I just got one in magnacut. It's pretty badass and would highly recommend it. Ethan signed my box and included an essee tin in the pouch. Super nice guy and responds pretty quickly to any questions. I think I paid roughly around 315$ for scales, magnacut steel, kydex sheath, fire steel loop long pouch, and tek lok belt clip.
I love the knife! Got the 5.5 first. Loved it so much I got the 6.5. For the price you can't beat it! Can't wait till the 4.5 comes out! Great video by the way!
I picked up the 6.5 in cpm-v3 and love it, a little strange because I had to order the blade, handle, and sheath separately to get the v3 but definitely worth the trouble and extra pennies, ok bucks, but still worth it.
Its strange this 6.5 doesn't seem to be getting its due attention here on the tube... which is especially weird considering its lineage of Tops/Esee/TKC grips. (I received mine recently, a 1st run with a low serial number... I'd have figured the 1st run would be long gone.) This 6.5 is exactly everything I wish the Esee 6 was and I cant for the life of me figure out why Esee didnt make it themselves looong ago; the Esee 7. Dont get me wrong, I like the E6 overall, but this 6.5 fixes everything that I'm kinda "meh" about on my E6, specifically.. too balanced, too thin at the tip.
I think maybe it's because the idea behind it. A "build your own knife" I was wondering about the quality myself and didn't know anything until I looked into it. Had no idea Tops was the maker. It doesn't seem to have much promotion going for it and I think that's what is costing the buddy knives to not get any attention. Turns out they are pretty good. What drew me in was the appeal of 3v and a few RUclips videos otherwise I didn't know it existed.
7 months later… I’ve put several miles on my 1095 6.5 by now and have a 6.5 3v on its way in the mail. I gave a lot of thought to getting a 5.5 in 3v also, but its kinda thin and honestly nothing is going to bump my Guardian 5.5 in elmax from its spot as my go-to mid-size option, another 5.5 seemed redundant… so I bought a LT Wright scandi Forest Trail instead, go figure. The TKC sheath has been excellent, same for the one I got for my Esee 6. At first I liked the TKC scales better than the 3d Esee 5/6, the TKC’s are a little wider at the thumb webbing area across the spine, but the contour grooves aren’t as deep and the palm swell isn’t as pronounced as the Esee’s, so the TKC’s are a bit slicker.
Thanks for the info! I actually find that my esee 6 3d scales are slicker than the tkc's but maybe that's just with the black 3d scales? Anywa, I've been looking at the guardian lately too. Appreciate you tuning in and keep me in mind for future custom sheath orders you may need. 👍
@@5MinuteKnives my Esee scales have been relatively consistent, my TKC scales seem to have polished a bit more with use. A very subjective comparison though, many variables… the kind of hand and skin a person has is a bigger factor.. dry, sweaty, calloused or not, etc..
@@5MinuteKnives oh.. and for sure get the Guardian 5.5 in elmax.. across the 30 or so quality fixed blades that I own it would indeed be my #1 pick if I could keep only one. Its a true do-all, not too much or too little of anything, an easy carry, and the steel is unbeatable for a tough stainless working blade that holds a (truly keen) edge much much longer than 1095, much longer than 3v, and it will field sharpen with a strop. My 5.5 is stonewashed w/ g10, I wouldn’t change anything about it, but I also really like my Guardian 6 in 3v Nimbus coating. And fwiw… Bradfords 3v is the best I’ve found so far, it runs circles around my other 3v blades (read up on Bradfords 3v heat treat.) (1.5” wide x 3-to-6” long strop loaded with Tormek paste on one side and nothing on the other side, keep the blade relatively flat to the strop DO NOT flick it at the end or otherwise round off the edge with weird gyrations. Pressing too hard deforms the leather and will also round off the edge.)
