Why Are TOPS Knives SO EXPENSIVE? 3 Questions from Craig from TOPS
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 มิ.ย. 2017
- WHY are TOPS Knives SO EXPENSIVE? AND WHY NO 90 DEGREE SPINE? And what about the CRAZY FIRE STEELS? Those are 3 of the most common questions that people ask me when I review TOPS knives. And so I went to Craig from TOPS and asked him. Here's his response - pretty interesting I think - what do you think?
_______
Amazon Store: amzn.to/2Gk2eGH
Shop here at Blade HQ to support the channel - THANKS!:
shrsl.com/1ndyz
_______
BUDGET-FRIENDLY ITEMS I RECOMMEND:
1. The Mora Craftline Basic 5 11 - amzn.to/2Lf2M4A
2. Mylar Blankets - amzn.to/2LLVtk9
3. UCO Stormproof Matches - amzn.to/2XFvZfF
4. Light My Fire Fire Steel 2.0 - amzn.to/2S9lKuc
5. Stanley Stainless Steel Cook Set - amzn.to/30w6nih
_______
SOLID SURVIVAL KNIVES:
1. ESEE 6 - amzn.to/2S6STGN
2. Ontario Knife Company Rat 7 - amzn.to/2NK29lr
3. Benchmade Bushcrafter - amzn.to/2LOcTga
4. TOPS Kukri - amzn.to/2LcLwgc
5. Mora Garberg - amzn.to/2Ju9W2T
_______
SOLID EDC KNIVES
1.CRKT Squid - amzn.to/2NL32KL
2. Benchmade Griptilian - amzn.to/2S5nx38
3. Spyderco Tenacious - amzn.to/2XAFBbz
4. Ontario Knife Company Rat 2 - amzn.to/2S7UewO
5. CRKT Fossil - amzn.to/2LOd8b4
_______
SOLID EDC FLASHLIGHTS
1. Streamlight Microstream - amzn.to/2LLGjLW
2. Olight S1R Baton 2 - amzn.to/2S42Zbe
3. Thrunite T1 - amzn.to/2LLCruh
4. Thrunite TC15 - amzn.to/2NMwXSA
5. Fenix PD35 TAC - amzn.to/2Jr95Qd
_______
OTHER SOLID SURVIVAL/OUTDOOR TOOLS
1. Bahco Laplander Saw - amzn.to/2LKInUo
2. Corona Folding Saw - amzn.to/2LM4r0P
3. Mechanix Gloves - amzn.to/2xGgRPF
4. Large Firesteel - amzn.to/2JvQX8d
5. Pocket Bellows - amzn.to/2S84wNG
_______
SOLID BAGS
1. Vertx EDC Commuter Sling Bag - amzn.to/2XAGO2B
2. Maxpedition Valence Tech Sling - amzn.to/2XFU8mc
3. Vanquest Mobius - amzn.to/2LLHPO8
4. Vanquest Envoy 13 Bag -amzn.to/2S67cvj
5. Helikon-Tex Bail Out Bag - amzn.to/2S5nTH0
_______
POPULAR VIDEOS:
1. Car Survival Bag - tinyurl.com/CarSurvETV
2. 10 Lies About Survival - tinyurl.com/Top10SurvETV
3. 10 Survival Knives - tinyurl.com/10SurvKnETV
4. TSA Kit - tinyurl.com/TSAKitETV
5. TOPS Kukri & Kit - tinyurl.com/TopsKuETV
_______
CONNECT WITH ETV
TH-cam - / everydaytacticalvids
Twitter - / everydaytactic1
Facebook - / 396490423756541
Instagram - / everyday_tactical_vids
Tumblr - / everydaytacticalvids
Google+ - tinyurl.com/EverydayTacticalVi...
_______
Everyday Tactical Vids: Thinking Tactically, Living Purposefully
PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN AN INFLUENCE ON EVERYDAY TACTICAL VIDS:
- Lt. Colonel Dave Grossman, originator of The Sheepdog
Concept
- Travis Haley of Haley Strategic
- Chris Costa of Costa Ludus
- The team over at ITS Tactical
- NutnFancy and his TH-cam channel/community
- Tom Brown Jr. of The Tracker School
- Dave Canterbury of The Pathfinder School
- Rob Pincus of I.C.E. Training
![หมานแต่ผัวเขา - แสตมป์ โตเกียวมิวสิค [ OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/m0g1TSBJPgo/mqdefault.jpg)
I own 4 Tops knives and wish I had 4 more of them. There's nothing out of line with the price FOR ME. You get what you pay for. Also, I met all the guys from Tops at Blade show '16 and they are super nice and I want to support what they're doing up there in Idaho. Great video.
