TOPS 'Tracker Knife' Owners: I need your input

Colin Jason

Colin Jason

Joined
Nov 10, 2002
Messages
267
Greetings,

With the plethora of threads that have been run about this knife, you would think I could have found all the information I would need, but I've still got some questions in my mind, and I would also like to hear some opinions from people who have owned and used this knife.

The reason I'm asking for input, is because I'm considering purchasing one, in what seems to be a slow, steady progression to acquiring a few variations of this design. I understand that most would readily shout out that I need to buy the David Beck WSK version before considering the TOPS verion, but with his website down, order times looking to be 6 months, or more...or never, I'd like to instead focus on more readily available options.

If you've owned the TOPS Tracker Knife, and another variation of it, by all means, I would love to hear your impressions and opinions of the various models. What I'm trying to focus on here, is getting opinions and insight from people who have actually owned these knives. I don't want to start another thread about ' Should I buy a Tracker, or X_Knife for my camping/hiking/survival/kangaroo skinning adventure? '. I want to instead focus on the knife itself, and get as much information on it as possible, to decide if it would be worthwhile purchasing.

If anyone has some comprehensive photos, I would really appreciate seeing them, as a lot of the photos online leave a lot to be desired when trying to form a visual. If you have no way of posting them here, please feel free to e-mail them to me, and I'll host them on one of my servers so that everyone can readily see them. I'm looking for your feelings on the construction of the knife, how it actually performed doing _real world_ tasks, how difficult overall maintenance of the knife (cleaning, sharpening, etc.) was, and if you feel it was a good knife for the money. I fully realise that this knife is a pretty oddball piece, but that's what appeals to me about it. I've got quite a few knives, so I'm looking at this one purely for the FUN aspects of it.

If you've managed to make it through all the preamble without falling asleep, please let me know your thoughts! If I do end up purchasing one of these, you all can expect a very detailed review of it in the future, as I've found many supposed 'reviews' of this knife lacking. With that being said; Let us hear what you've got to say!
 
Let me be the first to say....
I have no experience with the TOPS but here is what I think: I was seriously entertaining buying the TOPS Tracker when I noticed the hook (between the two blades) does not look to be pronounced enough to be used as a tool hence most of the two edge design is lost right there compared to the original design. After learning that Dave Beck was making his knife again as the W.S.K. I chose to spend a little more and wait a little longer. I'm sure TOPS is of the utmost quality but for me $300 is a lot for a knife so why not make it $425ish and wait it out for the Beck. Someone here, maybe even me could find you his phone # and email. I got mine around the time The Hunted came out and only waited a few weeks. It was worth it and even now I would wait any amount of time. Usually my knife purchases are well under $200USD. I just finished a year long wait for the rifle I wanted and am glad I did instead of just taking a different version off the shelf. I think you will be satisfied waiting for the knife you want as well.

Now if you have your heart set on the TOPS go for it! It's your money and you should buy whichever knife you really want. Good luck, and best wishes with your decision whatever it may be.
 
I've looked at both very closely and determined that neither is what I was looking for but I can give you some good input because I handled both and got a goood feel for each knife...no contest, get the Beck! The Tops is no where near the quality.

Pay a liittle more and get the one that you really want! It will be worth the wait.

The Timberpig is not designed for the same uses.

Collecter
 
Hey guys, thanks for your input thus far.

hk33ka1:To respond to your comments; I would be paying much less than $300 for the TOPS Tracker. So, the price for a Beck WSK would be roughly 50% more than what the Tracker would cost me currently. This, of course, doesn't even factor in that David's website is offline, that delivery times cannot be verified, and I'm not even sure he's still taking orders. The other point I want to go over again, is that if Mr. Beck is still taking orders, why couldn't I order a WSK _as well_? My whole point with this thread is to try and determine if the TOPS knife is worth the money. Period. I'm not looking for a decision on whether I should get one or the other, just if the Tracker is worth the money.

Walking Man: I had a look over the Timber Pig (interesting name!), and while it's yet another alternative, the overall look of the design doesn't appeal to me much. Again, it comes down to personal preference when picking knives that appeal to each of us, so asthetics can play a big part. Thanks for the information though, as I had no idea those were even out there!

