Hello,
I have no experience of the TOPS, but I have a CQD mk II, which is essentially the Mk 1, without the secondary 'support blade'. It is, in my opinion, the better knife of the 2. The mark 1 is quite a lot larger, by necessity to accommodate the support blade. The Mk II, whilst having a main blade, only slightly smaller, is a much more compact package. I show it next to a full size Trident, to give you a better idea of it's size. In no way can it be called small!!
It is a very high quality, and extremely well engineered knife. The blade lockup is extremely smooth and secure, rivalled only I believe by the Sebenza. The only disadvantage is that it takes a while, before your thumb is used to hitting the lock, which is above the pivot, right at the top of the handle. It requires quite a firm push too. There is a secondary blade lock also, which is proprietory, but feels an awful lot like the LAWKS.
Materials are up to par too, hard anodised 6061 alloy for the handles/scales. The inlaid 'wing walk' material gives a very aggressive and tenacious hold, which make the knife feel very secure in the hand. (Makes a great nail file!!) It gives a feeling of solidity, which I believe is pretty much unrivalled.... far better than the other knives in the MOD range, which are good, but no better than other knives at about the same price, or cheaper.
What I do hate about it is the amount of nonsense printed on the blade. The logo would be more than sufficient, but you get what amounts to a short bio of the designer. Totally unecessary in my opinion.
Regards,
Doug
