Please dont hurt me... I need to ask...

The only one that has really interested me is the Delta Unit 3. I'll probably get it one day, but my ESEE purchases definitely take precedence.
 
TOPS knives?

I have found that they break easily doing stuff which should not hurt them, they are overly heavy for their size and have handles and blade designs which are not entirely practical for the most part. I've not found them to be delivered sharp.

There are only a couple I'd even entertain owning at this point, and frankly, given the function-first designs of the RAT/ ESEE line and the better price-points, unless we're talking about a scalpel with a properly executed sheath or a SAW, plain-edged please, again, with a proper sheath (lose that ridiculous metal pants-eating clip), I'll not own a TOPS again.

I have never found a TOPS knife with a sheath worth carrying. Then again, I have been accused of being very picky in this regard. I accept that accusation. I carry only knives which carry well for me, be it out and about or in an urban environment. The RAT line sheathing works well and I will not bother to carry a knife with a crappy sheath.
 
tidefan said:
I have some ESEE, Ontario RAT, and TOPS knives and really like them all. Yes TOPS has A LOT of models to choose from but variety is the spice of life. I know folks who swear by each brand, so here's my take.

ESEE's is an outstanding knives. What's not to like? Excellent line, steel, production, and warranty.

Ontario RAT- pretty much the same except for the warranty. ESEE's are like a +P version.

TOPS makes an outstanding knife as well. A lot of people site the price vs. 1095, but I don't see this issue. They differentially heat treat their 1095, which takes more time and effort and they offer more models to choose from.

I am a huge fan af all three as all three are excellent knives. Personally...If you like em, buy em, you won't be disappointed with either brand..Jim
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One thing I would like to point out about the differential heat treat process taking more time. As most of you know, we built the entire TOPS fixed blade line several years back and differentially heat treated there blades to TOPS specs. The heat treatment process we later developed in house and use on all ESEE blades takes almost three times as long as the process that was used on the TOPS line. Never the less, choose the blade that fits your needs, and style best. Then use and enjoy them.
 
Rowen Mfg. said:
One thing I would like to point out about the differential heat treat process taking more time. As most of you know, we built the entire TOPS fixed blade line several years back and differentially heat treated there blades to TOPS specs. The heat treatment process we later developed in house and use on all ESEE blades takes almost three times as long as the process that was used on the TOPS line. Never the less, choose the blade that fits your needs, and style best. Then use and enjoy them.
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That's interesting. I'm in the process of trying to make my own knives and the heat treating process seems like the hardest part. I can't afford an oven to use so I"ll be doing it old-school with propane torches in a homemade kiln with fire-brick. The heat treat process is very fascinating the more you study it.
 
I own a TOPS Steel Eagle 105, and I think it is a very good knife. With that being said I own 4 ESEE knives, and I like them better. ESEE has a better finish and a better warrenty. So I will not talk bad about the TOPS, I just won't buy anymore......
 
I love TOPS, their new power eagle really zings through everything. Can't say enuf about it. Great company to deal with.
 
Parker said:
TOPS knives?

I have found that they break easily doing stuff which should not hurt them, they are overly heavy for their size and have handles and blade designs which are not entirely practical for the most part. I've not found them to be delivered sharp.
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Which Tops knives have you seen breaking or do you know of that they have broken easily?

I find the edges of Tops knives way too thick to be good cutters/slicers.
The ESEE-5 is also thick,but that knife has a sharp edge.Like it should be on a knife.

I like the look of some Tops knives(Moccasin Ranger ,Lone Falcone),but function is a far more weighing factor to me than looks.
And some models are just....over the Tops.I don't like my knives with all these holes and ridges in all kinds of places.

Rowen Mfg. said:
One thing I would like to point out about the differential heat treat process taking more time. As most of you know, we built the entire TOPS fixed blade line several years back and differentially heat treated there blades to TOPS specs. The heat treatment process we later developed in house and use on all ESEE blades takes almost three times as long as the process that was used on the TOPS line. Never the less, choose the blade that fits your needs, and style best. Then use and enjoy them.
Click to expand...

That's interesting info..
 
Rowen Mfg. said:
One thing I would like to point out about the differential heat treat process taking more time. As most of you know, we built the entire TOPS fixed blade line several years back and differentially heat treated there blades to TOPS specs. The heat treatment process we later developed in house and use on all ESEE blades takes almost three times as long as the process that was used on the TOPS line. Never the less, choose the blade that fits your needs, and style best. Then use and enjoy them.
Click to expand...

