TOPS knives?

[Starfish]

What do ya'll think about TOPS knives? I'm looking at the CQT Magnum (CQT-M747). It looks like a true hard use knife, but I'm skeptical due to the advertising ("Special OPS trust TOPS...cause they're hard to the core!"). And how about the liner lock? Is it well executed? Ever heard of any failures?

Here's a link to the knife in question: TOPS CQT-M747

Thanks for your opinions...

 

[Brian Jones]

Starfish,

Ron Hood, RadioRay Tougas, and I all have played with the TOPS CQT M, in the woods on several survival trips in the backcountry, most recently when filiming Ron's latest Woodsmaster video. The CQT did great -- everything we asked of it. The TOPS CQT-M is way bigger and heavier than most folders I've held or used, in many ways, which is why I would (and did) trust it in a survival situation. The CQT-M liner-lock is heat treated stainless steel, and the handle is stout aircraft aluminum. The pins in it are bigger, and there is no external exposure of the pivot pin -- its all safely contained within the handle. I almost don't consider this knife a folder -- it's very differnet than any others I have owned or held. I call it a "folder with a fixed-blade attitude." I was even able to do light chopping with it - it performs sort of like a 6-7" fixed blade, but you have the compactness that comes from its ability to fold. when opened, it's almost as long as a CS Recon Tanto, and about the same as an SRK.

Get the knife -- you won't be disappointed. It's become my all-around favorite blade for survival, defense, and utility. It's the knife I always have on me.

The pwner of TOPS. Mike Fuller, is a decorated Special Forces vietnam veteran. His design team is made up of former and current Spec Ops and SWAT guys. These knives really are tough as hell. They came up with these designs for real-world use by professionals, and they constantly are being tested. You can bet there are a lot of TOPS blades in Afghanistan right now.

Hope this helps,

Brian.

 

[jayharley]

Starfish: I have owned one of the Tops Magnums for about 1 1/2 years. If you want the nastiest, toughest, stoutest folder made, the Magnum is the right choice. When the knife is open it truly feels and "handles" like it is a fixed blade.

If you buy it directly through Tops, I would advise calling to place the order rather than using the internet. Mike and Helen Fuller are really helpful and nice folks.