I noticed some tubers saying they don't like this knife as much as they did, I'm still loving mine! Mine has awesome edge retention, better than some of my "better" steels.
Put a little shock cord loop on a "light my fire" fero rod and it works great in the holder on the sheath. I went out and practiced with the knife making a bow drill fire and I had no issue with the placement of the bow drill divot. I see what you're saying but it worked fine.
I know you hear it a lot but thanks for the vids they are so good, genuine guy and good vids! Your not in it for the money you produce good quality videos with passion
I've had this knife for years. It does most tasks ok, but a master of none. Ground the back down to a sharp 90 degree, won't throw a spark (too soft). Very thick blade, explodes carrots, potatoes and apples, wedges in wood a lot unless making very shallow cuts. But on the plus side, it does work and i don't think i'm physically capable of breaking it. So for a one tool, survival option it does the job. I wouldn't hesitate to take it.
I have had mine years and it’s an excellent knife. The shango notch is useless though, I use this back of the knife tip which works well. Here in the UK it’s expensive depending on the steel type between £150 to £220. I know they have brought out a smaller version but a 6inch version would be great for battening.
Ordered the Tops Bob “Brostan” model a couple of nights ago. Thanks for a few takeaways after having seen a few review videos here on RUclips. I like the idea of doing your fire starting Bow Drill fun with the knife in the sheath. I particularly enjoyed learning about that lanyard hold being the correct diameter for pulling a 5.56mm booolit off to use the powder as an accelerant for fire starting. Thanks also for speaking to the larger grip with the Tumble Finish rendition. I deliberately chose the “BroStan” model for the smaller micarta grips in green. And I happen to be a coyote tan/brown fan boy. This will be my second Tops knife after 3 Kabar rigs. It’s All Good! Stay strong, stay safe out there!! Cheers
I used a Dremel tool to "soften" the jimping, and make the spine flat(90 deg.) for fero rod use. You can use the spine at the very tip to strike fero rods without any mods. I really enjoyed watching the video. The BOB is the best bushcraft knife made, in my opinion. After using it, I simply strop it and it is very sharp again. A Schrade fero rod will fit in the sheath if you wear the supplied one out, and they are fantastic fero rods. Thanks for showing this great knife.
I’m waiting for Reiff to come out with a 5” Scandi grind. Their F4 seems like a solid performer. The Tops knives are nice too but their handles always seem way too small in my hands.
I agree with most of the points you make, especially ditch the magnesium and replace with a better ferro rod. Also a 90 degree spine would be useful for scraping bark for tinder as well as striking sparks. Apart from that I have found mine to be a really good knife, it is sharp and easy to sharpen. It is thick enough to pry out stuff from the ground and to baton, the Scandi grind helps here as it splits wood readily. Carving is a dream, the knife does this well despite being quite chunky. Excellent review, an excellent knife too. I would recommend this to anyone who camps as it does nearly all the jobs around the camp quite easily. Not a cheap knife but not a really expensive one either and it represents good value. Thanks for your review.
I totally agree that they should just sharpen the spine instead of having that notch on the pommel. My friend has the coated version of this knife and says he saw a R. Mears video where he used the tip of the spine to strike a ferro-rod to make a fire!
I have 2 of these knifes and love them. But the spine at 90 degrees will not happen. I called Tops and found that the back of the knife is not hardened. and will not hold an edge. But the tip of the knife and the pommel are hardened.I never could get the notch to work well so, but because the pommel was hardened. I cut a nice 90 degee edge there that works really well. Also the tip of the knife works well on the feral rod. The handle on the sandal color seems to be just a touch thinner then the black one. I also drilled the bow drill holes just a bit to give small edge that holds the tip of the spindle in and prevents slippage of the spindle.
@@turtlewolfpack6061 all my ferro rods have strikers attached. Not only THAT, but if I'm in a situation where a ferro rod is needed I can use any number of other things I have with me like for example my saw or my kershaw folder or my multi-tool
Dutch bushcraft knives also did a review on this knife, but in 154cm. Hilarious video, andgood review. They were the reason I got one in 1095, AND 154....lol
I ground off my jimp, squared off the spine and added a ground down and shaped penny in the hand hold hole. I also added a firesteell "T" handle ferro rod.
The Schrade fero rod will fit in the sheath and they are quality fero rods, yet inexpensive. Good size for carrying on a sheath with a ranger band as well. Very nice review. Thank you.
