TOPS .170 Machete: First Use Test - Preparedmind101
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 ก.ย. 2024
- READ!! This is NOT a video of multiple takes to make me look good. This is a first use test of a tool in very un-optimal conditions in an environment where any number of tools would be WAY better choices. The REASON I like to do videos FIRST USE tests is this: It shows something important...how INTUITIVE the tool is to use in new hands. That was my goal with this test. Some say "Use it for 6 months". ANYONE can make something look good after 6 months of practice. But if a tool just "works" for you right away (like the Condor Eco Parang did), that is something to take into consideration. Keep in mind this could be different for anyone that picks it up. I'm just one guy. But the big thing is I want stuff thats going to be useful anywhere and easy to use.
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It's like watching a Cheerleader try to fix her car.
You ever see the Woodsman's Pal? carbon steel, some heft. has a history in WWII. I bought the classic with wood handle last year on sale and use in the woods to clear areas and trails. Now find myself using around the house to get stuff I would have cut with a shear or lopper in the past.
This would be a great large knife or small machete. in the right hands i think it would be a great tool. tho i have not held one in my hand. Good review and honest to your skillset. Like you say, we are comfortable with what we like and the ease for each individual , thanks for the view man.
Thanks for your honest input, Chris. I have the .230 and find as a machete it works really good. I see the utility of this smaller knife but like you said, one must recognize its limitation. Thanks for all you do. I love your videos. You and Will do a great job..
Well made. Very tough and rugged. It will get the job done but like many, maybe all, one tool options trying to use it as a one tool option is a mistake because in the end it's more work. Some people are bound to love it.
Thanks for keeping it real by using what you found not pick and choosing the easiest wood to use or having it prepared a head of time.
Well, in the event of a real situation you aren't going to have that luxury. There was no prime wood (that you could work with, with a machete) in that portion of the woods. And that isn't what I'd normal choose for back there.
Now, try it on clamshell packaging...... The ultimate test
with a re-grind and proper competent use, this short machete kicks ass...but not as well as a Kershaw camp10.
I agree.
The camp10 blows this one away...
Thanks for your honesty.
I like the idea of a mini machete with a finger choil but I guess not all that shines is gold...
Guess everyone who watch knife reviews has a brain you dipnship
Did I just hear you say 90 degree....you have came a long way Mr Chris. Welcome aboard.
Good review. Liked the way you reviewed and explained the tool and its Pos/Neg points. Tip- easy way to practice fire making skills, use wood you process in your grill instead of charcoal. Its fun and adds great flavor in your food. Be careful though, depending on the type of wood and how dry it is, it can burn much hotter than charcoal! You also get practice using your tools to process your wood as well...
In a bug out evasion quick response situation, would the tops .170 be a decent tool in your bug out bag
Another Honest review . That's the reason I like you Chris. Thanks for making this.
Cris I hope you read this but can you review the estwing Machete please?
Well you did everything in your power to try to make that 'hanger queen' look good. Right from the first chop into that log we could see where it was going to end up. Hey some are good and others well.... Good job.
Really enjoy your channel, thanks for all you do.
seems like it might need to be touched up... the edge that is.
great review and an honest one at that!
i could tell you really wanted to like this one, Joe's a great guy... thanks!...woods
So Chris, what area were you filming in? Can you tell us? Im just dying to get out and play in the woods, and it looks like a great area!!! Great video as usual...your always the first channel I watch out of all my subscriptions...keep up the good work.
That was painful to watch
Painful to film too. I was going to just skip this one but people keep asking for it. It just doesn't work for me.
Amen! 2 Painful...
Very nicely done, not allot of talk, a bit of action and I think, a good overall demo of that unit. Thanks.....
Thanks back.
Ever think about doing some tutorials? I have a huge intrest in bushcrafting but don't have a lot of woods to do that stuff in. I know your not an expert but it would be cool to see what you know and give entertainment that might come in handy later on.
I'm going to return to that stuff when it greens up. That's when I get enthusiastic about it and I'm in the woods 4 days a week instead of two. And working on some new locations I might be able to film in so I don't have to drive an hour north (to this spot) or sneak into the park to the large area in the back where nobody goes.
I'm also going to be traveling more this summer. Last summer was all screwed up with the big move.
Bushcraft stuff usually has Will since that's his thing, but mostly because it's easier to film bushcraft stuff (like building a shelter o something) with a cameraman.
Very interesting tool. I like the review. It does look like once a person spent some time with it, probably be pretty decent. atb john
Thank you.
Thanks for the review. I'd say you had a great blade, but the wrong conditions.
From the way it seemed to handle, for me, I'd rather have a BK9 or a machete... Not something in between
My BK9 would have made things MUCH easier. But then, I've got years of muscle memory with Jess and Becky.
