Is this the same knife???

[wade]

http://www.survival.com/trace.htm

http://www.topsknives.com/product_info.php?products_id=13&osCsid=de0d7c7d82589556e8d4794145ce145e

 

[wade]

One is A2 and the tops model is 1095 carbon. Which is the better steel?

 

[Walking Man]

A2 is the better steel. Do a little searching, you'll find tons of info on which are the best steels for knives, some are better than other, but for different reasons.... strength (like L6) vs. edge retention (ZDP). IMO A2 is a GREAT steel.
Although, the story doesn't end there. You've got to make sure that whoever heat treats the knife does it right.

 

[Keith Montgomery]

Both are good steels.

The first one is a custom Rinaldi, the second one is the TOPS version. The custom Rinaldi is the better knife.

 

[wade]

what is the real difference? Will one out preform the other?

 

[Esav Benyamin]

Trace is a real good custom knifemaker. His work will perform beyond production knives. But like many custom collaborators with production companies, he's going to want TOPS to make a knife that won't disgrace him. So for a lot less money, you can go for the TOPs and still get a great knife.

Which steel is better depends on your needs and how well the steel fits the design and use the knife is made for. A2 is a great steel which you will find in knives from Chris Reeve, Mission Knives, and Bark River Knife & Tool. 1095 is a classic high carbon steel which will also perform very well, like A2, under stressful conditions.

It's really a matter of how much money you are willing to spend. Neither knife will disappoint you.