Thoughts on the TOPS backup firemans axe?

SlackStatic · Dec 9, 2009

http://www.topsknives.com/product_info.php?cPath=7&products_id=75

Title says it all really, anyone have one? What are your thoughts as a good backpacking axe? I would love to get one and ditch the micarta for some paracord though. I like the design, just curious what you fine gentlemen think.

Dusty One · Dec 9, 2009

Never handled one, but I do have a couple Tops products and like them....

savageknives · Dec 9, 2009

i cant attest to the quality as i have never handled any tops products but the design looks very good. long, curved cutting edge which would make chopping a cinch and could even be used in an ulu fashion as well i would think. if you end up getting one, let us know what you think.

Calebklyne · Dec 9, 2009

their heat treating is second to none and while i hate the grinds on their knives they make a solid product

A.L. · Dec 10, 2009

Angle of the shaft looks akward to me, but it's propably due the intended purpose; breaking through door. As an camp axe I don't think it's a good idea. Also the "full tang" design and squared handle looks uncomfortable for hand, and propably delivers more shock to your hands than wooden shaft.

Just my thoughts.

Calebklyne · Dec 10, 2009

A.L. said:
Angle of the shaft looks akward to me, but it's propably due the intended purpose; breaking through door. As an camp axe I don't think it's a good idea. Also the "full tang" design and squared handle looks uncomfortable for hand, and propably delivers more shock to your hands than wooden shaft.

Just my thoughts.

i switch from an estwing hammer to a vaughn with a wooden handle for this reason exactly i found i was getting very bad carpol tunnel and im only 20

plus the vaughn swings nicer

A.L. · Dec 11, 2009

Calebklyne said:
i switch from an estwing hammer to a vaughn with a wooden handle for this reason exactly i found i was getting very bad carpol tunnel and im only 20

plus the vaughn swings nicer

Ah damn, Im sorry to hear that.

Calebklyne · Dec 11, 2009

A.L. said:
Ah damn, Im sorry to hear that.

i dont have problems very often at all anymore tho so while i hate having to rehandle every year its worth it in the arms

jw2n · Dec 16, 2009

You may also want to check out the rescue hatchets/axes from Miineral Mountain.

rbryd · Dec 16, 2009

ive never had one, but if its anything like the tops knives ive had they are great!