Should I get my first TOPS or buy 2 other good fixed blades for the $?

S

Steely Dan

Joined
Apr 13, 2011
Messages
83
Hello Bladechachos,
I have always admired TOPS knives but the price always put me off a little. I made up my mind to pick up either the SXB or the US Combat knife from TOPS. I realized while trying to choose between those two beauts It is a pretty high price and for the same amount of moola I could get a couple fixed blades I've been eyeing from other manufacturers. Should I pull the trigger on a TOPS in 1095 or try me some Kizlyar D2? Tops makes a fantastic looking blade but I'm not sure if Id be able to beat on it after dropping 250+ on one. I know there are some happy TOPS owners out here who might say I need one for the collection.
 
What is the price range of the two combined,,, and what size//style blade are you interested in?
 
Great knife but...Jeez Dan, look around. These can be had for less than $150.;)
 
Hiya rcb2000,
I'm looking at 2 different TOPS models. I am in Canada so finding a deal in the USA is not likely once duties and shipping is lumped on. Best price I can find on my 2 TOPS choices is $260cad for the SXB or $250can for the US Combat. Kind of steep by my standards but not a problem for a BMF piece of steel. I have a good sized collection of different styles but no TOPS yet. Kizlyar really has my attention. I can get me 5.5-6 inches of full tang d2 for $150-160can. Hmmmm
 
No worries man Lol. I have done my shopping around and pricing. It is pricey huh? But Tops are quality blades, so I hear.
 
I think I just want the SXB because it is huge and nasty looking. It could work out in the woods but damn! How could you carry the thing? I'm also not big on sawbacks or the whole interrupted WSK blade style so Im leaning away from that destroyer.
 
Steely Dan said:
Hiya rcb2000,
I'm looking at 2 different TOPS models. I am in Canada so finding a deal in the USA is not likely once duties and shipping is lumped on. Best price I can find on my 2 TOPS choices is $260cad for the SXB or $250can for the US Combat. Kind of steep by my standards but not a problem for a BMF piece of steel. I have a good sized collection of different styles but no TOPS yet. Kizlyar really has my attention. I can get me 5.5-6 inches of full tang d2 for $150-160can. Hmmmm
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Have you looked at the Swamprat Ratmandu? Better steel, amazing ergonomics,, lifetime unconditional warranty.. If not then also what about Esee?
 
Steely Dan said:
No worries man Lol. I have done my shopping around and pricing. It is pricey huh? But Tops are quality blades, so I hear.
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Tho I have Busse kin in SR77, SR101, and infi, at heart ... I'm really a 1095 kinda guy. With proper heat treat its hard to beat, in my book.... and I loooove Tops knives. I have US Combat, Rangers Edge, Ute, Moccasin Ranger. All are solid as a rock, superb fit and finish. Bit thick behind the edge, but I already have plenty of knives for slicing cantaloupe and tomatoes. ;)
 
ichor said:
Tho I have Busse kin in SR77, SR101, and infi, at heart ... I'm really a 1095 kinda guy. With proper heat treat its hard to beat, in my book.... and I loooove Tops knives. I have US Combat, Rangers Edge, Ute, Moccasin Ranger. All are solid as a rock, superb fit and finish. Bit thick behind the edge, but I already have plenty of knives for slicing cantaloupe and tomatoes. ;)
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You own the US combat by Tops?! Out of all the knives in the Tops line I liked that one the most. Have you used it much? How is it in hand? I love the micarta handle that pays tribute to the KA-BAR. Is it as comfy as it looks?
 
That is an interesting thread! I envy your Busse pieces, fantastic blades but a little steep for me. I like 1095 too. Becker knives in 1095 are some very very tough customers. I have a BK2 I keep around just in case I need to baton through a Pontiac. I'm sure Tops heat treat is as good or better.
 
The Rangers edge looks wicked! If I was choosing a pure fighting style knife that might me the one! How do you like it?
 
Steely Dan said:
That is an interesting thread! I envy your Busse pieces, fantastic blades but a little steep for me. I like 1095 too. Becker knives in 1095 are some very very tough customers. I have a BK2 I keep around just in case I need to baton through a Pontiac. I'm sure Tops heat treat is as good or better.
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The reason I mentioned the Ratmandu, is that its the size you are looking for,, and SR101 is a GREAT steel, some would say close to INFI,, it has great edge retention and is tough as well.
Swamprat is a branch of Busse, and has the same lifetime unconditional warranty.

Right now they're on the Swamprat site for 158.. which is a great deal IMO

All that being said,, ESEE and Kabar Beckers are great as well...
 
The Ratmandu is nice! But I was looking for something about 7-10inches that performs a little chopping and survival/utility but not too big to carry.
 
ah I see... well good luck in your search!
Rowens treat of ESEE's 1095 is spectacular,,, but I don't think they have anything in that size range..except the Junglas. maybe just get the TOPS you want!
 
Steely Dan said:
That is an interesting thread! I envy your Busse pieces, fantastic blades but a little steep for me. I like 1095 too. Becker knives in 1095 are some very very tough customers. I have a BK2 I keep around just in case I need to baton through a Pontiac. I'm sure Tops heat treat is as good or better.
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The 1095 Cro van is among the best. I'm a Becker fan as well and own all the must have ones (BK 2, 4, 5, 9 and a 15 for good measure.) The Busse, Swamp Rat and Scrapyard I picked up at exceptional prices (you've likely already surmised that I'm a consummate bargain hunter ;) ). I have not used the USMC Combat much, but I must say that tho it feels good in the hand, it is more a combat knife than camp/survival/bushcraft style. Blade is too thick and narrow. In fact, I think the Moccasin Ranger would serve better in that capacity. And like RCB200 says....Don't forget Esse (to confuse things a bit more). With the BK 2 tank buster in hand, I had to buy an Esee 5 for the left hand to keep me from listing to one side when walking, and its a hell of a knife as well. Prolly not helping at all. LOL
 
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