Love, your videos, i'm a landscaper and amateur survivalist. Have used machetes almost everyday for years. Based on how you are describing the handles I get the impression that you might be gripping them too tightly while swinging. The tighter you grip the more force will be absorbed by your arm on impact, with a somewhat loose but still secure grip you will deliver more energy into what you're hitting. The palm-swell on your Esee seems like it would be great to kind of rock it back and forth in your hand, instead of fighting the movement embrace it. This concept applies to all kinetic chains, the more rigid the less efficient. We have sledgehammers with wood handles and one with a metal handle, no one uses that one because it hits you almost as hard as what you're hitting. Secondly the most important piece of survival gear in my opinion is a pair of safety glasses or at least sunglasses. I've had wood chips and other debris fly into my eyes at work and getting blinded out in the woods seems like a terrible way to go. Apologies for the long-winded comment and unsolicited advice but it's with good intentions.
For me, it's going to be the secondary issues that come into play. The ESEE comes with a kydex sheath that needs no replacement. The TOPS, comes with their nylon sheath that is far too common on many of their models. Although I disagree with most folks who think those sheaths are horrendously awful, the best that can be said for them is that they're Serviceable or Decent. If the TOPS is going to be carried and used often, an aftermarket kydex sheath is pretty much a must-have purchase. Also, I hate recurves. Just a pain in the neck for me to touch-up or re-sharpen. And although the handle scales on the TOPS are better, the ESEE's scales are still quite good. I wouldn't turn it down if someone gifted me the TOPS. But when it comes to my own hard-earned money, I'd go with the ESEE.
I have loved my Junglass from day one. About a week and a half after purchasing it I called Mike at Esse knives, ask him if it would void the warranty if I installed a choil on my Junglas he said it would not. But he did ask why I would want to do that, this video clearly answers that question. Awesome video bro stay safe
Got to be honest, I own several ESEE knives. All of them with handle scales from The Knife Connection. As good as those G-10 scales are from TKC, there's just not a whole lot of traction on them. Some, but not much. Would love to see if a stock handled Jungles would have done better in terms of slippage against the TOPS.
The problem with Tops Armageddon is the very thin tip due to the weird grind! The knife is 1/4” but the front end of the knife is full flat grind and fragile! Thanks for the amazing videos.
@@BabakPA Because it's too wide? I don't think that is a problem. It's the thickness of the blade that is the reason. The thin tip is excellent for penetration. I know of a guy who uses the Junglas as a pig sticker, when hog hunting. He claims it is brutally good, better than the BK9 or Tops Wild pig hunter. Go figure...
Good video and comparison. The TOPS is a better chopper due to thickness and weight forward. I have not tried the TOPS Armegeddon, but have other large knives with finger grooves. I have found that although they lock the knife in hand well....they tend to create hot spots and get uncomfortable at those finger grooves for me. Keep up the good work and thanks for sharing!
I have the Tops Armageddon and the Bark River Grizzly. My two choppers. The only negative I would have to say about the Grizzly, is that you can't replace handle scales. Other than that, excellent knife.
I prefer the forward choil for the fine work with a big blade. Let’s be honest, if you were lost in the woods, with either knife, you wouldn’t be screwed !!!
I've never used the Armageddon but I have a junglas and LOVE it! I've got an izula 2 aka that I EDC carry horizontally on my belt just to the left of my bent buckle.
Sir, thank you for your review. I know that you cannot go wrong with either blade. For the entire package, I like the ESEE Junglas because it comes with a great sheath. I did have to replace the handles of the Junglas with the contour handles from the knife connection. I also have the Tops Armageddon, I had to replace the sheath that came with the Tops Armageddon with a Kydex sheath from 7rattlesbushcraft. I did not need to replace the handles. I like that both of these knives are made in the USA. Both knives are top quality. If anyone is on the fence about purchasing either of these blades, then might I suggest that you cannot go wrong with either of these blades. Or just get both of them! Thank you and God bless.
I like your thinking, just get both, LOL!! be sure and check out my videos on the Junglas 2 and how I've customized it. It has become my absolute favorite!
