TOPS Fieldcraft or ESEE Laser Strike

J

Jernej

Joined
Aug 14, 2009
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I'm looking for a bushcraft/survival knife and have my eyes on these two. Thoughts?
 
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Those are both good knives. The Tops feels better in the hand to me though. It basically comes down to preference. Which one do you like better?
 
Yes, the TOPS's handle looks more comfortable. I do like the pointier tip on the Laser Strike though.
 
I always think these threads work so much better with pics :)
 
laser_strike.jpg
tops-brothers-of-bushcraft-knife-the-tops-b.o.b.--9906-p.jpg

I'm leaning toward the B.O.B. but I'd like to hear other people's opinions.
 
Jernej said:
laser_strike.jpg
tops-brothers-of-bushcraft-knife-the-tops-b.o.b.--9906-p.jpg

I'm leaning toward the B.O.B. but I'd like to hear other people's opinions.
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Good man! :) Both nice-looking knives, and I'm sure they're well-built. Personally, I'd go with the Laser Strike (which I think actually looks very much like a TOPS knife). I much prefer full flat-grinds, I like the look of the handle, and that in-line point is just where you'll know it'll be when you have to use it in the dark. I like TOPS knives, and the B.O.B. is a sensible design, but I really don't like TOPS sheaths. TOPS knives can also be on the heavy side, don't know if that's the case here.
 
Personal preference here all the way. BOTH are fine knives & would serve you well. Be honest with yourself on what you like & don't like and how you will use it. I like choils, like on the LS. I also like extended tangs, like on the B.O.B. I like 3 handle bolts/screws. Tough choice. Only you can make it. UNLESS ;)-------you buy both & do a head-to-head test & review. :thumbup::thumbup::D
 
I would take the LS personally. ESEE has the best warranty in the knife industry period bar none, and imo Rowen takes 1095 to a level that no other maker does. I also love the handle on the LS but this is personal taste.
 
I have the Alaskan Harpoon. I actually batoned it from the extended handle-tip first into a half rotted stump, to break it apart to look for some fatwood. Well, it got stuck in some wood that was not rotted yet & i put a LOT of my 210 lbs into it, wiggling it back & forth. I got it out with no damage. I was impressed. Love that knife, no issues with steel, thickness or heat treat.

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I would go with the B.O.B because I have heard good things about it and it just looks like a great worker. The handle looks like it would seat a hand well and would be ergonomic. Tactical knives did a review\overview of it i think 1-2 issues back. I have the issue with its review and it looks awesome.
 
I love my Laser Strike. I have to admit to liking this TOPS as well. However, one of the stated purposes of a bushcraft knife is drilling or boring with the point. For that, you want a point in line with the centerline. That would NOT be the TOPS.
 
True, but one of those purposes is also skinning. For that, I prefer blades with a bit of belly.
 
I have the BOB Fieldcraft Knife. I really like it! Although, I don't have the lazerstrike I think it is a nice knife, too.
The BOB is IMHO a great sized knife and fits well in my hand. (I have larger hands). I have no complaints wit it at all.

You can't go wrong with that and I if you choose the Lazerstrike, I think that is a good choice, too.

(Man it sounds like I am a fence sitter)
 
I have the BOB and love it for camp work when I build a small fire. I have large hands and the laser strike didn't feel comfortable. (Although I have never used one). I particularly like the big belly in the BOB as I find that more useful than a combat style spear point. Also, while it's not obvious, the point is in fact in line with the three handle screws. No problems drilling. It seems to me that the designers thought if everything.
 
I had the same dilemma between the Tops BOB and an Esee. Was at Smoky Mountain Knife Works in Sevierville, TN today and was able to compare the Tops BOB and the Esee Laser Strike side-by-side. Up to this point I had decided to go with the Tops. Both are nice knives, but after comparing them side-by-side, I went with the Esee. To me it had a better balance and overall feel and the Esee had the best warranty. I don't think anyone would go wrong with either knife. I already own a Tops Pathfinder School knife and really like it. Good quality knife.
 
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