I heard something about that elsewhere and it's good to get confirmation from you. Thanks!
 
Some of their line looks good, however I'm having a really hard time finding a "practical" knife from them I would like to buy. They put a lot of "tacticool" into their designs, but that turns into a highly aggressive looking blade... which is not really something I want.
 
My opinion is that the TOPS line is very aggressively styled by design, as there is a huge market for that. It will also turn a lot of people off. They also tend to fall under the "sharpened pry bar" category, which may not be the practical choice for everyday tasks. However, they do have some unique designs, and I appreciate companies that try different things, even if they don't always succeed. I have a few TOPS models, and I think they're pretty good knives. I'm sure Rowen's involvement is a big part of that.

That being said, there is probably an ESEE alternative that is going to do everything a TOPS can do (if not better), and be a better value. I think TOPS' price point may be hampered by having too many designs. But there's nothing wrong with wanting something new or different. I certainly have more knives than I should, but I am getting quite a lot of enjoyment out of that.
 
I have given my knives/equipment hard use all over the country in the Northwest, Smokies and abroad on duty. I own TOPS knives as well as an ESSE. They both work and never has a TOPS knife broke. I use the smoke jumper for outdoors and when I was on duty abroad I carry the Stryker Defender Tool which is incredibly versatile. The other guys on the "team" also use some TOPS knives (and other brands as well) and they all get the job done. One interesting point is that no one carried an ESSE knife that I am aware of. The performance was excellent and I have never had a day's trouble. One other thing to keep in mind is that Fuller backs his products to the hilt and rarely (if ever) refuses a replacement. As a matter of fact I have not heard of anyone not getting a repair or replacement. Here is my best advice for what ever it is worth. Find a knife you like, keep it razor sharp in field and life will be good. There is nothing that a ESSE does that a TOPS doesn't do and vice a versa. At the end of the day it is just a tool and more importantly it is what you use it for. Frankly if I wanted a simple Saber grind I would just buy Becker BK2 for less than 1/2 the price and be done with it. Ka-Bar also backs their knives to the hilt as well. I respect the opinions in the forum but a lot of this goes way over the top. IMO. That being said I do enjoy reading the opinions on this forum. Thanks for reading and long live the republic.
 
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I used to carry TOPS. They are a good knife, but way over priced. I'm personally not a big fan of the gray coating. Handles are nice, but not as comfortable as ESEE. I've dropped TOPS because of the price point vs benefit factor. You can't do better than ESEE or Becker (don't flame me guys, my video kinda proved this). Either will serve you well for the rest of your life.
 
EnduringEagle said:
I have given my knives/equipment hard use all over the country in the Northwest, Smokies and abroad on duty. I own TOPS knives as well as an ESSE. They both work and never has a TOPS knife broke. I use the smoke jumper for outdoors and when I was on duty abroad I carry the Stryker Defender Tool which is incredibly versatile. The other guys on the "team" also use some TOPS knives (and other brands as well) and they all get the job done. One interesting point is that no one carried an ESSE knife that I am aware of. The performance was excellent and I have never had a day's trouble. One other thing to keep in mind is that Fuller backs his products to the hilt and rarely (if ever) refuses a replacement. As a matter of fact I have not heard of anyone not getting a repair or replacement. Here is my best advice for what ever it is worth. Find a knife you like, keep it razor sharp in field and life will be good. There is nothing that a ESSE does that a TOPS doesn't do and vice a versa. At the end of the day it is just a tool and more importantly it is what you use it for. Frankly if I wanted a simple Saber grind I would just buy Becker BK2 for less than 1/2 the price and be done with it. Ka-Bar also backs their knives to the hilt as well. I respect the opinions in the forum but a lot of this goes way over the top. IMO. That being said I do enjoy reading the opinions on this forum. Thanks for reading and long live the republic.
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I think you just stated what most all of us believe here. :thumbup:
 
TAGannon said:
I used to carry TOPS. They are a good knife, but way over priced. I'm personally not a big fan of the gray coating. Handles are nice, but not as comfortable as ESEE. I've dropped TOPS because of the price point vs benefit factor. You can't do better than ESEE or Becker (don't flame me guys, my video kinda proved this). Either will serve you well for the rest of your life.
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Yeah, but we're just prettier than Becker :D
 
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