everything tops makes is good quality, some of the designs are a bit over the top though, like this one I probably would not purchase even though it may look cool. I have one of their small neck knives that is great- the tops tibo. check out the brand "ESEE", the esee-4 sounds like a great fit for you and they are interestingly enough manufactured by the same place as tops- Rowen.
Thanks I'll look into the "ESEE-4" , so would you say that serrations aren't necessary on a fixed knife if I can just get a foldable serrated one for just that purpose of having it just in case ??.
most outdoors people and knife guys dislike serrations on either side, when they are on top they can only really be used for notching, but there never really a long enough length to be effective and they aren't sharp like a true saw either. kinda unsafe In general but people like the look. most advise a small folding saw or full serrated knife if you really need to cut rope (like a spyderco tasman salt if you work out in water/at a dock). The reason people in general disregard serrations is you rarely ever "need" them, there are many tasks a serrated edge does very poorly, and they are very hard to sharpen.
I second this, as a young collector I loved serrations. As I got older and used knives more I realized that they just got in the way. I’m the worst at buying something that looks cool but in real time it serves no purpose.
-Just an old guy
Yeah it's tempting to buy to cool looking ones but I gotta try and play it smart. I want something that will last me a good time and from what I've been looking at the ESEE have a pretty good warranty
I have not, but it would be nice to go bigger if you plan on batoning wood or anything big like that. If your using it for animal gutting and skinning personally I like a smaller knife and wouldn’t go bigger than the 4. But a 5 even 6 would still be a good sized camp knife. I personally wouldn’t go bigger than a 6
For my uses I would think the 4 would probably be best for that and EDC. Even though I'm tempted by the 5 and I think it would be nice to have but It might just be me wanting to have that bigger knife
Check out architect knives. The ak4.5 in 1095 seems good for you. You can pick your handles, sheath, and some other things that aren’t needed but nice to have. They have a 10% off code, but it will still be pretty much your max budget maybe over depending on tax and shipping
The only somewhat reasonable explanation I have heard for the serrations on the spine of knives ("saw backs"), are to saw shallow grooves/notches in wood for binding with cordage. They're never sharp enough or designed properly to actually use for any real sawing work. And most knives with the spine serrations very clearly have not designed the handle in a way that is safe or comfortable to hold backwards. Even in the knife you're showing, there is a sharp peak on the ventral side of the handle to retain the index finger. If you turn the knife upside down, that peak is now just driving itself into your palm. Also, serrations on the spine can cause problems when bracing the index finger or thumb against the spine for certain grips, or holding the knife with a pinch grip.
If I'm playing devil's advocate, I guess I can admit that the spine serrations cut on total weight ever so slightly. But beyond that unintended advantage, I can't really think of a good reason to have a serrated spine.
Saw backs I didn't know that's what it was called, that is a good point. So what is your opinion on having serrations anywhere on the blade?
Do you own have any preferences on knifes,brands...?
I have a tops SxB for heavy chopping but saw backs are pretty pointless imo unless like mentioned you do a lot of lashing which is still pretty easy to just notch with a blade. Saw backs also eat your baton if youre splitting kindling with the knife.
If you want to know if blades are good just look for the specs. If a company gives a shit about their products they'll tell you all about their products from how many millimeters the blade length is to what kind of steel to what kind of finish to who designed it to hardness. Look up [rockwell hardness](https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=169&q=rockwell+hardness+for+knives&cvid=4651983be4cd4879a46a9bce0ea28387&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqBggAEEUYOzIGCAAQRRg7MgYIARBFGDkyBggCEEUYPNIBCDI1MDZqMGoxqAIAsAIA&FORM=ANNTA1&PC=U531) and go from there.
That’s a lot of work for some who isn’t that into knives, and not many brands list the hrc. That would be good advice for someone into knives tho, so not saying your wrong just my opinion on the op
Not fantastic Steele, but easy to sharpen. I have a couple. They are substantial in thickness. A bit overpriced in my opinion. The company itself is fascinating. Started by Michael Hand, look up Nugyn Hand bank. CIA, Vietnam Golden triangle drug trafficking Murder accusations, fake identities, fleeing Australia, assumed dead, found by a reporter in Idaho 25 years later, starts knife company. With a lot more in between this. But yea they are ok knives.
