Columbia River Knife and Tool 2020 AG Russell Sting Razor Sharp Edge Knife

by Columbia River Knife and Tool (CRKT)

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The AG Russell Sting made by Columbia River Knife and Tool is a fixed 1050 HRC 54-55 carbon steel 3.2-inch stainless steel blade. Complete with a custom Cordura Zytel sheath, this is a multipurpose, one-piece utility knife that is just about indestructible.

Product Description

Features a 3.19 in. 1050 steel and a 3.66 in. 1050 steel handle. Comes complete with a Zytel/Cordura sheath.ATTRIBUTES Blade Detail: Plain Edge Blade Length (inches): 3.19 Blade Material: 1050 Tool Steel Black Carry System: Cordura/Zytel Sheath Handle Material: Forged 1050 Steel Overall Length (inches): 6.85

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B00180CYFA
• Item model number: 2020
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (77 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,457 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
  • #41 in Home Improvement > Power & Hand Tools > Hand Tools > Knives > Hunting Knives
  • #89 in Sports & Outdoors > Outdoor Recreation > Camping & Hiking > Knives & Tools

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

144 of 159 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars hard to beat this knife, November 20, 2009

By 

solocanoe (fort smith, ar) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Columbia River Knife and Tool 2020 AG Russell Sting Razor Sharp Edge Knife (Tools & Home Improvement)

I got out of the Army in 1989. We were able to buy Gerber Guardian boot knives in the PX then. when they were made in USA and we got 'em in camo to match our uniforms. That way we could wear them officially. These came HIGHLY recommended from any number of folks with experience in the field. You just won't believe the number to uses you will have for a sturdy fixed blade - as long as it's not too long, and as long as you have confidence in the toughness of it.

I got mine in 1985 and carried it daily and used it HARD in the field. The issue bayonet was too hard to carry and you WANT a fixed blade knife - preferably with an integrated handle - in the field. Nothing to break and I seriously doubt you could break the guardian...let alone this AG Russell (CRKT now) Sting knife. (tougher steel)

You can read all about how this is the toughest steel there is, samurai sword, etc...I just know you can't hurt it. I've used and abused this knife just like we all did our Gerbers in the old days. Cutting? sure...but when you just grab one tool, and it's on your body in the field...it can help dig a foxhole, etch a map on a stone quickly, pry open stuff, pry apart firewood, hand-drill holes in trees for rigging spikes, we even used our steel pots (helments) as a hammer and drove "starter holes" into frozen ground in Germany for our tent stakes...we used our Gerber guardians to bang this 'starter hole' as our tent stakes wouldn't do it. you get the idea here, we ABUSED our knives and this style of knife held up very well. To be honest, even if a rookie took another style into the field...it usually broke and was replaced with a fixed blade, intergrated handle knife.

more delicate stuff...You can fillet fish (a bit clumsy but it works), cut up your sausages, dress game, open your MRE's, cut cord, works good as a pick for backlashes on a baitcaster reel, even make an improvised spear with some cord if you really wanted to...the handle won't break - it's part of the blade.

I like the sheath retention better in the kydex version of today than the old gerber guardian sheath of old...and the multiple carry options are nice - but I've never tried the leg staps. Upside down on a pack strap, horizontal or right side up on a belt...retention is great with the Sting sheath package.

I still have my Gerber guardian - but it's deserved it's place of honor with my medals and a few trinkets of rememberence. The CRKT AGRussell Sting is every bit as capable - I've proven it over and over on trips...and it sharpens like a dream even though it rarely needs it. I own 2 and have given them as gifts. I believe the shape is easier to hold than my old Gerber and the steel tougher, the sheath better, etc...all with the same key feature of a fixed blade in a useable size and with integrated handle.

My buddy just back from Iraq (2 tours) signs the praises of his large, tactical folder with apparently unbreakable lock designs - like we did years ago, soldiers use a knife as a tool (and abuse it)...but doubt I'd ever trust it...not when I KNOW a fixed blade can't close on me without my permission. Also I think my Sting weighs less and is a better size to use than what he carried.

