Mine got a horribly chipped blade from very minimal use, so I called tops. After minimal discussion I sent it back free shipping, they fixed it, and got it back and it's all good now. A mostly painless experience. Love the knife tho
I have one I use to process firewood for our fire place. It is must faster than an axe and less energy consuming. I sit in a chair and baton large fire wood into smaller pieces, my favorite yard job. For hiking I use a smaller and lighter knife to make fire wood for a small twig stove or little cook fire. I love this blade. Thanks for a great informative and honest video. I too would like the handle an inch longer.
Hey I enjoy watching all your videos on heavy bush crafts trying to decide what I really need. I found at Walmart a Gerber 14 inch with a black blade. I am amazed on how it loves wood. Every stroke is awesome without putting any pressure. I laugh with enjoyment. You would love it. It just bites into wood like butter.
Just got mine in the mail. I love the blade but the sheath is pure perfection. The break front design is super user friendly and the way the mid spine portion seats flush with the edges of the corresponding section of the sheath is ergonomic perfection. The edges of the sheath and the edges of the spine are broken so there are no sharp edges where there shouldn't be- clothing, fingers and the wifes furniture are no worse for wear after a day of trying it out!
Finally the Chopper I have been looking for, I am still going to comission a local Smith to make me a Competition Chopper, but for a Camp, Survival, Bushcraft Chopper the El Chete is for me. I love big heavy choppers, I live in the PNW and when I go backpacking sometimes we find small pine trees, other times bigger maples, it just depends on what's dead and can be taken down. The sheath is perfect, I ordered the dangler, they are harder to find and probably allot more popular than the clip
I've been waiting a Long Time to finally get one of these , I just got the New Bronze Edition with the Dangler for $210 , the Blade is Awesome , BUT I have XL Hands ✋️and the Handle could be better , I basically can only hold it one way , if I try to choke back I can barely get 3 fingers on the handle , So I'm Definitely with You when you said it could be at least a half inch longer ....👍🖖
If you want better chipping power, you should whack the limb at the contact resting point, where you have the least amount of energy lost through vibration.
At LAST!!! LOL!!! And this beast is everything that I wanted it to be. Kinda thought that would be the case. And you are the first one to review this monster. And the sheath works as well, no let down there. So now I must start my El Chete savings account because I really do want this beast. Thanks for the review!! Big thumbs up Amigo!! ;-)
Got my hands on the El Chete at Shot Show and am excited about it. I really want to get my hands on one again. Its just a beefy chopper and looks like it did well for what it is.
DPX cost is way more. Ergos are better on the DPX Gear I'd say. Chopping power is slightly better on the El Chete. I really like both but for the cost, the El Chete is a better overall purchase.
Been waiting on a review of this blade, and glad you got it first! Wonderful review on a kickass blade from TOPS! I will agree on the handle, wish there was another inch or so on the length. This is on my short list with the Condor Jungolo neck and neck.
This blade is a much of a "choppa" as my brothers Harley! Impressive. Me, I am prone to a small ax and a light weight 4" blade. But one could clean a trout, cut down a tree, and prepare kindling, ya!
To be honest, using the HEFT vs this - I am just concerned using a knife over $400 that I'm going to damage it. This thing - heavier but not worries at all about it busting on me. The handle on the HEFT was better though. Just not better by $200.
Most of these chopper style machetes keep getting bigger and bigger. Just adds more weight! ▪ ▪ A heavy weight unit can be useful but how much weight does one want to carry?
Before you mentioned it, my first thought was "Not a good handle design." Looks good otherwise, though I can already hear the backyard campers asking, "Why carry that instead of a hatchet or ax?" True woodsmen and survivalists know why and don't even think to ask why.
Before you buy one of these, a couple things. This knife can be had for about 200 bucks. A gransfors bruks small forest axe can be had for 134 dollars. The axe obviously chops MUCH better. The grandsfors is lighter without much difference in length. The only down side is you usually have to get on a waiting list for a small forest axe.
Say Heah Tim, Yeah, the El Chete is my type of knife. It dies remind me of my Johnson Adventure Parangatang, But its longer, and I use mine more like a summer long knife.,,.
