Need help identifying this knife - A. G. Russell

[Jon_L]

I got this knife awhile ago and found it again, so I was wondering what it was. My brother told me to ask you guys (he holds you all in high regards, by the way), so here I am. What's the model, worth, etc.?
Pics

It says, toward the hilt "A.G. Rusel 1977" and on the blade it says "A. G. Russell Springfield, Ark. Solingen Germany"

I'm not sure why the two "Russell"s are spelled differently, and was hoping someone could shed some light on what I'm looking at here. I appreciate the info.

 

[Madcap_Magician]

It's an A.G. Russell Sting from 1977.

It is original. I don't know why Russell is misspelled, but the originals all feature that misspelling.

I believe they are 400-series stainless, so nothing special there, but they were A.G. Russell's most popular knife at the time.

I don't know if the gold relief work adds any value, but I've seen it on quite a few of the original knives. Value would be $150-$300, I guess. Call it $250 to a collector if you have the sheath and it's in excellent shape.

EDIT: A.G. Russell recently re-released this knife in 1050 carbon steel with no scales, though obviously the re-release is worth much less. A second re-release features cocobolo or rucarta scales and is made from 440C.

As a matter of value, the originals are clearly superior, but the third re-release is probably a better quality knife.

 

[Owen Sparks]

Do you have the original sheath?

 

[Jon_L]

No, sir. I do not. It's a nylon boot-knife style sheath. I imagine it would be worth more with the original sheath, but thems the breaks.

 

[bikerdoc]

That is a very nice piece of work. Enjoy.
I do not know Tenn law but here double edge is a no, no, for carry.

 

[Jon_L]

That's a big no, no here aswell. And thanks.

 

[bannockburn]

Jon L
I remember seeing the Sting advertised back in the late '70's, usually in SOF magazine. I think they retailed for around $40 to $50, depending on the handle material. The least expensive one had a cast metal handle on it.

It's design, particularly in the handle, seemed to be very reminiscent of a Morseth Boot Knife that I bought around the same time from a private collection.