fixed blade fighter/survival knife

T

thetoastmaster

Joined
Aug 14, 1999
Messages
87
I was checking out the TOPS homepage, and was impressed with what I saw. Later, I saw the company's booth at the crossroads of the west gun show in Salt Lake City. Again, the steel impressed me, and I was thinking of purchassing one of their Firestike knives. Has anyone here have any experience with these baldes. Could you recommend them, or a similiar fixed blade knife in the same price range (around $150 dollars, give or take a few)? I'm looking for something "all around" that I could hang from a backpack's shoulder straps or web gear.
 
Toastmaster,
From what I have seen, TOPS' knives are great. You will not find better for the price. Good choice by the way, the Firestrike is my favorite also, then comes the steel eagle.

I have a TOPS Firestrike 5.5" blade version for $153.00 free shipping anywhere in the continental U.S. Let me know if you are interested.


------------------

Louis Buccellato
http://www.themartialway.com

 
I have a firestrike its a very nice blade i had mike set me up with a crossdraw sheath it makes a great urban fighter setup it hides well under my vest.
you should be very happy with this knife.
 
I finally got a chance to handle some of the TOPS blades this weekend at Gun Show in SF and I am pretty impressed. I think one of the great things about them is that the handles are surprisingly comfortable. The handle design and micarta slabs feel very secure and comfortable even when wet. Also, 1095 high-carbon steel is easy to sharpen and takes a razor edge. I purchased one of their smaller models (CAT 200) and will soon add either the Firestrike or Steel Eagle to my collection.

Ban
 
I bought a Steel Eagle 107D from TOPS. I love it. I can't hurt it! It stands up to all sorts of punishment. Wonderful knife. To me, it was well worth the $200.

I've handled the Firestrike, but never got to really use it. I was impressed. I'm sure it would be an excellent blade, and would hold up to any use you could put it to.

But, after using the Eagle, I dunno if I could use a lighter knife.
smile.gif
 
Honestly, I haven't heard of this line of knives. I personally own a Gryphon M30A1, and Gerber BMF. Both these knives are very good fighting knives, and also have the strength and flexibility in use that a "survival" knife would need. They both are long ehough to lash onto a staff for use as a makeshift spear, and the gryphon holds an edge like nothing I have seen before.... Must be the ATS34, which I perfer in all my knives if possible. BTW, these both have seen some serious use in the US Army 3rd Ranger Bn.

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Rangers Lead The Way!

you call that a knife? that's not a knife... THIS is a knife!
 
Have you considered the cold steel recon tanto ? I have chopped down sapplings with it and it kept a keen edge , and is easy to hone with a dmt red flat hone in the field. It can be found fo appx. $70.00 as well . The epoxy coating protects the carbon v well. Even though the leather sheath is not bad I want to get the new kydex sheath that they come with now. As for the fighting potential,the tanto point is one hell of a penetrator, and the 7 inch blade lends itself well to slashing .
Stay Sharp,
"P"

[This message has been edited by P Diddy (edited 23 October 1999).]
 
I guess another knife in competition is Newt Livesay's Hunter Killer Retriever. Anything more than that and we move out of my price range. But still, I have no where to actually lay my hands on examples of this steel. So all I have to to go on are pictures and your opinions and experiences. So, are these knives comparable? Are there others I should consider? Or, am I comparing apples and oranges? I need a knife that will outlive me.

Where can I se pictures of the Cold Steel tanto described above online?

[This message has been edited by thetoastmaster (edited 23 October 1999).]
 
Hey, that "spec ops tanto" by Lynn Griffith is one good looking knife, but seems a little pricey (I don't know why $200 is okay, but $250 isn't. I guess you have to draw the line somewhere). It looks like it would "do the deed" though. Is it double ground? I'd hate to end up with what turned out to be a "sushi-slicer". I like my steel double ground, thank you very much. And it seems as though his other knives are too big or too small (like Little Red Riding Hood, I want one that is "just right", and that seems like about a seven inch blade).

I just know the longer this topic stays open the harder my decision will be. I guess that's a good thing. I want the most "bang for my buck".
 
Hey, that "spec ops tanto" by Lynn Griffith is one good looking knife, but seems a little pricey (I don't know why $200 is okay, but $250 isn't. I guess you have to draw the line somewhere). It looks like it would "do the deed" though. Is it double ground? I'd hate to end up with what turned out to be a "sushi-slicer". I like my steel double ground, thank you very much.
Click to expand...
In answer to your question. The "SOS Tanto" is double ground, not chisel. Also, you may want to ask Chief about it. He got to handle one yesterday at the Tulsa gun show.


Hope that helps,

------------------
Lynn GriffithMy website
GriffithKN@aol.com


 
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