Was going to order a 6.5 in 3V the other day but got the knife connection email regarding the new architect blades coming out. So I will be waiting to get the new 8 in 3V when it comes in stock. The architect series seems to be a blend of Esee knives & survive knives. Full line up will be: 3.5 4.5 5.5 6.5 8 Essentially a lower priced version of most of the survive knives GSO series. I could easily see myself snagging every model (3V) architect has to offer. Definitely one of the best priced camp/utility ("survival") blades on the market. The unlimited lifetime warranty is a huge bonus as well. Might even cancel my survive vendetta 7 now this Architect 8 is dropping.
I wish they made a smaller model. Like 4" to 5". I got the 5.5 and it's a tad bigger for a quick grab and go trip. Seems like a very solid good knife holding it. I don't understand why it's not more popular
I think if these continue to sell they will make a 3 inch model. I got rid of my 6.5 and went to the 5.5 for my all around set up but I totally agree with you. I'd love to see them come out with an edc varient. Thanks for tuning in!
@@5MinuteKnives no problem. I want to see more testing with these on RUclips. I have the 3v variety which I'm not sure about with the ht from tops. I know the 1095 is probably good but you just don't see enough feedback from people. I love mine so far.
I've always debated on doing full testing vids. Maybe once in awhile but I rarely have time and when I'm out in the woods, I rarely want to film. haha I have a giveaway going in the newest video and another sheath giveaway coming soon. Check 'em out. 👍
It’s good and a direct competition to the Esee-6. I like the Esee-6 just a bit more. The FB6.5 is heavier, it’s a better chopper than it is at feather sticking. The FB6.5 comes out of the gate with a better sheath than the Esee-6.
In 3V(much better than 1095) and with a Sabre grind this offers and you still prefer the Esee 6? How come? Also you get a kydex sheath here. This looks like a much better package for a 6 inch woods knife.
@@shamitoson 3V is more difficult to field sharpen and doesn’t have the same toughness that Esee can put on 1095. A sabre grind isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. I prefer a full flat grind over a saber grind. A sabre grind is great for chopping.
@@RadDadisRad 3V is tougher than 1095, where are getting that from? In my experience it is far ahead of 1095 in all aspects. You don’t need to field sharpen as often as it holds an edge much longer. Also, it’s not that hard to sharpen. Far far more rust resistant as well. Besides the price, it makes 1095 obsolete. I assumed there’s something about the design of the esee that you prefer. You really prefer 1095 over 3V, price not considered?
It's so funny you mention that. I JUST got rid of the 6.5 and received the Architect 5.5 in the mail. Slightly thinner stock, shorter blade, no choil, cpm 3v upgrade. I think you'll like it. Consider hitting me up for a custom sheath if you get it. Thanks for tuning in!👍
They look like a copy of the Survive! Knives GSO series. Interesting, wish the design was a bit more unique though. Looks much better than an overrated Esee 6 IMO, especially in 3V. A sabre grind is more useful in a hard use woods knife than the Esee’s FFG.
No.... Architect knives look way better then surviveKnives. And now, they just released the Architect 6.5 in (Magnacut). Architect knives had it at my door within a week of ordering it. Unlike surviveknives, which can take 2 years just to deliver it.😮. And Architect knives has an actual customer service line where someone actually answers the phone Monday-Friday. So, there is actually no comparison.
@@johnnyeas1431 it’s available, sure. Survive! Knives take forever to get, but compared to one another how do they stack up? I’d imagine the fit and finish is not as good on an Architect. Have you compared them in person?
@@taphillips75 I actually prefer the balance of the slightly thinner, shorter blade. I think if you've ever liked the esee 4 but thought it was just touch too small, OR if you ever thought the esee 5 was cool but waaaay to chunky, you'll really love the 5.5
They are super similar actually. The main differences are the grinds, the finishes, feel in the hand, weight, and the warrantees... so when you weigh all that out, you'll have your choice. The can both do what the other does though for sure. Thanks for tuning in!
