David Beck W.S.K. vs. TOPs "TRACKER" round #1

V

Vermonster

Joined
Jun 17, 2000
Messages
262
I sit here right now with both the Beck and TOPs in my hands. I am here to tell ALL that there is NO COMPARISON. The Beck version makes the TOPs look and feel ( read: aesthetics, balance and handling) like a CLUB. NO EXAGGERATION.

I think I have the right to make such claims as I have been using the TOPs version for almost a year now.

The WSK is balanced from which the likes I have seen only in such knives as Mad Dog's. It is truly ALIVE in my hands. You can clearly see and feel that David's soul is in this blade. AMAZING. It is all hoped for and more, much more.

The sheath is also AMAZING, the pouch holds all items snug. The leather is thick and stitching expertly done.

I look forward to putting battle scars on this blade.

David, You have done a remarkable job on this knife and sheath. Your communication via email and talks on the phone have made this a very pleasurable experience indeed.
Thank you so much!!

Stay tuned for round #2
 
Lets see if this works
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Outperforming the TOPS version isn't much of a challenge, it would be informative to compare the WSK to a quality traditional pattern (drop, spear or clip point), of similar size and contrast the abilties. What advantages (and disadvantages) are given by the unique design.

-Cliff
 
I prefer to compare customs to customs, and production to production. WOuld like to see a Beck compared to one of the various other custom makers versions of same style. I know in one of other threads on this there was pictures of one from an aussie maker that was best looking variaton on this blade yet, least to my eye. And yes, I know that means jack towards actual feel/balance/performance. But it sure was prettiest version of ugliest knife design I've ever seen. ;)
 
Cliff,
I guess it depends on what one would call a challenge. I look at this as pure fun. I will not be chopping up cinder blocks, stones or automobiles. This will be a real test of a certain breed of knife that is unique. Testing them in the woods doing what they were designed for, primitive survival, building tools, shelters and traps, chopping, splitting and cutting/slicing.

I am not some super star knife tester/evaluator so I will leave all that scientific stuff to others that know what they are doing, but I can get out in the woods and build a figure 4 trap, a bow, fire bow components, chop, split, make improvised tools and the like, as good as the next guy. Plus, there are a few that would like to see the comparison..

etp777,
That Aussie EVO is a sweet variation.

AlphalphaPB,
I sent the pic out. Did you recieve it?
 
469306knifeevolution.jpg

left to right: Spanish Special Forces (1950s), Olsen Elk Hunter (1960s), Puma White Hunter (1960s), Siegel Tracker Variant(present)

Perhaps we should compare the TOPs Tracker against the Puma White Hunter?

n2s
 
Vermonster :

I guess it depends on what one would call a challenge.
Click to expand...

I meant not an overly high standard. Yes the results of a direct comparison will be interesting as I am curious as to how much the TOPS will be outperformed. My point was simply that a direct comparison to an efficient other knife of a more familiar style would be of benefit as well. Something like a Leuko, CU7 or Camp Tramp for example would be very informative as most people have had experience with this style of knife.

-Cliff
 
Cliff,
I see your point. I was not trying to be rude. I stated a while ago that I was going to conduct this comparision. I really don't want to test other knives as I have not been so excited about any particular design before. Back in July of 1994 when I saw a very small advertisment for Mr. Beck's knives (the original "Tracker" on the ad) in some gun rag, I was put off by the unconventional look. Later on I read a small segment on equipped.org that peaked my interest in the "Tracker". I did some digging and found that it was not a knife, but a very specialized tool. I have always been very interested in knives and tools that have more than one single purpose.

Over the years I have used all kinds of knives big and small, for me this is different.

not2sharp,
I think the comparison between those two knives would be great, in another thread. ;)
 
Right on Vermonster, that's one hell of a fine looking knife. If my wife doesn't skin me alive, I might send out for one of those! Keep us posted on hopw it handles here in the wilds of Vermont.


Survival, that's the game...
 
From the pic alone, the Beck version looks much more comfortable, and has a way better finish. I look forward to hearing more on your testing.
 
J.P.,
You must get one. You will love it.

tknife,
It's not even close. The Beck is comfortable in every grip position. I did some chopping with it last night on old knotted up and weathered red pine. It is light years ahead of the TOPs.

more to follow
 
What would be a good sharpening tool to take along with this knife into the field?
 
I like the longer handle of the custom (or it it the perspetive?), but it looks a bit slippery and the lack of the guard that the TOPS version has worries me. Is it just the appearance?.
 
Its like, which knife wont perform faster...
I think this design has limited real world use, but thats just me.. In any case the Beck knife looks very well made, and the TOPS is very well made too.. I have held and used the TOPS version, and as far as fit and finish it was excellent..
 
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