CRKT Sting Fixed Blade Knife with Sheath: Everyday Carry Boot Knife, Double Edged Powder Coated Stainless Steel, Contoured Handle, Nylon Sheath with Strapping for Carry Options 2020

First of all, I must enthusiastically agree with every positive 4- and 5-star review this product has received. Every good thing these people are saying is absolutely true. That being said, my personal impression is that this is a very high quality blade. I expected nothing less from Columbia River and I was not disappointed. From the shape, to the materials, to even the brilliant execution of the sheath, this knife has quickly become a standard by which I judge other knives I consider for purchase or use.The knife is all one piece, solid metal from stem to stern with no additional handle material or needless embellishments. The grip lends itself to easy removal from the sheath - but only when the user demands, of course - and fits nicely in my hand. The depressions in the handle make it easy to maintain your grip, although you should probably exercise due care if using this with wet hands as the surface is rather smooth. Understand that the description says "razor sharp" for a reason; out of the box this knife needs nothing. The blade is double edged and razor-sharp on both sides, which makes it great in a survival situation if, for instance, you wish to lash it to a pole and make a spear. I am sure this might be useful in a self defense scenario if necessary, but I don't think I should comment on that. I wouldn't want to risk having this tool labeled a "weapon" because that might make it difficult to have this shipped to your location. The lanyard hole on the end makes the knife more versatile in that you can attach a length of paracord, carabiner, or your favorite decorative key fob.The durable, well-made sheath is as high quality as the knife it protects. The hard-sided case holds the Sting securely until you are ready to draw, and the blade returns home with a satisfying click that lets you know it isn't going anywhere. You are given a variety of carry options with the configurable, secure velcro straps. You can choose to use some, all, or none of the straps to comfortably and confidently carry this knife on belt or boot, tip up or tip down. This velcro material is some ingenious sorcery that has both the soft and rough parts of the velcro merged in each piece. I don't know how they did it, but they did it. I try to steer clear of the word "tactical" these days, because due to over-use it's fast losing its currency, but this sheath is tactical in every sense of the word. The construction of the sheath, the appearance and the materials used give it a very professional appearance. It's a sheath that could reasonably be sold by itself for what we're paying for the whole package. Police, military, or security personnel could probably carry this on the job - though you may want to check with your CO first!The Sting is well balanced, which shouldn't surprise you. When you buy the Columbia River stuff you're paying top dollar for quality, and you get what you pay for. Although the balance on the knife is exemplary, I cannot attest to its throwing characteristics because, well, I'm not one to hurl a knife this nice. However, I have just placed an order for a second Sting to tuck away in case anything ever happens to my first one. This knife is THAT good. I'm making sure I have an extra BEFORE the day comes that I need it. I intend to get some use out of this knife and I'm willing to pay for the peace of mind of being able to take it anywhere, and use it for anything, without reservation. I wouldn't expect this knife to break, and I hope never to lose it or have it confiscated, but I am aware that the unexpected can happen. The mere fact that I'm buying a knife like this suggests that preparedness is more than just a buzzword for me. I think it makes sense to invest a little more up-front for the security of having a back-up to this incredible blade. That being the case, I suppose there's a chance I may one day edit this review to let y'all know how this knife performs when thrown.Oh, who am I kidding. Even when I own two of them this knife is too nice to go around throwing it at things...unless SHTF and I need to, in which case I am sure it will perform like the top of the line knife that it is.

I bought this for my wife to carry for self-defense and a bit of mental reassurance. She didn't want something bulky or awkward, but I didn't want to get something insignificant, either. Also, I didn't want to get her a folder: if it's to be used in an emergency, it needs to be immediately available - so I wanted a full tang, in a sheath. She opted to remove the velcro straps on the sheath, since it mainly rides in her purse or pocket, so that was a convenient design option. I also like that it is a single, solid piece of metal - blade & handle. Not just a full tang blade, with an attached handle, but a single, solid piece of metal.The balance is very neutral, so it feels like an extension of your hand as you hold it. The size is great for her hand - which was also important to her. (It's slightly cramped for mine, but I've got pretty big paws.) She has capable, average-sized hands compared to most women, and doesn't find it cumbersome at all. It's not a pen knife, but it's nothing you'll gut a bear with either. It's the perfect size for its purpose: compact enough to ride in a purse without adding bulk, and big enough to make someone second-guess their decision to mess with her.The sheath holds the knife very well, although it is stiff at first. The material on the knife's handle could stand to be a little more tactile for grip, but if you anchor your thumb against the sheath, you can pop the knife out easier. I can do it with one hand; some might need to use two until it breaks in more? To make it easier for my wife, I attached a small wrist loop made out of 550 paracord (attached through the decent-sized lanyard hole in the pommel) and that greatly simplifies things.The knife arrived with a decent edge on it, but nothing worth mentioning - I think in most cases these are shipped with the understanding that the new owner will put their own edge to the blade. I've sharpened & honed it once, and am quite pleased with it now; it takes an edge very well. I hope she never has to use it, but if anyone were to get poked or cut with it, you're welcome for a nice, clean cut.Pros:- A well-proportioned weapon for medium-to-smaller hands- Nicely-optioned, secure sheath- Great construction; takes an edge well (longevity to be determined)- Dual edge + spear point will definitely sting if used in angerCons:- Break in the sheath before you have the need to get the knife out in a big hurry- Handle could be a little more tactile for grip, although the thumb and finger channels helpNeutral:- Put your own edge on itOverall: we're both very pleased. Me from a construction and manageability standpoint; my wife from a concealment & use standpoint.Edit: I forgot to mention, but CRKT is my go-to vendor. We own over a dozen CRKT pieces ranging from the utilitarian Guppy to the Crawford Kasper folder and several other EDC pieces. Their construction is brilliant, the materials top-grade, and each piece has proven reliability. Unquestionably my favorite manufacturer; you can't go wrong with a CRKT.

Great product. Great company. I've purchased several knives from CRKT and have never been disappointed.