AG Russell Sting CRKT vs Gerber Guardian Backup

J

johnu2

Joined
Jun 5, 2007
Messages
942
Hi

I am undecided on these two knives and looking for some feedback. The main concern of have with the Sting is the sheath (apparently hard to draw). Does the Sting have a clip on the back?

If any of you have suggestions for other double edged boot knives, please feel free to add them here. I've looked at Fallkniven Garm but it is too expensive.
 
Both are good blades. I'd go with the Sting although I like the original Sting the best. A Sting 3 is coming out and I'am going to ask AG to do a Sting in Titanium. Have fun. OUT.
Lycosa
 
Perhaps AG will chime in about the new sheath that, IIRC, should already be in the pipeline.

I have an original Sting one piece. It's an excellent knife. The flat forged handle carries easier, IMO, than the Guardian's more blocky cast aluminum, and it fit my hand more securely.

I would have preferred the original snap down leather sheath, as it is less bulky and more secure. The Guardians older cordura sheaths weren't much different than the Sting's in function and shape. A kydex would be the best IF the designer would trim the assembly down and keep all the tactical slots and rivets off. A simple IWB pouch would do.

I'd go the AG Russell, especially since CRKT makes them in carbon steel, which is easier to keep sharp on the more difficult to maintain cross section.
 
the old guardian is an awesome knife with a zero edge and pointy as can be. I have two and think they're excellent. The new guardian sucks in my opinion. A huge downgrade in materials and fit and finish. Still extremely sharp and a great self defense tool if nothing else. Plastic sheath with adjustable draw tension and boot clip.

If you treat your knives abusively, the sting is tough! I have three and use them exclusively for throwing, so far with no damage other than the standard edge denting and the like. Plastic sheath which is very functional and comes with tie straps and belt loop. Probably work best with a shoulder rig.

The guardian is a thin, delicate knife, in very hard stainless steel, designed only for self defense and won't take a licking, but is so light you forget you're wearing one. Sting is drop forged carbon steel with a lot of weight. Definitely a dependable tool if you're going to use it a lot.

Totally different knives that look pretty much the same.
 
I have 1 of each,and the Sting just sits. I have never seen a sheath that sucks as bad as the one that came with the Sting. Get the Gerber.
 
I appreciate everyone's responses so far.

What do you mean by the Sting just sits?

Is the Gerber Guardian Backup still made in Oregon?

Also, does the Sting have a clip on the back?
 
Hey Guys..

Tirod3...

Hows this ?

stings.jpg


stings2.jpg



ttyle

Eric
O/ST
 
Stays in my gun/knife room,and never goes anywere. Now if I had one of those sheaths, then it would see the light of day.
 
Check with AG on when the new sting is coming out. Great pics of the Stings with their sheaths.
Lycosa
 
The Guardian does indeed look like a piece of junk now, compared to the original anyway. It's still made in the US last I checked, but it looks like the quality level of the Smith & Wesson HRT made in China. It is still a useful knife, but the older "good" version sold for about the same price as the new one. Thanks, Fiskars!

I have not seen the Sting, but there surely must be something better than the Guardian for $50.
 
I have a new Sting and also complained on this forum about the sheath....Someone recommended cutting the back of the sheath down to the level of the knife...It is much easier to draw the knife that way....Also getting a new sheath but sometimes the new sheaths cost more than the knife. Normarks looks great.....I am contacting him as a good sheath is worth the money.
 
Carl64 said:
there surely must be something better than the Guardian for $50.
Click to expand...

^ Sadly, there isn't many double edged boot knives to choose from =\

Anyway, thanks for everyone's input. I couldn't decide between the two so I'll be getting the Gerber first and the Sting later down the track. I know the Sting would probably work better for everyday use (since the Gerber is designed solely for self-defense) but I couldn't resist the Loveless design
 
Avatar is K-9 Ranger shot and killed in the line of duty. SWAT killed his assailant. :mad:


One for one is not balanced here... need to bag 5-6 more scumbags and maybe the scale will start to tip... oh, oh, better get back on topic... which knife, the sting or Guardian, could off the most dirtbags before having to be resharpened?
 
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