00:00 - START 00:38 - OVERVIEW OF ALL MODELS TOGETHER (FORGOT THE TOPS BACKUP) 01:12 - INDIVIDUAL SHORT CLIPS OF THE 14 KNIVES & AXES 07:06 - UNBOXING? 12:43 - AXES/HAWKS/HATCHETS 14:19 - LARGE & MEDIUM SIZED KNIVES 15:21 - SMALL SIZED KNIVES 16:32 - A MORE DETAILED OVERVIEW OF THE AXES/HAWKS/HATCHETS 22:34 - A MORE DETAILED OVERVIEW OF THE LARGE & MEDIUM SIZED KNIVES 30:25 - A MORE DETAILED OVERVIEW OF THE SMALL SIZED KNIVES 41:01 - TOPS KYDEX SHEATHS 50:08 - TOPS LEATHER SHEATHS/LEATHER WORK 1:04:55 - SLICING PRINTING PAPER 1:14:11 - SLICING MAGAZINE PAPER 1:20:57 - SLICING NEWSPAPER PAPER 1:28:22 - FINAL THOUGHTS & CONCLUSIONS 1:37:33 - OUTRO 1:37:51 - END SCREEN
TOPS Knives are the BEST! There was a time that I could not resist buying them. Now I have dozens of them. My favorite is the Armageddon. The Prather War Bowie is my edc knife. Sometimes I’ll carry the Brakimo instead. The Tahoma Field Knife is in my wilderness bag. And even though I have no longer have use for a knife like the Wild Pig Hunter, it gives me a warm fuzzy feeling when I carry it.
Hey, TOPS! Thank you for dropping by! You sure have a ton of interesting models out there, and I'm happy to have been able to showcase some of them here on my channel. I'm still waiting for a chance to pick up the El Chete, UCON Hawk, Street Scalpel 2 and a few other models that I hope will be available later this year. Maybe you can give me some input on the availability of them? Keep it up!
Lately I've been wondering if you have any TOPS knives. :D You've got some good choices there! If I had to choose one I would choose TOPS Eagles Shadow, I've been thinking about buying it for a long time. Now I have something interesting to watch for the rest of the night, thanks!
I'm currently trying to broaden my horizons, by trying out some new to me knife makers/brands. I've been curious about TOPS for some time (a few years), but at the same time I felt hesitant in regards to their prefered choice of base steel (1095). I don't have anything against that steel, but I've gotten spoiled with all premium/high end steels these last couple of years. Then again, some of my hardest, toughest knives are in 5160 steel, which is just slightly tougher than 1095. Btw. I also am not that much into nylon sheaths in general, and TOPS nylon sheaths in particular - from what I've seen from photos and/or videos. I guess I should have gone with one or two knives with nylon sheaths as standard, for this video to be more "complete", but now I went with only the models that I really wanted to own. That being said, there're knives that I do want to own, but that I decided against mainly due to the nylon sheaths (such as the Tahoma Field Double Edge, Dart, Longhorn Bowie and Mountain Lion, to mention a few). Any way, as seen in this video, I've yet to put these knives through their paces. I know that they have great ergo, that the kydex and leather sheaths are of very high quality and that the edges are sharp - and that's ofc a pretty good start! It's interesting that you mention the Eagles Shadow, since that was one of the first models that I decided that I was going to go with! To be honest, I did quite a bit of research before I went with all of these models. There're still some models I'd like to add, but that are currently (and for some time) out of stock. I hope to be able to pick up the following models, in this specific order, in the not too distant future: El Chete (with dangler kydex), Rapid Strike Double Edge (love the single edge, but I want this version as well!), Street Scalpel 2, Ucon Hawk, Tac-Tops Karambit, Sgt. Scorpion, Operator 7, Wild Pig Hunter, Moccasin Ranger and Mohawk Hunter. Man, quite a few, now that I write them down, heh! Any way, thank you for dropping by and leaving a comment! I hope you'll find the video interesting!