Every large blade that comes out has a shallow,weak rear section on the handle...bring a nice,deep rounded curve around the end of your handle..and make the blade 5/16th thick,with a full convex edge...you'll easily become a millionare.
A machete is more versatile. You can use it as a knife and clear brush with it. The thinner blade profile gives you more speed and penetration. And this is true for all blades, but the more cutting area you have, the longer you'll have a usable edge.
*+StandsWithABeer,* -Not by much. Recently had to pay over $150 for the GB Small Forrest. Plus a blade like this is better for brush and branch clearing. But mostly machete/knives like this are just fun to own and use.
Thanks for the question. I find the machete/chopper can do more for me, and (for me) unless I am felling a lot of trees, I just don't need an axe as much. That said, if I was dropping a lot of trees - axe all the way.
I love the steel ! I have the steel eagle Tanto 111A by Tops knives and it is so strong I have punished that knives Even though it's more like a short sword ! But to be honest I hate the handle it doesn't feel comfortable in the hand unless you are wearing gloves !! The steel is as strong as a super steel in my opinion it holds a edge Like no other knive I have ever had !! BUT THE HANDLE SUCKS !! IM A HUGE TOPS KNIVES FAN BUT THEY NEED TO HAVE A BETTER HANDLE ON SOME OF THERE KNIVES !!
the 2 lbs weight is a concern to swing a axe but with one arm, I will be hurting for sure after you are done processing wood for a night ! but at $300 now (+shipping?) it just kill the deal for me... I rather buy a chainsaw!... but thank you for the video ,still a awesome chete!
no offense meant but I see no gain in any application of these smaller or medium choppers over a good although be it longer machete which will often weigh less so if weight being a concern opt for a machete.
To anybody looking at buying this knife please be very careful this thing comes razor sharp my brother actually cut the hell out of his hand today just barely glancing the blade with his thumb while putting back into the sheath
I really like the look of the El Chete, but it seems very impractical. I mean, I use my Bahco Laplander for most of this sort of cutting and it is much easier, more accurate, and uses less energy. My ESEE 6 is the largest I carry. No Hatchet or choppers for me.
I've been chatting with Tops about this topic for years and the refuse to put sharp spines on their knives. When the idiot told me it was what made their knives so strong, I asked him, "Then why are there so many stronger knives out there with sharp 90% spines"? They no longer talk to me.
I think that this would be awesome, but now i'm disappointed, the handle it's not the best, the knife it's too heavy, it get stuck a lot, but my greatest disappointment it's that it does n't chop as well as i thought.... there are a lot of big knives that chops better and that are n't so much heavy. I usually like tops, maybe i had a lot of expectations and now i'm disappointed. At least the price is right... Guess i had to wait for the yakarè Lol
Mine got a horribly chipped blade from very minimal use, so I called tops. After minimal discussion I sent it back free shipping, they fixed it, and got it back and it's all good now. A mostly painless experience. Love the knife tho
I'm not a tree hugger, but thank you for not using a live tree!
I have one I use to process firewood for our fire place. It is must faster than an axe and less energy consuming. I sit in a chair and baton large fire wood into smaller pieces, my favorite yard job. For hiking I use a smaller and lighter knife to make fire wood for a small twig stove or little cook fire. I love this blade. Thanks for a great informative and honest video. I too would like the handle an inch longer.
GOT MINE ABOUT 3 WEEKS AGO AND WHAT A BEAST. LOVE IT IF YOU CAN AFFORD IT GET IT YOU WON'T BE SOORY.
I believe this is what I'll be spending my Christmas money on. Holy crap that's a beast!
Looking good Tim. Thanks for showing us what this beast will do.
Wingman115 Jon, I hear some Colter pines calling you to the table :)...chop chop. 🇺🇸
Getting one for my wife and one for myself!
Awesome review, bonus points for showing the .230. I have the .230 and was waiting on the El Chete to hit the Tube here. Great stuff! TOPS Rocks!