Tops dual heat treatment is great in every way but one. The slightly softer spine will dull quickly after you sharpen it. Just on this one knife, I wish they would harden the spine while leaving the core softer. And add a metal bowl to the divot. Press fitted to the bowl on the other side. Or just put a skateboard ball bearing through the center of the tang. I keep a tiny wheel with a bearing in it ,in my kit.
Thank you for the video, I have a new Tops BROS-154-TC Fieldcraft Knife, it seems the newer models are now only equipped with a fire steel, mine has no magnesium sticks any more. ... seems they learnt. ;-)
Greetings We love this model! This brand produces eclente knives! It is our dream of consumption! Congrats on the video! We are together! Hugs from the South of Brazil Fernando and Kauan
I had the knife for about 6 months. I really wanted to like this knife. For wood prep it worked pretty good. But for more detailed work I think an little thinner blade would have been better. The fire steel notch is extremely frustrating to use and the ferro rod is pretty small to use with so much mass from the knife. A small scraper worked much better. I wound up selling the knife. Like I said I really wanted to like this knife.... Reviewers across multi sites have expressed their frustration with the shortcomings of this blade and it's too bad that TOPS hasn't listened especially when they had the chance to change the issues when they gave the consumer options from when they first released the knife.
Very nice knife. I like the idea of the larger handle....I have large hands. I agree that it needs a 90 degree spine. and I have never had any luck using the magnesium either. Just a good ferro rod instead.
Enjoyed the video it was very informative and got me familiar with the knife just pick it up today. I think it looks great and is a great valve. I wish the salesman was more informative, thanks again for the video
That knife couldn't have a Sharp spine because of the differencial heat treatment, It would wear out really fast because the steel is soft un the spine
I LOVE everything about this series of knives except 1) the lack of a spine grind and 2) all of the writing on the blade. Change that and it’s 10/10 for me at the price point.
I put a Schrade fero rod in my BOB sheath. Schrade makes great fero rods, and they are only $4 to $5. You can use the spine of the knife down near the tip to strike the fero rod. It works just fine. The "chango notch", in the Apache language, means "doesn't work" LOL It is worthless. The Tops BOB is a fantastic knife, and stropping it after heavy use will keep it very sharp.
Very nice review my friend thanks for sharing this with us and I i hope you have a blessed week. New subscriber here from Oklahoma. Thanks again and I look forwards to seeing more videos from your channel.
EXCELLENT video my friend,now if you wanted one knife choice between Enzo trapper,Tops Bob,or Bark river BRAVO which one would you prefer.Thank you and stay safe.
I own one; can not make fire no matter how hard I tried the first time; I guess need more practice; other wise love this knife. It is not wicked sharp wonder if put a better edge on it. I usually take my Morav Carbon knife which edge I like better.
I'm wanting to get this as EDC carry. Are those notches in blade for starting a fire. Please get back to me when you can. I will own this knife. Where can I get this from?. Thank you for this great video. Thanks Bro.
I love the blade shape and the size appears to be able to fill the hand of a larger person., After seeing the metal belt clip I was disappointed. I don't like belt clips, especially metal ones. I would prefer to see molded in belt loops.
Great review, thanx! Got a question concerning sharpening, would appreciate your help: Can yoo sharpen this with a spyderco sharpmaker? Probably not, as than you´d loose that convex edge?
A lot of people re-profile and lose the convex edge because their not comfortable sharpening a knife to keep a convex edge. Using only a system like the Spyderco Sharpmaker, it would be very difficult to keep the convex edge because the rods are solid and stationary. Basically, if you used the sharpmaker only when the knife got really dull to touch it up and then finished it with strops, you'd be able to keep your convex edge. Otherwise, we recommend using strops. Any kind that has some give to it helps keep a convex edge.
Thanks for the reply! I guess I´ll stick with a ffg knive. Just realized that there is a TOPS Baja 4.5 out now.. that looks like a great blade for me!! Just a little worried it could be not sturdy enough beeing thinner? What would you say?
Tough question. It depends on how much abuse you plan on putting it through. At 5/32", it's a little thicker than 1/8", but a little thinner than this BOB. Plus, it's flat ground instead of a saber or Scandi grind, so the metal is thinner higher up the blade. If you baton regularly as a means of preparing firewood and power through knots rather than working around them, then it might not be quite thick enough. If you use it more for what it was intended to do, then it will definitely hold up. It is a great knife and quite sturdy/capable.