@@samcole2381 Esee 6 still rocks and you can't beat the lifetime warrantee. You might wanna pick up the 5.5 instead (so your E6 doesn't get jealous. haha) If you do, tell 'em in the comments of your order that you came from the 5 Minute Knives youtube channel for extra points... (Also if you do get the 5.5, lemme know how it is, 'cuz I;m tryin' to justify buying it myself.
I totally disagree, aside from the grip, its very different than the Esee 6. First, the 6.5 has a noticeable forward balance, much appreciated at this length. Thicker steel Thicker tip (far better imo) Better coating, smooth, not like LineX (ugh) Vastly better standard slide-lock kydex sheath (than the so-so plastic that comes w/ the E6) I like the Esee 6, I like this 6.5 *much* better in every way.
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
I just got one in magnacut. It's pretty badass and would highly recommend it. Ethan signed my box and included an essee tin in the pouch. Super nice guy and responds pretty quickly to any questions. I think I paid roughly around 315$ for scales, magnacut steel, kydex sheath, fire steel loop long pouch, and tek lok belt clip.
I love the knife! Got the 5.5 first. Loved it so much I got the 6.5. For the price you can't beat it! Can't wait till the 4.5 comes out! Great video by the way!
I'm really thinking about picking up the 5.5 too! Thanks man.
I picked up the 6.5 in cpm-v3 and love it, a little strange because I had to order the blade, handle, and sheath separately to get the v3 but definitely worth the trouble and extra pennies, ok bucks, but still worth it.
The 6.5 in v3 would be pretty sweet! lemme know if you ever need another sheath for that beauty!
Its strange this 6.5 doesn't seem to be getting its due attention here on the tube... which is especially weird considering its lineage of Tops/Esee/TKC grips.
(I received mine recently, a 1st run with a low serial number... I'd have figured the 1st run would be long gone.)
This 6.5 is exactly everything I wish the Esee 6 was and I cant for the life of me figure out why Esee didnt make it themselves looong ago; the Esee 7.
Dont get me wrong, I like the E6 overall, but this 6.5 fixes everything that I'm kinda "meh" about on my E6, specifically.. too balanced, too thin at the tip.
Everything in this comment is so spot on... Appreciate you tuning in!
I think maybe it's because the idea behind it. A "build your own knife" I was wondering about the quality myself and didn't know anything until I looked into it. Had no idea Tops was the maker. It doesn't seem to have much promotion going for it and I think that's what is costing the buddy knives to not get any attention. Turns out they are pretty good. What drew me in was the appeal of 3v and a few RUclips videos otherwise I didn't know it existed.
7 months later… I’ve put several miles on my 1095 6.5 by now and have a 6.5 3v on its way in the mail.
I gave a lot of thought to getting a 5.5 in 3v also, but its kinda thin and honestly nothing is going to bump my Guardian 5.5 in elmax from its spot as my go-to mid-size option, another 5.5 seemed redundant… so I bought a LT Wright scandi Forest Trail instead, go figure.
The TKC sheath has been excellent, same for the one I got for my Esee 6.
At first I liked the TKC scales better than the 3d Esee 5/6, the TKC’s are a little wider at the thumb webbing area across the spine, but the contour grooves aren’t as deep and the palm swell isn’t as pronounced as the Esee’s, so the TKC’s are a bit slicker.
Thanks for the info! I actually find that my esee 6 3d scales are slicker than the tkc's but maybe that's just with the black 3d scales? Anywa, I've been looking at the guardian lately too. Appreciate you tuning in and keep me in mind for future custom sheath orders you may need. 👍
@@5MinuteKnives my Esee scales have been relatively consistent, my TKC scales seem to have polished a bit more with use.
A very subjective comparison though, many variables… the kind of hand and skin a person has is a bigger factor.. dry, sweaty, calloused or not, etc..
