- Joined
- Jan 10, 2001
- Messages
- 71
I am considering one of their knives. Do they hold up pretty well?
Are they worth the money?
Any problems?
Thanks
Are they worth the money?
Any problems?
Thanks
-
The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is$300$250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
Need opinion on TOPS knives.
- Thread starter counsel-of-record
- Start date
Cliff Stamp
BANNED
- Joined
- Oct 5, 1998
- Messages
- 17,562
I used a TOPS Steel Eagle #7 for awhile some time back. The grip ergonomics are poor because of the ridges along the handle but the security is high for the same reason. The cutting / chopping ability is low because of the very thick edge and primary grind, but the edge (and the whole knife) is decently durable for the same reason. The Kydex case is rather thin and broke easily under impacts that other Kydex work like that from Busse Combat easily withstood.
For the money there are actually custom makers (many in fact) that work around (and some under) that price range for fixed blades. I have dealt with a few of them like Allen Blade for example and I would easily chose him over TOPS for many reasons. *Much* better sheath work, steel choice and blade functionality.
There are also high-end small shop operations like Strider that give much stronger blades, with better grips (better ergonomics and equal or better security) and much better sheaths (durability, ease and variety of carry). Busse Combat makes blades that are tougher and stronger that also cut better and have again better sheaths, better handle ergonomics (but possible less security). The later two also have better warrenties than tops.
I would also suggest looking at the BK&T line from Camillus. If the handle works for you (and is has for many), they offer a decently wide range of blades and one should suit what you want. They are also *much* cheaper than TOPS with a stronger warrenty.
-Cliff
For the money there are actually custom makers (many in fact) that work around (and some under) that price range for fixed blades. I have dealt with a few of them like Allen Blade for example and I would easily chose him over TOPS for many reasons. *Much* better sheath work, steel choice and blade functionality.
There are also high-end small shop operations like Strider that give much stronger blades, with better grips (better ergonomics and equal or better security) and much better sheaths (durability, ease and variety of carry). Busse Combat makes blades that are tougher and stronger that also cut better and have again better sheaths, better handle ergonomics (but possible less security). The later two also have better warrenties than tops.
I would also suggest looking at the BK&T line from Camillus. If the handle works for you (and is has for many), they offer a decently wide range of blades and one should suit what you want. They are also *much* cheaper than TOPS with a stronger warrenty.
-Cliff
- Joined
- Mar 18, 1999
- Messages
- 9,966
I highly respect Cliffs opinion, and know he has tested alot of knives. But have to disagree. I have had good experiences with TOPS. The handles are very comfortable, especially for larger hands. The steel is pretty basic carbon, but sharpens easily and holds a great edge. It's also supposed to be easier to sharpen in the field, you could use a river rock if need be. They also have excellent customer service, which goes a long way. Busse steel is better, but they cost more. If you are looking for a tough blade, you won't be disapointed in TOPS.
Cliff Stamp
BANNED
- Joined
- Oct 5, 1998
- Messages
- 17,562
tknife:
Regarding the models with the spine ridges, if you find these comfortable then I would be very curious to know what handle you find uncomfortable. I have used blades with grips that are well known to have poor ergonomics to most (Strider, Reeves etc.) and using them doesn't come close to the hand mauling experience that the TOPS will. Of course if they have models without these ridges then they will have much better comfort levels, however there will also be a large drop in security.
In regards to sharpens easy, yes, 1095 is one of the easiest steels to machine and you can easily work it witheven soft hones very quickly (it pretty much loses its edge rapidly for the same reason). However, unless the work you are doing is breaking apart the edge, any tool steel will readily out last it in regards to edge retention, as will any of the high end cutlery stainless steels. As for sharpening it on a rock, this is more hype than anything else. Rocks are very hard, you can even sharpen the very hard and wear resistant stainless steels on them.
My only experience with their customer service was through non-existant email interactions. In my opinion if you put up an email address on your website as part of your contact info and you don't bother to check it - this does not qualify as great customer service.
The Basic line is about 25% more (probably reduce this if you shop around) as compared to the larger heavier TOPS blades. You get a lot more for that 25%.
I saw blade failures in the Sawback teeth (breaking wire), and the tip digging in wood, and the tip again and the edge digging an arrow head out of wood, and bent the main body of the blade prying. The Striders (WB / PAB) and Busse Combat (Basic and Battle Mistress), suffered no damage doing the same things in regards to the tip and edge nor prying (have not done that with the PAB yet though, would be very surprised if it bothered it though).
One last thing, the serrations on the Steel Eagle are very nice. They greatly lower the force you need to slice through rope and such and because they are flat tipped they can be sharpened right along with the rest of the blade.
-Cliff
Regarding the models with the spine ridges, if you find these comfortable then I would be very curious to know what handle you find uncomfortable. I have used blades with grips that are well known to have poor ergonomics to most (Strider, Reeves etc.) and using them doesn't come close to the hand mauling experience that the TOPS will. Of course if they have models without these ridges then they will have much better comfort levels, however there will also be a large drop in security.
In regards to sharpens easy, yes, 1095 is one of the easiest steels to machine and you can easily work it witheven soft hones very quickly (it pretty much loses its edge rapidly for the same reason). However, unless the work you are doing is breaking apart the edge, any tool steel will readily out last it in regards to edge retention, as will any of the high end cutlery stainless steels. As for sharpening it on a rock, this is more hype than anything else. Rocks are very hard, you can even sharpen the very hard and wear resistant stainless steels on them.
My only experience with their customer service was through non-existant email interactions. In my opinion if you put up an email address on your website as part of your contact info and you don't bother to check it - this does not qualify as great customer service.
The Basic line is about 25% more (probably reduce this if you shop around) as compared to the larger heavier TOPS blades. You get a lot more for that 25%.
I saw blade failures in the Sawback teeth (breaking wire), and the tip digging in wood, and the tip again and the edge digging an arrow head out of wood, and bent the main body of the blade prying. The Striders (WB / PAB) and Busse Combat (Basic and Battle Mistress), suffered no damage doing the same things in regards to the tip and edge nor prying (have not done that with the PAB yet though, would be very surprised if it bothered it though).
One last thing, the serrations on the Steel Eagle are very nice. They greatly lower the force you need to slice through rope and such and because they are flat tipped they can be sharpened right along with the rest of the blade.
-Cliff