I only have one Tops. It’s a Brothers of Bushcraft. It’s been decent, it hold a edge well. Any good knife is going to cost $100+ in my experience with a couple exceptions. Most knives even expensive ones will need some modifications. The Tops Bob I have I filed the spine down and put a cold blueing on it to protect it. I also added a shock cord retainer for the ferro rod. I either keep WD-40 on my working knives or olive oil if they are for food. Another person I know uses lip balm out in the field to keep the rust at bay.
I agree. $100 seems to be the baseline for a larger fixed blade. I usually use a product literally called "rust protectant" from fluid film. Works well and stays on a fairly long time. You can get it at any auto parts store. If I needed to in a pinch, I wouldn't hesitate to use a lard or tallow. Been done for centuries and stays on a really long time too
I had to fill out all 5. Wasn't easy. The first 2 were legit issues. 3 was eh and the last 2. I had to stretchhhh to get em. But I'm a man of my word and found five
Like Modern Refugee I have their BoB. Got in a sub box paid $150 for the box @ the time the knife was $150 on their site. I picked up the kydex sheath for an extra $40 I believe. It's been one of my best knifes if not the best. The curved handle just fits in a way like no other.
I had always heard great things about Tops just never pulled the trigger on a buy. It came down to this one or the Tahoma field knife. Went with this one as it seemed more versatile. By far my favorite fixed blade now. I'm sure once I upgrade the Sheath and handle, I'll never take it off the belt
Darn inflation. I bought it December 20th for $160. Still for sale on theknifeconnection for $165 but I've never bought from them so I can vouch. It's a great knife but a $50 increase is crazy
I don't know what the deal is but people wanting me to review stuff are coming out of the wood work. I get a request every few weeks....I review only things I would normally buy or are interested in...so I do have a couple reviews coming up that are promotional... that said, why aren't the knife guys hitting me up for reviews? ;) I know you bought that yourself tho. I do love a good knife... and that is a thick knife, sturdy and looks great too...NICE~
Same here. It seems like every other day I'm getting a new company to want me to review a flashlight or tent or chicken treats or whatever. I always reply I do a bare bones review and if I don't like it, I will say so and I will absolutely tell people I got it for free. So far all but 2 companies didn't reply. The 2 that did reply asked me to send a link before I put the video public. Not the game I want to play so I'll just buy stuff I actually want and do the review based on by perception of actually spending my own hard earned dollars. I think when your own money is on the line, you are absolutely more honest in your impressions.
@@PalmettoPrepared I also got an ask on chicken treats and they were like $11 for a large bag, hardly worth our time for sure. we should discuss this (as a small insider group) sometime....
Got mine with smooth handle scales, added a custom kydex sheath…near perfect for me. I do believe if you contact Tops you can get smooth scales for it.
Honestly as long as the Sheath is decent I try not to get too upset about it. I know 95% of the price is going to the steel and its process. The Sheath is always an afterthought
They need to make that strap come from the other side to keep from cutting as well. I'd really like a nice kydex sheath as an option. Leather sheaths are nice but I've had a knife slice though one and I ended up with some stitches. I really like the knife and plan on getting one. Thanks for the nice review. 👍
Great blade, but yeah the handle slabs blow...change them, you wont regret it, next thing to do is get a Kydex sheath...Leather and 1095 are born enemies..lol
@@PalmettoPrepared I use their motor oil stabilizer too in all my vehicles...I've literally had old 350s that I've ran low on oil to the point the oil gauge would bottom out for several seconds and jump back up for a second then bottom out again and the engine was never hurt..I run 2 qts in my older trucks.. hard pulling seems to knock the rear mains out over time which causes leakage. Lucas is a excellent product I recommend to all survivalist, preppers etc
There’s a mod. on YT using a piece of shock cord to pull the retention strap out of the way when it’s undone. I always budget for a replacement sheath when I buy Tops. I probably shouldn’t have to though 😠. My coating only lasted a few days before peeling off. Tops did offer to fix it under warranty, I just stripped it and did a vinegar patina and it doesn’t rust as easily now which I don’t understand.
It sure is a stinger. Before this I was using a sog kukri for most of my larger knife needs. It just wasn't stout enough. Kept glancing off dense woods which was kind of a safety issue. So I decided to save up and I couldn't be happier.
I got the same knife but I have the standard grips on mine, I didn't get the Rocky Mountain tread ones on my knife and glad I didn't after hearing your thoughts on the grips. I agree the knife isn't the easiest to re-sheath one-handed but I still like the sheath, it is simple and basic. It isn't the best blade for chopping but it works and it does a good job for most other camp chores. I feel that the blade works like a large chef's knife.
Or you can do what everyone else does when you pull the leather retaining strap back you flip it over and put it between your leg and the back of the sheath that way it will hold it there you can also use some mink oil and pair of channel locks and just basically give it a nice crease in the reverse to keep it out of the way
It's $163 on theknifeconnection but I've never ordered from them so I didn't want to be dishonest. I used the link from the order again tab and it's interesting to see the price has jumped $50.