Hey I enjoy watching all your videos on heavy bush crafts trying to decide what I really need. I found at Walmart a Gerber 14 inch with a black blade. I am amazed on how it loves wood. Every stroke is awesome without putting any pressure. I laugh with enjoyment. You would love it. It just bites into wood like butter.
Just got mine in the mail. I love the blade but the sheath is pure perfection. The break front design is super user friendly and the way the mid spine portion seats flush with the edges of the corresponding section of the sheath is ergonomic perfection. The edges of the sheath and the edges of the spine are broken so there are no sharp edges where there shouldn't be- clothing, fingers and the wifes furniture are no worse for wear after a day of trying it out!
Finally the Chopper I have been looking for, I am still going to comission a local Smith to make me a Competition Chopper, but for a Camp, Survival, Bushcraft Chopper the El Chete is for me. I love big heavy choppers, I live in the PNW and when I go backpacking sometimes we find small pine trees, other times bigger maples, it just depends on what's dead and can be taken down. The sheath is perfect, I ordered the dangler, they are harder to find and probably allot more popular than the clip
if you live in the jungle it's perfect but for northern hemisphere I think a small axe still trumps it
just had to bring up Trump.
Yeah, but as someone that likes to cook, and if you want to field dress some medium large game, this thing would be a huge help.
I've been waiting a Long Time to finally get one of these , I just got the New Bronze Edition with the Dangler for $210 , the Blade is Awesome , BUT I have XL Hands ✋️and the Handle could be better , I basically can only hold it one way , if I try to choke back I can barely get 3 fingers on the handle , So I'm Definitely with You when you said it could be at least a half inch longer ....👍🖖
If you want better chipping power, you should whack the limb at the contact resting point, where you have the least amount of energy lost through vibration.
That looks like an awesome chopper.. Thanks for reviewing it 👍🏼
Thanks for the info. Definitely excited for the El Chete. My heart dropped when you were gonna chop that oak XD
Ha! Yeah, that would have been a bit of overkill, eh?
At LAST!!! LOL!!! And this beast is everything that I wanted it to be. Kinda thought that would be the case. And you are the first one to review this monster. And the sheath works as well, no let down there. So now I must start my El Chete savings account because I really do want this beast. Thanks for the review!! Big thumbs up Amigo!! ;-)
So im looking for a big chopper, im currently thinking about a bk9, as of 2017, is there any others you would recommend along those lines? Thanks
Got my hands on the El Chete at Shot Show and am excited about it. I really want to get my hands on one again. Its just a beefy chopper and looks like it did well for what it is.
@EverydayTacticalVids would you be able to compare it with DPX Gear Chop 12 ?
DPX cost is way more. Ergos are better on the DPX Gear I'd say. Chopping power is slightly better on the El Chete. I really like both but for the cost, the El Chete is a better overall purchase.
How does this compare to the DPx Gear HEFT 12 CHOP?
Luis Rios this is heavier - overall I like this one more.
Does the full tang construction have hollow grooves cut out in it?
Hey I got an idea HOW ABOUT SPLITTING WITH IT!!!!!!
You blew it because it splits & a baton’s magnificent
Been waiting on a review of this blade, and glad you got it first! Wonderful review on a kickass blade from TOPS! I will agree on the handle, wish there was another inch or so on the length. This is on my short list with the Condor Jungolo neck and neck.
I think I'll have to name it beaverstick you have to turn the wood as citing in 2:00 area,,
This thing is gorgeous and exactly what I am looking for.
That's a big ole hunk o' steel! I'm surprised the wood didn't split itself at the sight of El Chete....lol
This blade is a much of a "choppa" as my brothers Harley! Impressive. Me, I am prone to a small ax and a light weight 4" blade. But one could clean a trout, cut down a tree, and prepare kindling, ya!
That thing is a freaking beast.
Great vid...how does it compare with the DPX Heft 12 CHOP
To be honest, using the HEFT vs this - I am just concerned using a knife over $400 that I'm going to damage it. This thing - heavier but not worries at all about it busting on me. The handle on the HEFT was better though. Just not better by $200.
