The coating (based on my experience stripping it) is the equivalent to spray can bedliner that has been applied to a poorly prepped surface. The steel underneath is rough as all get out with deep grinder marks and often metallurgical flaws. The coating allows them to skip multiple finishing steps and hide defects very effectively. Tops knives are made of common materials that still don't cost a premium and the cheap Chinese sheath they often ship with are worse than actual cheap Chinese sheaths, requiring further cost to make the blade useful. The hype people give this company is undeserved and not earned in real life. I love my Prather and the CUT 4.0 but doubt I will ever buy another Tops knife and highly recommend to anyone that asks me to skip this brand for the most part.
I've always liked the looks of The Prather War Bowie, but that's pretty messed up. I would definitely replace it! You didn't give them your $ for a bent blade! C'mon Tops, do better.
Tops will replace the knife, no problem. Amazon also has easy returns... I have always liked the look of the Prather War Bowie, and have plans on getting one. I have a Power Eagle 12 and if it is the same coating, it is quite durable. When the large bowie called the Atrox came out from Condor, I got one and the blade was more bent than yours. Instantly returned. I have several Condor machetes, and that was the only time I got a bum blade from them. When Bark River put out their 1V machete, I got one, and guess what? Bent blade... I returned it and it took the clowns at Smokey Mountain about 2 weeks to process it back and they were sold out so I couldn't get another one. Oh, all the new Tops Knives seem to have kydex sheaths while the older models have the garbage sheaths... Sorry about the disappointment with the blade!
@jessr.2490 It pretty much does everything you would expect a knife this size to do. It chops well enough for its size, though not great. Leaves big damn holes in soft organic materials at least 7.5 inches deep easily, even if organic materials are covered in heavy cloth. Would make a great dispatch knife for hogs being held by catch dogs. Does well enough against light brush. Cuts zip ties, 550, ratchet straps a treat. Fast in hand, love the balance. Sheath ain't great, needs a new one.
I have been using mine for 2.5 years and it has survived a lot of abuse in a variety of conditions - Himalayas, Indian jungles and Norwegian tundra. The coating will become smooth over usage - at least in my case. My only gripe is the sheath - replaced with judex right away. The handle - as per the desginer - needs to be held closer to the pommel. Get yours replaced. I'm sure people at TOPS can remedy it right away
I have an absolute infatuation with the aesthetics of mine, even though because of that finger guard design, I don’t find it entirely comfortable for long term use as compared to my Esee 6 or Steel Will Chieftain. I really feel that if TOPS would release a new version of this knife with a micarta handle that fills out that metal finger guard area, therefore widening the surface area that the forefinger buts up against (and perhaps scallop out the front edge of the micarta on the blade end for a good pinch grip) they would have a phenomenal survival knife design that would be the biggest and baddest on the market in both function and aesthetics (because let’s be honest, it’s the aesthetics that prompted all of us to buy this blade). I freaking love that huge clip but the handle is still the most important aspect of how useful a knife is for a given use. I’d wager that most people who buy these are using them outdoors, first and foremost.
I get for the money it should be way better. Pretty much all mass produced knives will have garbage grind lines and tips off center regardless of price. A lot of Cold Steel, Kabar and especially Becker knives have this problem.
I have this blade and love mine. Used and abused the shit out of it. Now yours I would definitely return as it’s a bad apple. And the sheath I immediately replaced it. I can’t believe tops is still shipping these with that crappy nylon sheath
i have gotten several bendt Tops blades, returned some. And the new ones youget are not straight, that's fun. It is the diffirensial heat treatment i think. They bend more often that way.
I have this knife. It does not have that issue. I did reprofile the edge to make it a hair popper. I also removed the coating. I use this knife for bushcraft regularly i find it a pretty good jack of all trades. The swedge actually works well for batoning. Even better than expected but it will bust your batoning stick quick. The guard being part of the profile actually helps alot and gives me a confident purchase on the knife during use. Its not perfect. If you do get a replacement. Give it a better edge and you'll be impressed. I highly recommend taking tops up on their warranty as that is covered. I am happy with mine.
@@peterbiltknifeguy btw I love your content. I would really enjoy a video showing a step by step to your sharpening methods on big blades. You always seem to have a great edge.