👍 KNIFE!! Way cooler than firearms. Shhhh don’t tell huples, I don’t want him to put me on blast for being anti-gun 😂🤦♂️ Yeah, most sheaths suck. I have mine re-made from an outfit on Instagram (You’re not in at all) 😂🤦♂️sorry couldn’t help myself Custom handles would be cool! Maybe with that stippling thing people call it Availability on a lot of stuff is hit/miss right now I spend good money on a knife, I don’t want it crapping out on me. People that buy cheap knives and promote them crack me up KA Bar!!! I’ve got several. You speak blasphemy!!! 😂😜
Id like to make my own Sheath eventually. I have a design in my head but I have no idea if I'm capable of making it. Yes! I spend good money on things I want to make sure they last a very long time and don't break. Sometimes it bites me but in this case, absolutely paid off.
Finally got back to finish this. Guess I’ll be keeping it on my wishlist. Got any Esee? Would love to see you review them. (I dont have any of those yet either)
I used to have an esee 3. It's a really good knife as well. Always heard I needed to stick with their odd numbers as they are somehow inherently better than the evens. No idea how true that is
I only have one Tops. It’s a Brothers of Bushcraft. It’s been decent, it hold a edge well. Any good knife is going to cost $100+ in my experience with a couple exceptions. Most knives even expensive ones will need some modifications. The Tops Bob I have I filed the spine down and put a cold blueing on it to protect it. I also added a shock cord retainer for the ferro rod. I either keep WD-40 on my working knives or olive oil if they are for food. Another person I know uses lip balm out in the field to keep the rust at bay.
I agree. $100 seems to be the baseline for a larger fixed blade. I usually use a product literally called "rust protectant" from fluid film. Works well and stays on a fairly long time. You can get it at any auto parts store. If I needed to in a pinch, I wouldn't hesitate to use a lard or tallow. Been done for centuries and stays on a really long time too
Seems like a good knife to have in the backwoods. Little nit picks but you'll get that with everything. Good honest review
I had to fill out all 5. Wasn't easy. The first 2 were legit issues. 3 was eh and the last 2. I had to stretchhhh to get em. But I'm a man of my word and found five
Good review.
Thanks Steve
😎😎
Very nice knife. Good review. Please keep the videos coming.
Like Modern Refugee I have their BoB. Got in a sub box paid $150 for the box @ the time the knife was $150 on their site. I picked up the kydex sheath for an extra $40 I believe. It's been one of my best knifes if not the best. The curved handle just fits in a way like no other.
I had always heard great things about Tops just never pulled the trigger on a buy. It came down to this one or the Tahoma field knife. Went with this one as it seemed more versatile. By far my favorite fixed blade now. I'm sure once I upgrade the Sheath and handle, I'll never take it off the belt
Thank you Anthony for your honest review. I clicked on the link and the price came up to $213.90. Have a great day
Darn inflation. I bought it December 20th for $160. Still for sale on theknifeconnection for $165 but I've never bought from them so I can vouch. It's a great knife but a $50 increase is crazy
I don't know what the deal is but people wanting me to review stuff are coming out of the wood work. I get a request every few weeks....I review only things I would normally buy or are interested in...so I do have a couple reviews coming up that are promotional... that said, why aren't the knife guys hitting me up for reviews? ;) I know you bought that yourself tho. I do love a good knife... and that is a thick knife, sturdy and looks great too...NICE~
Same here. It seems like every other day I'm getting a new company to want me to review a flashlight or tent or chicken treats or whatever. I always reply I do a bare bones review and if I don't like it, I will say so and I will absolutely tell people I got it for free. So far all but 2 companies didn't reply. The 2 that did reply asked me to send a link before I put the video public.
Not the game I want to play so I'll just buy stuff I actually want and do the review based on by perception of actually spending my own hard earned dollars. I think when your own money is on the line, you are absolutely more honest in your impressions.
@@PalmettoPrepared I also got an ask on chicken treats and they were like $11 for a large bag, hardly worth our time for sure. we should discuss this (as a small insider group) sometime....
Thank you for your effort making this nice review 👍
Thank you for watching it!
Got mine with smooth handle scales, added a custom kydex sheath…near perfect for me. I do believe if you contact Tops you can get smooth scales for it.
Looks like I'll be shooting an email to tops. Thank you
I totally agree about the "Rocky Mountain" scales. Well said and very honest 👍🏼
Great review and great knife Anthony. A lot of knives come with subpar sheaths to me also. The only ones I've been happy with are my bark rivers.
Honestly as long as the Sheath is decent I try not to get too upset about it. I know 95% of the price is going to the steel and its process. The Sheath is always an afterthought
Interesting, Anthony.
Thanks Uncle Al
They need to make that strap come from the other side to keep from cutting as well. I'd really like a nice kydex sheath as an option. Leather sheaths are nice but I've had a knife slice though one and I ended up with some stitches. I really like the knife and plan on getting one. Thanks for the nice review. 👍
Great blade, but yeah the handle slabs blow...change them, you wont regret it, next thing to do is get a Kydex sheath...Leather and 1095 are born enemies..lol
Leather and metal in the summer is death. Ask my 1911...