@@5MinuteKnives oh.. and for sure get the Guardian 5.5 in elmax.. across the 30 or so quality fixed blades that I own it would indeed be my #1 pick if I could keep only one. Its a true do-all, not too much or too little of anything, an easy carry, and the steel is unbeatable for a tough stainless working blade that holds a (truly keen) edge much much longer than 1095, much longer than 3v, and it will field sharpen with a strop.
My 5.5 is stonewashed w/ g10, I wouldn’t change anything about it, but I also really like my Guardian 6 in 3v Nimbus coating. And fwiw… Bradfords 3v is the best I’ve found so far, it runs circles around my other 3v blades (read up on Bradfords 3v heat treat.)
(1.5” wide x 3-to-6” long strop loaded with Tormek paste on one side and nothing on the other side, keep the blade relatively flat to the strop DO NOT flick it at the end or otherwise round off the edge with weird gyrations. Pressing too hard deforms the leather and will also round off the edge.)
@@dash8465 Elmax sounds like the way to go. Appreciate ya!
Just got the architect 6.5 in Magnacut. It's awesome and is a true apocalypse knife
ooooh! That sounds badass!
Was going to order a 6.5 in 3V the other day but got the knife connection email regarding the new architect blades coming out. So I will be waiting to get the new
8 in 3V when it comes in stock. The architect series seems to be a blend of Esee knives & survive knives.
Full line up will be:
3.5
4.5
5.5
6.5
8
Essentially a lower priced version of most of the survive knives GSO series. I could easily see myself snagging every model (3V) architect has to offer. Definitely one of the best priced camp/utility ("survival") blades on the market. The unlimited lifetime warranty is a huge bonus as well.
Might even cancel my survive vendetta 7 now this Architect 8 is dropping.
I'm definitely interested in the 8"! Maybe Dale will send me one for review? Appreciate the info bud! (I had no idea)
so whens the 8
@@naturestudies8040
Not sure, soon I think. Just subscribe for updates on the knife connection to get an email when they drop.
I wish they made a smaller model. Like 4" to 5". I got the 5.5 and it's a tad bigger for a quick grab and go trip. Seems like a very solid good knife holding it. I don't understand why it's not more popular
I think if these continue to sell they will make a 3 inch model. I got rid of my 6.5 and went to the 5.5 for my all around set up but I totally agree with you. I'd love to see them come out with an edc varient. Thanks for tuning in!
@@5MinuteKnives no problem. I want to see more testing with these on RUclips. I have the 3v variety which I'm not sure about with the ht from tops. I know the 1095 is probably good but you just don't see enough feedback from people. I love mine so far.
I've always debated on doing full testing vids. Maybe once in awhile but I rarely have time and when I'm out in the woods, I rarely want to film. haha I have a giveaway going in the newest video and another sheath giveaway coming soon. Check 'em out. 👍
Nice review as usual.
Appreciate ya man. (Still waiting on your email though. 🤣)
Great review, thanks!
Appreciate ya!
I'm not even close to being an expert but why is no one talking about the Hogue EX F01? I bought the 7" rosewood model and it's a great knife
Never handled that one but I shall look into it. Thanks!
After seeing it can't but help to want one
Do you ever watch joex’s destruction videos? He’s done several tops knives and they don’t seem to hold up very good
Interesting. I'll check 'em out!
It’s good and a direct competition to the Esee-6. I like the Esee-6 just a bit more. The FB6.5 is heavier, it’s a better chopper than it is at feather sticking. The FB6.5 comes out of the gate with a better sheath than the Esee-6.
That is a quality comment and I think I'm right there with ya'. Appreciate you tuning in! (I'll be doing another sheath giveaway in the near future!.)
In 3V(much better than 1095) and with a Sabre grind this offers and you still prefer the Esee 6? How come? Also you get a kydex sheath here. This looks like a much better package for a 6 inch woods knife.
@@shamitoson 3V is more difficult to field sharpen and doesn’t have the same toughness that Esee can put on 1095. A sabre grind isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. I prefer a full flat grind over a saber grind. A sabre grind is great for chopping.