Hopefully just 1 bad apple in the bunch. I really like those type of scales. Ive heard them called, "scalloped", "stone cut look", "flint nap style"...i guess depending if its a knife handle, pistol grip, tool handle, etc. Do you know what they are USUALLY called in the knife collection community? Great specimen over all though. BTW, MERRY CHRISTMAS
To all in the Knife / Firearms/ EDC / Huntin' and camping community...its been a great year of debates, arguments, great products, over priced crap too sometimes....Merry Christmas and may Benchmade and Zero Tolerance GIVE US A PRICE BREAK IN 2024 ! 😂
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! That being said, I guarantee you Bitchmade won't lower their prices they are arrogant and greedy. They can fade away for all I care. Lol wooo!
I've wanted this blade for years now but recently it has fallen off my list. Not sure exactly, maybe the price, but I have moved on from it. Yes, send it back. That is unacceptable and Tops should have no problem with that obvious warp
I would warranty it as why put up with something that costs a few bucks and not be happy with a defect....If you keep it you will always be irked and then not use it....Just my opinion even though my opinion is right....LOL....Merry Xmas....Good stuff....
Tyrannosaurs claw...that bend will always be in the back of your mind and down rank the potential likability as compared to others...kinda how it’s worked for me anyway.
Looks like someone tried to demonstrate to someone how solid a knife it is and tried to twist it in a vice or something ..... I actually prefer to have kydex or that nylon sheath over a leather one because I tend to forget to take care of the leather as well as the blade....... oooopppppsssss , picture a leather sheath that dried out , had mold inside withe blade which in turn meant super rusty knife........😮💨😢
I seriously think it's just ONE bad apple in the bunch. This company has a good reputation. Oh, Merry Christmas to all in the Gun and Knife community that I respect
That really sucks with the Tops Prather War Bowie. I’d definitely hit Tops up, I think that’s BS that it’s bent. I liked my Prather but I do agree the the sheath is garbage. Hey I seen a part where you had a Tops BOB, would you ever be willing to trade it
Nah man. You paid for it it should be the way you want/expect, fuck that. Make them go though the process of replacing it. That was there badd. Shouldn’t have fucking left QC. That’s bullshit. Yes it’s a pain in the ass shipping it out. But me personally. It’s worth it.
Hundreds of dollars for bad grinds sucks. I buy folders that approach a grand and my sweet spot is usually the 200-500 range. I have 2 in the 400-500 range that showed up with bad grinds. I quit buying from that company. But as you know as a sharpener, when you go to sharpen it, those garbage grinds are gonna look more and more ugly as you sharpen it.
@@peterbiltknifeguy glad you went that route. I've had my heretics for two years now. Love elmax, but the off center grinds bug me pretty bad. Glad to have found your channel.
I have owned and used enough knives to tell you that’s not the problem 100%. 99.9 percent of the people buying these have probably never been in a fist fight let alone a knife fight. So it’s safe to say the handle is a poor design for the 99%. If you want videos of people saying how wonderful every knife is they are abundant. I’m just giving my honest opinion and not trying to hype or justify a purchase 🤷🏻♂️
I would return for a refund, and buy a different knife, from a different company 💯 You keep saying “but other than that” No dude! That is garbage! There are 30 dollar Bowies that aren’t crooked af like that! On top of the fact that you payed almost 200 dollars for a broken knife with a shit sheath. Come on bro, send that lemon back and buy a Zombie Tool lol
One bad mama jama in my book...sheath sux.. red hiil sheath leather update will be nice....you seem like a complainer so keep the bent one an have something to complain bout lol 😂
😂😂😂 Right as I was sending my last comment, that ended with "C'mon Tops, do better," you said the exact same thing, word for word! 😂😂😂
😂👍
I love how the clip is like two thirds of the blade length. Good lookin blade! ✌🏼
The coating (based on my experience stripping it) is the equivalent to spray can bedliner that has been applied to a poorly prepped surface. The steel underneath is rough as all get out with deep grinder marks and often metallurgical flaws.
The coating allows them to skip multiple finishing steps and hide defects very effectively.
