If you already own a Brown Recluse, then it’s likely you’re not reading this because you don’t need to. But if you consider yourself a serious collector and don’t yet own one, the very next knife you buy should be a Brown Recluse because, IMO, it’s THE absolute best built handmade switchblade you can buy. By the way, I have NO connection with AIK other than being a customer.

Some quick facts: the knife is surprisingly heavy in your hand, the scale materials used are only the finest grades, the action is first-rate and lockup is ABSOLUTE —even the Swing Guards like this one feel like holding a solid hunk of steel in your hand. These statements are true of ALL the knives in the Brown Recluse line.

In the case of Swing Guard no. 17 here, with its wonderful & unique Mammoth Ivory scales and the restrained geometric elegance of his file work, Andrew Lee Adams has created yet another masterpiece.

The colors in the scales are so subtle and so unusual that the camera can’t really capture them, as if they’re from an unknown spectrum. There are also the tiniest gold flecks sprinkled on the scales that also escaped the lens. The colors of these scales change with the light too. I’ve never seen anything like them, and I’ve never been more delighted with any knife in my collection.

The build quality is simply the best there is and the level of craftsmanship is incredible and THOSE are BOTH things that you CAN see clearly in the photos. After all, this is an excellent website, with more photos of each knife than any other that I know of. Take a close look at the photos of a Brown Recluse with horn or exotic hardwood scales.
Now zoom in and examine the unbelievable scales-to-bolsters fit. Remind yourself that this is a handmade knife and then imagine the labor, skill and time that it took to produce such a knife, assuming you have an imagination. IF you still need to ask the question “Are they worth the money?” The answer is: YES! EVERY PENNY!

So, what’s stopping you? If you’re still hesitant, know that IF you are somehow disappointed with the knife, besides needing therapy, you can always call AIK and they will gladly return your money. (I could write a whole review on AIK as a company but here I will limit myself to saying that I believe they’re THE best outfit in the business; customer service is outstanding, they back all their products to the hilt, and nobody delivers faster.)

So, what are you waiting for? You’ve got eyes, haven’t you? Just go for it— take the plunge, I guarantee you’ll be happy you did.
—J.L. Isham

Rating: [5 of 5 Stars!]