Great review. I like the looks of that version. I haven't seen anybody like the "shango notch". Not sure why TOPS continues to include it over a sharpened spine
+Mark Young (Shunpyke) You are forgetting one fundamental truth about TOPS Knives, they are differentially hardened unlike every other knife maker in the business. What this means is that the spine is much softer than the edge giving the blade an amazing amount of strength and flexibility under stress, which is great, but unlike a through hardened blade the spine will not hold a 90 degree edge for more than a couple strikes on a ferro rod. The answer is to modify the Shango Notch like Chris Tanner did on his channel, not change the design of the knife.
Any reccomended ways of sharpening ive had mine for a bit but worried to dull it out of fear of not being able to sharpen, maybe even a video would be awesome! ps love the vids
@@EverydayTacticalVids hell yeah I got rid of the shango notch and gave the knife a true scandy grind and polished the blade to mirror shine but after all the use it needs to be re polished Loli also made the spine sharp for ferrol rods and a couple little other mods
Does anyone know of any knives like this with a sharper spine? I really like the design of this knife but I want to be able to use a ferro rod on it easily so I can fixed on my person that can do anything I would need it to.
+Eric kyle I filed the spine on mine and it works great with a fero rod, as well as scraping tres for tinder. It took only a few minutes. Use a Dremel tool if you have one. Mine does not rust either. I promise you it will work to your liking. You can also use the spine at the very tip without any mod's to strike a fero rod. Finally, use a Dremel on the Shango notch to put a "U" shaped groove into the notch on the bottom of the tang. This will strike a fero rod also. When the supplied fero/mag bar wears out, put a Light my Fire with shock cord for retention in the fero rod holder. their fero rod doesn't last very long. Good luck, and enjoy this knife. It is the best.
+Eric kyle I said use a Light my Fire fero rod, but meant to say use a Schrade Fero rod. They are a little thinner and longer, but they are FANTASTIC fero rods, and costs only $4-$5. Look at Survival on Purpose's channel as he uses a Schrade fero rod in just about every knife review. He loves them, and so do I. Sorry for the mix up. Get them on EBAY.
A morakniv bushcraft black is similar, not full tang though. It has a 90 degree spine and comes with a ferro rod. If you sharpen the BOB spine, it won't hold an edge long because they don't harden the spine.
@@derekwhite5945 They do harden the enture blade, but use a deferential hardning process. The spine is just a bit sifter thzn the cutting edge. To give the blade strength.
Not much of a knife person but I like the look of that knife maybe for that reason, it's just workmanlike, looks like it would do what's required without stupid gimmicks. Great stuff!
Thanks for all your videos, very thorough and to the point. I appreciate all your hard work. What would be your preference, brakimo or the 154cm version of the tops b.o.b ?
The reason you will not much of a spark with a ferro rod using the spine of the knife is that it IS COATED...TOPS coats their tumble finished blades with a clear Cerakote to the grind line...so, no, it is not uncoated, and yes, you will have a tough time raising a spark off what is essentially ceramic...
The coating don't matter for shit, especially considering Tops Knives has a differential heat treat and the spine is soft on most models of Tops Knives.
Hello, congratulations for your videos, very interesting and full of useful ideas. I saw that you have a good experience with knives and then let me ask you an opinion, I'm looking for a fixed knife, compact, robust and usable for many scenarios in nature (desert, mountains etc.) I would like a quality product on which they can count (of course joined to something more like a heavy ax or similar) in your opinion the Lionsteel M4 can be what I'm looking for? Let me know what you think, thanks to Michael.
Did you put something on those scales? They almost look shiny like G10 and not canvas micarta. They just look odd for canvas micarta, I have used mine quite a bit and do not have that shiny look on my handle scales. The shango notch is crap, a dumb idea that does not work. I don't get why companies do gimmicky stuff like the shango notch. Just sharpen the spine to 90 degree's and problem solved.
+Preston Gladd You are forgetting one fundamental truth about TOPS Knives, they are differentially hardened unlike every other knife maker in the business. What this means is that the spine is much softer than the edge giving the blade an amazing amount of strength and flexibility under stress, which is great, but unlike a through hardened blade the spine will not hold a 90 degree edge for more than a couple strikes on a ferro rod. The answer is to modify the Shango Notch like Chris Tanner did on his channel, not change the design of the knife.
Why throw a functioning ferro rod away? It's stupid to rid yourself of a useable resource. I understand throwing it in your pack to put a better one on your k ife but don't throw it away. Hell if people's fantasies about shtf came ttue it'd be good bargaining fodder to someone that needed an ignition source.