Finally - knife advice is everywhere, please just know this is just my experience and opinion - it's no more right or wrong than the rest...just know what I've learned on this hard use knife and wanted to share it to anyone interested.

41 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exceptional Knife!, May 6, 2010

By 

Branden Ramsdell - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Columbia River Knife and Tool 2020 AG Russell Sting Razor Sharp Edge Knife (Tools & Home Improvement)

This knife has to be among the best knives I have ever owned, used, and abused. I am a soldier in the U.S. Army currently posting this review from service in Iraq. I set out on a search to find a very portable but effective knife for everyday use, off-the-wall use, and everything in between. I have had the knife for a little over two months now and it definitely fits the bill.

When I pulled it out of its neat packaging tucked away beneath plastic bubbles the first thing I noticed was its weight. I was set back by the weight for its size, but soon came to find it a very comfortable weight. Although it isn't heavy by any means, it certainly isn't the lightest blade you'll ever find. The sheath is very light and sturdy, the straps are dual Velcro that adhere to any other part and don't let go. I have had it strapped by the inside of my arm, strapped to my ankle, and strapped to my back on my belt, the sheath is very comfortable wherever it goes; though I would not suggest sitting down in a chair for an extended period of time with it on the back of your belt.

The knife is constructed entirely of high grade 1050 carbon steel. My father was a metal fabricator, from what he has taught me, this is definitely made of an exceptional metal. It is very easy to sharpen and it holds its edge well. I have been able to shave with this knife after a short session with a whetstone. I have taken this knife to fabric, to wood, to cables, even thrown into a tile floor (which it stuck into without a problem, the problem was pulling it back out), NOTHING has done any extensive damage to the edge of this knife. Bear in mind though, abuse their product like I have countless times, and you are bound to void CRKT's warranty; just take comfort knowing you'll never need that warranty!

The handle is just the right length and width for my hands to keep a very firm grip on it even with tough use. The coating over the knife has a nice smooth feeling to it; but allows excellent grip when the time comes. I have noticed some scratches in the coating from having used the knife on dense materials; but that can be expected with any fashion of abuse. The grooves and indents over the handle make it very ergonomic and easy to control, and if it strikes your fancy you can even tie it to something with the hole at the pommel and the edges of the finger guard.

Overall, this is an outstanding knife. You simply will NOT find a better knife, especially at this price! The next best thing is easily over $150!! This blade gets my vote in terms of portability, durability, and it looks pretty too.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another well-made CRKC Blade, March 3, 2010

By 

Alex Schwartz "Anything worth doing is worth ... (Madison, WI) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Columbia River Knife and Tool 2020 AG Russell Sting Razor Sharp Edge Knife (Tools & Home Improvement)

This blade is yet another brilliant example of why CRKC is a trusted manufactuer of high-quality knives. While originally sold as a survival knife, many purchase it for its boot-strap component, coming complete with two adjustable Velcro straps and a sheath that is designed specifically for this blade. It has a nice release from the sheath along with a smooth, reusable form.

In terms of the blade itself, it is a high grade carbon steel that is virtually indestructible; at least that's what Columbia River claims, and I have yet to find them to be inaccurate. Trust me, i've used this blade for many activities that I wouldn't trust another blade to do, and it still retains the point, the edge, and the form. Truly a strong utility knife or a trusty survival knife in those unsure situations.

It's small and compact as well, which is nice for concealment as a boot-strap and also reduces it from being annoying upon wear. The straps are not the strongest or designed with the customer in mind as well as they could have, which, if you apply them wrong, will cause indentations in the leg upon use, but that's kind of a "user-beware" scenario vs. bad quality.

All in all, this knife is perfect for being an all-around knife, great for camping, survival courses, or as a secondary blade for combat situations. Highly recommended and worth twice what you'll pay for it.