@@PinkG10 True, TOPS Knives have a high price considering the steel that TOPS uses. A year or two ago TOPS knives were much cheaper, some models were even 50-80 EUR cheaper. If you compare the price with FOX knives, FOX knives prices have remained pretty much the same. TOPS Dart and TOPS B.E.S.T. knives could be interesting because those models are made of 5160 steel. I understand that TOPS nylon sheaths are not everyone's cup of tea. They don't bother me that much, other than the fact that each one should have a snap instead of a velcro. According to my own experience, best TOPS sheaths so far have come with the Poker and CUT 4.0 knives. In some models like the Cockpit Commander and the M1 Midget it can be a little tricky to pull it out of the sheath. I think that Eagles Shadow is a bit unique and I really like harpoon-style knives. It would be a good combination with the TOPS Alaskan Harpoon knife. Besides those, I would also like to have SXB, Wild Pig Hunter, Steel Eagle 107C Delta Class, Tahoma Field Knife, Zero Dark 30, Tom Brown Tracker T-1, Sheep Creek, Tanimboca Puukko, Scandi Trekker, Mini Scandi Knife, Wolf Pup and Little Bugger. Indeed, many TOPS models have been out of stock for a long time, especially Wild Pig Hunter. Now that you mentioned the shape of handle on the TOPS Hammer Hawk I might not want it anymore. Haha, you also have a good list there. I hope you get more TOPS knives soon, see you around!
That one is def. on my list of TOPS-models to get in the future, and I would have showed one in the video, if I had only been able to find one in stock somewhere.
@@PinkG10 The El Chete is a beast and the 2nd best chopper I own, only the Bark River Ja-Nap (A2 tool steel) is better. The TOPS Operator 7 could be interesting, is a type of combat/survival knife, 1075 steel, recurve blade, differential hardening and 8 mm spine.
Good job! Nice you are doing videos on budget friendly knives. I have several Tops knives. I have mixed feelings about them. I don't have a model you have lol, but I have and had a bunch
Hey Coley! I'm going to copy paste part of my reply to Elamor, since I feel like I want to write a similiar reply to you too. But before I do that, I just want to say that this channel def. should show knives from different price segments (budget to high end). In Europe, however, TOPS aren't that cheap, but def. not super expensive either. Somewhere in the middle, I'd say. I also think some people might find them to be over priced, due to the base steel being 1095 and some of the knives coming with a semi-simple nylon sheath. I'm quite curious about which models you own. Remember, it's all personal preferences - there's no right or wrong. So, which models do you currently own, and which did you let go of? :p Oh, and here are some thoughts that I wrote in my reply to Elamor: I'm currently trying to broaden my horizons, by trying out some new to me knife makers/brands. I've been curious about TOPS for some time (a few years), but at the same time I felt hesitant in regards to their prefered choice of base steel (1095). I don't have anything against that steel, but I've gotten spoiled with all premium/high end steels these last couple of years. Then again, some of my hardest, toughest knives are in 5160 steel, which is just slightly tougher than 1095. Btw. I also am not that much into nylon sheaths in general, and TOPS nylon sheaths in particular - from what I've seen from photos and/or videos. I guess I should have gone with one or two knives with nylon sheaths as standard, for this video to be more "complete", but now I went with only the models that I really wanted to own. That being said, there're knives that I do want to own, but that I decided against mainly due to the nylon sheaths (such as the Tahoma Field Double Edge, Dart, Longhorn Bowie and Mountain Lion, to mention a few). Any way, as seen in this video, I've yet to put these knives through their paces. I know that they have great ergo, that the kydex and leather sheaths are of very high quality and that the edges are sharp - and that's ofc a pretty good start! It's interesting that you mention the Eagles Shadow, since that was one of the first models that I decided that I was going to go with! To be honest, I did quite a bit of research before I went with all of these models. There're still some models I'd like to add, but that are currently (and for some time) out of stock. I hope to be able to pick up the following models, in this specific order, in the not too distant future: El Chete (with dangler kydex), Rapid Strike Double Edge (love the single edge, but I want this version as well!), Street Scalpel 2, Ucon Hawk, Tac-Tops Karambit, Sgt. Scorpion, Operator 7, Wild Pig Hunter, Moccasin Ranger and Mohawk Hunter. Man, quite a few, now that I write them down, heh!