You are forgetting one fundamental truth about TOPS Knives, they are differentially hardened unlike every other knife maker in the business. What this means is that the spine is much softer than the edge giving the blade an amazing amount of strength and flexibility under stress, which is great, but unlike a through hardened blade the spine will not hold a 90 degree edge for more than a couple strikes on a ferro rod. The answer is to modify the Shango Notch like Chris Tanner did on his channel, not change the design of the knife.
I'd have to see it to believe it. The spine on this knife is not hardened. Therefore even if you sharpen it not gonna work well for ferro rod scraping. Tops does a differential heat treat that is great in some aspects, but sucks if you have certain priorities like a sharp spine for instance!!!
A nice video, thanks Tim. A nice knife but as Grant Glenndale wrote in comments, mine’s getting the 90 degree spine treatment and flat honing on the jumping. The fire steel and handle tip are a gimmick- not practical IMHO.
How bout a belt loop? Rides real high. I like the knife and the kydex part of the sheath but a belt loop needs to be added. Also, a bushcraft knife with no 90 degree spine? Come on, man!
the knife and flashlight reviews are getting so f'n old ...sorry to come off like that but it's just true ...especially when over half of the knives are in the $$$ category ...so much other gear philosophy and topic to cover
+doug sawyer I get you, Doug - stay tuned in 2016 - some more philosophy stuff coming - check out the 'read more' and scroll way down to get some insight into where we're headed.
I've had my BOB for years now, and I still love it.
I noticed some tubers saying they don't like this knife as much as they did, I'm still loving mine! Mine has awesome edge retention, better than some of my "better" steels.
had my bob for a year love it great edge retention, no real complaints. throws sparks like a madman using the spine just off tip love it
Thank you for your your review of this knife. I've only one for quite a few years now and I thoroughly enjoy this knife.
Put a little shock cord loop on a "light my fire" fero rod and it works great in the holder on the sheath. I went out and practiced with the knife making a bow drill fire and I had no issue with the placement of the bow drill divot. I see what you're saying but it worked fine.
I have the same knife . it actually has a clear coating everywhere but the grind . I talked to tops several times about the clear coating. thanks
I've tested the BOB and I agree with all the points of interest that you said to improve the knife.
+Wingman115 I'll chat with them at Shot to hear their feedback.
I doubt they will sharpen the spine since they would have to get rid of their differential heat treat (aka calling card)!!!
I love Tops' knives.
I know you hear it a lot but thanks for the vids they are so good, genuine guy and good vids! Your not in it for the money you produce good quality videos with passion
+ultimatesurvivalguid Thanks - I really appreciate that. Lots of trolls out there oozing negativity, so nice to hear the other side as well.
I've had this knife for years. It does most tasks ok, but a master of none. Ground the back down to a sharp 90 degree, won't throw a spark (too soft). Very thick blade, explodes carrots, potatoes and apples, wedges in wood a lot unless making very shallow cuts. But on the plus side, it does work and i don't think i'm physically capable of breaking it. So for a one tool, survival option it does the job. I wouldn't hesitate to take it.
I have had mine years and it’s an excellent knife. The shango notch is useless though, I use this back of the knife tip which works well. Here in the UK it’s expensive depending on the steel type between £150 to £220. I know they have brought out a smaller version but a 6inch version would be great for battening.
Ordered the Tops Bob “Brostan” model a couple of nights ago. Thanks for a few takeaways after having seen a few review videos here on RUclips. I like the idea of doing your fire starting Bow Drill fun with the knife in the sheath. I particularly enjoyed learning about that lanyard hold being the correct diameter for pulling a 5.56mm booolit off to use the powder as an accelerant for fire starting. Thanks also for speaking to the larger grip with the Tumble Finish rendition. I deliberately chose the “BroStan” model for the smaller micarta grips in green. And I happen to be a coyote tan/brown fan boy. This will be my second Tops knife after 3 Kabar rigs. It’s All Good! Stay strong, stay safe out there!! Cheers
Amazing vid! I like observing nature, discover and calm down...
I used a Dremel tool to "soften" the jimping, and make the spine flat(90 deg.) for fero rod use. You can use the spine at the very tip to strike fero rods without any mods. I really enjoyed watching the video. The BOB is the best bushcraft knife made, in my opinion. After using it, I simply strop it and it is very sharp again. A Schrade fero rod will fit in the sheath if you wear the supplied one out, and they are fantastic fero rods. Thanks for showing this great knife.
I’m waiting for Reiff to come out with a 5” Scandi grind. Their F4 seems like a solid performer. The Tops knives are nice too but their handles always seem way too small in my hands.
I agree with most of the points you make, especially ditch the magnesium and replace with a better ferro rod. Also a 90 degree spine would be useful for scraping bark for tinder as well as striking sparks.