Tops knives are made of common materials that still don't cost a premium and the cheap Chinese sheath they often ship with are worse than actual cheap Chinese sheaths, requiring further cost to make the blade useful.
The hype people give this company is undeserved and not earned in real life. I love my Prather and the CUT 4.0 but doubt I will ever buy another Tops knife and highly recommend to anyone that asks me to skip this brand for the most part.
I've always liked the looks of The Prather War Bowie, but that's pretty messed up. I would definitely replace it! You didn't give them your $ for a bent blade! C'mon Tops, do better.
Tops will replace the knife, no problem. Amazon also has easy returns... I have always liked the look of the Prather War Bowie, and have plans on getting one. I have a Power Eagle 12 and if it is the same coating, it is quite durable. When the large bowie called the Atrox came out from Condor, I got one and the blade was more bent than yours. Instantly returned. I have several Condor machetes, and that was the only time I got a bum blade from them. When Bark River put out their 1V machete, I got one, and guess what? Bent blade... I returned it and it took the clowns at Smokey Mountain about 2 weeks to process it back and they were sold out so I couldn't get another one. Oh, all the new Tops Knives seem to have kydex sheaths while the older models have the garbage sheaths... Sorry about the disappointment with the blade!
I’ll definitely hit up tops. This knife has potential. I know it’s not a common problem. I love tops
I've carried mine while deployed as infantry, I love it. It is a shame yours seems to have slipped through QA/QC
What precisely do you love about yours in terms of actual use on deployment? What have you found it to be proficient at, what is it deficient at?
@jessr.2490 It pretty much does everything you would expect a knife this size to do. It chops well enough for its size, though not great. Leaves big damn holes in soft organic materials at least 7.5 inches deep easily, even if organic materials are covered in heavy cloth. Would make a great dispatch knife for hogs being held by catch dogs. Does well enough against light brush. Cuts zip ties, 550, ratchet straps a treat. Fast in hand, love the balance. Sheath ain't great, needs a new one.
I have been using mine for 2.5 years and it has survived a lot of abuse in a variety of conditions - Himalayas, Indian jungles and Norwegian tundra. The coating will become smooth over usage - at least in my case.
My only gripe is the sheath - replaced with judex right away. The handle - as per the desginer - needs to be held closer to the pommel.
Get yours replaced. I'm sure people at TOPS can remedy it right away
I’d return and get a new one. Otherwise, you’re always going to notice that twist. For the price, it should be close to perfect.
Thanks. I’ll be doing that. Because you are correct
I have an absolute infatuation with the aesthetics of mine, even though because of that finger guard design, I don’t find it entirely comfortable for long term use as compared to my Esee 6 or Steel Will Chieftain. I really feel that if TOPS would release a new version of this knife with a micarta handle that fills out that metal finger guard area, therefore widening the surface area that the forefinger buts up against (and perhaps scallop out the front edge of the micarta on the blade end for a good pinch grip) they would have a phenomenal survival knife design that would be the biggest and baddest on the market in both function and aesthetics (because let’s be honest, it’s the aesthetics that prompted all of us to buy this blade). I freaking love that huge clip but the handle is still the most important aspect of how useful a knife is for a given use. I’d wager that most people who buy these are using them outdoors, first and foremost.
The bowie really does look like a "2nd".
Merry Christmas to you and your family
I get for the money it should be way better. Pretty much all mass produced knives will have garbage grind lines and tips off center regardless of price. A lot of Cold Steel, Kabar and especially Becker knives have this problem.
Its a beautiful knife, bummer about the bend. Id reach out and see if they can make it right merry Christmas brother!
Thank you. And merry Christmas to you and your family as well
Very surprising man and agree with you. I have sent and replaced blades from amazon. I suggest you do it. You paid enough for it….
I’ll be contacting tops. I’m curious to see how they handle it
I have this blade and love mine. Used and abused the shit out of it. Now yours I would definitely return as it’s a bad apple. And the sheath I immediately replaced it. I can’t believe tops is still shipping these with that crappy nylon sheath
I like it enough to buy one myself
I like it. Gonna get one.
i have gotten several bendt Tops blades, returned some. And the new ones youget are not straight, that's fun. It is the diffirensial heat treatment i think. They bend more often that way.