@@PinkG10 well first have two I would recommend for your wish list. Idaho hunter and team jackal 5. The Idaho is good all around knife probably my favorite. Both knives feel perfect in my hand. I would EDC either one. The Bushcrafters kukri is good one I like for put doors. I have El Chete with belt clip. It's big and heavy carry it on a pack or ATV. HKT hunter killer tracker, I like it, but not the all around knife. Alaskan Harpoon like, just not the knife for me. Operator 7 Blackout looks cool, not my style never used it. Tex Creek XL I like it. XXX Dicer clever makes a great camp clever or home use. Baghdad Bullet I made leather holder and used it as a neck knife for awhile. Crow Hawke way to smalll for me. Did not like it. Tundra Trekker I found it was alright, but could be a bigger knife. It has saw teeth on the spline. Tac Karmbit I like, but there are other karmbits on the market I'd pick first. It's tactcool not practical. Long Horn Bowie it looks and feels good. I just think it could be bigger. Maybe a XL or XXL version. I use to be in knife business 20 plus years till I retired. I have sold many Tops knives, I can't remember all the models. Eventually I'll probably sale most of mine. I thought 1095 was a good choice for their steel. My customers preferd carbon steel for easy of sharpening. They won't buy stainless or any of the Super steels. I found most Americans like carbon blades. Also most can't sharpen a knive. That is Tops target, hunters, outdoors men and tactcool crowd. Personal I know the difference in the steels. I carry BRK in 154 Cmp or 3V. I carry a leatherman and 10 dollar MAM folder for when someone ask to borrow my knife. Lol Overall I think Tops makes a good knife. I hate the belt clips, but I make my own sheaths if I'm going to carry them. I would like to them make some less tactical knives. Wood handles and different finish would be great. I have a few models on my wishlist. I find the resale price on used Tops to be to low.
@@PinkG10 I forgot one the Atax hand axe. It's a fun tool to learn to use. Comes with video to teach you all the functions. I would recommend just learn how to use it. looked at Tops current catalog for things I sold. Quick Skin popular saler. Small but good skimmer 10/27 karmbit sold one. Sit here for over a year Rangers edge dagger. Sold several, I liked it somehow didn't get one Back bite sold one SCAPEL sold a few I didn't like it Survival neck wallet sold many Basic kit Sky marshal sold several I liked it Stryker Defender sold a few. Would have really liked of it didn't have the saw teeth Devils claw sold a few I didn't like the size That's all I can remember probably more. Some looked like i should remember. Probably many more that's been discontinued
IDK exactly where you are in Europe, but I see TOPS knives for sale sometimes when I'm in Sweden and I can't imagine even seriously considering them at the prices I've seen. They're a perfectly fine company, making perfectly fine knives in a perfectly fine steel. Problem is, there are tons of custom makers making some great knives in some great steels at very comparable (US) prices. That's an issue I kinda have with the fixed blade market across the board though, certainly not trying to single TOPS out.
I'm not sure what the prices are like in Sweden, but I guess importing a couple of TOPS-knives from the U.S could get expensive as well due to the added customs and taxes. I agree that TOPS are making perfectly fine knives in a perfectly fine steel, but that steel choice should reflect in the pricing, since there IS a difference between, let's say, CPM-3V and M390 compared to TOPS 1095 and 154 (not even the CPM-version of 154). One could argue that TOPS 1095 could be slightly more expensive than "regular" 1095, due to the differential heat treatment they do, though. Another aspect is ofc that you may fall in love with a exclusive TOPS-design, and that could ofc warrant you to purchase a knife in a non-prefered steel at a slightly higher price than you'd normally want to pay. Any way, I fully agree with pretty much everything you state in your comment.
Nicely done, Fredrik. This must have been recorded some time ago, as there's no snow. Great explaination on your reasons for choices. I think Tops must want the customer to do the work of filling out the certificate. 🙂 I agree, doesn't really make much sense. I think I'd get the most use out of the Spirit Hunter. I believe the Wolf Pup XL would make a decent skinner for big game. On slicing paper, not only is the magazine paper a different type but w/ magazine paper the bottom is being steadied, unlike the printing paper test. What did you think of the Ruana knives and production video?