Apart from that I have found mine to be a really good knife, it is sharp and easy to sharpen. It is thick enough to pry out stuff from the ground and to baton, the Scandi grind helps here as it splits wood readily. Carving is a dream, the knife does this well despite being quite chunky.
Excellent review, an excellent knife too. I would recommend this to anyone who camps as it does nearly all the jobs around the camp quite easily. Not a cheap knife but not a really expensive one either and it represents good value. Thanks for your review.
Just got the mini version and just ordered this exact knife
I totally agree that they should just sharpen the spine instead of having that notch on the pommel. My friend has the coated version of this knife and says he saw a R. Mears video where he used the tip of the spine to strike a ferro-rod to make a fire!
This video has the nicest comments I've ever seen on a youtube video, you just gained a subscriber ! awesome community
Awesome. Welcome aboard
I have 2 of these knifes and love them.
But the spine at 90 degrees will not happen. I called Tops and found that the back of the knife is not hardened. and will not hold an edge. But the tip of the knife and the pommel are hardened.I never could get the notch to work well so, but because the pommel was hardened. I cut a nice 90 degee edge there that works really well. Also the tip of the knife works well on the feral rod. The handle on the sandal color seems to be just a touch thinner then the black one. I also drilled the bow drill holes just a bit to give small edge that holds the tip of the spindle in and prevents slippage of the spindle.
+Arnold Young Good info - thanks for sharing.
+Arnold Young Finally some one other than me posts the answer to the non issue of the unsharpened spine!
@@turtlewolfpack6061 all my ferro rods have strikers attached. Not only THAT, but if I'm in a situation where a ferro rod is needed I can use any number of other things I have with me like for example my saw or my kershaw folder or my multi-tool
Chris at pm101 actually shows how to improve the shango notch.
I bought it with 154cm steel. Best knife I ever used!
Extremly sharp and stainless steal. You can´t destroy that knife!
Dutch bushcraft knives also did a review on this knife, but in 154cm. Hilarious video, andgood review. They were the reason I got one in 1095, AND 154....lol
Use the spine very near the tip with the ferro rod. It will throw all kinds of sparks.
All kinds of sparks, all kinds! Yeaaaa (hodgetwins voice) lol
I ground off my jimp, squared off the spine and added a ground down and shaped penny in the hand hold hole. I also added a firesteell "T" handle ferro rod.
12:40 You can also use the top of the blade :)
Can confirm the the back of the tip of the blade can be used to strike a spark
The Schrade fero rod will fit in the sheath and they are quality fero rods, yet inexpensive. Good size for carrying on a sheath with a ranger band as well. Very nice review. Thank you.
Thanks for watching.
Tops dual heat treatment is great in every way but one. The slightly softer spine will dull quickly after you sharpen it. Just on this one knife, I wish they would harden the spine while leaving the core softer. And add a metal bowl to the divot. Press fitted to the bowl on the other side. Or just put a skateboard ball bearing through the center of the tang. I keep a tiny wheel with a bearing in it ,in my kit.
Great review
Thanks nice video and review Tim, God bless you and your family throughout the new year.
+Scott Smith Thanks Scott - same to you brother.
Thank you for the video, I have a new Tops BROS-154-TC Fieldcraft Knife, it seems the newer models are now only equipped with a fire steel, mine has no magnesium sticks any more. ... seems they learnt. ;-)
Greetings
We love this model! This brand produces eclente knives! It is our dream of consumption! Congrats on the video! We are together!
Hugs from the South of Brazil Fernando and Kauan
Thanks for checking out the video - greetings from NH - USA.
I had the knife for about 6 months. I really wanted to like this knife. For wood prep it worked pretty good. But for more detailed work I think an little thinner blade would have been better. The fire steel notch is extremely frustrating to use and the ferro rod is pretty small to use with so much mass from the knife. A small scraper worked much better. I wound up selling the knife. Like I said I really wanted to like this knife.... Reviewers across multi sites have expressed their frustration with the shortcomings of this blade and it's too bad that TOPS hasn't listened especially when they had the chance to change the issues when they gave the consumer options from when they first released the knife.
Thank you for this comment. I am going to buy an ESEE 6 and a smaller carving knife to back it up.
@@barontv450 I'm using a tops operator 7 and a cat 200
@@barontv450 I'm using a tops operator 7 and a cat 200
@@Wildwestwrangler wow answering a comment two years later
@@barontv450 what's your point? Yeah it's 2 years later, but I take it that you're not interested in the topic anymore.