I totally agree with you brotha
I'm not trying to tell you how to live your life. I clearly said "FOR ME". I earn my money and spend it on what I want. If you don't like Tops Knives then you should definitely not buy them. No sweat. Have a fantastic day.
Just saw this vid. As a 3-tour Vietnam Vet I buy USA made products. I appreciate it that TOPS only uses USA products. With that said, I own 6 TOPS knives and wouldn't have it any other way. I gladly pay the price for great knives. They are well worth the prices.
Craig answered those questions really well. Some people have issues with their marketing, similar to Cold Steel, but they're a top tier producer regardless.
I've owned Tops in the past and they work but I live in East Tennessee and located near smokey mountain knife works and when Esee entered the store I was hooked. They are both great knives
I love TOPS the most but I also own some ESEE knives. The one good thing about ESEE is their “No Bullshit Warranty.” No matter what for the rest of your life, they’ll replace your knife for free.
@@jasonmiller6200 that’s a real warranty
Quit smoking cigarettes for one month, and with those savings you can buy a TOPS to reward yourself with. Win/win situation lol.
steppenwolf stop drinking or getting fast food then. All on how you look at it my dude 🤘
Or buy several cs for that price and you will have more.
I haven't used a light on a camping trip in over 12 years. I always use a firesteel, flint and steel, maginifying glass, or primitive friction fire method.
I dunno. I adhere to the adage of working smarter, bot harder. I carry a cigar toech as i smoke cigars and that 4 burner butane torch lights up kindling in seconds. Lights up BBQ briquettes right away.
You deserve some kind of major award...look, everyone...this guy is more amazing than any of you.
reading these youtube comments on knife videos is like listening to a bunch of kids arguing.
Tops knives are NOT over priced at all. I really enjoy every Tops knife I own.
Expensive? ??
Ha ha ha ha 😂
Then check
Miller Bros.Knives
Miller Bros. better gild their knives in gold for what they charge. Their prices are ridiculous! The knive maker Steve Ryan, who makes some really nice fixed blades but is better known for his folders, said that if a knife maker is charging more than $500 for a fixed blade, you, as the consumer, have to ask some hard questions as to why they would charge more than that. That's you Miller Bros!
Dont forget American Kami
very true on the spine I 90ed two of my tops 1095 knives and both just rolled back over round. ..keep doing what your doing Tops.....you to Tim
Great vide, even today, as someone who got into fixed blades recently these are questions I hear all the time.
For various reasons some folks take a little longer to figure out"' that you get what you pay for"...Tops knives are priced accordingly ...
TOPS Knives are worth Every Penny! Once you have one you will have it forever!!! I have 3 and Im just gettin warmed up!! Thank you Craig, Jeremiah, and TOPS Team!! ooh Rah!!
The differential heat treat is more time consuming and harder to do. Tops and Esee have some of the best heat treated 1095. I'm sure that is a big reason for cost. They also have some of the nicest looking handles.
You only live once. Buy the best. Buy a Tops knife and use it. Good upload!
U mean microtech
Tops knifes always admired there craft now I own one I’m impressed.
Good job Craig! T1 is coming out with me on a northern Ontario run early next month. my trust is worth more then a bargain.
Great video .. good questions .. I have never used my fire steel as of yet that came with my BOB knife as i carry a larger one with me... I looked at the size of the rod and my thought was this is a back up rod...
Good call - back-up is a good plan for the rod.
I figured those were the reasons but it's good to have confirmation. I don't think they're overpriced, at least I can't find another company that offers similar knives for less, specifically U.S. made, a differential heat treatment and near perfect fit and finish. That heat treat is their best feature, I've only had one like it and that was on a hand made knife.
I got my first Tops knife just after "The Hunted" came out....I still have it, and years after my ridiculous use and abuse...it's still with me. THAT is why i recommend Tops Knives. They are built to last.
Great video.
Yes sir. Seems like a 'buy once - cry once' investment.
I find Tops knifes to be very inexpensive, even though I have to pay twice the amount of money you do over there. The quality, fit and finish is just top notch.
I love every one of my Tops knives. I noticed over the years where knives with high end steels lose their ability to take a razors edge. Tops heat treats their 1095 blades better than anything else I have minus my Bark River’s in 3V.
