Tops Knives a good sit in for a Strider?

The move to 'tough' stainless for knives that will be used tactically, by that I mean by operators in hostile environments and not just for bushcraft and batoning, re-gained ground with current conflicts where rust can be destructive. Bark River went to 154CM with Bravo 1 SS, then the STS5, and soon to be born the STS6, AG Russel went to AUS10, and then TOPS. Many custom makers are also using 154CM in .25" for operators.
 
agoutihead said:
I love the look of the Strider HT and was thinking of getting one except for the price.

I've found a knife that is very similar, just a little bigger, but its by a company I've never heard of. How is Tops Knives?

Here is the one I want:

http://www.topsknives.com/product_info.php?cPath=3&products_id=137

Thoughts on its quality?
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I've a quite a few collection of Tops knives as you can see below. Very well made even for an ordinary carbon steel 1095. Their Heat treatment is excellent. Holds an age even after chopping down a whole tree. Quite hard to resharpen though. They do you use S30V steel on their TOPS DART knife which is alo heat treated by Paul Bos just like Strider on all their knives. I used the Steel eagle, one of my favorite knife with kydex sheath (you've to buy it extra from tops directly). Blade is really heavy and built for rough use. Strider is ferrari of Tactical knives as these people sets standards for tactical blades. I've the BT and GG. Never used as being pricey and very nice looking. Very nice sheath. You pay what you get obviously. If you ever get to save some money, buy one. Believe me, it's a great blade.
 

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Falcor said:
The move to 'tough' stainless for knives that will be used tactically, by that I mean by operators in hostile environments and not just for bushcraft and batoning, re-gained ground with current conflicts where rust can be destructive. Bark River went to 154CM with Bravo 1 SS, then the STS5, and soon to be born the STS6, AG Russel went to AUS10, and then TOPS. Many custom makers are also using 154CM in .25" for operators.
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I really don't think so! By the why what you mean.."where rust can be destructive"... where in the sea 24/7:confused::D
 
I've only owned one tops knife, and I never cut anything with it. They don't come THAT sharp but man do they feel awesome in the hands. I doubt they compare to strider but can be hand for about HALF if not less than striders price tag.
 
all mine came in sharp , cant say anything bad .
and with price I paid I am not afraid to use it .
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I really like the fact the scrap yard knives are built like tanks and I may look into one of those for a camping/survival knife.

I didn't understand the Swamp rat website... Is the only knife for sale the one they are taking ore orders for?

As much as I like the durabiltiy of those knives, for my SHTF combat zombie killing knife I'm really looking for a tanto tip with heavy serrations across the spine.

So far only strider and Tops seem to have the exact look/design I want. And Tops price is winning the bet so far. Still high quality it seems for a much more reasonable price. But damn do I love striders ;)

Does anyone know of any other companies offering a tanto tip with heavy spine serrations?
 
After researching TOPS more thoroughly, I have decided to order a BEST 7", price is around US$180 if you shop around.
 
agoutihead said:
I really like the fact the scrap yard knives are built like tanks and I may look into one of those for a camping/survival knife.

I didn't understand the Swamp rat website... Is the only knife for sale the one they are taking ore orders for?

As much as I like the durabiltiy of those knives, for my SHTF combat zombie killing knife I'm really looking for a tanto tip with heavy serrations across the spine.

So far only strider and Tops seem to have the exact look/design I want. And Tops price is winning the bet so far. Still high quality it seems for a much more reasonable price. But damn do I love striders ;)

Does anyone know of any other companies offering a tanto tip with heavy spine serrations?
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on top of these questions, Tops also offers a 17" machete:

http://cgi.ebay.com:80/ws/eBayISAPI...0501246199&ff4=263602_263622&autoredirect=off

do you guys think this would be an effective machete based on it's size?
 
TOPS Knives are made from 1095 steel by Rowen in Idaho (same company that ESEE uses). They make good stuff.

They do have incredibly stupid names and some weird designs, but if you find one you like I think you'll REALLY like it.

I own the TOPS Felony Stop, and it is one of the best tactical knives on the market for law enforcement use. I highly recommend one as you will be amazed by the quality of workmanship and the lethally practical design.
 
All the choices presented by our esteemed colleagues are all great choices and you would be hard pressed to break any of them. I would not pay the exorbitant costs of a Strider (just personal opinion) but the cost of the knife you are looking at is a one time cost and you will have it forever (and warrantied as well). That being said I have several TOPS Knives and I love them as do many of our people in the Military. The one you picked out is a great choice and is one big slab of 154cm which is a great steel. I personally like it a little better than s30v as it is much easier to sharpen. Would suggest you get the best price you can for it if that is what you like.
 
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