Dubious design by TOPS???

[Joe S]

I honestly do not intend to start trouble, but I have some wonders about the design of a few new TOPS knives:

http://www.topsknives.com/products_pages/product_detail/calcutta.html

http://www.topsknives.com/products_pages/product_detail/cockpit_cmd.html

Anydoy else have thoughts on the matter?

Stay Sharp,
Joe S.

 

[fossilhunter]

Finger skinner variations.
Very nice.
I like them.

 

[Esav Benyamin]

The Cal-Cutta looks sort of like a cross between a Bear Claw and a Native. Not bad, but ... I can't see paying that kind of money for one.

What is it about the design that you're wondering about?

 

[tallpaul]

the finger knives seem to have a following and those that use them seem to like them. The beauty of tops is that they offer so many different designs- and if you do not like them- don't buy them. I only know that those I have had and the ones I have sold tend to be liked. They seem to sell really well when people can handle them in person. And they stand behind thier stuff....

 

[Rugger]

What are the specs on these? Are they 1/4" stock like the Street Scalpel? If so, it would make them awfully heavy for "neck" wear & chunky for other concealed carry. One good thing about the LaGriffe is that it virtually disappears in a multiple of carries.

 

[Esav Benyamin]

Length Overall 6.75”
Length Blade 2.25”
Thickness Blade 3/16”

 

[Samurai6]

As a La Griffe fan, I think they are bitchen'. Don't make no sense to make a 2.25" knife out of 3/16 stock though, and why do you need thumb grating traction ridges on a ring knife?

I would be happier with another half inch of cutting edge too, but still and all, these like the La Griffe will make excellent self defense blades.

Something looks bogus with the specs. Drawing looks like the OAL should be around 5", but specs say 6.75".

 

[Keith Montgomery]

I really quite like the Cockpit Commander. The price may be a little high, but I think they could be found for a fair bit less. Overall, not bad at all.

 

[Burke]

Actually, they look a lot like Fred Perrin's Griffes, a very good self-defense, and pretty good utility design. I like both blade shapes a lot, especially the bowie blade on the Cockpit Commander (poor choice of name, I think). I haven't been attracted to most TOPS designs, but I think these might be my first blades by them.

 

[GronK]

Originally posted by Burke
Cockpit Commander (poor choice of name, I think

My friend who is an airline pilot thinks the name is perfect. He just hopes the rules will be changed to allow him to carry one.

 

[Rugger]

The "Cockpit Commander" indeed looks a *whole lot* like a beefed-up Perrin Bowie Griffe like the ones on the Bladeart site.
Nice knife. If the price point is right & if it doesn't weigh 100 lbs... who knows...

 

[FEATHERSTONE]

Man I hear good things about TOPS but couldnt you get a custom in that price range, hell even cheaper.

 

[AlaChoctaw]

I love the Cal-Cutta! If it is anywhere near as sharp and tough as my little Wolf Pup, It's a winner. Maybe the street price will be a little lower?

 

[Samurai6]

What's the deal on the price? Web site lists it as $110, right? What's the big deal about that?

 

[Brian Jones]

Joe S., why did you say dubious? You never explained it.
Because they look like LaGriffe's etc.? If that why, you'd be surprised how often some makers ask each other permission to use part or all of another's design, and get the blessing. Professional respect, courtesy, and friendships. So, before you assume theft of a design, assume first it's been arranged with permission.

I should have a cockpit commander and a calcutta in my hands by next week. I'll post pics and tell you what I think. I hear it's very beefy and solid in the hand -- surprisingly so for a small knife...it was described as having "presence."

I love TOPS knives, as many of you know. They all have performed suprebly in the field, under real conditions, for me. One thing I have to say is that the pictures of them do not do them justice at all, as far as the look and execution go. The reason the blades look two-tone in the pics is to highlight the profile, because so many of their blades are purpose-designed for professionals -- there were very specific requirements for different blades by different organizations from around the world. With a lot of the Spec Ops, LEO, and SAR people who buy TOPS blades, it's a matter of functionality first, looks second, so hence the photos being like they are. You really have to hold these knives to appreciate them. They have some of the most comfortable handles in the business.

I've been getting word on what specific TOPS blades were designed for, so, if you have a question on some, I'll be glad to answer it if I know, or find out the answer for you.

Best,

Brian.