Hey Rick! It was actually recorded just now. All snow disappeared recently, but it'll be back shortly, that I'm 100% sure of. The Spirit Hunter is def. one of the more practical knives in this video, and in the better steel imho. You're right about the magazine paper being steadied and that it makes for a better/easier slicing test, compared to the printing paper and/or newspaper. I'll mention that in my future videos when doing the sharpness testing! I did watch the production video you sent me in a comment, although I can't find the link right now that I wanted to re-watch part of it (maybe you can post it here, or I'll just look through your comments on my latest videos). I wouldn't mind picking one, but it'll have to wait a little bit. I wish my Facebook-account or Messenger was working, so that I could have gotten a photo of your knife sent to me ...
@@PinkG10 Here you go, Fredrik: ruclips.net/video/lBKnLe7tYmU/видео.html If you go to the Ruana Knives' website, the model I purchased is the "Reliable". I see several YT videos on Ruana knives, too. BTW, we have a lot of snow on the ground right now. Many mtn passes near me are closed for avalanche mitigation today.
I hear you, both in terms of the hawks and that some of the models are kind of gimmicky (let's not even talk about some of the model names, lol). I'll say, though, that I love the Rapid Strike (I need to get my hands on the Double Edge-version of it!), the Felony Stop and the Szabo Express (Double Edge) quite a lot! The Brush Wolf is very interesting knife too! Heck, I enjoy all the knives I picked up, but I like some of them more than others. ;)
00:00 - START
00:38 - OVERVIEW OF ALL MODELS TOGETHER (FORGOT THE TOPS BACKUP)
01:12 - INDIVIDUAL SHORT CLIPS OF THE 14 KNIVES & AXES
07:06 - UNBOXING?
12:43 - AXES/HAWKS/HATCHETS
14:19 - LARGE & MEDIUM SIZED KNIVES
15:21 - SMALL SIZED KNIVES
16:32 - A MORE DETAILED OVERVIEW OF THE AXES/HAWKS/HATCHETS
22:34 - A MORE DETAILED OVERVIEW OF THE LARGE & MEDIUM SIZED KNIVES
30:25 - A MORE DETAILED OVERVIEW OF THE SMALL SIZED KNIVES
41:01 - TOPS KYDEX SHEATHS
50:08 - TOPS LEATHER SHEATHS/LEATHER WORK
1:04:55 - SLICING PRINTING PAPER
1:14:11 - SLICING MAGAZINE PAPER
1:20:57 - SLICING NEWSPAPER PAPER
1:28:22 - FINAL THOUGHTS & CONCLUSIONS
1:37:33 - OUTRO
1:37:51 - END SCREEN
TOPS Knives are the BEST!
There was a time that I could not resist buying them. Now I have dozens of them.
My favorite is the Armageddon. The Prather War Bowie is my edc knife. Sometimes I’ll carry the Brakimo instead.
The Tahoma Field Knife is in my wilderness bag.
And even though I have no longer have use for a knife like the Wild Pig Hunter, it gives me a warm fuzzy feeling when I carry it.
Amazing collection thank you for sharing!
Hey, TOPS! Thank you for dropping by! You sure have a ton of interesting models out there, and I'm happy to have been able to showcase some of them here on my channel. I'm still waiting for a chance to pick up the El Chete, UCON Hawk, Street Scalpel 2 and a few other models that I hope will be available later this year. Maybe you can give me some input on the availability of them? Keep it up!
👍🏻👏🏻Great video, great to see these knives in comparison and in real life scale+in different grips.👌🏻
Lately I've been wondering if you have any TOPS knives. :D You've got some good choices there! If I had to choose one I would choose TOPS Eagles Shadow, I've been thinking about buying it for a long time. Now I have something interesting to watch for the rest of the night, thanks!