Last thing to consider is the price. I’m sorta favoring the Tops 1/4” thick gives it more weight in de-limbing branches and chopping small trees down for shelters.
Meh...the slightly thinner Junglas is the better option for that IMO. The only thing the Armageddon will do "better" is batoning. But I'd say slightly better. Plus, the Junglas has that sweet warranty. I've used the Armageddon before but it wasn't mine. I preferred the Junglas. Also, I've seen a few reviews out there of the Armageddon having some bending issues where it doesn't go back true. That would suck. These days I have a Silky BigBoy2000 saw, modified Cold Steel Pipe Hawk, and my modified Junglas....with a small stainless folder. Cover all my bases, even in winter, in a flat package without being too heavy. Only draw back to the Junglas is the thinner tip. Mine has been fine but I have seen at least two hard use review in very cold weather where the very tip on the Junglas was snapped due to some heavy batoning. But they were both easily reground and put back to action again now with a thicker tip.....not to mention if those reveiwers wanted a replacement Junglas they could have got one. The Junglas is already a heavy beast. I wouldn't want to add even more weight to that package with a quarter inch stock....yeesh. At that point I'll ditch the large knife and tomahawk for a larger axe and smaller fixed blade.
Good side by side Have yet to own a tops I know they are a solid company and manufacture many designs using some real innovative makers ESSE is where I went 1st and it was my 6. Have the jungles,4,bk14 colab,machete light and I’ll keep buying ESSE. They have many I need to still get.
It could just be your handles , easy fix on the esse. The reason why I like the tops is the thickness of the blade giving you the weight . But all in all both are awesome
If you are experiencing small hot spots on the Armageddon, try wrapping the handle with Wilson tennis wrap. Makes the handle a lot more comfortable and gripy, even with gloves on.
Definitely the recurve on that Tops gonna give it the edge. And that handle seems real nice. Ever tried the Kershaw Camp 10? about 1/4 the price of the Tops!
I personally prefer my Becker BK 9 over the Essee Junglas. I have both and the first day out with the Junglas I had small blade ships causing me to do minor reshaping and resharpening. This also tells me that blade breakage or major chipping is likely if I have any real dependency on the blade. Try using the Becker Khukri. I believe it would outperform both the Junglas and the Armageddon. I was very surprised by the Becker Khukri the first day I took it out. It even outperformed the BK 9 . All the tests you put those knives through would be exceedingly easy for the Khukri. I always take both out in the field when things get serious. I have other knives I use to take the place of these when I am out practicing, to save the wear on my BK blades. The 7" BK is a great all around blade and especially for combat. I am looking for a used R. Lee Ermy knife by KBar. I need to see how it performs. Hopefully I can find one in nice condition for a reasonable amount or simply a new one cheap. I have one in my collection and was part of the first run of his knife. I keep it and the box in mint condition as it is highly collectable among Marines, my fraternity. It looks as though it would have the potential to be a super useful knife. Both in Survival and in Combat as Lee designed it to be. God bless and take care and Happy New Year ! A friend always !
Good Review! Love the Junglas but I have not tried the Tops. I Think the ESEE might have a more neutral handle for more positions but I might be wrong. I usually take my "Terävä Skrama" out in the woods, because it´s a bit lighter and great even for small tasks. I don´t Think you can go wrong with either one :) Best regards from Sweden!
Thanks for watching! I eventually went back to using my Esee because it for me was more enjoyable to use. You are right about the hand positions on the Esee, much more versatile. Back at you Sweden from Oregon!!!
The ESSE blade is almost a complete flat grind and is 3/16 inch thick which should be better for creating curls or feather sticks compared to thicker bladed knives. The TOPS may have a finger choil but it also sports a 1/4 inch blade thickness that causes the angle of blade approach to be greater than the ESSE. I would think that this would make it more difficult to do curls and feather sticks. However, I also believe that technique is very important and having a knife that may not have a finger choil, using a good technique will counter the absence of a choil. If you use the same technique across all knife brands and styles there will definitely be some good knives that will receive bad reviews. However, if you use each knife how it was intended, then you may find that some are better than others even if they do not have a certain design. I also believe that the tops should be better at chopping since it has a 1/4 inch blade thickness and places more weight towards the front. I saw that coming from the start when I saw the blade thicknesses when they were side by side. Good video. Keep up the good work.
they are choppers and splitters get a mora or coldsteel roach belly if you wanna make feather sticks. Do you do fine work with a tree falling axe? Do you trim your toe nails with a chain saw? use the right tool for the job dude.
