Using the Tracker Knife in the movie The Hunted was not done to promote a particular manufacturer, but rather Tom Browns design. Because of Toms longtime friendship with director Billy Friedkin the Beck made Tracker was used in the 2000 filming. Tom was a consultant in the film, and while the Tracker knife was prominently displayed, the overlying theme was that a good knife and knowledge of how to use it is the most important item to have with you in the wilds. The character played by Tommy Lee Jones is shown making a flint-knapped knife (Tom Browns hands) as a martial arts weapon. To capitalize on his involvement with the film, Tom has chosen to promote the TOPS Tracker rather than former makers who are not currently under contract with him. Much of this information is available in the Tracker Steels the Show article from the April 2003 edition of BLADE Magazine.
The decision to have TOPS make the Tracker was done so by Mr. Brown because of their impeccable reputation as a semi custom knife maker and a desire to provide his students with the best quality, best priced knife available. Many students could not afford the true custom knife prices as offered by other makers.
Many improvements have been made to the TOPS Tracker as requested by Mr. Brown. Some examples are improved handle ergonomics, textured Micarta handles for better grip even when wet, multi-position Kydex sheath, improved sawback design that can be resharpened and a full one quarter inch 1095 Carbon Steel blade to enhance the ability to sharpen the knife in the field. The 1095 vs. Stainless issue is not new to the knife industry and I would recommend you review Butch Winters article in the March 2003 edition of Tactical Knives Magazine.
The Tracker is made as a working knife, but with its unique design has drawn much attention from collectors. If your looking for "The Ultimate Tracker Collector Knife perhaps you should consider the limited edition TOPS Damascus Tracker! :eek! The TOPS website will soon have pictures of the knife posted, and yes they look real cool, even though I took them. If anyone would like to see a picture, let me know and I'll send you one.
ajensen@mail.ida.net
The decision to have TOPS make the Tracker was done so by Mr. Brown because of their impeccable reputation as a semi custom knife maker and a desire to provide his students with the best quality, best priced knife available. Many students could not afford the true custom knife prices as offered by other makers.
Many improvements have been made to the TOPS Tracker as requested by Mr. Brown. Some examples are improved handle ergonomics, textured Micarta handles for better grip even when wet, multi-position Kydex sheath, improved sawback design that can be resharpened and a full one quarter inch 1095 Carbon Steel blade to enhance the ability to sharpen the knife in the field. The 1095 vs. Stainless issue is not new to the knife industry and I would recommend you review Butch Winters article in the March 2003 edition of Tactical Knives Magazine.
The Tracker is made as a working knife, but with its unique design has drawn much attention from collectors. If your looking for "The Ultimate Tracker Collector Knife perhaps you should consider the limited edition TOPS Damascus Tracker! :eek! The TOPS website will soon have pictures of the knife posted, and yes they look real cool, even though I took them. If anyone would like to see a picture, let me know and I'll send you one.
ajensen@mail.ida.net