@@shamitoson also the FB6.5 and the Esee-6 share the same sheath.
@@RadDadisRad 3V is tougher than 1095, where are getting that from? In my experience it is far ahead of 1095 in all aspects. You don’t need to field sharpen as often as it holds an edge much longer. Also, it’s not that hard to sharpen. Far far more rust resistant as well. Besides the price, it makes 1095 obsolete. I assumed there’s something about the design of the esee that you prefer. You really prefer 1095 over 3V, price not considered?
I HATE ! forward finger choils .
Using a hammer grip it makes the closest cutting point to far away from your hand .
It's so funny you mention that. I JUST got rid of the 6.5 and received the Architect 5.5 in the mail. Slightly thinner stock, shorter blade, no choil, cpm 3v upgrade. I think you'll like it. Consider hitting me up for a custom sheath if you get it. Thanks for tuning in!👍
@@5MinuteKnives IL check it out
Great Video
Appreciate ya!
Would have loved this blade to be 7 instead of 6.5.
It's a pretty good chopper though for a smaller knife it chops nearly as well as my bk9. I think the added length might help with batoning?
They look like a copy of the Survive! Knives GSO series. Interesting, wish the design was a bit more unique though. Looks much better than an overrated Esee 6 IMO, especially in 3V. A sabre grind is more useful in a hard use woods knife than the Esee’s FFG.
No.... Architect knives look way better then surviveKnives.
And now, they just released the Architect 6.5 in (Magnacut).
Architect knives had it at my door within a week of ordering it. Unlike surviveknives, which can take 2 years just to deliver it.😮.
And Architect knives has an actual customer service line where someone actually answers the phone Monday-Friday.
So, there is actually no comparison.
@@johnnyeas1431 it’s available, sure. Survive! Knives take forever to get, but compared to one another how do they stack up? I’d imagine the fit and finish is not as good on an Architect. Have you compared them in person?
‘Lock the knife and it’s very difficult to draw’…….ya don’t say 😐
🤣Okay your turn. You review it next.
@@5MinuteKnives every since I’ve seen the video ive been looking for one not in 1095.
@@taphillips75 ah then you need the 5.5. it comes in cpm 3v steel as well. I believe the 6.5 only comes in 1095...
@@5MinuteKnives gotcha, 5.5 it is then
@@taphillips75 I actually prefer the balance of the slightly thinner, shorter blade. I think if you've ever liked the esee 4 but thought it was just touch too small, OR if you ever thought the esee 5 was cool but waaaay to chunky, you'll really love the 5.5
Not much different than the Esee 6
They are super similar actually. The main differences are the grinds, the finishes, feel in the hand, weight, and the warrantees... so when you weigh all that out, you'll have your choice. The can both do what the other does though for sure. Thanks for tuning in!
@@5MinuteKnives,I love my Esee 6.Still may have to have one of these also,it’s a good looking knife for sure!I like the finish on the blade.
@@samcole2381 Esee 6 still rocks and you can't beat the lifetime warrantee. You might wanna pick up the 5.5 instead (so your E6 doesn't get jealous. haha) If you do, tell 'em in the comments of your order that you came from the 5 Minute Knives youtube channel for extra points... (Also if you do get the 5.5, lemme know how it is, 'cuz I;m tryin' to justify buying it myself.
I totally disagree, aside from the grip, its very different than the Esee 6.
First, the 6.5 has a noticeable forward balance, much appreciated at this length.
Thicker steel
Thicker tip (far better imo)
Better coating, smooth, not like LineX (ugh)
Vastly better standard slide-lock kydex sheath (than the so-so plastic that comes w/ the E6)
I like the Esee 6, I like this 6.5 *much* better in every way.
@@dash8465 I kind of agree with both of you. haha. I prefer Esee's warranty (and like the lighter weight) but the 6.5 is so badass...