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The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is$300$250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
TOPS B.E.S.T. Any opinons?
- Thread starter Kodiak PA
- Start date
Kodiak PA
Gold Member
- Joined
- Dec 3, 1998
- Messages
- 2,447
Length Overall 12.5"
Length Blade 7
Cutting Edge 6.25
Thickness Blade 1/4"
Weight oz
Blade Type BE5010T Tanto Point
Blade Type BE5020HP Hunter's Point
Blade Steel CM154 - CRYO
Rc 58-60 Heat Treated 2X
Blade Color Black Traction Coating
Handle Material Black Canvas Micarta®
Sheath Material Kydex Heavy Duty LBE
Product # BE5010T $299.00
Product #BE5020HP $299.00
Other Features
Sequentially Numbered
Mfg. Handcrafted in the USA
*Serrations optional upon request
You can get this significantly cheaper on the web. I bought mine from Patrick (known as Frank Castle) from S4Supply. Patrick is a very honest and helpful dealer. Mine is enroute.
Thanks
Length Blade 7
Cutting Edge 6.25
Thickness Blade 1/4"
Weight oz
Blade Type BE5010T Tanto Point
Blade Type BE5020HP Hunter's Point
Blade Steel CM154 - CRYO
Rc 58-60 Heat Treated 2X
Blade Color Black Traction Coating
Handle Material Black Canvas Micarta®
Sheath Material Kydex Heavy Duty LBE
Product # BE5010T $299.00
Product #BE5020HP $299.00
Other Features
Sequentially Numbered
Mfg. Handcrafted in the USA
*Serrations optional upon request
You can get this significantly cheaper on the web. I bought mine from Patrick (known as Frank Castle) from S4Supply. Patrick is a very honest and helpful dealer. Mine is enroute.
Thanks
Brian Jones
Moderator
- Joined
- Jan 17, 1999
- Messages
- 7,560
Greg,
I had a chance to handle a few BEST models at SHOT while Mike FUller and I were hanging out. Amazing -- the handles are some of his best yet, and the presence of the blades is astounding. They seem bomb-proof like the rest of his blades....
~B.
I had a chance to handle a few BEST models at SHOT while Mike FUller and I were hanging out. Amazing -- the handles are some of his best yet, and the presence of the blades is astounding. They seem bomb-proof like the rest of his blades....
~B.
Brian Jones
Moderator
- Joined
- Jan 17, 1999
- Messages
- 7,560
My pleasure, Greg! Glad you like the the Magnum! With the BEST line, I only held it -- didn't use it or anything, but have no reason to doubt it.
Best,
Brian.
Best,
Brian.
Kodiak PA
Gold Member
- Joined
- Dec 3, 1998
- Messages
- 2,447
My initial impression was, "Holy crap is this thing impressive".
This is different from the other TOPS I have seen. A very contoured handle with red spacer. Exposed tang witha "4" on it signifying it is CM154 steel. The TOPS emblem is engraved on the handle witht he word "BEST" on top. The knife is #30 (they are all numbered) and the blade design looks very heavy duty with its 1/4 stock. What I like is that the blade is black but the swedge is satin finished. One thing I didn't notice in the picture. Really accentuates the blade nicely.
If this knife cuts like my other TOPS then this knife will be like Brian said, "Bombproof". One hell of a knife.
The only down side so far is the sheath. I am very picky....I just don't like most kydex sheaths from production companies though TOPS is better than most. The outline on the sheath shows a tanto design though this is the clip point or what they call Hunter's Point. I guess that saves on cost. Still, TOPs makes a pretty durable sheath and this one is thicker than most. I just think Mike Sastre and Eric at On Scene Tactical have spoiled me.
I look forward to hearing other people's opinion regarding this knife when they get one.
This is different from the other TOPS I have seen. A very contoured handle with red spacer. Exposed tang witha "4" on it signifying it is CM154 steel. The TOPS emblem is engraved on the handle witht he word "BEST" on top. The knife is #30 (they are all numbered) and the blade design looks very heavy duty with its 1/4 stock. What I like is that the blade is black but the swedge is satin finished. One thing I didn't notice in the picture. Really accentuates the blade nicely.
If this knife cuts like my other TOPS then this knife will be like Brian said, "Bombproof". One hell of a knife.
The only down side so far is the sheath. I am very picky....I just don't like most kydex sheaths from production companies though TOPS is better than most. The outline on the sheath shows a tanto design though this is the clip point or what they call Hunter's Point. I guess that saves on cost. Still, TOPs makes a pretty durable sheath and this one is thicker than most. I just think Mike Sastre and Eric at On Scene Tactical have spoiled me.
I look forward to hearing other people's opinion regarding this knife when they get one.
- Joined
- Oct 11, 2001
- Messages
- 475
It's a beauty. Of their new knives, it's the easiest to look at. I'd have to say though that I prefer the Border Crossing. It's more because of the size, but I like the looks of it too.
