[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 179 (Tuesday, November 13, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S6913]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      REMEMBERING A.G. RUSSELL III

 Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, today I wish to honor Mr. A.G. 
Russell III, a dear friend and respected entrepreneur and innovator who 
called Arkansas home and built a renowned knife and cutlery business 
that continues to thrive today. He passed away last month at the age of 
85, leaving behind his devoted wife Goldie and many who admired and 
respected him from near and afar.
  A.G. Russell was born in Eudora, a small town in southeast Arkansas. 
Like my own father, A.G.'s dad served in World War II, and the family 
moved around several times throughout his childhood. From an early age, 
he became interested in knives, so much so that he even recalled 
sketching designs in the margins of his schoolbooks.
  At 9 years old, A.G. made his first knife with the help of his 
grandfather. He continued practicing the craft as a hobby into 
adulthood and eventually turned his passion into a business that grew 
exponentially, vaulting him to celebrity status among knife producers 
and collectors. By the mid-1960s, Russell had set up shop in 
Springdale, AR, and began a journey that would define his life's work 
and calling.
  What first began as an operation selling Arkansas whetstones used for 
sharpening knives grew to include production of pocket knives and 
cutlery, first through a mail-order operation and then expanding to 
internet sales. A.G. worked tirelessly to launch the enterprise and 
perfect his craft as a knifemaker, enjoying tremendous success and 
always emphasizing quality over quantity. Excellent customer service 
has been a hallmark of A.G. Russell Knives from day one.
  A.G. was a pioneer in the industry, earning the respect and 
admiration of his peers while receiving numerous awards and 
recognition, including his induction into the Knife Digest Cutlery Hall 
of Fame in 1974. He also helped found the Knifemakers' Guild and was 
named its honorary president in 1970.
  While he accomplished so much in his career, A.G. Russell also had a 
big heart and enjoyed giving back. He loved Goldie. He marveled at how 
quickly she learned the ins and outs of the retail knife business and 
was overjoyed as she helped the company reach new heights of success.
  Drawing from his own military experience and that of his dad's, A.G. 
was a patriot who recognized how vital it is to support our troops. In 
2004, he organized the ``War on Troop Boredom,'' an effort to provide 
care packages that included books, DVDs, pocket-sized Constitutions, 
and other items to servicemembers stationed in the Middle East.
  No one can accuse A.G. Russell of not having lived a full life. He 
built a remarkable career out of his passion, helping to reshape an 
industry and become one of its icons. Through it all, he stayed humble, 
genuine, and fulfilled. He perfected the craft he loved so much while 
continually meeting and exceeding his customers' expectations.
  We will miss A.G. terribly. His warmth and humility are sometimes 
hard to come by these days. Simply put, there was no one quite like 
A.G. Russell III, and we mourn this tremendous loss. His family, his 
community, and the industry he stood atop of now know a void that 
cannot be easily filled, if ever, but his legacy will endure for many 
years to come.
  I extend my sincere condolences to them and join with so many in 
celebrating A.G.'s life and career. I will fondly remember his impact, 
his story, and most importantly, his character and generosity as a 
lasting tribute to my friend and a man I respected so much.

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