TOPS Tom Brown Tracker and Skullcrusher Xtreme

Wolverine666 said:
Nice. I read the TOPS website through last night and they seem like a quality knife maker. I was impressed. What are your thoughts between the Black and Tan coatings ? Any big pros or cons there on each ? The camo blade design coating is cool too. But I think I'd have to order that direct from TOPS.
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The black coating is most readily available, it seems, and is the one I have.
Durability will almost certainly be the exact same for all the colours.

I think it really comes down to personal preference on looks.
I think the camo does have to be ordered direct from TOPS, and then you'll be paying the full MSRP, likely.
With the black or tan, you can shop around for a better price.
 
stabman said:
The black coating is most readily available, it seems, and is the one I have.
Durability will almost certainly be the exact same for all the colours.

I think it really comes down to personal preference on looks.
I think the camo does have to be ordered direct from TOPS, and then you'll be paying the full MSRP, likely.
With the black or tan, you can shop around for a better price.
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Yeah , I think I'll just get the knife from one of my favorite online dealers tonight. I'm really looking forward to getting this thing !
 
Did you see the Martin knives wsk? Go to Ed Martins YouTube channel he calls his WTK - Wilderness Trail Knife for a video or his site for all info
 
The Beck models are pretty neat too. I just read a review of his newest variant in RECOIL I believe.n he's got a nice sheath system as well as a 4" fixed blade for light work. Looks like a good setup. I think you can access article on RECOIL' s website thru the search function there

It's the G model wsk.

Charlie Mike's version can be seen in the just pics of knives thread on pg 317 halfway down
 
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Jfk1110 , thanks for to heads up.

Question : why are most chopper and tracker-style knives made with 1095 carbon steel ? What's the benefit of it over stainless ?
 
It's easy to sharpen and is pretty tough. Instead of chipping 1095 Will roll it's edge. It's also a relatively easy heat treat process as well. Beck uses O1 steel. Some stainless can be a pain to sharpen. I'd rather stainless though. Martin uses S35vn I believe n it's pretty easy to sharpen.
 
I think I'd prefer stainless as well. S35VN would be great. As would S30V , 154CM (ATS-34) or D2 (semi-stainless). But since my choices seem to be limited to 1095 and ATS-34 , I'll have to take what I can get.
 
Why not go custom?

[video=youtube;WaSFBZkg7cY]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaSFBZkg7cY[/video]
 
Wolverine666 said:
Is 1095 almost guaranteed to rust ? Am I better off getting the ATS-34 blade ?
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Imo the small amount of extra care 1095 requires (an occasional swipe with an oiled rag) is well worth it. I've used ESEE and Becker knives for years and it really is tough stuff. I'm not too proud to admit I've accidentally dinged a rock chopping with my Junglas and the only damage was a small roll on the edge that was easily cleaned up.
 
Lee D said:
Imo the small amount of extra care 1095 requires (an occasional swipe with an oiled rag) is well worth it. I've used ESEE and Becker knives for years and it really is tough stuff. I'm not too proud to admit I've accidentally dinged a rock chopping with my Junglas and the only damage was a small roll on the edge that was easily cleaned up.
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Nice. So just a little oil is needed for 1095 ? Even if the blade is coated ?

I've never used 1095 before so I'll have to adjust to the properties and maintenance of a new steel. I like trying out new blade steels.

But I'm still interested in the ATS-34 stainless blade too.
 
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