TOPS knife question

T

Tim_Z

Joined
Jul 20, 2004
Messages
56
Hello all. After seeing the question concerning TOPS knives it jogged my memory about a question I have.

While I was on vacation in Wyoming a couple of months ago I frequented a knife shop there and spent quite a bit of money and got quite a few knives.

One in particular is a TOPS DAWN WARRIOR. Or at least that is what it looks like. It was sold to me as a TOPS knife but the only reference to TOPS is on one side of the handle in the micarta (the left side). The blade is black crinkle finish with no other markings what so ever.

What is the concensus? Did I get a TOPS knife or a knock-off. The store owner befriended me and therefore I do not believe he KNOWINGLY sold an imitation.

Thanks for any and all replies...

Tim
 
Every TOPS knife I have seen has been totally sterile. (Granted, I never really noticed if there was anything in the handle)
 
TOPs stamps the micarta grip scales with their logo on most of their models, and the blades are etched or stamped on some other models, and some are not marked at all. I think most of their recent manufactured knives are marked on the grip scales. However, I think TOPs knives are some of the easiest to fake or copy and have seen some decent copies made by some part time hobby makers in Washington and Idaho.
 
What color liners does it have between the scales and the tang? I was a Tops dealer when they first started out. They used red liners in the beginning and marked the micarta scales with their logo. They then later started using white liners and marking some of their knives on the blade. I'm not sure what they are doing now because I haven't handled their products for over a year. You may have one of the earlier production models. Hope that helps.
Scott
 
Thanks for that. With that info I THINK I might have a real one. The micarta is a light olive drab/gray color. The liner next to the blade is red.

I was just concerned because all the pictures on their web site were showing a logo on the blade.

I really like the blade so I shouldn't be too worried about it's authenticity anyway but it is reassuring to know I got what I paid for.

Thanks all again.

Tim

BTW: when did they start out? Just currious as to what vintage I might have.
 
Hay man,

My tracker has a signture and number on the blade but the T.O.P.S. logo is only on one side of the handle, my stormrider is only marked on the handle too, Did you get a kydex T.O.P.S. dog tag keyring with your knife ?? I got one with each.
 
Tim_Z said:
Thanks for that. With that info I THINK I might have a real one. The micarta is a light olive drab/gray color. The liner next to the blade is red.

I was just concerned because all the pictures on their web site were showing a logo on the blade.

I really like the blade so I shouldn't be too worried about it's authenticity anyway but it is reassuring to know I got what I paid for.

Thanks all again.

Tim

BTW: when did they start out? Just currious as to what vintage I might have.
Click to expand...
If my memory serves me correctly, I started dealing with them in March of 2000 or 2001. I stopped early this year. It sounds as though you have an early model. Tops is a fairly new company. Some of the knives were marked on the handle and some on the blade. I haven't seen any new ones so I don't know how they are currently doing it. You won't be disappointed with it. It's a tough knife. All the knives I sold did come with the kydex dog tag, but being used it my not have it. Yours has 1095 carbon blade. They are using 154CM, 1095 and 440C currently. They may have expanded to some other steels since they've come out with alot of new models.
Scott
 
Thanks for that info. It was sold as NEW but I did not get the dogtag. It does have the black paracord "tassle-thing" though.



Tim
 
Hey Tim, I have a kydex dog tag from one of the knives I had. If you would like to have it you are welcome to it. Just shoot me an email and I will mail it to you. On the tag it has written "TOPS" SPEC OPS TRUST TOPS ...CAUSE THERE'RE HARD TO THE CORE" www.topsknives.com and the ph # It also has a ball chain through a hole in the tag. Let me know.
Scott
 
Is it true that TOPS uses a differential heat treat on their 1095?

i think i read a while ago that they have 3 zones. can anybody confirm this?

also anybody have the shadow hunter?
 
madfast said:
Is it true that TOPS uses a differential heat treat on their 1095?

i think i read a while ago that they have 3 zones. can anybody confirm this?

also anybody have the shadow hunter?
Click to expand...
I'm not sure exactly how they heat treat. You may want to send Tops an email with that question or someone here may know. I sold a Shadow Tracker when I was selling them, very nice knife, 1095 gray coated finish 5/32 thick blade. If you are looking to get one, email me I may be able to help.
Scott
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top