Question on a Tops / no bashing please

[jwh]

Do any of you have or have had in the past a Tops Idaho Field Knife. If so what was your assessment of this knife? It looks to be a pretty handy size for general use while hunting, fishing or camp cook. I have several Tops in my collection and like those just fine. No Tops bashing necessary. Thanks folks.

jwh

 

[marcinek]

You want an assessment of the knife, but no negative opinions are allowed?

 

[TriviaMonster]

I too was looking at that Idaho knife. Looks handy, and Tops are built by Rowen right? Just like ESEE. I haven't heard any build quality issues with Tops, so while some designs are goofy, they are a safe bet IMO.

Also, negative points are not the same as bashing. Knife A has no belly, as opposed to knife A is made by a junk company with stupid advertising. There is a difference.

 

[1066vik]

At one point TOPS knives were produced by Rowen, but that has not been the case for at least a couple of years, maybe longer.
That said, they have some patterns I like and I have yet to hear anything bad about their build quality.
The Idaho Field knife is one of the patterns that I do not like: it has a long, concave clip, a recurve belly, and a huge choil -- all features I do not like.

their Tennessee Tickler, Overlander, Brothers of Bushcraft, Tactical Steak, Cochise, or the Idaho Hunter are all patterns more to my liking.

 

[jwh]

You want an assessment of the knife, but no negative opinions are allowed?

That is not at all what was said. You have been here long enough to know that often times when Tops is mentioned that many people come out and complain about everything from their names , to some of the designs to advertising. I am guessing most have not used them before. I was just hoping tp0 keep this to a discussion about the knife.

jwh

 

[jwh]

I too was looking at that Idaho knife. Looks handy, and Tops are built by Rowen right? Just like ESEE. I haven't heard any build quality issues with Tops, so while some designs are goofy, they are a safe bet IMO.

Also, negative points are not the same as bashing. Knife A has no belly, as opposed to knife A is made by a junk company with stupid advertising. There is a difference.

I ordered it so I will let you know my opinion next week.

Thank you, you knew exactly what I meant about the bashing.

jwh

 

[jwh]

That said, they have some patterns I like and I have yet to hear anything bad about their build quality.
The Idaho Field knife is one of the patterns that I do not like: it has a long, concave clip, a recurve belly, and a huge choil -- all features I do not like.
]

The Tenn Tickler is on my radar as well. The recurve on the field knife was almost a deal breaker for me but I decideed I was going to give it a whirl. I have 3 others that all have excellent fit-n-finish and fine quality. I also have 2 Tops/Buck collabs that have been first rate.


jwh