Review, Kodiak! We need to know how well it chops everyday things like saplings, sirloin, and the ubiquitous steel drum!
Zero
Review, Kodiak! We need to know how well it chops everyday things like saplings, sirloin, and the ubiquitous steel drum!
Zero
I AM A SALES REP FOR TOPS. YOU MAY BE INTERESTED TO KNOW THAT THE B.E.S.T. SERIES IS ALSO AVAILABLE IN 1095 CARBON STEEL AT $225 SRP FOR THE BE5020T OR BE5020HP. I WOULD ALSO SUGGEST YOU LOOK AT THE BORDER CROSSING IF YOU WANT A SHORTER BLADE. ALL ARE AVAILABLE WITH SERRATIONS AT NO EXTRA CHARGE. YOU CAN CONTACT ME AT PYTRHONRMS@AOL.COM.
Glad this post came back up here!!!
I purchaced both model B.E.S.T knives! The hunters point and the tanto in CM154 steel. All I can say is this about these knives!!! Quality! Quality! Quality! Some fit and finish! Beautiful! Unbelievable man!
I will post up pictures as soon as I can. They came very sharp!
I am no expert on Kydex but the sheaths are not that bad. I would rather see Tek-Loc system, but what it came with will be adequate for me. Although it seems that the clip could come off and be replaced with a Tek-Loc.
I am happy with the purchace. I have not had the chance to use them yet, but I will soon.
Kodiak, I had sent two or three emails to s4supply, but the never got back to me so I did business someplace else, unfortunatley had to pay the full amount. I don't know what happened with s4supply. Oh well no big deal.
The B.E.S.T Hunters point is a beauty. It fits well in the hand. Its got some heft, which I like. The quality of the knife is just superb. I recommend any one to go and take a serious look at these knives. I like the quality of these knives so much I bought the CQT Magnum folder in Hunters Point.
Take a look at these knives ladies and gentlemen. Thanks for your time.
I purchaced both model B.E.S.T knives! The hunters point and the tanto in CM154 steel. All I can say is this about these knives!!! Quality! Quality! Quality! Some fit and finish! Beautiful! Unbelievable man!
I will post up pictures as soon as I can. They came very sharp!
I am no expert on Kydex but the sheaths are not that bad. I would rather see Tek-Loc system, but what it came with will be adequate for me. Although it seems that the clip could come off and be replaced with a Tek-Loc.
I am happy with the purchace. I have not had the chance to use them yet, but I will soon.
Kodiak, I had sent two or three emails to s4supply, but the never got back to me so I did business someplace else, unfortunatley had to pay the full amount. I don't know what happened with s4supply. Oh well no big deal.
The B.E.S.T Hunters point is a beauty. It fits well in the hand. Its got some heft, which I like. The quality of the knife is just superb. I recommend any one to go and take a serious look at these knives. I like the quality of these knives so much I bought the CQT Magnum folder in Hunters Point.
Take a look at these knives ladies and gentlemen. Thanks for your time.
Brian Jones
Moderator
- Joined
- Jan 17, 1999
- Messages
- 7,560
I got the Tanto Point BEST and Border Crossing from Mike to evaluate and show around to potential law enforcement and SAR clients. I asked him the story behind the design of the blades.
He said that both models were direct responses to needs by Spec Operators on shorter, covert missions. The big one, as pictured above by Greg, was designed to have the ultimate chopping power of a big 9-14" blade, but in a short package that rides more easily on LBE (load bearing equipment), so they can get through tight spots and contort their bodies as necessary without a big blade interfering. The handle was designed to index easily in the hnad when its cold, with gloves on, or even if you hand is injured. It also doubles as an emergency fighter (try whipping it around a bit as a fighter -- although a tad blade-heavy, you can still wield it VERY effectively).
They also wanted it thick for prying (it is used as a small but stout breaching tool, eliminating the need to carry Hooligan bars and other very heavy entry tools), and asked for 154cm, because they often have to move in and out of marine environments, or snowy conditions where they don't have the time or luxury of blade maintenance (sharpening sounds can carry pretty far!). Mike said he had to keep increasing the "hump" on the spine to add the right amount of weight for choppoing, while maintaining a good overall balance. When I held this blade, I buzzed back and forth through thoughts of cleaving meat in the kitchen, chopping down an oak tree, battling an enemy, opening the door of my house without the keys, and using it to flip flapjacks on the backwoods griddle. LOL!
The border crossing is an all-around utility/fighting knife. Kept thick for prying, it still cuts like a demon, and is a great carry combat blade. It functions in forward grip, and, when you put it in reverse, it indexes into your hand superbly, and the edge of your palm stays against the small raised ramp on the spine perfectly, keeping it from sliding onto the blade. It also has a skull crusher on the pommel, discreetly placed, but very effective. You can bash the hell out of it with a baton to split wood, etc., and can pry the crap out of all sorts of things, even though the blade is only 4.5" overall, with a 4.25" cutting edge. It also has a great profile for skinning anything from squirrels to a rhino. I personally consider it the fixed-bade cousin of my CQT Magnum.