I'm currently trying to broaden my horizons, by trying out some new to me knife makers/brands. I've been curious about TOPS for some time (a few years), but at the same time I felt hesitant in regards to their prefered choice of base steel (1095). I don't have anything against that steel, but I've gotten spoiled with all premium/high end steels these last couple of years. Then again, some of my hardest, toughest knives are in 5160 steel, which is just slightly tougher than 1095. Btw. I also am not that much into nylon sheaths in general, and TOPS nylon sheaths in particular - from what I've seen from photos and/or videos. I guess I should have gone with one or two knives with nylon sheaths as standard, for this video to be more "complete", but now I went with only the models that I really wanted to own. That being said, there're knives that I do want to own, but that I decided against mainly due to the nylon sheaths (such as the Tahoma Field Double Edge, Dart, Longhorn Bowie and Mountain Lion, to mention a few).
Any way, as seen in this video, I've yet to put these knives through their paces. I know that they have great ergo, that the kydex and leather sheaths are of very high quality and that the edges are sharp - and that's ofc a pretty good start! It's interesting that you mention the Eagles Shadow, since that was one of the first models that I decided that I was going to go with! To be honest, I did quite a bit of research before I went with all of these models. There're still some models I'd like to add, but that are currently (and for some time) out of stock. I hope to be able to pick up the following models, in this specific order, in the not too distant future: El Chete (with dangler kydex), Rapid Strike Double Edge (love the single edge, but I want this version as well!), Street Scalpel 2, Ucon Hawk, Tac-Tops Karambit, Sgt. Scorpion, Operator 7, Wild Pig Hunter, Moccasin Ranger and Mohawk Hunter. Man, quite a few, now that I write them down, heh!
Any way, thank you for dropping by and leaving a comment! I hope you'll find the video interesting!
@@PinkG10 True, TOPS Knives have a high price considering the steel that TOPS uses. A year or two ago TOPS knives were much cheaper, some models were even 50-80 EUR cheaper. If you compare the price with FOX knives, FOX knives prices have remained pretty much the same. TOPS Dart and TOPS B.E.S.T. knives could be interesting because those models are made of 5160 steel. I understand that TOPS nylon sheaths are not everyone's cup of tea. They don't bother me that much, other than the fact that each one should have a snap instead of a velcro. According to my own experience, best TOPS sheaths so far have come with the Poker and CUT 4.0 knives. In some models like the Cockpit Commander and the M1 Midget it can be a little tricky to pull it out of the sheath.
I think that Eagles Shadow is a bit unique and I really like harpoon-style knives. It would be a good combination with the TOPS Alaskan Harpoon knife. Besides those, I would also like to have SXB, Wild Pig Hunter, Steel Eagle 107C Delta Class, Tahoma Field Knife, Zero Dark 30, Tom Brown Tracker T-1, Sheep Creek, Tanimboca Puukko, Scandi Trekker, Mini Scandi Knife, Wolf Pup and Little Bugger. Indeed, many TOPS models have been out of stock for a long time, especially Wild Pig Hunter. Now that you mentioned the shape of handle on the TOPS Hammer Hawk I might not want it anymore. Haha, you also have a good list there. I hope you get more TOPS knives soon, see you around!
The TOPS Ucon Hawk is a really nice hatchet, 1095 steel, full tang and really good micarta handle scales.
That one is def. on my list of TOPS-models to get in the future, and I would have showed one in the video, if I had only been able to find one in stock somewhere.
@@PinkG10 The El Chete is a beast and the 2nd best chopper I own, only the Bark River Ja-Nap (A2 tool steel) is better. The TOPS Operator 7 could be interesting, is a type of combat/survival knife, 1075 steel, recurve blade, differential hardening and 8 mm spine.