The ESEE handle seems designed for pinch grip chopping of lighter brush and for putting your hand back for heavier chopping. I think that's why you're having a discomfort swinging hard from the front of the handle.
Absolutely love the BK9! It is faster in the hand which makes it better for cutting boughs and limbs. Holds a very good edge. I actually like it better than either of these now that I have modified mine with a 90 degree spine and patina. It and the Junglas 2 are my favorite large blades. Thanks for asking!
Junglas 100%. No finger groove in the handle, gives a much more comfortable feeling when handling it. Nice sharp tip on it also.. No fan of chisel like fat tips here.
I have several videos on the BK 9, Including a new one putting it head to head with the Junglas 2 and Architect AK8. check them out, I think you'll enjoy them!
Tops makes an awesome blade. I have half a dozen Tops knives. The reason I stopped buying them is because I got tired of having to factor in $80-100 over the price of the knife for a decent sheath. The God awful sweat shop nylon their bigger knives come in is barely functional and a disservice to both the tool and the customer. By comparison, the kydex the ESEE comes in is better than most custom kydex rig and certainly among the best factory sheath options available anywhere. The sheath alone is enough to tilt it towards the ESEE for anyone who intend to use their tool farther from the couch than their backyard.
Love, your videos, i'm a landscaper and amateur survivalist. Have used machetes almost everyday for years. Based on how you are describing the handles I get the impression that you might be gripping them too tightly while swinging. The tighter you grip the more force will be absorbed by your arm on impact, with a somewhat loose but still secure grip you will deliver more energy into what you're hitting. The palm-swell on your Esee seems like it would be great to kind of rock it back and forth in your hand, instead of fighting the movement embrace it. This concept applies to all kinetic chains, the more rigid the less efficient.
We have sledgehammers with wood handles and one with a metal handle, no one uses that one because it hits you almost as hard as what you're hitting.
Secondly the most important piece of survival gear in my opinion is a pair of safety glasses or at least sunglasses. I've had wood chips and other debris fly into my eyes at work and getting blinded out in the woods seems like a terrible way to go.
Apologies for the long-winded comment and unsolicited advice but it's with good intentions.
Short synopsis:
Esee- (Much) Better sheath
Heat treat
Warranty
Tops- Choil
Recurve blade shape,
slight Kukri.
I would take the Esee.
So what you're saying is that I need both of these. Gotcha.
For me, it's going to be the secondary issues that come into play. The ESEE comes with a kydex sheath that needs no replacement. The TOPS, comes with their nylon sheath that is far too common on many of their models. Although I disagree with most folks who think those sheaths are horrendously awful, the best that can be said for them is that they're Serviceable or Decent. If the TOPS is going to be carried and used often, an aftermarket kydex sheath is pretty much a must-have purchase. Also, I hate recurves. Just a pain in the neck for me to touch-up or re-sharpen. And although the handle scales on the TOPS are better, the ESEE's scales are still quite good. I wouldn't turn it down if someone gifted me the TOPS. But when it comes to my own hard-earned money, I'd go with the ESEE.
Good choice. Over time i went back to the Esee.
I have loved my Junglass from day one. About a week and a half after purchasing it I called Mike at Esse knives, ask him if it would void the warranty if I installed a choil on my Junglas he said it would not. But he did ask why I would want to do that, this video clearly answers that question. Awesome video bro stay safe
Thank You for watching!
@@ochocobushcraft1742 Favorite 2-3 Big chppers in order?
I absolutely loathe choils. I'm glad the Junglas did not have one like the RTAK II did.
@@pennsyltuckyreb9800
Same here.
I absolutely hate choils.