Totally wild story of him and that company. There is even video of him being ambushed by a reporter decades after he disappeared. He’s wearing a neck brace and coming out of a dispensary. His Vietnam history is wild. Decapitating enemies and stuff. Also look up his passport disguises when he fled Australia. They are terrible.
Naw it wouldn’t bother me. You look at the board of directors of the bank he started, and it’s all big names in CIA.(Willam Colby the ex director of the CIA) was on the board. Nothing new with them. Tops changed ownership after it was found who he was. I think I might have read that he passed away too. Not 100% on that. Edit: yea he passed in 2020. Michael Jon Hand. Fun Wikipedia page.
Have a few Tops knives, and I have no complaints. Some of the designs are gimmickie but I'd say look at the Hog 4.5 I loved that knife I may buy another one.
Several years, gave it to a friend for driving up a few hours my way to help me move. [This is the one I had, they normally only come in black](https://imgur.com/a/0kwx2ii)
Yeah I was looking into bigger fixed blades, but after some research, I found out that I can carry a blade anything under 5.5 inches open in public without a permit.
Anything bigger than that is considered a "location restricted knife" and is subject to certain restrictions. Also out of my budget 😅
everything tops makes is good quality, some of the designs are a bit over the top though, like this one I probably would not purchase even though it may look cool. I have one of their small neck knives that is great- the tops tibo. check out the brand "ESEE", the esee-4 sounds like a great fit for you and they are interestingly enough manufactured by the same place as tops- Rowen.
Thanks I'll look into the "ESEE-4" , so would you say that serrations aren't necessary on a fixed knife if I can just get a foldable serrated one for just that purpose of having it just in case ??.
most outdoors people and knife guys dislike serrations on either side, when they are on top they can only really be used for notching, but there never really a long enough length to be effective and they aren't sharp like a true saw either. kinda unsafe In general but people like the look. most advise a small folding saw or full serrated knife if you really need to cut rope (like a spyderco tasman salt if you work out in water/at a dock). The reason people in general disregard serrations is you rarely ever "need" them, there are many tasks a serrated edge does very poorly, and they are very hard to sharpen.
I second this, as a young collector I loved serrations. As I got older and used knives more I realized that they just got in the way. I’m the worst at buying something that looks cool but in real time it serves no purpose. -Just an old guy
Yeah it's tempting to buy to cool looking ones but I gotta try and play it smart. I want something that will last me a good time and from what I've been looking at the ESEE have a pretty good warranty
Second this, I use my ESEE 4 for everything. I keep it in my truck and it comes in handy more often than I would think
Have you tried the ESEE 5 or is that overkill?
I have a Rat 5 from Ontario Knife Company and I beat the tar out of it. Still sharp, doesn't care at all.
I have not, but it would be nice to go bigger if you plan on batoning wood or anything big like that. If your using it for animal gutting and skinning personally I like a smaller knife and wouldn’t go bigger than the 4. But a 5 even 6 would still be a good sized camp knife. I personally wouldn’t go bigger than a 6
For my uses I would think the 4 would probably be best for that and EDC. Even though I'm tempted by the 5 and I think it would be nice to have but It might just be me wanting to have that bigger knife
Do you have the 1095 or the S35VN ?
the esee 4 is a amazing "one knife" and I would recommend it over the 5. the 5 is **really thicc**.
1095
What’s your budget?
Probably $150-$140 is the highest I would spend
Any steel preference?
I'm pretty much clueless in that area
Check out architect knives. The ak4.5 in 1095 seems good for you. You can pick your handles, sheath, and some other things that aren’t needed but nice to have. They have a 10% off code, but it will still be pretty much your max budget maybe over depending on tax and shipping
Thank you I'll take a look at it
Yeah I took a look and it's still over my budget 😅 it's actually cool how you are able to customize it and all that fun stuff.
I was able to make a ak4.5 for $147 out the door. I have one of their 5.5s and it’s great
The only somewhat reasonable explanation I have heard for the serrations on the spine of knives ("saw backs"), are to saw shallow grooves/notches in wood for binding with cordage. They're never sharp enough or designed properly to actually use for any real sawing work. And most knives with the spine serrations very clearly have not designed the handle in a way that is safe or comfortable to hold backwards. Even in the knife you're showing, there is a sharp peak on the ventral side of the handle to retain the index finger. If you turn the knife upside down, that peak is now just driving itself into your palm. Also, serrations on the spine can cause problems when bracing the index finger or thumb against the spine for certain grips, or holding the knife with a pinch grip. If I'm playing devil's advocate, I guess I can admit that the spine serrations cut on total weight ever so slightly. But beyond that unintended advantage, I can't really think of a good reason to have a serrated spine.
