

Old School Updated

If you’re one of those users who still prefer a traditional pocketknife as an EDC, the Wharncliffe Lockback is sure to delight your heart. It’s a folder of an old pattern, resembling the old Coles Whittler-style in a single-blade, Jack-style configuration. The handle has been thoroughly modernized and fitted with a stout lockback mechanism to keep the blade secure.

Russell had a tendency to “overbuild” his traditional folders and this one is no exception. The Wharncliffe Lockback’s 3.15″ 8Cr13MoV stainless steel blade (sporting a long nail nick) is strong and locks up like a bear trap via a 1/8″ thick backspring. The 3.85″ handle has brushed 440 stainless steel bolsters and a “badge” shield gracing brown Jigged Bone scales. (India Stag, White Bone, and Black G10 covers are also available.)