Got to be honest, I own several ESEE knives. All of them with handle scales from The Knife Connection. As good as those G-10 scales are from TKC, there's just not a whole lot of traction on them. Some, but not much. Would love to see if a stock handled Jungles would have done better in terms of slippage against the TOPS.
Warranty is the tipping point. No better warranty in the game then esee!!
Absolutely cannot beat the Esee warranty!
The problem with Tops Armageddon is the very thin tip due to the weird grind! The knife is 1/4” but the front end of the knife is full flat grind and fragile! Thanks for the amazing videos.
Thank You for watching. I appreciate your input.
@@Ve-suvius I agree, the Tip is fragile because the blade is too wide. Cheers
@@BabakPA
Because it's too wide?
I don't think that is a problem.
It's the thickness of the blade that is the reason.
The thin tip is excellent for penetration.
I know of a guy who uses the Junglas as a pig sticker, when hog hunting.
He claims it is brutally good, better than the BK9 or Tops Wild pig hunter.
Go figure...
@@Ve-suvius Yes I totally agree, this is what I meant, It should have been a Sable grind and ticker. That would have been perfection :) Cheers
@@BabakPA
Ah , I commented and now the comment is gone. How nice..
Still going to say Tops !! Awesome work brother
Thank You!
Good video and comparison. The TOPS is a better chopper due to thickness and weight forward. I have not tried the TOPS Armegeddon, but have other large knives with finger grooves. I have found that although they lock the knife in hand well....they tend to create hot spots and get uncomfortable at those finger grooves for me. Keep up the good work and thanks for sharing!
Thank You For Your Feedback, and For Watching!
Armageddon handle did it for me. Almost bought one online but went to the shop instead, held it and gave it right back.
My thoughts exactly I don’t think they try their knives out themselves because that handle is shit
I have the Tops Armageddon and the Bark River Grizzly. My two choppers. The only negative I would have to say about the Grizzly, is that you can't replace handle scales. Other than that, excellent knife.
Thanks for watching! You have me curious. I am going to have to check out the Grizzly.
I prefer the forward choil for the fine work with a big blade. Let’s be honest, if you were lost in the woods, with either knife, you wouldn’t be screwed !!!
I've never used the Armageddon but I have a junglas and LOVE it! I've got an izula 2 aka that I EDC carry horizontally on my belt just to the left of my bent buckle.
I like that Izula 2 myself. I still like my Junglas better than the Armageddon, and am testing out a Junglas 2 today!
I got the Tops Armageddon a 170 machete and the Apache dawn and all 3 are awesome.
The Apache Dawn is one of the best feeling knives I have ever used.
@@ochocobushcraft1742 it's definitely a excellent blade. I've never owned a Esee but I can vouch for the Tops brand lol
Both awesome knives loves mine great video
Thank you!
2 cuchillazos muy parecidos 2 joyas
Sir, thank you for your review. I know that you cannot go wrong with either blade. For the entire package, I like the ESEE Junglas because it comes with a great sheath. I did have to replace the handles of the Junglas with the contour handles from the knife connection. I also have the Tops Armageddon, I had to replace the sheath that came with the Tops Armageddon with a Kydex sheath from 7rattlesbushcraft. I did not need to replace the handles. I like that both of these knives are made in the USA. Both knives are top quality. If anyone is on the fence about purchasing either of these blades, then might I suggest that you cannot go wrong with either of these blades. Or just get both of them! Thank you and God bless.
I like your thinking, just get both, LOL!!
be sure and check out my videos on the Junglas 2 and how I've customized it. It has become my absolute favorite!
Last thing to consider is the price. I’m sorta favoring the Tops 1/4” thick gives it more weight in de-limbing branches and chopping small trees down for shelters.
Meh...the slightly thinner Junglas is the better option for that IMO. The only thing the Armageddon will do "better" is batoning. But I'd say slightly better. Plus, the Junglas has that sweet warranty.
I've used the Armageddon before but it wasn't mine. I preferred the Junglas. Also, I've seen a few reviews out there of the Armageddon having some bending issues where it doesn't go back true. That would suck.