Very nice knife. I like the idea of the larger handle....I have large hands. I agree that it needs a 90 degree spine. and I have never had any luck using the magnesium either. Just a good ferro rod instead.
Are the sheath clips stainless steel? Will they rust?
HELLO! (Sorry for my english) Between B.O.B. and Brakimo... What will be your choice? Thank you!
Brakimo for me!
Thank you. Kind regards...!
I'd take one.Thanks for the review.
+notenoughprepping Thanks for the view.
Enjoyed the video it was very informative and got me familiar with the knife just pick it up today. I think it looks great and is a great valve. I wish the salesman was more informative, thanks again for the video
+mario serna Glad it helped - let us know what you think.
Seems like it would be the perfect knife with a 90 degree spine. Oh well the hunt continues
I heard the back spine on the blade tip will strike a ferro rod.
Sweet video. awesome review.
bryan bowles thanks
Like your Tops review Thanks
Does anyone know how to properly switch the sheath for a lefty?
That knife couldn't have a Sharp spine because of the differencial heat treatment, It would wear out really fast because the steel is soft un the spine
How did it last until today? Super nice review!
I LOVE everything about this series of knives except 1) the lack of a spine grind and 2) all of the writing on the blade. Change that and it’s 10/10 for me at the price point.
Agree
I put a Schrade fero rod in my BOB sheath. Schrade makes great fero rods, and they are only $4 to $5. You can use the spine of the knife down near the tip to strike the fero rod. It works just fine. The "chango notch", in the Apache language, means "doesn't work" LOL It is worthless. The Tops BOB is a fantastic knife, and stropping it after heavy use will keep it very sharp.
What model of Schrader fero rod fits?? Looking at Amazon
Very nice review my friend thanks for sharing this with us and I i hope you have a blessed week.
New subscriber here from Oklahoma. Thanks again and I look forwards to seeing more videos from your channel.
Welcome aboard - thanks for watching.
Say Heah Tim, I'm glad the BOB is now being made in the 154 CM I'm getting it. ,, .
Is the spine worth modifying? Any downsides besides resale, which we'll assume not to be an issue.
I would mod it - yes. Overall, solid knife. Handle could be a little bigger for me but just a tiny bit.
EXCELLENT video my friend,now if you wanted one knife choice between Enzo trapper,Tops Bob,or Bark river BRAVO which one would you prefer.Thank you and stay safe.
Billy Prendergast sorry - I don’t have the other 2
I own one; can not make fire no matter how hard I tried the first time; I guess need more practice; other wise love this knife. It is not wicked sharp wonder if put a better edge on it. I usually take my Morav Carbon knife which edge I like better.
Any thoughts on the BOB rocky mountain handle?
I prefer this style - the RM is a bit too textured for me in this style of knife.
@@EverydayTacticalVids thanks for the response 👍
I'm wanting to get this as EDC carry. Are those notches in blade for starting a fire. Please get back to me when you can. I will own this knife. Where can I get this from?. Thank you for this great video. Thanks Bro.
I love the blade shape and the size appears to be able to fill the hand of a larger person., After seeing the metal belt clip I was disappointed. I don't like belt clips, especially metal ones. I would prefer to see molded in belt loops.
Great review, thanx! Got a question concerning sharpening, would appreciate your help: Can yoo sharpen this with a spyderco sharpmaker? Probably not, as than you´d loose that convex edge?
Sorry - not sure - I'd check with TOPS on that one.
Thanx, I´ll try to contact them
A lot of people re-profile and lose the convex edge because their not comfortable sharpening a knife to keep a convex edge. Using only a system like the Spyderco Sharpmaker, it would be very difficult to keep the convex edge because the rods are solid and stationary. Basically, if you used the sharpmaker only when the knife got really dull to touch it up and then finished it with strops, you'd be able to keep your convex edge. Otherwise, we recommend using strops. Any kind that has some give to it helps keep a convex edge.
Thanks for the reply! I guess I´ll stick with a ffg knive. Just realized that there is a TOPS Baja 4.5 out now.. that looks like a great blade for me!! Just a little worried it could be not sturdy enough beeing thinner? What would you say?
Tough question. It depends on how much abuse you plan on putting it through. At 5/32", it's a little thicker than 1/8", but a little thinner than this BOB. Plus, it's flat ground instead of a saber or Scandi grind, so the metal is thinner higher up the blade. If you baton regularly as a means of preparing firewood and power through knots rather than working around them, then it might not be quite thick enough. If you use it more for what it was intended to do, then it will definitely hold up. It is a great knife and quite sturdy/capable.