Good job! Nice you are doing videos on budget friendly knives. I have several Tops knives. I have mixed feelings about them. I don't have a model you have lol, but I have and had a bunch
Hey Coley! I'm going to copy paste part of my reply to Elamor, since I feel like I want to write a similiar reply to you too. But before I do that, I just want to say that this channel def. should show knives from different price segments (budget to high end). In Europe, however, TOPS aren't that cheap, but def. not super expensive either. Somewhere in the middle, I'd say. I also think some people might find them to be over priced, due to the base steel being 1095 and some of the knives coming with a semi-simple nylon sheath. I'm quite curious about which models you own. Remember, it's all personal preferences - there's no right or wrong. So, which models do you currently own, and which did you let go of? :p
Oh, and here are some thoughts that I wrote in my reply to Elamor: I'm currently trying to broaden my horizons, by trying out some new to me knife makers/brands. I've been curious about TOPS for some time (a few years), but at the same time I felt hesitant in regards to their prefered choice of base steel (1095). I don't have anything against that steel, but I've gotten spoiled with all premium/high end steels these last couple of years. Then again, some of my hardest, toughest knives are in 5160 steel, which is just slightly tougher than 1095. Btw. I also am not that much into nylon sheaths in general, and TOPS nylon sheaths in particular - from what I've seen from photos and/or videos. I guess I should have gone with one or two knives with nylon sheaths as standard, for this video to be more "complete", but now I went with only the models that I really wanted to own. That being said, there're knives that I do want to own, but that I decided against mainly due to the nylon sheaths (such as the Tahoma Field Double Edge, Dart, Longhorn Bowie and Mountain Lion, to mention a few).
Any way, as seen in this video, I've yet to put these knives through their paces. I know that they have great ergo, that the kydex and leather sheaths are of very high quality and that the edges are sharp - and that's ofc a pretty good start! It's interesting that you mention the Eagles Shadow, since that was one of the first models that I decided that I was going to go with! To be honest, I did quite a bit of research before I went with all of these models. There're still some models I'd like to add, but that are currently (and for some time) out of stock. I hope to be able to pick up the following models, in this specific order, in the not too distant future: El Chete (with dangler kydex), Rapid Strike Double Edge (love the single edge, but I want this version as well!), Street Scalpel 2, Ucon Hawk, Tac-Tops Karambit, Sgt. Scorpion, Operator 7, Wild Pig Hunter, Moccasin Ranger and Mohawk Hunter. Man, quite a few, now that I write them down, heh!
@@PinkG10 well first have two I would recommend for your wish list. Idaho hunter and team jackal 5. The Idaho is good all around knife probably my favorite. Both knives feel perfect in my hand. I would EDC either one. The Bushcrafters kukri is good one I like for put doors. I have El Chete with belt clip. It's big and heavy carry it on a pack or ATV. HKT hunter killer tracker, I like it, but not the all around knife. Alaskan Harpoon like, just not the knife for me. Operator 7 Blackout looks cool, not my style never used it. Tex Creek XL I like it. XXX Dicer clever makes a great camp clever or home use. Baghdad Bullet I made leather holder and used it as a neck knife for awhile. Crow Hawke way to smalll for me. Did not like it. Tundra Trekker I found it was alright, but could be a bigger knife. It has saw teeth on the spline. Tac Karmbit I like, but there are other karmbits on the market I'd pick first. It's tactcool not practical. Long Horn Bowie it looks and feels good. I just think it could be bigger. Maybe a XL or XXL version.
I use to be in knife business 20 plus years till I retired. I have sold many Tops knives, I can't remember all the models. Eventually I'll probably sale most of mine. I thought 1095 was a good choice for their steel. My customers preferd carbon steel for easy of sharpening. They won't buy stainless or any of the Super steels. I found most Americans like carbon blades. Also most can't sharpen a knive. That is Tops target, hunters, outdoors men and tactcool crowd. Personal I know the difference in the steels. I carry BRK in 154 Cmp or 3V. I carry a leatherman and 10 dollar MAM folder for when someone ask to borrow my knife. Lol
Overall I think Tops makes a good knife. I hate the belt clips, but I make my own sheaths if I'm going to carry them. I would like to them make some less tactical knives. Wood handles and different finish would be great. I have a few models on my wishlist. I find the resale price on used Tops to be to low.
@@PinkG10 I forgot one the Atax hand axe. It's a fun tool to learn to use. Comes with video to teach you all the functions. I would recommend just learn how to use it.
looked at Tops current catalog for things I sold.
Quick Skin popular saler. Small but good skimmer
10/27 karmbit sold one. Sit here for over a year
Rangers edge dagger. Sold several, I liked it somehow didn't get one
Back bite sold one
SCAPEL sold a few I didn't like it
Survival neck wallet sold many Basic kit
Sky marshal sold several I liked it
Stryker Defender sold a few. Would have really liked of it didn't have the saw teeth
Devils claw sold a few I didn't like the size
That's all I can remember probably more. Some looked like i should remember. Probably many more that's been discontinued
Impressive collection!
