Lone Falcone from TOPS Knives

[Mistwalker]

One of the knives I got a while back for my personal studies in bushcraft techniques with tactical tools is the Lone Falcone by TOPS Knives.

The knife is obviously designed with fighting as its primary purpose, but my primary goal is going to be to take it outside that box. In checking it out so far I was able to put together some data for a review.

The specs are:


Blade Length:.......6 1/4"
O/A Length:.........12"
Cutting Edge:.......5 3/8"
Thickness:..........1/4"
Blade Color:........Black Traction Coating
Steel:..............1095 High Carbon Alloy RC-58
Handle Material:....Black Linen Micarta®
Sheath:.............Combat Ballistic Nylon





TOPS has always done a great job on the fit and finish of their knife handles and blades.

The handle contours are comfortable with nicely rounded edges, and slightly recessed handle bolts.

End part- 1 of 5

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[Mistwalker]

The knife has been comfortable in nearly every grip I have tried it in...the one possible exception being the first finger notch in a reverse over-hand grip...but even that really isn't bad.

This knife has unsharpened areas immediately in front of the guard.

These are good aspects for a couple of reasons. It allows for the user to choke up on the knife for better control of the blade in tedious work.

But also gives a combatant a place to hook a forefinger around the guard to aid in extrication should the knife become hung up in bone or cartilage during CQC.

End part -2 of 5

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[Mistwalker]

The Lone Falcone sports a tang extension that makes the pommel a formidable striking tool for various applications.

There are a few things I really like about TOPS' nylon sheaths. For one they are made of heavy duty ballistic nylon and well sewn together. Secondly with them being marketed to combat to combat troops, it's great that they can easily be put onto a standard issue pistol belt without having to disassemble the buckle assembly, and no snaps or velcro to fail at a bad time.

and too I like that they are "molle-backed" and work well with molle or PALS.

I also like how the grommets not only serve as additional lashing points for the sheath, but one set can also be used to make an emergency retention strap from cordage if the other straps become damaged in the field.

End part - 3 of 5

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[Mistwalker]

I really like how the utility pouches are a good size and allow for the carry of some extra pieces of gear. In these pics I have a multi-tool, a small powerful flashlight, and a TOPS emergency fire starter.

Or you could carry a smaller knife.

As a side note I have been carry the "Keys" pretty regularly lately. I like them as neck knives because they are a decent size to work with, yet fairly light and are nice and thin sheath and all. I haven't had any issues with "printing", and I like that.

End part 4 of 5

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[Mistwalker]

The knife came with a great toothy edge that made quick work of severing 1/2" diameter rope and easily whittled thin slivers of wood.

It has a really wicked sharp tip that works great for making small holes for an improvised filter system or improvised stove.

Even with such a fine tip it handled repeated stabbing into a log and prying out hunks of wood.

`




The 1/4" steel easily handled digging into the dead pine log and digging out hunks of the hydrophobic resinous heart for fire starting even under very wet conditions.

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[A.L.]

Great pics and review as always! :thumbup:

 

[Dusty One]

Really like the size and shape of this one....Thanks for the review....

 

[JTC]

Really good review. Nice details and pics. Thanks!

 

[DennisStrickland]

as always mist your pics are great, good review.--dennis

 

[Brennanscott]

Great review as always.

 

[Sh@rp]

Great review!!! Now you make me want "Keys". Hope to see review for Key too.

 

[Mistwalker]

Thanks guys, glad you enjoyed the post. This one will get handled a lot in the near future. I really like the execution of the design, wish I could have had it about 27 years ago...

Great review!!! Now you make me want "Keys". Hope to see review for Key too.

I have been carrying Key B (drop point) around my neck for about a month now, showers and all, and have been very happy with it. I've used it to cut some things while I am out and about to see how it does. The problem is the studies have been in use and discretion... I need to do some things with it where I can take pics without drawing attention to it. It isn't quite as comfortable in hand as some of my neckers because of the unwrapped thin handle but there is practically no printing and the trade off is worth it to me for an urban neck knife. It has definitely proven useful, I am liking the continuous curve for a few applications.

 

[TheGame]

Great review Mist. I really like the look of the Keys. Looks like something that would do good for backup emergency blade. :thumbup:

 

[Heiheit]

Fantastic review. Thanks for the awesome pictures :thumbup:

 

[Mistwalker]

Great review Mist. I really like the look of the Keys. Looks like something that would do good for backup emergency blade. :thumbup:

Thanks TG, yeah, it's a cool little back up/emergency blade.

Fantastic review. Thanks for the awesome pictures :thumbup:

Thank you, glad you enjoyed them.

 

[t-k-c]

Nice review. Thanks for posting.

I just got in a few TOPS Knives to look them over as we probably will start stocking a good supply of them.

 

[killstew]

Mist, way to go. You always have such well delivered reviews. Is that just a false edge on the back? Would that edge be an issue if your to choke up on the blade and your thumb should slide forward?

 

[Buffalohump]

Handsome knife. Superb review. :thumbup:

 

[Mistwalker]

Nice review. Thanks for posting.

I just got in a few TOPS Knives to look them over as we probably will start stocking a good supply of them.

Thanks, glad you liked the post. Every TOPS I've ever handled has been well made.

Mist, way to go. You always have such well delivered reviews. Is that just a false edge on the back? Would that edge be an issue if your to choke up on the blade and your thumb should slide forward?

Thanks man. It has a pretty wide flat on top of the spine that tapers from 3/16 in front of the jimping to 1/8 about an inch back from the tip. I guess I need to add a pic of that, but I was holding it in a pinch grip with my thumb about nail about an inch from the tip when I poked the holes in that can.

 

[Mistwalker]

Handsome knife. Superb review. :thumbup:

I think so too. Thank you, glad you enjoyed it