Thanks for the quick reply !!
Phil D. Sure thing. Have a great day.
Just ordered one , i have no need for it but i just have to have it 😂
what chopping knives would you rate as amazing? great videos btw!
Seems IF you must get just 1 Blade, then THIS Chete is IT! Great video ~ KUDOS🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
This thing is a beast!
Think I would set up a cross body harness system to carry it especially when it is the purpose time to use it.
Is that a Steel will knife in your pocket?
Bluebird Powers indeed - the Cutjack
EverydayTacticalVids yep my current favorite knife is my steel will modus so i recognized the steel will clip.
I'd love to see a TOPS El Chete vs Terävä Skrama price per performance video!
I"ve heard they are hard to locate now.
thanks for showing the good and bad.
Thanks for watching the video.
I have a similar machete. Same shape, thickness and length. Convex blade though.
El Chete or Storm Vector?
Looks good. How does it compare to a BK21?
Tactical63 never used the 21
Anyone else notice a face in the tree that looked like it was getting madder every time he chucked out more?
Great, thorough vid as usual!
Thanks for watching Peter.
Can you do a review of the new Tops Yacare knife?
Impressive! Can you please review the Gerber Gator Golok and compare?
I like it a lot the sheath is cool how it set up
Just got it...and it does a good job - Chopping !!!
Most of these chopper style machetes keep getting bigger and bigger. Just adds more weight! ▪ ▪ A heavy weight unit can be useful but how much weight does one want to carry?
I use my El Chete for my EDC knife I live in Texas just sayin
Chone Martinez ha - well-played!
Before you mentioned it, my first thought was "Not a good handle design." Looks good otherwise, though I can already hear the backyard campers asking, "Why carry that instead of a hatchet or ax?" True woodsmen and survivalists know why and don't even think to ask why.
Wow, this would replace the hatchet machete and fixed blade in my pack
Wish someone would do el chete vs condor pack golok
Before you buy one of these, a couple things. This knife can be had for about 200 bucks. A gransfors bruks small forest axe can be had for 134 dollars. The axe obviously chops MUCH better. The grandsfors is lighter without much difference in length. The only down side is you usually have to get on a waiting list for a small forest axe.
great point
Nice piece of gear worth having. Great review and video.
Say Heah Tim, Yeah, the El Chete is my type of knife. It dies remind me of my Johnson Adventure Parangatang, But its longer, and I use mine more like a summer long knife.,,.
I can see a serial killer really enjoying this blade.
Looks like a very functional design. I'd get it if I had the extra $. Can't have em all. As a hiker I'd choose the Yacare but definitely Love TOPS!
Now for the Big Question. Is it worth the money spent?
Holy Moly, nice big knife! :)
I prefer the,"Hogsplitter".
Every large blade that comes out has a shallow,weak rear section on the handle...bring a nice,deep rounded curve around the end of your handle..and make the blade 5/16th thick,with a full convex edge...you'll easily become a millionare.
You got a lot of work to do, let's get to it.
El Chete is a beast.
Out of curiosity, why wouldn't you carry a hatchet instead? Great video!
A machete is more versatile. You can use it as a knife and clear brush with it. The thinner blade profile gives you more speed and penetration. And this is true for all blades, but the more cutting area you have, the longer you'll have a usable edge.
a Wetterlings or Gransfors Bruk is less money.
*+StandsWithABeer,* -Not by much. Recently had to pay over $150 for the GB Small Forrest. Plus a blade like this is better for brush and branch clearing.
But mostly machete/knives like this are just fun to own and use.
Thanks for the question. I find the machete/chopper can do more for me, and (for me) unless I am felling a lot of trees, I just don't need an axe as much. That said, if I was dropping a lot of trees - axe all the way.
EverydayTacticalVids ok thank you!
Still waiting for the Hammer-Hawk 😑
Did anyone else notice how angry the post was with El Chete @ 1:40 ☹️
Lol nice
So I do not want to be "that guy" but why not use a small folding saw for chopping?
Nice knife..but.. why not have a great axe from Granförs Bruks instead and get the job done in half the time??