I honestly think that you are correct
Maybe see if they'll give you a different knife in exchange?
Yeah
I have a problem pay what tops wants for their 1095
I'm sure someone will tell TOPS ... be you I'd keep it as long as it doesn't interfere with sharpening the blade
I have a few tops great knives for 1095 steel.
What's up, PBKG? 👋🙂👊
👋
I have this knife. It does not have that issue. I did reprofile the edge to make it a hair popper. I also removed the coating. I use this knife for bushcraft regularly i find it a pretty good jack of all trades. The swedge actually works well for batoning. Even better than expected but it will bust your batoning stick quick. The guard being part of the profile actually helps alot and gives me a confident purchase on the knife during use. Its not perfect. If you do get a replacement. Give it a better edge and you'll be impressed. I highly recommend taking tops up on their warranty as that is covered. I am happy with mine.
It definitely has potential. I’m just mad at it right now. I have a 70 dollar sheath coming soon. So I need to get one the replacement lol
@@peterbiltknifeguy haha sheath is a good call. I have an old leather sheath that fits it but want something better. What did you order?
@@peterbiltknifeguy btw I love your content. I would really enjoy a video showing a step by step to your sharpening methods on big blades. You always seem to have a great edge.
I’ll definitely do a more in depth video
@@peterbiltknifeguy atta boy. Merry christmas!
Do you know the story behind Jeff Prather? If not, it’s worth checking out. I think there are some vids here on RUclips
I’ve watched a few videos on it
Hopefully just 1 bad apple in the bunch. I really like those type of scales. Ive heard them called, "scalloped", "stone cut look", "flint nap style"...i guess depending if its a knife handle, pistol grip, tool handle, etc. Do you know what they are USUALLY called in the knife collection community? Great specimen over all though. BTW, MERRY CHRISTMAS
Merry Christmas my friend. And I’m not sure what they are called in general.
Just bought a gerber utility bowie for 275 with the ecact same bend. It drives me crazy
The vintage one?
I would 100% return that, USA made should mean something, and I am sure Tops will agree,
I agree. Thank you
if it was a $20 Knife, I'd suck it up, not off a $250 knife.
To all in the Knife / Firearms/ EDC / Huntin' and camping community...its been a great year of debates, arguments, great products, over priced crap too sometimes....Merry Christmas and may Benchmade and Zero Tolerance GIVE US A PRICE BREAK IN 2024 ! 😂
😂👍 what about fuel prices. I need a cut in those too
@peterbiltknifeguy - absolutely, I'll pray for a price break on everything...and especially meat/ groceries...now that I'm thinking about it 😬
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! That being said, I guarantee you Bitchmade won't lower their prices they are arrogant and greedy. They can fade away for all I care. Lol wooo!
I'd take my Cold Steel Marauder over this any day. That whack reversed tapered handle smh nope.
I would return it, yes
I've wanted this blade for years now but recently it has fallen off my list. Not sure exactly, maybe the price, but I have moved on from it.
Yes, send it back. That is unacceptable and Tops should have no problem with that obvious warp
I’ll be definitely getting in touch with them
Ouch, that is an expensive knife. So they can keep mine ;) I'll take my Cold Steel 1917 Frontier Bowie to war, if I need to. Oh heck, even my BK9.
An expensive knife to be bent
Send it back brother. When you buy a knife at any price you expect it to at least be straight.
I just might. I’ll reach out to them
I would warranty it as why put up with something that costs a few bucks and not be happy with a defect....If you keep it you will always be irked and then not use it....Just my opinion even though my opinion is right....LOL....Merry Xmas....Good stuff....
Totally agree! Lol. You’re definitely always right 😂👍
@@peterbiltknifeguy 👍👍🤣🤣
Yeah I got a fake silent hero off of amazon, and it was a hassle getting my money back. I let amazon know the seller was passing fakes off
I don’t think it’s fake. I think it’s just a warped blade. Already have a new one on its way
Tyrannosaurs claw...that bend will always be in the back of your mind and down rank the potential likability as compared to others...kinda how it’s worked for me anyway.
Kinda sucks the fun out of your Christmas Day...