These days I have a Silky BigBoy2000 saw, modified Cold Steel Pipe Hawk, and my modified Junglas....with a small stainless folder. Cover all my bases, even in winter, in a flat package without being too heavy.
Only draw back to the Junglas is the thinner tip. Mine has been fine but I have seen at least two hard use review in very cold weather where the very tip on the Junglas was snapped due to some heavy batoning.
But they were both easily reground and put back to action again now with a thicker tip.....not to mention if those reveiwers wanted a replacement Junglas they could have got one.
The Junglas is already a heavy beast. I wouldn't want to add even more weight to that package with a quarter inch stock....yeesh. At that point I'll ditch the large knife and tomahawk for a larger axe and smaller fixed blade.
@@pennsyltuckyreb9800 i agree
You should compare them with the ESEE factory handle.
Good side by side
Have yet to own a tops
I know they are a solid company and manufacture many designs using some real innovative makers
ESSE is where I went 1st and it was my 6. Have the jungles,4,bk14 colab,machete light and I’ll keep buying ESSE. They have many I need to still get.
Built up a nice collection of Esee's myself, and Becker's. I guess I am now working on a collection of Tops. Thank You for watching.
The Tops is the better knife, especially considering you are so used to using the Essee.
It could just be your handles , easy fix on the esse. The reason why I like the tops is the thickness of the blade giving you the weight . But all in all both are awesome
The Tops definately feels better in the hand. It has become my go to chopper when out.
If you are experiencing small hot spots on the Armageddon, try wrapping the handle with Wilson tennis wrap. Makes the handle a lot more comfortable and gripy, even with gloves on.
Thank You for the tip! No hot spots yet.
Kung Fu Pyro Thanks for the tip man, I’ll try it with my other knives
Both are larger than I like, but would take the ESEE as I don’t like finger grove handles or recurve blades.
Definitely the recurve on that Tops gonna give it the edge. And that handle seems real nice. Ever tried the Kershaw Camp 10? about 1/4 the price of the Tops!
I haven't yet. Really have become a huge fan of Esee and their warranty.
love the videos
I personally prefer my Becker BK 9 over the Essee Junglas. I have both and the first day out with the Junglas I had small blade ships causing me to do minor reshaping and resharpening. This also tells me that blade breakage or major chipping is likely if I have any real dependency on the blade. Try using the Becker Khukri. I believe it would outperform both the Junglas and the Armageddon. I was very surprised by the Becker Khukri the first day I took it out. It even outperformed the BK 9 . All the tests you put those knives through would be exceedingly easy for the Khukri. I always take both out in the field when things get serious. I have other knives I use to take the place of these when I am out practicing, to save the wear on my BK blades. The 7" BK is a great all around blade and especially for combat. I am looking for a used R. Lee Ermy knife by KBar. I need to see how it performs. Hopefully I can find one in nice condition for a reasonable amount or simply a new one cheap. I have one in my collection and was part of the first run of his knife. I keep it and the box in mint condition as it is highly collectable among Marines, my fraternity. It looks as though it would have the potential to be a super useful knife. Both in Survival and in Combat as Lee designed it to be. God bless and take care and Happy New Year ! A friend always !
Thank you and God Bless you as well!
Good Review! Love the Junglas but I have not tried the Tops. I Think the ESEE might have a more neutral handle for more positions but I might be wrong. I usually take my "Terävä Skrama" out in the woods, because it´s a bit lighter and great even for small tasks. I don´t Think you can go wrong with either one :) Best regards from Sweden!
Thanks for watching! I eventually went back to using my Esee because it for me was more enjoyable to use. You are right about the hand positions on the Esee, much more versatile. Back at you Sweden from Oregon!!!
@@ochocobushcraft1742
finger choils are limiting hand position. And for me personally a pain in the glutes. Just as annoying as blade choils.
