A. G. Russell Sting Alternative

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SwissArmyWife

Joined
Jul 9, 2013
Messages
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Hi! I'm new here. I originally discovered this forum last summer whilst searching for information about scythe blades. Now I'm back seeking some advice.

My A. G. Russell Sting that I received as a gift about 30 years ago recently left me (apparently accompanied by a houseguest). While no knife can replace this one in terms of sentimental value, I would very much like to obtain a similar knife in the hopes that it will help to ease the sense of loss.

The Sting was so perfect for me in every way - the size, shape, weight, the overall aesthetics, the way it fit my hand...I've been to all the major knife manufacturers'/makers' sites and can't seem to find anything close. I'd be grateful for any suggestions regarding a comparable small boot knife/dagger.

You may wonder why I don't simply buy another vintage Sting. At first I was reluctant, thinking that it would only serve as a sad reminder of my misfortune. Then today I caved, found one on eBay in my price range, and was outbid in the last 4 seconds of the auction. My legs are black and blue from kicking myself. :mad: I guess I just wasn't meant to have it. Although I might eventually buy another Sting someday, I think for now I'd like to consider my other options.

Many thanks.
 
I too had one like yours that got away from me quite awhile ago. I do miss it. Check out the AG Russell website. He has a Sting model produced for him by CRKT. It is about the same size and shape if I remember correctly but made with a different steel. AG also has a fancier version for sale that I believe uses yet a different steel and comes with handle scales. Good luck. Mike

There a number of great custom makers on this site that could probably make one exactly like you want.

And speaking of scythes, the Baryonyx Knife Co., also a member here, just added some information about scythes to their site.
 
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How about the new AG Russell Sting 3... http://www.agrussell.com/ag-russell-hollow-ground-sting-3-cocobolo/p/AGST-T3HCO/

AGST-T3HCO-t3hbr.jpg


Or the Columbia River AG Russell Sting... http://www2.knifecenter.com/item/CR2020/Columbia-River-AG-Russell-Sting-Boot-Knife-3197-inch-Double-Edge-Blade-Zytel-Sheath

CR2020.jpg
 
Mike, I'm sorry to hear that you too have lost your Sting.

I have been to the A. G. Russell site and seen both the CRKT and Taiwanese versions. I guess I forgot to mention that I'm somewhat of a Germanophile. ;) If only there was a smaller Böker Applegate Fairbairn...<sigh> Custom may be the way to go.

Many thanks for the info. on Baryonyx. I hadn't heard of them before and was delighted to see their Comprehensive Scythe Guide (though my scythe is Swiss/Austrian and theirs are American style) as well as a couple of knife manufacturers that I somehow missed in my previous searches.
 
Thanks, Mark. I've seen both of these, and the price is certainly reasonable enough. I suppose I should set a deadline for myself and if I haven't found a suitable substitute (or become wealthy enough for a custom) by then I will go ahead and order a Sting 3. I'm having a hard time imagining how the handle on the CRKT would feel.
 
Yes, Ron, I've been keeping an eye on eBay. So far they've all been out of my price range except for the one I mentioned above (outbid by $2.50 in the last 4 seconds) :mad:

I do look for both vintage and customs too. Surely the Sting can't be the only one for me.
 
The CRKT grip is very similar to my original all steel Sting, maybe a little grippier. The finish on the knife isn't quite as nice as the original, but still pretty good especially at the price.
 
Is yours the 1A? Mine was rosewood, not all steel. That's why I was wondering how the CRKT would feel.

I missed out on an original over the weekend - the seller didn't ship internationally.

The hunt continues...
 
SwissArmyWife said:
Thanks, Mark. I've seen both of these, and the price is certainly reasonable enough. I suppose I should set a deadline for myself and if I haven't found a suitable substitute (or become wealthy enough for a custom) by then I will go ahead and order a Sting 3. I'm having a hard time imagining how the handle on the CRKT would feel.
Click to expand...

You might email AG via his web site and ask him. It's his design and as I understand it the new versions were made with his input. AG Russell has been a pillar in the knife industry for decades. His customer service is top notch.
 
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