tops knifes?

mybladesatool · Apr 10, 2014

I've seen the name with buck a few times but when I search the name I don't come up with any relevant information. What I want to know is will one of there knifes hold up to edc long enough for me to get something nicer or would it be a waist of money?
an example of what I'm looking at
http://www.bladehq.com/item--TOPS-Knives-UTE-Hunters--7016
if not any other between 3-4 inch blades that are under a hundred and good for the price
thanks

mcrow · Apr 10, 2014

As far as I know Tops makes pretty good knives, I think you will be happy with that knife for the price.

Brommeland · Apr 10, 2014

I own two TOPS BOBs and a Dragonfly. I plan to get a CUB as well. My son also has a Dragonfly. These knives are super sharp, super tough and capable of doing just about anything that I could ever imagine needing a knife for. For the size of knife that you specified, I would think that a CUB would be superb!

Having said that, the rest of the TOPS knives that I've handled (which is only a small sampling of their product line) had grinds so thick that they would have to be completely re-profiled in order to get them sharp enough to suit me.

In this price range, I'd recommend that you also look at an un-coated Esee # 3 (if you can stand that munchkin handle). An Esee Izula II is a dandy little EDC blade, as would be a Becker Eskabar. A Becker # 16 would make a superb all around general purpose knife as well.

If you can spend a few more bucks, it is my opinion that a Bark River would give you the best knife for the money in any price range. I'd recommend a Gunny or Bravo 1 in A2 to start....

billygoat78 · Apr 29, 2014

I'm a little late here, but I own this same TOPS UTE knife and love it. I can fit 4 fingers very comfortably on the handle (the specs can be a bit deceptive) and it's tough as nails. It takes and maintains a shaving sharp edge quite well, but it IS a fairly thick knife. If you're not looking to slice peaches, i.e., want something very stout but not a super-slicer, I can recommend this knife very highly. I love mine, it's my go-to small, sturdy knife. It also packs VERY small. I chose it over my Izula and other similar sized knives quite often. Just be aware that it doesn't have a huge belly (obviously) and it IS a thick knife. If you want a small, bulletproof edc you could pound through car doors yet still cut rope (and anything else you might need) effectively, and like the looks of this one, I'd say go for it.

@LeathermanGX · Apr 29, 2014

Just to throw a bit of strange in here, I have the Tops Devils Elbow XL.

I love the steel. It's tough and takes a great edge. The whole construction is solid. I'm not suggesting it as a choice, I just wanted to attest to Tops quality.

Wanimator · Apr 29, 2014

I've been drooling over the Tahoma. One of the reasons I want it is they apparently differentially heat treat them and they also have hamons.

another mike · Apr 29, 2014

I had a tops "key d" knife till i lost it in a pond. Might not be the knife for you, the handle is small, but it was nice quality. I wouldnt hesitate to go with a tops blade. I definitely want to replace the one i lost.

stonproject · Apr 30, 2014

TOPS are my go to fixed blades. Ive owned over 10 of their knives, varying from their mini wolf pup, all the way up to their Punisher model.

You will not be disappointed with them. Infact I think youll be enthralled! For the price, you get some serious bang for your buck.

Their black traction coating is the best ive ever seen. it does not fade, even coming in and out of kydex sheaths all day, and being abused to hell and back. At the end of the day, your TOPS will just beg for more abuse.

I particularily like their UTE, and FDX series.

I carry a Street Scalpel almost daily on my boot, and will generally carry my bowie point fdx with g10 scales small of the back

Firestrike · Apr 30, 2014

mybladesatool said:
I've seen the name with buck a few times but when I search the name I don't come up with any relevant information. What I want to know is will one of there knifes hold up to edc long enough for me to get something nicer or would it be a waist of money?
an example of what I'm looking at
http://www.bladehq.com/item--TOPS-Knives-UTE-Hunters--7016
if not any other between 3-4 inch blades that are under a hundred and good for the price
thanks

My only two Tops Knives, as you can see 1095 as done by Tops is tough enough.