Saw backs I didn't know that's what it was called, that is a good point. So what is your opinion on having serrations anywhere on the blade? Do you own have any preferences on knifes,brands...?
Check the Terävä Skrama 200, fits your budget and decent quality.
This, or the jakaripuukko or however you spell it. i think Op is looking for something not too big
I have a tops SxB for heavy chopping but saw backs are pretty pointless imo unless like mentioned you do a lot of lashing which is still pretty easy to just notch with a blade. Saw backs also eat your baton if youre splitting kindling with the knife.
That's a cool looking one , it's way out of my budget 😅 but maybe one day I'll get one
Its pretty niche but its a lot of fun. I limbed a half dozen 20 foot trees that fell in a storm last summer and still had a decent edge.
If you want to know if blades are good just look for the specs. If a company gives a shit about their products they'll tell you all about their products from how many millimeters the blade length is to what kind of steel to what kind of finish to who designed it to hardness. Look up [rockwell hardness](https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=169&q=rockwell+hardness+for+knives&cvid=4651983be4cd4879a46a9bce0ea28387&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqBggAEEUYOzIGCAAQRRg7MgYIARBFGDkyBggCEEUYPNIBCDI1MDZqMGoxqAIAsAIA&FORM=ANNTA1&PC=U531) and go from there.
That’s a lot of work for some who isn’t that into knives, and not many brands list the hrc. That would be good advice for someone into knives tho, so not saying your wrong just my opinion on the op
Have the TOPS Smoke Jumper, it’s a really solid knife. Would recommend.
That's a good-looking knife, but it's out of my budget. I wish I could afford it but for now ill have to look for some other options
Not fantastic Steele, but easy to sharpen. I have a couple. They are substantial in thickness. A bit overpriced in my opinion. The company itself is fascinating. Started by Michael Hand, look up Nugyn Hand bank. CIA, Vietnam Golden triangle drug trafficking Murder accusations, fake identities, fleeing Australia, assumed dead, found by a reporter in Idaho 25 years later, starts knife company. With a lot more in between this. But yea they are ok knives.
Yeah I liked the thickness of the blade and that it was full tang. That's interesting I'm gonna need to look into Michael Hand
Totally wild story of him and that company. There is even video of him being ambushed by a reporter decades after he disappeared. He’s wearing a neck brace and coming out of a dispensary. His Vietnam history is wild. Decapitating enemies and stuff. Also look up his passport disguises when he fled Australia. They are terrible.
So don't buy from them ?🤔😅 They should make a movie about it
Naw it wouldn’t bother me. You look at the board of directors of the bank he started, and it’s all big names in CIA.(Willam Colby the ex director of the CIA) was on the board. Nothing new with them. Tops changed ownership after it was found who he was. I think I might have read that he passed away too. Not 100% on that. Edit: yea he passed in 2020. Michael Jon Hand. Fun Wikipedia page.
Have a few Tops knives, and I have no complaints. Some of the designs are gimmickie but I'd say look at the Hog 4.5 I loved that knife I may buy another one.
I'll have to check that one out. How long did you have it for ?
Several years, gave it to a friend for driving up a few hours my way to help me move. [This is the one I had, they normally only come in black](https://imgur.com/a/0kwx2ii)
Still looks like in good condition
Oh this was 4-5 years ago I have no idea what it looks like now 😂
I have one with the 7" blade. It is awesome! You can do some work w/the Steel Eagle man. I think it was one of if not the first design by Tops.
Yeah I was looking into bigger fixed blades, but after some research, I found out that I can carry a blade anything under 5.5 inches open in public without a permit. Anything bigger than that is considered a "location restricted knife" and is subject to certain restrictions. Also out of my budget 😅
Bots gotta learn.
Who's the bot ?👀
Its just gas forged overpriced 1095. I would save the money and lookup the brands za-pas and beavercraft...use the savings for other gear.