Great review Palmetto...
I use Lucas gun oil on all my stuff.
Stay safe
🇺🇸🏴☠️🏴
I love that stuff. It's all I use on my guns
@@PalmettoPrepared I use their motor oil stabilizer too in all my vehicles...I've literally had old 350s that I've ran low on oil to the point the oil gauge would bottom out for several seconds and jump back up for a second then bottom out again and the engine was never hurt..I run 2 qts in my older trucks..
hard pulling seems to knock the rear mains out over time which causes leakage.
Lucas is a excellent product I recommend to all survivalist, preppers etc
Saving this one for later Anthony. I’ve wanted a Tops for bushcrafting. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts
Some of the best production knives out there for a reason
There’s a mod. on YT using a piece of shock cord to pull the retention strap out of the way when it’s undone.
I always budget for a replacement sheath when I buy Tops. I probably shouldn’t have to though 😠. My coating only lasted a few days before peeling off. Tops did offer to fix it under warranty, I just stripped it and did a vinegar patina and it doesn’t rust as easily now which I don’t understand.
I don't believe we own any tops knives, thanks for the info.
They rock. Pricey, but worth it if you like beefy, quality knives
Great review
I was on board until the price point. Deal breaker for me. But, looks like a great knife. Thanks for sharing it with us.
It sure is a stinger. Before this I was using a sog kukri for most of my larger knife needs. It just wasn't stout enough. Kept glancing off dense woods which was kind of a safety issue. So I decided to save up and I couldn't be happier.
Thanks for sharing!
I got the same knife but I have the standard grips on mine, I didn't get the Rocky Mountain tread ones on my knife and glad I didn't after hearing your thoughts on the grips. I agree the knife isn't the easiest to re-sheath one-handed but I still like the sheath, it is simple and basic. It isn't the best blade for chopping but it works and it does a good job for most other camp chores. I feel that the blade works like a large chef's knife.
Or you can do what everyone else does when you pull the leather retaining strap back you flip it over and put it between your leg and the back of the sheath that way it will hold it there you can also use some mink oil and pair of channel locks and just basically give it a nice crease in the reverse to keep it out of the way
I've gotten used to it now but it is still annoying.
That’s a nice sticker.
213 on the site you posted. But it’s still I nice sticker.
It's $163 on theknifeconnection but I've never ordered from them so I didn't want to be dishonest. I used the link from the order again tab and it's interesting to see the price has jumped $50.
👍
KNIFE!! Way cooler than firearms. Shhhh don’t tell huples, I don’t want him to put me on blast for being anti-gun 😂🤦♂️
Yeah, most sheaths suck. I have mine re-made from an outfit on Instagram
(You’re not in at all) 😂🤦♂️sorry couldn’t help myself
Custom handles would be cool! Maybe with that stippling thing people call it
Availability on a lot of stuff is hit/miss right now
I spend good money on a knife, I don’t want it crapping out on me. People that buy cheap knives and promote them crack me up
KA Bar!!! I’ve got several. You speak blasphemy!!! 😂😜
Id like to make my own Sheath eventually. I have a design in my head but I have no idea if I'm capable of making it.
Yes! I spend good money on things I want to make sure they last a very long time and don't break. Sometimes it bites me but in this case, absolutely paid off.
Anthony , great looking knife, good honest review , thanks for sharing , God bless !
Thank you Michael
Watch" Joe-X "review on it if you want to know its full limits on its metal and capabilities. Thanks for sharing your input 👍
That sheath strap is a problem.
It has gotten me countless times. The last time I was climbing the deer stand and it fell out. It's becoming a chore
NICK PICK IT 2 DEATH GILL😎😎
🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸👍👍👊👊😎
You didn’t even watch yet!!
@@Fordgroup00 😂😂 PROVE IT.♠️♠️♠️😂😂
@@keithcronk7980
🤓
Finally got back to finish this. Guess I’ll be keeping it on my wishlist. Got any Esee? Would love to see you review them. (I dont have any of those yet either)
That end shot is sexy af
I used to have an esee 3. It's a really good knife as well. Always heard I needed to stick with their odd numbers as they are somehow inherently better than the evens. No idea how true that is
I use 0000 steel and oil after each use. Light steel wool and oil keeps the 1095 perfect.
I use a brillo pad or scotch brite but it all works. Gotta take care of the blade that takes care of you
Good review. When you need to nick pick for the negative well then it is over all quality.
Agreed 100%
Love the knife and hate the sheath. It should have been kydex like most Tops knives.
Its a nice looking knife, but not worth that price.
That's why it took me 6 years to buy it. Knife was released in 2014 and I just pulled the trigger and bought it end of 2020
Made in usa ??? Usa has good workmanship???
Meanwhile this knife costs in Germany 255 € 😢