Tops "small" folders

J

Jameson

Joined
Oct 3, 1998
Messages
294
I am thinking about purchasing one of these folders. What with good steel, and being virtually bomb-proof (I am told) it seems like a big winner. The smallest (3.6" blade?) folder is the one I am mos intrigued with.

Do these fail hard spine whack tests?

Are they "smooth" like BM-spyderco-MT high-end stuff?

Can they be disassembled?

Do they really come with a free tuf-cloth, a kydex sheath, and a free lansky pocket sharpener?

I see a liner-lock bar but have not seen how thick it is compared to the tang (angled?) of the blade. Nor how far over it locks up when new. I would love to hear some of your experiences with these. Thanks for the time.

JC
 
this question from Jameson. I have also been thinking of purchasing the smaller TOPS folder, # 303 , called a Thunderhawk. I usually carry a small sebenza, but would like to get a bigger folder, but one that's still built well, & solid fit & finish.
Thanks ,
 
Originally posted by squid meat
I usually carry a small sebenza, but would like to get a bigger folder, but one that's still built well, & solid fit & finish.
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I'm not familiar with TOPS, except by their excellent reputation.

But I do know Sebenzas, and I can recommend a Buck/Strider as an alternate. I have the large spearpoint, and the blade shape is almost identical to the Sebenza, although the hollow grind is not as broad. The handle is a similar arrangement of two flat slabs with an open back. The whole knife is tough and the blade stays very sharp under heavy use.

You might also consider a Microtech. I find my SOCOM Elite is comparable to CRK in quality and utility, only not quite as simple and elegant a design.

Both Buck/Strider and Microtech make smaller knives. as well.
 
Originally posted by Jameson
Do these fail hard spine whack tests?
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Mine does. I have actually slammed the spine of mine several times, on purpose, and the liner did not move or even come close to failing.
No, I don't usually slam the spines of my knives, but I did this one because I got pissed and wanted to whack something around...childish for sure, but that's the way it goes sometimes.

Are they "smooth" like BM-spyderco-MT high-end stuff?
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Mine is as smooth as my SERE 2000, which is saying quite a bit.

Can they be disassembled?
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Yep, they are easily disassembled and reassembled. I have disassembled mine twice now, and I have also disassembled the larger CQT Magnum folders several times. As far as I know disassembly does not void the warranty in any way.


Do they really come with a free tuf-cloth, a kydex sheath, and a free lansky pocket sharpener?
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None of mine have...where did you see this advertised?

I see a liner-lock bar but have not seen how thick it is compared to the tang (angled?) of the blade. Nor how far over it locks up when new. I would love to hear some of your experiences with these. Thanks for the time.
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The liner lock on my 303 is approx. 1/4 the width of the tang, and travels just the full width of the liner for lockup. I could measure it with a caliper, but it's about 1/4 or thereabouts.

I myself have been very pleased with the 303, and it is bomb proof. However, you should read this thread

Mine seems to be the only one that this has happened to, and frankly, I am pleased with the result, but it is something to be aware of.

I would recommend the TOPS #303 to anyone looking for a great hard use folder at a great price.
 
I think you are misreading, except the tuf-cloth part. The only folder that has a kydex sheath from TOPS is the CQT Magnum, IF you order that instead of, or in addition to, the nylon pouch sheath.

Probably got overlooked not having the tuf-cloth there. The other items there apply only if you have a kydex sheath, fixed blade, saw teeth, etc.

~B.
 
http://www.topsknives.com/products_pages/product_detail/cqtthunderhawke.html

This is what I was looking at, and it lists a kydex neck sheath, as well as the pocket clip. So I dunno, you are saying if I wanted a sheath for the thunder hawke, I could go custom, or BUY this one from tops. It is sort of misleading since they don't say this on the website I thought.

What about the lansky? Seems like a heck of a good deal to get a great knife, a tuf-cloth, a sharpener, and a sheath included in the deal. Hopefully more users of the small fodler will chime in. Thanks for the info.

JC
 
JC,

I just talked to Mike Fuller at TOPS - he was unaware that the site still listed the kydex sheath on the Thunderhawke (no longer an option), and said that the lansky sharpeners only come with select models. It's also supposed to be listed that way on the site. They have been in process of redoing and updating the site, so give it a little time, and you'll see the newer information online. Mike himself is not online.

In place of the Tuf-Cloth is their own oil called R.I.A.L. -- (Rust Inhibitor And Lubricant) on future models.

Best,

Brian.
 
Originally posted by Brian Jones
Mike,
Could the ball detente have fallen out when you disassembled the knife?
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Brian,

No chance, actually. I did not disassemble the 303 until after the "problem" with the ball detent. It's weird, because once I did take it apart, I found that half of the ball detent is still in the liner, but the other half broke off...bizarre really, but I do like it better this way.

About the kydex neck sheath. I do have one for my #303, and it is a great sheath. Very secure and well done. It's too bad they don't offer it anymore.

I never got a tuf-cloth with any of the TOPS folders I bought, but I already have 2, so that's not a problem.

The best place I found to buy the #303 was from Patrick at S4 Supply for $135 delivered.
 
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