AGR's Texas Rangers

[Quick Steel]

In 2001 AG Russell decided he wanted to annually issue a knife commemorating the Texas Rangers. These would all be lockbacks featuring a blade suitable for use by the Rangers. The first of these was produced at Springdale, AR and featuring a 3 1/2" inch clip blade and 4" handle. The blade was engraved with Texas Ranger and a banner showing 1826 to 2001.

But there was a problem. After a small number of knives had been produced somebody recognized that the founding date was incorrect. It showed 1826 as the first year of the Rangers. The correct date was 1823. Production was halted and the necessary correction made. I have both versions; they are shown below. The top one is correct.

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[Railsplitter]

Very interesting. I’m familiar with the Texas Ranger series but I did not know that.

Thanks for sharing.

[Quick Steel]

Glad you found it of interest Rick.

[Dinadan]

Good post, Quick Steel. I have looked at those knives many times in AGR's catalog and thought that if I lived in Texas I would get one or some of those Ranger knives. Any chance of a couple more photos?

[Quick Steel]

I'll see what I can do. The knives in the following years were made in China and were quite different in appearance. I have a couple. They are exceptionally well made. Very strong lockbacks.

[Quick Steel]

Mel, here are two subsequent Texas Rangers. The blade etch on the top one reads "186 years of service." The blade is 4 3/4".

The lower one reads 189 years of service. Blade length is 4 1/4".

[DM11]

Garry interesting bit of history there.

[Quick Steel]

One more thing David. Although the first knives in the series were stamped Springdale, AK, they were almost certainly (99%) made by Camillus for AGR.

[Dinadan]

Mel, here are two subsequent Texas Rangers. The blade etch on the top one reads "186 years of service." The blade is 4 3/4".

Thanks, QS. That bottom knife is the one that almost made me move to Texas so that I would have an excuse to buy it! Both of those are very fine looking knives,

[Quick Steel]

Here is yet another Texas Ranger. I doubt any Rangers encountered this blade shape.

[tvic]

Some really fine knives being shown here, guys!

[Quick Steel]

Glad you appreciate them Tim. AGR was very upset at having to use China for some of his products. But it was either that or eventually go out of business. Nevertheless, his imported knives set the standard for quality production.

[TPK]

Those are all beautiful knives Garry but their shields are exceptionally cool!

[kootenay joe]

I did have all 8 of the AGR Texas Ranger knives that were designed by Phil Gibbs and made in China. I thought i had posted pictures of all 8 here on AAPK but i cannot find it. Here is a post showing 4 of these knives: viewtopic.php?f=31&t=68514&p=858012&hil ... er#p858012
The fit finish and glass smooth operation is absolutely outstanding. And they are big, powerful and sharp knives.
kj

[doglegg]

Mel, here are two subsequent Texas Rangers. The blade etch on the top one reads "186 years of service." The blade is 4 3/4".

Thanks, QS. That bottom knife is the one that almost made me move to Texas so that I would have an excuse to buy it! Both of those are very fine looking knives,

You would be welcome here.

[Quick Steel]

Thanks Tom. I agree with you about the shields.

kj, you describe them very well.