Losing your dog is the absolute worst. Sorry to hear. I had a TOPS .170. I was on a waiting list to get one for many many months. A well-made machete. A nice blade with a good steel. However I hated the handle grip. Absolutely hated it. Far too narrow and it was actually unsafe for the tasks I needed it for. In the end it just stayed in my drawer and I used my Kershaw camp 10 instead. I also hated the sheath on the TOPS. Unfortunately the TOPS was stolen (along with the Kershaw and other machetes and outdoor equipment) :(
I appreciate that. We're getting by . I'm sorry the TOPS didn't work out for you. I prefer thinner handles. The taper on the .170(and the .230 I assume) are excellent for allowing a snap cut. I'm happily surprised with the comfort of these. I have never tried the Kershaw.
@@Murphnuge I think the TOPS .170 is well made. I was just disappointed that the handle didn't suit me. The handle on the Kershaw camp 10 is rubberized, but it's a super non-slip grip. I much prefer the steel and blade shape on the TOPS (which is why I bought it), but the handle was a deal-breaker for me. I can't afford any mishaps when I'm on my own with no access to proper medical help. If the handle on the TOPS is working for you, then it's an excellent machete to work with, and I'm a bit jealous, because I so wanted it to work for me.
Thank you! Not a day goes by that she doesn't cross my mind. The El Chete is on my list. The Tundra Trekker is very interesting looking. I'll need to check one out next time the TOPS boys are in my vicinity.
Sorry about you dog, brother. Man’s best friend. I like the 230 better for big limbing jobs, but the 170 for everything else, including using it as a camping knife. It lives in the jeep, with a swiss army knife in one pocket and a sharpening stone in the other. Great video, keep them coming.
Thank you, she was that for sure. I am planning on getting a .230 next. Keeping a SAK in the pocket is a great idea! I have a bic in an exotac fire sleeve and a small sharpening stone in mine.
@@Murphnuge Yeah - I actually have a fire steel in the pocket with the Swiss army knife (trekker version), but I am starting to think that a lighter in a sleeve is a more realistic option. The fire steel seems like more of a back-up option for long trips in rugged areas. The .170 is good for batoning small, dry branches, so I do like to take on some trips, paired with a Silky saw, instead of a hatchet or axe. It packs better, is lighter, and is an adequate food prep option too.
@Murphnuge if you're talking about camouflage, just remember, the war is over. There's no one out there looking for you. If you're not talking about that then I have no idea what you're talking about lol.
Losing your dog is the absolute worst. Sorry to hear.
I had a TOPS .170. I was on a waiting list to get one for many many months. A well-made machete. A nice blade with a good steel. However I hated the handle grip. Absolutely hated it. Far too narrow and it was actually unsafe for the tasks I needed it for. In the end it just stayed in my drawer and I used my Kershaw camp 10 instead. I also hated the sheath on the TOPS. Unfortunately the TOPS was stolen (along with the Kershaw and other machetes and outdoor equipment) :(
I appreciate that. We're getting by .
I'm sorry the TOPS didn't work out for you. I prefer thinner handles. The taper on the .170(and the .230 I assume) are excellent for allowing a snap cut. I'm happily surprised with the comfort of these. I have never tried the Kershaw.
@@Murphnuge I think the TOPS .170 is well made. I was just disappointed that the handle didn't suit me. The handle on the Kershaw camp 10 is rubberized, but it's a super non-slip grip. I much prefer the steel and blade shape on the TOPS (which is why I bought it), but the handle was a deal-breaker for me. I can't afford any mishaps when I'm on my own with no access to proper medical help. If the handle on the TOPS is working for you, then it's an excellent machete to work with, and I'm a bit jealous, because I so wanted it to work for me.
@@citizenwolf8720Totally understandable. There are so many different options out there, it would be weird if we all used the same tool.
My two favourite large Tops knives are the Tundra Trekker and the El Chete.
Condolences.
Thank you! Not a day goes by that she doesn't cross my mind. The El Chete is on my list. The Tundra Trekker is very interesting looking. I'll need to check one out next time the TOPS boys are in my vicinity.
Sorry about you dog, brother. Man’s best friend.
I like the 230 better for big limbing jobs, but the 170 for everything else, including using it as a camping knife. It lives in the jeep, with a swiss army knife in one pocket and a sharpening stone in the other.
Great video, keep them coming.
Thank you, she was that for sure.
I am planning on getting a .230 next. Keeping a SAK in the pocket is a great idea! I have a bic in an exotac fire sleeve and a small sharpening stone in mine.
@@Murphnuge Yeah - I actually have a fire steel in the pocket with the Swiss army knife (trekker version), but I am starting to think that a lighter in a sleeve is a more realistic option. The fire steel seems like more of a back-up option for long trips in rugged areas. The .170 is good for batoning small, dry branches, so I do like to take on some trips, paired with a Silky saw, instead of a hatchet or axe. It packs better, is lighter, and is an adequate food prep option too.
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Thank you!
Thank you for the review and thanks for listening to the TDG podcast. Sorry to hear about Violet.
Thanks for a great tool! Y'all are a great hang while I'm tuning out work. I appreciate the condolences as well.
When the orange and venom green is available I'll buy one.
@@JosephAllen-d2e The idea behind it is sound. I'm stuck too much between worlds to want to be seen.
@Murphnuge if you're talking about camouflage, just remember, the war is over. There's no one out there looking for you. If you're not talking about that then I have no idea what you're talking about lol.
@@JosephAllen-d2e You're absolutely right. It's hard to turn that off when I step into the woods.
Love to see an episode or two on some of the camping knives you have, your recommendations and how to use properly
I'll see what I can do. That sounds like at least two separate videos!
just found you looking for this knife. good vid subbed
Hey, thank you! Hopefully I was somewhat useful.
Picture of Violet is an awesome Idea.
I'm working on it!
Why am I looking at an Esee product but not seeing orange and venom green?
This is a TOPs product. The Junglas video was a couple before this.
@Murphnuge oops, lmao. Well, then, Tops needs to get with the program and put out some o and vg of their own.
@@JosephAllen-d2e Hey, no problem! I appreciate you watching. Reach out to TOPS, they're great folks and may consider it.
Sorry about your pooch, hardest thing in world is to say goodbye to your dog!!!!!!!
Thank you. There's not a day that goes by that I don't think about her several times. She set a standard that all others will be held to.