Tops SXB, First Impressions and Pics!

[mastiffhound]

My Tops SXB came in today and while I'm happy, I'm a little disappointed at the same time. I thought that I'd get this up before other folks find out and start with the angry posts. This was also posted in the Outdoor Gear, Survival Equipment & More forum.

I'll start with the "specs"-

Overall length listed on Tops site- 16.75"
Actual length- 15.75"

Blade length listed on Tops site- 10.38"
Actual length-9.25"

Weight (knife only) listed on Tops site- 26 oz
Actual weight- 26.5 oz

Actual weight with sheath (not listed by Tops)- 2 lbs 5oz or 37 oz

This is the source of my disappointment, somehow a full inch was lost? That is however where my disappointment ends.

Time for a starter pic!


It is handsome to my eye, my niece upon seeing it thought it looked similar to a Spartan sword on 300. She instantly wanted to handle it as did my nephew. It fit both their hands well, at least that's what they told me. It fit my hand perfect and the scales were well finished. The Rocky Mountain Tread didn't bother me but I'm a blue collar guy and my sandpaper hands will probably damage the micarta instead of it damaging them. Everything was rounded and I didn't find any hot spots, that could change when I get a chance to use it.

The finish/blade coating is very even and I can't find a single spot of error. Comparing it to my RTAK II, well it beats the pants off of it. That's to be expected though, It's a $210 (what I paid) knife compared to a $80 knife (I despise the posts that list the MSRP!). I'd be pretty perturbed if it wasn't finished to a higher level than the RTAK II!

Lots of folks have said that their Tops Knives were "butter knife" sharp. Not the SXB I recieved! It shaved the hair on my hand easily, here's a pic-


It cut paper easily at all parts of the blade, even the hook/draw was super sharp. The edge was almost polished, though I could still see some faint marks. It is tip heavy, it reminds me of a more balanced hatchet. The tip is very pointy but looks strong and I'd not expect a failure unless I tried to pry an engine out of a VW or something else as foolish. The lower part of the blade (draw knife) is indeed thinner ground at the edge than the upper "head"/main cutting edge.

The sheath was a pleasant surprise though some might still be disappointed. It does have some rattle, but it's not terrible. More like thumps than rattle really. The straps that hold the SXB in the sheath at the handle are the big win, at least for me. It has Velcro and buttons, I wonder if this was recommended by EJ Snyder? I'd have to have a pretty stupid day to lose the SXB. The Velcro seems somewhat subdued, it's not that loud paper tearing sound that most Velcro makes. The nylon feels more rigid than the nylon on my RTAK II sheath too. I'd rather have had a kydex sheath but this will work just fine.

Here are the rest of the pics!!!-

Next to the RTAK II for size comparison-


Lastly, in their sheaths-


My nephew was smart and asked if he could get my RTAK II seeing as how I have a replacement. His birthday is in a week (which he made sure to remind me) so I said ok. Oh well, it gives me an excuse to get another big chopper as a backup!

If I wasn't such an affable guy I might have sent it back for the specs being an inch off. It looks like it was supposed to be this size as the sheath fits and is the only Tops sheath I've seen come with both Velcro and buttons. I'm pleased with it though, it helps to remember that humans aren't perfect. If you guys have any questions then ask away, I try to get them answered to the best of my ability. Have a good night folks!

 

[stabman]

Looks interesting.
I like the fact that the designer actually went and used it for his 40 day challenge...too many knives out there that the designers never use.

One of these days when I can find one for a decent price, I'll try it out. :thumbup:
Pretty sure I'll still prefer the one I designed and made for my own use (I did build it for what I wanted ), but the SXB looks like it'll work out okay.

 

[DeadboxHero]

Woo! Ugly as sin! Not gonna lie, I'd chop with it.

 

[Diecorpse]

Awesome man, really wanting to know how that handle feels after some use. I have a Tops Condor Alert and I love that knife. It works great, stays hair razor sharp, though I strop it after every use. The Tops SXB popped out at me when it first appeared. It is definitely my next on the wish list. I know people hype about Esse' warranty, however I have dealt with Tops customer service before. I broke the tip of one of my Tops while prying my Tailgate open on my truck. They offered to reg rind it, refinish it, resharpen of all for free, never asked for the warranty card either. They got back to me the next day! Hope this blade works out for ya!

 

[mastiffhound]

I found a couple more pics I took yesterday, they must have still been loading from my phone.

Closer view of the blades-


On the sheath-

 

[Riz!]

While some of their designs are a little crazy/tacticool looking, I feel that they put out a good product. They are differentially heat treated too. That gives them a hard cutting edge and a softer spine, making for a tougher knife.

I really like some of their bushcraft and hunting designs. The crossed knives in my profile pic are TOPS War Bowies. One of them I stripped the coating off of.

 

[Wolverine666]

Great pics. I just got a chance to handle my friend's SXB and I really liked it. Felt great in my hand and the weight gave it good balance. I recently ordered a brand new SXB for myself. Should have it in a couple days. Very excited !