The ESSE blade is almost a complete flat grind and is 3/16 inch thick which should be better for creating curls or feather sticks compared to thicker bladed knives. The TOPS may have a finger choil but it also sports a 1/4 inch blade thickness that causes the angle of blade approach to be greater than the ESSE. I would think that this would make it more difficult to do curls and feather sticks. However, I also believe that technique is very important and having a knife that may not have a finger choil, using a good technique will counter the absence of a choil. If you use the same technique across all knife brands and styles there will definitely be some good knives that will receive bad reviews. However, if you use each knife how it was intended, then you may find that some are better than others even if they do not have a certain design. I also believe that the tops should be better at chopping since it has a 1/4 inch blade thickness and places more weight towards the front. I saw that coming from the start when I saw the blade thicknesses when they were side by side. Good video. Keep up the good work.
Thank you for watching!
they are choppers and splitters get a mora or coldsteel roach belly if you wanna make feather sticks. Do you do fine work with a tree falling axe? Do you trim your toe nails with a chain saw? use the right tool for the job dude.
I had to put the micarta back on the Junglas. The TKC scales are just to skinny and slick.
Esee all day long.
Their warranty is always the main factor for me.
Can't beat the Esee warranty!
ESEE all day. I hate the cramped up handle on tops. Also trying to find.a finger groove is not fun to re grip when chopping.
Thank you for watching! I can see where larger hands might not like the Tops. My hands arent that big so the Tops is super comfortable.
The ESEE handle seems designed for pinch grip chopping of lighter brush and for putting your hand back for heavier chopping. I think that's why you're having a discomfort swinging hard from the front of the handle.
You built my battleship
Seems like with this comparison the deciding factor would be which one a person likes the looks of the best
Pretty much. Thank you for watching!
How do these knives compare to the KA-BAR BECKER BK9?
Absolutely love the BK9! It is faster in the hand which makes it better for cutting boughs and limbs. Holds a very good edge. I actually like it better than either of these now that I have modified mine with a 90 degree spine and patina. It and the Junglas 2 are my favorite large blades.
Thanks for asking!
@@ochocobushcraft1742 Thanks man, I've been wanting to get a good quality bushcraft knife that can hold up to my abuse.
Topside better because of the weight! Both are icons ans a 10!
Grande confronto li ho entrambi stupendi anche el chete e junglas 2
Thank you!
Junglas 100%.
No finger groove in the handle, gives a much more comfortable feeling when handling it. Nice sharp tip on it also..
No fan of chisel like fat tips here.
Awsome comparison Video! Have you ever tried a BK-9? :-) Peace, Stiletto :-)
I have several videos on the BK 9, Including a new one putting it head to head with the Junglas 2 and Architect AK8. check them out, I think you'll enjoy them!
Idk what one is bigger the 2 knifes or the guy useing thim
Great video!
Tops makes an awesome blade. I have half a dozen Tops knives. The reason I stopped buying them is because I got tired of having to factor in $80-100 over the price of the knife for a decent sheath. The God awful sweat shop nylon their bigger knives come in is barely functional and a disservice to both the tool and the customer.
By comparison, the kydex the ESEE comes in is better than most custom kydex rig and certainly among the best factory sheath options available anywhere. The sheath alone is enough to tilt it towards the ESEE for anyone who intend to use their tool farther from the couch than their backyard.
Would also highly recommend checking out Architect Knives. 1095 blades are made by TOPS, but you design your own knife including sheath.
At this point it's personal preference
Yep!
Esee warranty trumps all
Absolutely!!!
Esee is always the better choice than tops
Gotta get Nate to use one and you use the other and go head to head. See who out performs who with which knife.
Nate doesn't care for large knives, so I would have the edge. Literally, Ha Ha!
Watch JoeX …. He has a very strong opinion on Tops 😂
You pronounced the Junglas correctly! Not too many does.
LOL! When I first got it I was Pronouncing it like Jungle. Thanks for watching!
The junglas is 3/16ths
Good vid
Thanks for watching!
I like the esee like the bk9 I have, because they dont have a focal point/area on the blade
The BK9 is another favorite of mine!
@@ochocobushcraft1742 that tops knife is definitely better for chopping, but the defense aspect of the knife you're carrying matters too.
As tops
BK9... should of been in the test...
Agreed! Stay tuned it will be in the upcoming comparison between the Junglas2, AK8, and BK9
Great Video!
Thank you!