The knife looks good. The ferro rod looks pretty crappy :)
Thanks for the review - Martin
+NorwegianWoods Yeah that ferro rod is a joke, but I'd leave it until you replace it. It could save your butt. LOL
+NorwegianWoods Thanks for checking it out Martin.
Great review. I like the looks of that version. I haven't seen anybody like the "shango notch". Not sure why TOPS continues to include it over a sharpened spine
+Mark Young (Shunpyke) Thanks Mark and yes, I am going to ask them at Shot Show about the notch.
+Mark Young (Shunpyke) You are forgetting one fundamental truth about TOPS Knives, they are differentially hardened unlike every other knife maker in the business. What this means is that the spine is much softer than the edge giving the blade an amazing amount of strength and flexibility under stress, which is great, but unlike a through hardened blade the spine will not hold a 90 degree edge for more than a couple strikes on a ferro rod.
The answer is to modify the Shango Notch like Chris Tanner did on his channel, not change the design of the knife.
+TurtleWolf Pack Wasn't aware that TOPS differentially heat treated their knives. Good to know. Thank you
The notch actually does work better (at least for me) with larger rods... but definitely doesn't work well with the rod they include.
What is your top 3 then?
Any reccomended ways of sharpening ive had mine for a bit but worried to dull it out of fear of not being able to sharpen, maybe even a video would be awesome! ps love the vids
+Blake Shields Check out the Self Reliance Outfitters page - good video on sharpening this blade I think.
Hey Tim, thanks for the video, Maybe you can help me out. I'm looking for a camping/survival knife. Anything you recommend?
Check this video out for that info - hope it helps: ruclips.net/video/w6hJUpQomQY/видео.html
No 90° spine? Yeah, I'd modify it. Otherwise, nice knife. I'd buy one.
Thanks.
How do u like it 8 years later Tim?
Still solid. I’ll be featuring it in an an upcoming video actually.
@@EverydayTacticalVids hell yeah I got rid of the shango notch and gave the knife a true scandy grind and polished the blade to mirror shine but after all the use it needs to be re polished Loli also made the spine sharp for ferrol rods and a couple little other mods
I wish I had the cpm154 bob
@@EverydayTacticalVids I look forward to seeing it I love all your videos
Hey Tim, where about in NH are you? I'm in New Durham
I'm from Jefferson
Does anyone know of any knives like this with a sharper spine? I really like the design of this knife but I want to be able to use a ferro rod on it easily so I can fixed on my person that can do anything I would need it to.
+Eric kyle I filed the spine on mine and it works great with a fero rod, as well as scraping tres for tinder. It took only a few minutes. Use a Dremel tool if you have one. Mine does not rust either. I promise you it will work to your liking. You can also use the spine at the very tip without any mod's to strike a fero rod. Finally, use a Dremel on the Shango notch to put a "U" shaped groove into the notch on the bottom of the tang. This will strike a fero rod also. When the supplied fero/mag bar wears out, put a Light my Fire with shock cord for retention in the fero rod holder. their fero rod doesn't last very long. Good luck, and enjoy this knife. It is the best.
+Eric kyle I said use a Light my Fire fero rod, but meant to say use a Schrade Fero rod. They are a little thinner and longer, but they are FANTASTIC fero rods, and costs only $4-$5. Look at Survival on Purpose's channel as he uses a Schrade fero rod in just about every knife review. He loves them, and so do I. Sorry for the mix up. Get them on EBAY.
A morakniv bushcraft black is similar, not full tang though. It has a 90 degree spine and comes with a ferro rod. If you sharpen the BOB spine, it won't hold an edge long because they don't harden the spine.
@@derekwhite5945
They do harden the enture blade, but use a deferential hardning process. The spine is just a bit sifter thzn the cutting edge. To give the blade strength.
Not much of a knife person but I like the look of that knife maybe for that reason, it's just workmanlike, looks like it would do what's required without stupid gimmicks. Great stuff!
Great video ! Which would you recommend this knife or a esee 6?
I like this, but the ESEE 6 is a TOP 3 Knife for me.
Thanks
@@EverydayTacticalVids and the other 2 ?😁
Hard to say, @@kelvis747 - I'd say my Red Beard Blades knife. I'd have to think more - maybe my RAT 7.
Thanks for all your videos, very thorough and to the point. I appreciate all your hard work. What would be your preference, brakimo or the 154cm version of the tops b.o.b ?
Both good, but I really like the Brakimo a lot. That'd be my choice.