Thank you, Gizmo! :D
IDK exactly where you are in Europe, but I see TOPS knives for sale sometimes when I'm in Sweden and I can't imagine even seriously considering them at the prices I've seen.
They're a perfectly fine company, making perfectly fine knives in a perfectly fine steel. Problem is, there are tons of custom makers making some great knives in some great steels at very comparable (US) prices. That's an issue I kinda have with the fixed blade market across the board though, certainly not trying to single TOPS out.
I'm not sure what the prices are like in Sweden, but I guess importing a couple of TOPS-knives from the U.S could get expensive as well due to the added customs and taxes. I agree that TOPS are making perfectly fine knives in a perfectly fine steel, but that steel choice should reflect in the pricing, since there IS a difference between, let's say, CPM-3V and M390 compared to TOPS 1095 and 154 (not even the CPM-version of 154). One could argue that TOPS 1095 could be slightly more expensive than "regular" 1095, due to the differential heat treatment they do, though. Another aspect is ofc that you may fall in love with a exclusive TOPS-design, and that could ofc warrant you to purchase a knife in a non-prefered steel at a slightly higher price than you'd normally want to pay. Any way, I fully agree with pretty much everything you state in your comment.
Thank you this clip was very informative!
I see that Szabo design hanging out in the top right corner.
I've been a fan since the 90's.
The Felony Stop and the Szabo Express (double edge) are two of my absolute favorites from TOPS. Just sayin'. :)
Nicely done, Fredrik. This must have been recorded some time ago, as there's no snow. Great explaination on your reasons for choices.
I think Tops must want the customer to do the work of filling out the certificate. 🙂 I agree, doesn't really make much sense.
I think I'd get the most use out of the Spirit Hunter. I believe the Wolf Pup XL would make a decent skinner for big game.
On slicing paper, not only is the magazine paper a different type but w/ magazine paper the bottom is being steadied, unlike the printing paper test.
What did you think of the Ruana knives and production video?
Hey Rick! It was actually recorded just now. All snow disappeared recently, but it'll be back shortly, that I'm 100% sure of. The Spirit Hunter is def. one of the more practical knives in this video, and in the better steel imho. You're right about the magazine paper being steadied and that it makes for a better/easier slicing test, compared to the printing paper and/or newspaper. I'll mention that in my future videos when doing the sharpness testing! I did watch the production video you sent me in a comment, although I can't find the link right now that I wanted to re-watch part of it (maybe you can post it here, or I'll just look through your comments on my latest videos). I wouldn't mind picking one, but it'll have to wait a little bit. I wish my Facebook-account or Messenger was working, so that I could have gotten a photo of your knife sent to me ...
@@PinkG10 Here you go, Fredrik: ruclips.net/video/lBKnLe7tYmU/видео.html If you go to the Ruana Knives' website, the model I purchased is the "Reliable". I see several YT videos on Ruana knives, too.
BTW, we have a lot of snow on the ground right now. Many mtn passes near me are closed for avalanche mitigation today.
Really good overview of their blades. Which The One Blade you would put in your Emergency Bug Out Bag?
Tops cut 4.0 is a beast
I have the tops high impact and yeah it’s a chunkers lol. Hope you go make a video with it
Tops storm vector an tops wild pig hunter are my 2 favorites if tops would make the desert nomad in good steal ❤
I like the tomahawks most tbh. I've always found their knives kinda ridiculous, gimmicky. I mean a catapult, slingshot knife ffs?
I hear you, both in terms of the hawks and that some of the models are kind of gimmicky (let's not even talk about some of the model names, lol). I'll say, though, that I love the Rapid Strike (I need to get my hands on the Double Edge-version of it!), the Felony Stop and the Szabo Express (Double Edge) quite a lot! The Brush Wolf is very interesting knife too! Heck, I enjoy all the knives I picked up, but I like some of them more than others. ;)
I have the high impact ax
How do you like it? It sure is a hefty tool!
@@PinkG10 I love it
Soooo 😮 this guy just called tops an said ill take one....of every fixed blade or? 😮❤
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