What is it exactly you need to do in the woods? Seriously just asking lol, always wondered. Figured u collect wood for a fireplace but usually those are like big logs right? Idk..
Good video.The machete looks good maybe its not for the environment you used it in that's why it seemed so awkward.
Most likely. But in the Eco Parang video, I didn't think it would be good for woods stuff, but it is.
Cool video, not sure if I will end up picking one up though. I am sure there is a situation where that is just the blade you will want to have, I presume it is in the jungle ;-)
Awww you seemed really disappointed with it Chris. Looking forward to seeing Will test the new Jessmuk.... Is Dave Canterbury going to be testing the Jessmuk after Will???
No Dave is not.
PREPAREDMIND101 Kool... I don't know why your bothering testing it. You just need to look at the Jessmuk and u can see it's a quality bit of kit...... Just make sure u get some sent to "The Bushcraft Store" in the UK as I think they are the only stockists of L.T Wright knives in the UK.
Dod Lug Will tested it today. He started out as a skeptic and left a believer. And he did more than I did in my video.
PREPAREDMIND101 kool can't wait to see it. Do you know what we pay for knives in the UK? The LT Wright Genesis is £174.99 thats $260.34 at today's exchange rate. Selfrelianceoutfitters sell's them for $175.00 lol.
How many clams is that thing worth?
Hey Chris, I have one of the bigger ones that just sits in the safe. I would be more than happy to trade it to you for something.
Do you think you could modify it so it had a clip point? I really liked the clip on the tramintina.
This is not for me.. It seemed to make a lot of noise. Chopping was a joke. You have shown better in my opinion.. Thanks
Chris, I might be going to blade show this year so i wanted to pick out a good machete or knife, ive had my eye on the kabar parangatang but there is no really good reveiw for it. Would you mind doing a review on it.
I think we both live in the northeastern woodlands...But I think for someone in the jungles/ swamps in the south east this thing would rock..I think its still the coolest machete I've seen,imo. Thats half the equation right,lol
I don't. That's where you want a longer, faster machete. 10" cutting surface isn't a lot for a machete. 10" is about the shortest machete anymore makes.
I thought it was 14" blade my bad
I wish.
I was looking at the tops .230,not .170,on amazon. That one has a 15" blade.
I'm sure it works WAY better. Gotta be heavy though. Trade off when you build machetes out of knife steel.
Try the condor pack golok
What's the camera you have Chris?
what knife is on your neck?
Hey Chris, what type of neck knife are you wearing in this video?
Dont smack clam shells with the sharp side.
Does anyone know what bag he is using?
I really need to get me one of those big firesteels
They are the grate. I'm in the UK and got mine off Ebay. The one I got is 5" not 6" but hey i am in the UK lol.
Definitely worth having.
"They are grate" i meant lol.
Thanks for the video Chris! Would you please do a video on putting a 90 degree spine on knives?
The way I do it requires the more expensive Workshop and the Blade Grinder Attachment. So over $200 worth of tools.
PREPAREDMIND101 I appreciate your concern for saving money. I noticed that you do a great job of appealing to many economic classes of survival enthusiast. I do not personally own or can buy those tools now but I do have access to them thanks to a good friend. Either way, if it is not too much trouble, the video I've requested could still be of great benefit to many of your subscribers including me. Besides if you are willing to show us high end knives, kydex sheaths, and other high end gear, this $200 tool watching requests should not be too far out of scope. Thanks
Michael Odom In the first Mora vid from two weeks ago, about 2/3rds the way through you can see me do it. Next time I have something to modify I'll film it.
PREPAREDMIND101 Thanks! You are the man.
like your video dude. this or the condor warlock
damn i thought the desert was nothing but brown and boring but look at that forest. no color at all
How would you change your Eco parang to be anything but orange?
Mine is wrapped and it's not as obnoxious.
like your video dude. this or the condor warlock?
ok so you have a few videos on machetes can you direct me to your favorite (cost not a factor)
he has mentioned in other videos he's a fan of tramotina
That's just one of those tools that, if that was what I had, I could make it work.
Which is pretty much what we saw here.
PREPAREDMIND101
Not trying to be funny but, this is pretty much spot on the same as I felt with my Gerber Gator Jr after I put an edge on it. In a pinch, it'll do.
Brian West I just don't see the point in small machetes. Kinda like the Condor Speed Bowie I reviewed a long time ago. Didn't like it either. People say "use it in the jungle" and it'll be better. Really? You want a 10" blade in the jungle? I'll stick with my lighter, faster 18" machete.
I figured because it was small and study that maybe it was intended for the woods. Honestly? I don't know what is intended for.
If you read the description on the TOPS website, or says this was made due to many requests for a smaller version. So they didn't set out originally intending to make THIS. A machete should be a machete. Long, thin, fast. You go short, thick, and heavy that tells me we're talking using on wood now. But now it's too short to be effective at trail blazing. IDK. I don't get this one.
