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Product Description
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.
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