I love it . I will get one. However, the dangler i dont like.
thanks dude!
Philip Davis I'd say yes - this has become my go-to wood processor.
Sure thing.
That is a great blade, need to buy one to cut open coconuts
nice review
I never understood why you were chopping out past the end of the log instead of chopping directly above the log for maximum efficiency!!!
The Jess-X has met its match
I love the steel ! I have the steel eagle Tanto 111A by Tops knives and it is so strong I have punished that knives Even though it's more like a short sword ! But to be honest I hate the handle it doesn't feel comfortable in the hand unless you are wearing gloves !!
The steel is as strong as a super steel in my opinion it holds a edge
Like no other knive I have ever had !! BUT THE HANDLE SUCKS !!
IM A HUGE TOPS KNIVES FAN
BUT THEY NEED TO HAVE A BETTER HANDLE ON SOME OF THERE KNIVES !!
the 2 lbs weight is a concern to swing a axe but with one arm, I will be hurting for sure after you are done processing wood for a night ! but at $300 now (+shipping?) it just kill the deal for me... I rather buy a chainsaw!... but thank you for the video ,still a awesome chete!
Doesn't anyone make a descent machete under 10 billion bucks?
Philip Davis Check out condor knife and tool
Ontario Knife Company (OKC)
Condor Knife & Tools (CKT)
Cold Steel (CS)
CRKT
Yeah, Tramontina and you can Mod the heck out of one.
I second the CRKT. Just got one. Its weight makes up for its shortness. Kinda like this one, but not as thick and a little longer.
SPINE thickness of the knife is a critical component, no one ever mentions this issue.
Small axe is cheaper too
Out of all the wood in the forest he picked the nastiest hardwood for this video haaaaaa.
Sharpen it, makes it a better chopper.
Steak machine!!!
ha = nice!
no offense meant but I see no gain in any application of these smaller or medium choppers over a good although be it longer machete which will often weigh less so if weight being a concern opt for a machete.
Hey man great vid
You ok you look sick
Yeah, I'll stick with the fiskars x7 for 1/10 of the price.
your poor and a loser.
@@MovieGuy666 .....and you are Rich and a real Winner. Thx.
@Movieguy666 real mature, buddy.
@@seanadams2391 must suck being poor, your probably on welfare.
Should have called it the wood cleaver.
Save energy and feed the log into the fire. ie. no chopping
To anybody looking at buying this knife please be very careful this thing comes razor sharp my brother actually cut the hell out of his hand today just barely glancing the blade with his thumb while putting back into the sheath
I really like the look of the El Chete, but it seems very impractical. I mean, I use my Bahco Laplander for most of this sort of cutting and it is much easier, more accurate, and uses less energy. My ESEE 6 is the largest I carry. No Hatchet or choppers for me.
10X faster with folding saw...
if tops was priced reasonably they would sell alot more .
That tool is for people not wood. :)
Let me guess. Is this another Tops knife that doesn't have a sharp 90% spine?
Yes - it's how the heat-treat happens.
It's one of the few reasons I have never bought a Tops knife. Too many better companies out there making better knives with sharp spines on them!
I'm going to chat with them at Blade Show about this topic.
I've been chatting with Tops about this topic for years and the refuse to put sharp spines on their knives. When the idiot told me it was what made their knives so strong, I asked him, "Then why are there so many stronger knives out there with sharp 90% spines"? They no longer talk to me.
The LOPPER
Is anybody interested in buying a unused Busse Team Gemini Battle Grade
iam from iraq and i want to get of them
I think that this would be awesome, but now i'm disappointed, the handle it's not the best, the knife it's too heavy, it get stuck a lot, but my greatest disappointment it's that it does n't chop as well as i thought.... there are a lot of big knives that chops better and that are n't so much heavy. I usually like tops, maybe i had a lot of expectations and now i'm disappointed. At least the price is right... Guess i had to wait for the yakarè Lol
The Zombies won't stand a chance against this beauty / Lol
RIP living tree
Probably a great ZOMBIE hunter!
El Wow!