Thanks for the review! was interested in buying one...not so sure now....what do you think about the new kabar parangatang parang? is on sale on knifecenter...seems cool....
Just...no. I handled one. Way too heavy for a chopping tool and it has those handles that I HATE.
IMO... Chopping tools (Machetes, Parangs, etc) should not be made from thick knife steel. And are always better if they originated in Brasil or El Salvadore. They say Sweden makes the best Axes. Nobody fusses about an Amercan-made axe because it's just accepted that Swedish axes are better. Same rule applies to machetes and similar tools. KNIVES are where you want American.
PREPAREDMIND101 Can´t argue with that friend! You are absolutely right. I have the potbelly and i hate the handle...and yes..machetes should be lightweight....thanks for your interest and quick response! We have some excellent knifemakers here in Spain...( I forge knives too but in a traditional coal forge ;)) but you guys in the US are very ahead of us in materials and knowhow....Great job you are doing! Thanks!
I can do just about anything with a machete. They are my specialty
Joshuah Moran You and that Warlock bro!!!
MrLeonidas0001 "Tactical Adventure Lifestyle" yeeeah buddy :)
What neck knife are you carrying??
The Machete appeared to be rather dull-vs-sharp. Your thoughts?
Excellent opportunity as a pass around review. David Pearson from Fun In The Woods (Reallybigmonkey1), would be a great choice for this particular tool, in my opinion. Good video, Chris.
None of are Joe Flowers. His worst skills are better than out best skills. What pack are you using in this video? Looks sweet.
Chris it sounded like you beat around the bush in saying no you wouldn't recommend it out of respect for Joe. I'm not bashing.
I'm careful about how I word things because someone else might pick it up and love it. It's SOLIDLY built. It's cool. Just doesn't work for ME. But no... if someone asked my advice for building a kit, this wouldn't be on the list. If you want something this size range, The Eco Parang is great. I've been using the heck out of it.
You can't like everything. I LOVE Joe's Bushcraft Parang, Eco Parang, and I'll love the Duku's when they come out (they are LIGHT). Love the Shango XL. Looking hard at the Speed Machete. But this? I WANTED to like it but I don't now.
I agree with the Bushcraft parang, I watched your video, recommendation on it and haven't even thought about a large chopping tool since I bought one. Same with CS bushman, and so far the SCHF42. But oh no for the SCHF 37 so far just doesn't work for me.
Wildwood Prepper Have you gotten the Azwelke sheath for it? It really completes the package.
Kydex isn't my thing. I purchased a 2 pocket Molle compatible nylon sheath.
It looks to be a good blade, but I think its to small for some of the purposes you used it for and others it looks to big!!!
It's too small period IMO. For what its intended to be, a machete.
I wanted to like this channel but after watching this video I can no longer take you seriously. The user makes the tool look useless.
nice
Not really a machete. As a large fixed blade, it should have done well. Is it too light to be a good chopper?
It doesn't have the right edge profile to be a "chopper" (like the BK9 for instance)
It seems not sharp.
Ver ver
I liked the review just not the blade.
I think an old hickory knife would do a better job and it's only 10$
If I had to use that for a weekend I would make it work then throw it away.
what i wold like to use for camping but bring a smaller knife for like guteing catfish or a snake if a moron wants to kill it for just because it is a snake
a 12 inch ontario will eat this for breakfast
Not the tool for me
I like big knives, I like machetes, but I would rather not have them crossed
I think you just needed a ninja mask.
wait for joe's comment LOL
funny show from the park
Not at a park, sorry.
Damn that machete sucks? I wonder if their yacare machete is any better?
+Rawhead Rex I doubt very many people have even seen RHR or remember that movie to know WTF your name is about. Then there's me.... Lol
You might be suprised. Ive had alot of people comment on this name.
+Rawhead Rex You authentically know they are probably in their 40s
I wanted one until I saw this video :P
again that 28 second intro
worst design ive seen yet needs to be longer or more weight forward
it's like i can feel your lack of enthusiasm for this one through just watching (before the end). i almost stopped watching a couple times so far just because i know you're not excited or intrigued with it.
I started out enthusiastic. Then I began to remember why I don't like micro machetes.
It's not even REALLY a machete. It's 1/8" thick 1095 shaped like a machete.
it seemed like a jack-of-all-trades kind of idea but instead of doing everything well/decently, it just does everything barely acceptably. keep up the good work, i do hope you take it along and test it once in a while and see if your opinion changes.
I'm going to regrind the edge with the Ken Onion Blade Grinder and see if I can coax it into acceptability. But not everyone has that ability.
i was actually wondering if you had done that before the video. i hope to seen an update vid!
idk i just wasn't really all that impressed then again i live in an area where a machete is basically useless
trey olson good video though you definitely made the best out of something that was kind of awkward
This guy is a clown