So true
My cousin got that same knife and his grinds were a lil off
If it was just the grind I would be fine. But the twist makes me mad
That's absurd. Shame on you TOPS.
Looks like someone tried to demonstrate to someone how solid a knife it is and tried to twist it in a vice or something ..... I actually prefer to have kydex or that nylon sheath over a leather one because I tend to forget to take care of the leather as well as the blade....... oooopppppsssss , picture a leather sheath that dried out , had mold inside withe blade which in turn meant super rusty knife........😮💨😢
I’m thinking it twisted after heat treatment. But dang. That sucks about the leather
I'd call up TOPS for the price of the knife it shouldn't come warped.
I’m definitely doing that. I’ll make a video of the process
Send it back directly to the vendor that sold that crap to you stat.
$165 for 1095 steel and then have a bent blade too? ABSOLUTELY NOT!!! Send it back-period.
Absolutely. New one is already here
i would be extremely surprised if they didn’t make this right
We will find out
For the money Tops cost that should not happen. Send that thing back
I seriously think it's just ONE bad apple in the bunch. This company has a good reputation. Oh, Merry Christmas to all in the Gun and Knife community that I respect
i would have returned it immediately just knowing it would always annoy me. bummer
Yep. It’s already been replaced. And the good news is the new one was almost perfect
That really sucks with the Tops Prather War Bowie. I’d definitely hit Tops up, I think that’s BS that it’s bent. I liked my Prather but I do agree the the sheath is garbage.
Hey I seen a part where you had a Tops BOB, would you ever be willing to trade it
It does suck. Took all the piss out of it for me. I don know. What you got lol. It’s the 154cm version
@@peterbiltknifeguy would you take the DeEvolution Yupik? I also have a custom Seax
@@thelasthuntsmanoutdoors email me. It’s in my bio. Send me your # if you feel comfortable
Nah man. You paid for it it should be the way you want/expect, fuck that. Make them go though the process of replacing it. That was there badd. Shouldn’t have fucking left QC. That’s bullshit. Yes it’s a pain in the ass shipping it out. But me personally. It’s worth it.
Thanks. New ones already on its way
Send it back
Hundreds of dollars for bad grinds sucks. I buy folders that approach a grand and my sweet spot is usually the 200-500 range. I have 2 in the 400-500 range that showed up with bad grinds. I quit buying from that company. But as you know as a sharpener, when you go to sharpen it, those garbage grinds are gonna look more and more ugly as you sharpen it.
You are correct. My replacement will be here tomorrow. Hopefully it’s better
@@peterbiltknifeguy glad you went that route. I've had my heretics for two years now. Love elmax, but the off center grinds bug me pretty bad. Glad to have found your channel.
Contact TOPS, they’ll make it right
I’ll definitely find out soon. And RUclips will know the results
The el chete looks to have a bent tip.
It doesn’t
This looks like Rambo's kitchen knife......
Of course I want one.
Damn it.
🥺🫨😎👍👍🤣😂
😂👍
Looks like Rambo ran it through the dishwasher a few too many times as well 👀
You aren’t even using a lanyard, like Jeff designed it.
I have owned and used enough knives to tell you that’s not the problem 100%. 99.9 percent of the people buying these have probably never been in a fist fight let alone a knife fight. So it’s safe to say the handle is a poor design for the 99%. If you want videos of people saying how wonderful every knife is they are abundant. I’m just giving my honest opinion and not trying to hype or justify a purchase 🤷🏻♂️
warranty
I would return for a refund, and buy a different knife, from a different company 💯
You keep saying “but other than that” No dude! That is garbage!
There are 30 dollar Bowies that aren’t crooked af like that! On top of the fact that you payed almost 200 dollars for a broken knife with a shit sheath. Come on bro, send that lemon back and buy a Zombie Tool lol
Send it back alot of cash
return it dont accept this
I’ll be reaching out to tops after the holidays
One bad mama jama in my book...sheath sux.. red hiil sheath leather update will be nice....you seem like a complainer so keep the bent one an have something to complain bout lol 😂
I seem like a complainer? Would you rather me shill like everyone else’s reviews? Or do you want an honest perspective?