The reason you will not much of a spark with a ferro rod using the spine of the knife is that it IS COATED...TOPS coats their tumble finished blades with a clear Cerakote to the grind line...so, no, it is not uncoated, and yes, you will have a tough time raising a spark off what is essentially ceramic...
The coating don't matter for shit, especially considering Tops Knives has a differential heat treat and the spine is soft on most models of Tops Knives.
Hello, congratulations for your videos, very interesting and full of useful ideas. I saw that you have a good experience with knives and then let me ask you an opinion, I'm looking for a fixed knife, compact, robust and usable for many scenarios in nature (desert, mountains etc.) I would like a quality product on which they can count (of course joined to something more like a heavy ax or similar) in your opinion the Lionsteel M4 can be what I'm looking for? Let me know what you think, thanks to Michael.
I don't know much about Lionsteel, but I've heard good things. Maybe this video will help out: ruclips.net/video/w6hJUpQomQY/видео.html
I wish the handle was a quarter inch thick so it fit nicer in the palm of the hand.
TRU MAN I agree
Did you put something on those scales? They almost look shiny like G10 and not canvas micarta. They just look odd for canvas micarta, I have used mine quite a bit and do not have that shiny look on my handle scales. The shango notch is crap, a dumb idea that does not work. I don't get why companies do gimmicky stuff like the shango notch. Just sharpen the spine to 90 degree's and problem solved.
+Preston Gladd nope - they justt came that way. And I agree on the notch.
+Preston Gladd You are forgetting one fundamental truth about TOPS Knives, they are differentially hardened unlike every other knife maker in the business. What this means is that the spine is much softer than the edge giving the blade an amazing amount of strength and flexibility under stress, which is great, but unlike a through hardened blade the spine will not hold a 90 degree edge for more than a couple strikes on a ferro rod.
The answer is to modify the Shango Notch like Chris Tanner did on his channel, not change the design of the knife.
The back of the tip will light the rod
great videos have you tried the one in 154 cm
Yes indeed - great knife.
I think I would still get it but replace the cheap sheath and throw away the tiny ferro rod.
Why throw a functioning ferro rod away? It's stupid to rid yourself of a useable resource. I understand throwing it in your pack to put a better one on your k ife but don't throw it away. Hell if people's fantasies about shtf came ttue it'd be good bargaining fodder to someone that needed an ignition source.
You are forgetting one fundamental truth about TOPS Knives, they are differentially hardened unlike every other knife maker in the business. What this means is that the spine is much softer than the edge giving the blade an amazing amount of strength and flexibility under stress, which is great, but unlike a through hardened blade the spine will not hold a 90 degree edge for more than a couple strikes on a ferro rod.
The answer is to modify the Shango Notch like Chris Tanner did on his channel, not change the design of the knife.
i sharpened the spine on mine way more efficient with a ferro rod.
I'd have to see it to believe it. The spine on this knife is not hardened. Therefore even if you sharpen it not gonna work well for ferro rod scraping. Tops does a differential heat treat that is great in some aspects, but sucks if you have certain priorities like a sharp spine for instance!!!
I love the knife but the Shango notch is a joke. I just sharpened the spine.
A nice video, thanks Tim. A nice knife but as Grant Glenndale wrote in comments, mine’s getting the 90 degree spine treatment and flat honing on the jumping. The fire steel and handle tip are a gimmick- not practical IMHO.
this chips easy
How bout a belt loop? Rides real high. I like the knife and the kydex part of the sheath but a belt loop needs to be added. Also, a bushcraft knife with no 90 degree spine? Come on, man!
No 90 degree spine? Fail.
I thought this was gonna be my knife but I can’t get past the awkward Ferro notch.
Yeah - I've heard that from people.
Just use tge spibe of the blades tip ti strike the ferro rod
👍🏻💯
Why would the military carry a bushcraft knife?
Wtf 209 Canadian dollars for 1095 steel are the Tops people on glue?
Smokey mountain knife works has it for $105.99
*Hi,Turkiye Made "Bora Knives 518 MA DOST" Bushcraft/Survival Type Knife Very Better.*
Great for wannabe James Bonds, praying for the appocalypse and a welcome break from the monotony of 'Batoning wood and making pointed sticks'
the knife and flashlight reviews are getting so f'n old ...sorry to come off like that but it's just true ...especially when over half of the knives are in the $$$ category ...so much other gear philosophy and topic to cover
+doug sawyer I get you, Doug - stay tuned in 2016 - some more philosophy stuff coming - check out the 'read more' and scroll way down to get some insight into where we're headed.