Collector:As I noted in my reply to hk above, the point of this thread is not a direct comparison between the Beck WSK, and the TOPS Tracker. I'm mearly trying to determine if owners of the TOPS model thought it was worth the money. I fully realise that the Beck knife will feel and look superior, and it's pricing and wait times reflect that. Again, I'm not saying that I won't try to get a WSK in addition to the TOPS model, as I'm a fan of this design, I'm mearly getting feedback on what owners thought of the TOPS model.

Thanks again for your input guys. I hope that some TOPS Tracker owners will pipe up, and let me know their opinions and feelings on this. Speak up you guys! :D
 
If it is just a question of value, I don't feel the TOPS is a $250-$300 knife. The lack of a hook between the two edges makes it nothing more than an expensive warthog (another good knife). The teeth on the backstrap are like the ones on the Rambo knives and are not the greatest design for sawing to make traps etc. I feel it should be an $80 knife like the United Cutlery cheaper versions of Jimmy Lile/Gil Hibben First Blood/Rambo knives.
 
The TOPS is a good knife for what is intended for. People have some very stong opinions about the WSK and I think because of that the TOPS tends to be overshadowed. It is my opinion that the TOPS can used with very good results as a tool. I have personally used mine in combat field craft courses and found it to work very well for trap and shelter construction. I also appreciate the kydex sheath since often times the knife will be wet and dirty, also it provides for easy attachment to LBE of Pack straps. I have used my knife for digging holes, and then sharpened immediately after with the file from a leatherman wave. If you want a knife that you can beat to hell, and are dead set on a blade shape like that of the TOPS then i would definetly suggest it.
 
ender, I don't personally have any experience using the Tracker but as a former Tops dealer I did sell three of these knives. I asked for feedback from the buyers and got a response from one individual. He read the instruction booklet that came with the knife that explained all the uses for the knife. He told me that the knife performed everything as stated in the booklet and was very pleased with it's performance. The only thing he didn't do was use the point as a drill. He said it excelled as a draw knife for shaving poles. Sharpening was not a problem being 1095 as this steel is easy to maintain. IMO, I feel that Tops prices are a bit high for the materials they use to make this piece. I think if you research enough, you'll be able to purchase it at a substantial discount. I don't think you'll be disappointed with it. ;)
Scott
 
Thanks a bunch for all your input guys!

After giving it some thought, and weighing out my options, I've decided not to purchase the TOPS version at this time. A few other factors, besided outright 'value' have affected this decision, but I think I'm going to pursue the custom-made route on this design. I already own one version made by a custom maker, and while I'm not 100% happy with it, it stands as an example of his interpretation of this design. I guess you could call this design one of my two 'obsession' knives. I'm a longtime hollow-handled survival knife collector (and user of course), and I've had everything available in the commercial market, as well as some customs.

This 'tracker' design has really piqued my interest, and I'm pursuing a few for my stable. I know the general concensus is that these are ugly, useless knives, but beauty, as they say, is in the eye of the beholder. Everyone has their flavor that they love to pursue, and this is one of mine. Granted, I have other knives that I buy, sell, and use. To me, that's the beauty of this whole obsession; variety. I can agree that these knives may not be the best usable tools out there, but how many of us have bought perfectly good knives...only to put them on display...never to be used?

I thought so. :p

So, to that end, my TOPS purchase will wait a little longer, but I _will_ have one of these. The fact that they are a mass-produced item also has a bearing on it's position on my purchasing list. Custom models generally take much longer to procure, and if you're not careful, the makers can decide to stop making them altogether. Alas, I will continue on my quest, mis-guided as it may seem to some.

I do want to thank those of you who responded though, as your insights were really helpful in my research. Cheers!
 
We are not talking about a small difference here.

Allow me be a little more direct...the Tops is junk and should not cost more than $50.

You really need to handle both knives!

Collecter
 
Hey Collecter,

So, I guess the point you're trying to make, is that the TOPS version is a lot less desireable than the Beck? :p

Point taken.

Maybe one day I'll be lucky enough to see and handle a WSK for myself, but until that time, I'm pursuing another project. By the way, if you, or anyone else for that matter, has any updated information on David Beck's status, please let me know. The fact that his website has been 'disabled' kind of concerns me, and doesn't bode well.

In fact, if Mr. Beck needs help in that area (the website), maybe let him know that I can help him out...seeing that I own a few web servers myself, and could give him a home with a little more leeway than he may be currently getting.

TTFN!
 
Myakka,

Would you mind sharing the information? I also have an interest in this type of knife.

Thanks.
 
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