The sheaths have a rotating metal clip, rahter than the kydex ones of old. I have found that, in the field, kydex sheath clips break too easily under the stresses put on them when crawling and climbing in rough terrain. This breaking gets worse in cold conditions. Many spec operators have reported back from the field that they would prefer the metal clips as well. You can rotate the sheath on the clip to any angle, and it stays very well. The clip is a b!itch to pull apart enough to slide it onto a belt, but that is a very big positive for me. It ain't coming off!
A substantial number of each model were made for the soldiers conducting ops in Afghanistan, sterile, without any logos or markings --(EDIT) I don't know how many, the 500 number was way off, my mistake. They have been sighted by many over there on the gear of our operators in both the elite units of the Army and Navy, and reports back from the field are that the owners are VERY pleased with the performance.
All of TOPS models are designed for mission specific purposes, with knives going back and forth between the untis and TOPS until they hit exactly what they want. Field R&D under harsh conditions, until it is a proven performer. Pretty cool.
In case you didn't know, Mike Fuller is a decorated Special Forces veteran, having served multiple tours in Vietnam. He has seen and done more than most, for several years in combat, and utilizes that knowledge to make sure his brothers in the field are properly equipped.
Best,
Brian.
He said that both models were direct responses to needs by Spec Operators on shorter, covert missions. The big one, as pictured above by Greg, was designed to have the ultimate chopping power of a big 9-14" blade, but in a short package that rides more easily on LBE (load bearing equipment), so they can get through tight spots and contort their bodies as necessary without a big blade interfering. The handle was designed to index easily in the hnad when its cold, with gloves on, or even if you hand is injured. It also doubles as an emergency fighter (try whipping it around a bit as a fighter -- although a tad blade-heavy, you can still wield it VERY effectively).
They also wanted it thick for prying (it is used as a small but stout breaching tool, eliminating the need to carry Hooligan bars and other very heavy entry tools), and asked for 154cm, because they often have to move in and out of marine environments, or snowy conditions where they don't have the time or luxury of blade maintenance (sharpening sounds can carry pretty far!). Mike said he had to keep increasing the "hump" on the spine to add the right amount of weight for choppoing, while maintaining a good overall balance. When I held this blade, I buzzed back and forth through thoughts of cleaving meat in the kitchen, chopping down an oak tree, battling an enemy, opening the door of my house without the keys, and using it to flip flapjacks on the backwoods griddle. LOL!
The border crossing is an all-around utility/fighting knife. Kept thick for prying, it still cuts like a demon, and is a great carry combat blade. It functions in forward grip, and, when you put it in reverse, it indexes into your hand superbly, and the edge of your palm stays against the small raised ramp on the spine perfectly, keeping it from sliding onto the blade. It also has a skull crusher on the pommel, discreetly placed, but very effective. You can bash the hell out of it with a baton to split wood, etc., and can pry the crap out of all sorts of things, even though the blade is only 4.5" overall, with a 4.25" cutting edge. It also has a great profile for skinning anything from squirrels to a rhino. I personally consider it the fixed-bade cousin of my CQT Magnum.
The sheaths have a rotating metal clip, rahter than the kydex ones of old. I have found that, in the field, kydex sheath clips break too easily under the stresses put on them when crawling and climbing in rough terrain. This breaking gets worse in cold conditions. Many spec operators have reported back from the field that they would prefer the metal clips as well. You can rotate the sheath on the clip to any angle, and it stays very well. The clip is a b!itch to pull apart enough to slide it onto a belt, but that is a very big positive for me. It ain't coming off!
A substantial number of each model were made for the soldiers conducting ops in Afghanistan, sterile, without any logos or markings --(EDIT) I don't know how many, the 500 number was way off, my mistake. They have been sighted by many over there on the gear of our operators in both the elite units of the Army and Navy, and reports back from the field are that the owners are VERY pleased with the performance.
All of TOPS models are designed for mission specific purposes, with knives going back and forth between the untis and TOPS until they hit exactly what they want. Field R&D under harsh conditions, until it is a proven performer. Pretty cool.
In case you didn't know, Mike Fuller is a decorated Special Forces veteran, having served multiple tours in Vietnam. He has seen and done more than most, for several years in combat, and utilizes that knowledge to make sure his brothers in the field are properly equipped.
Best,
Brian.
- Joined
- Dec 6, 1999
- Messages
- 667
Hey WTF-
I honestly must say I never got any of your emails. Are you sure you tried to email me? Pearman81s@aol.com OR Sales@S4Supply.com are my email addy's . You may have gotten the wrong email address. Anyone who ever wrote me knows I email back very quickly.
So, anyway- You'll love the B.E.S.T. models. They are one super looking blade. "Wow"-is what came to mind when I saw the 5020HP (above shown pic) for the first time. I'm also happy to see TOPS providing the 154cm as a steel option.