Preview: TOPS Shango

J

JNieporte

Joined
Nov 1, 2004
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The Shango was designed by Joezilla and marketed by TOPS Knives. The MSRP is $120, but it's on sale for now for $100. In-store price is around $70-$80. The Shango is one solid piece of 440-C and has a grey coating on it. It comes with a black Kydex sheath, whistle, Lansky sharpener, and a ferro rod / magnesium strip. The one I'm reviewing belongs to Joezilla, and I plan on testing it very harshly very soon.

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But wait. You don't want to see glamour shots; you want to see the Shango in use, right? Thought so.
These are just backyard photos of my first use of the Shango.

It batoned very well, even through a log big enough that only the tip of the knife was sticking out...
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This is how deep the Shango went with one medium-strength whack...
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After about six or seven minutes, I batoned enough wood to start a small fire...
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I'll have a full review up soon, but for now, the Shango is a very well-made tool. I rather like the ferro rod scraper (which I haven't shown).

With a Kabar Becker Necker and RAT Izula for size reference...
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I'm wearing mine (shoulder rig) right now! Great knife! :cool::thumbup:
 
right on man...:thumbup: i love the Shango... it's a handy little knife...:) Joe did a great job on the design...:D
 
I got that beast, you really beat the snot out of it! I kept the cord wrap on it in your honor, thanks!!!!
 
I like the design and it looks to handle well. No disrespect to Joezilla as I think he disigned a winner, however, I cant see how TOPS can justify the MSRP comparred to other prodcution knives in the same nitch. Its what, a third more expensive than a BK 11or Izula?
 
Colt6731 said:
Its what, a third more expensive than a BK 11or Izula?
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Small production company, more expensive steel (stainless). I do admit the price is a little high but I have no control over that. It does come with a sharpener, a ferro rod/misch metal, and a whistle :)
 
What was the thought on the, I don't know what to call it, Rhino point? Just looks or something functional?
 
I think the price is perfectly justified for the package that it is--MSRP is spot on with that of the Izula w/kit. It's a fantastic knife. I say get an Izula for carbon steel, and get a Shango for stainless, plus a longer handle. The extra handle length isn't a huge deal for me (I have small hands) but those who feel cramped with the handle on the Izula will find the Shango to be quite roomy. ;):thumbup: That little "peak" on the spine makes a great spot for your thumb or index finger.

Funny thing is, since I've been EDC-ing it most days in an under-the-arm inverted sling it's been my most-used knife while I'm in the car since I don't have comfortable pocket access. :p
 
remmmm said:
What was the thought on the, I don't know what to call it, Rhino point? Just looks or something functional?
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It doesn't help or hurt, and I liked to put my index finger on it when I cut up a deer.
 
Looks very nice, and seems to have a functional blade geometry, but the 440C kills it for me.
 
I really love TOPS knives, when they hit on a good designer their execution is topnotch. Joe I think you reduced the Hudson Bay Knife to a neck knife size and keep all the best features. I am not taking away from the BRKT and RAT those fat little blades are OK for everything buth with the sweep on the Shango and grinds on the top, this knife is a better for stabbing, skinning and fine point work, this is one I will buy....

Now you need to put a bottle opener on it ; ).
 
LUW said:
Looks very nice, and seems to have a functional blade geometry, but the 440C kills it for me.
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440C is a great choice, you don't have to paint it black to be corrosion resistant, good edge retention too.

(I'd rather see BG42 on every knife ever made but other than that I'll take 440C as a good comprimise on a knife designed to be a comprimise)
 
I had previously not been too impressed with 440C, but after my experiences with the Shango I can tell you firsthand that it can be more than fantastic. I'm not sure what TOPS does to their 440C, but it's like a scalpel. My coworkers couldn't believe it either. :eek:
 
I like the design , and I happen to like 440C , I especially like the extras that it comes with ,

it has the makes for a nice little survival system, and as a EDC knife by itself ,

looks to be a good piece of kit for experienced users and beginners alike .



1234,,,,,,,,:)
 
FortyTwoBlades said:
I had previously not been too impressed with 440C, but after my experiences with the Shango I can tell you firsthand that it can be more than fantastic. I'm not sure what TOPS does to their 440C, but it's like a scalpel. My coworkers couldn't believe it either. :eek:
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Now this changes things :thumbup:. Until now I always considered 440C to be just "cheap ss" (but better then 440A, about which I would say is "junk ss" :p), so it's good to know that it can be made into a fine knife. And yes, the shiny blade is a big plus over the black stuff that seems to be the norm these days.
 
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