Tops are worth every penny.
thank you brother
Tops ....killing it as always!!! Good job Craig!!!
its called inovation! to the comment be low this one....
SOO i like this guy. real talk about the production and price. I would buy from him. Honesty is the very best policy.
I own the El Chete chopper and it's awesome quality and craftsmanship and American made what more do you need.. Thanks Tops..
I loved his responses. Especially to the first two questions. You can use anything to spark a rod. Anything else but your main blade. Or just buy a Mora. Thats a good knife too, but I buy TOPS for quality that I can trust. After carrying TOPS, I actually have a hard time spending my money on anything else. They crush so much of the competition
Or buy and carry a lighter for starting fires. I know it is a crazy idea but it just crazy enough to work.
I picked up a tops operator 7 knife for 160 and I feel like I got a pretty good deal. The problem is the 6 to 8 weeks it takes to ship. The operator 7 seems to be perticularly hard to get anymore.
TOPS Knives are selling like hotcakes these days. They are doing everything they can to keep up with production, but they will not cut corners or lower their standards to do it.
I’ve been buying TOPS Knives for over ten years now, and their popularity has never been this good. They have almost 300 current models that they produce. It takes a lot of time to keep the quality standards as high as they are on all that.
TOPS, best knives you can buy.
🇺🇸
I ordered I tops machete, cant wait to see the quality
I love tops knives. Last time I looked they had over 300 models but not all in production. I wish I had more of them
Thanks for the explanation. I would have put a 90º spine on my BOB if I hadn't seen this video.
Just modify the shango notch with a dremel tool. Make a half moon perpendicular to the existing notch. Throw sparks like a champ.
Not even expensive. The quality and TLC on these knives are amazing. I hope they make iconic-like daggers in the future like V-42 or something to compete against spartan Blade’s v14
Care and finesse! Good interview!
Craig is the man, loved his answers. Also, is it just me or does he have the funniest looks on his face...like a perpetual annoyed/incredulous look that I think is hilarious.
I love logic.
Damn. TOPS knives are quite reasonably priced in my opinion. Busse knives are goddamned expensive as hell.
Even swamprat and sykco have got expensive.
I love the tom brown tracker. I hope they come up with a new design that will just compliment the og tracker love you tops.
Use the spine near the tip. Works fine for me with the BOB.
Knives will last a a lifetime. The quality is beyond excellent. Worth every penny
I own the 154CM Bob in G10 and paid solid money for it ... having seen the Factory Tours, several of them I would gladly pay that money again for a knife that will clearly be handed down through my family given the passing of time. TOPS are a fantastic Knife company.
Don’t stop doing what your doing. Your prices are fair.... for what you get in Tops it’s well worth the $$. I find them affordable compared to MANY MANY new up starts out there. 👍👍
Have no problem paying for top quality hand made American knives. Keep them coming tops.
Oh snd can you make a cross draw leather sheath for the msk 2.5. Please
If the 90 degree spine gets dull it is just to sharpen it again, using your Spyderco doublestuff. I adjusted the spine on my Esee 4 (with 1095 steel) so now it works as a true bushcraft/survival knife. The tip of the spine on TOPS BOB is 90 degree, by the way, and can strike sparks from a firesteel much better than what the shango notch can.
You can also modify the shango notch using a dremel tool. Just file a half moon perpendicular to said a shango notch and it will throw a good dhiwer of sparks.
You can't tell me that you couldn't heat treat the spine like the edge and keep the flexibility of the over all blade. Also, the chango notch should be sharper, which you could also do. Love the updated fire steel without the magnesium rods, but make that notch sharp and hard. This video stresses "emergency" use only, but it would take minimal effort by Tops for the price to make a hardened spine or notch happen. I honestly don't care if the spine is hardened and 90 degrees, but the notch should be hardened and have a good bite to it. People who buy this knife aren't looking for "emergency only" use, they're looking for something to constantly practice with. This is the Brothers of Bushcraft way.
Wow. So much arrogance.
I have used and abused my TOPS knives and they work well. I wish they would make MOLLE compatible sheaths but I like the knives overall. I do not think they are over priced.
TheNorcalDude
They do but they’re not that great
I wish they woukd delete the velcro straps. They wear out and no longer secure thr knife. Use pull the dot snaps line Hogue knives. They don't wear out.
I understand that Tops knives can be too expensive for many, but I think saving for one is worth it. Personally, I just got my first one this week. Saved up extra money from two paychecks to get it. I seriously doubt I will regret it. It's clearly my most superior knife to this point. The "USA" quality and aspects to it add to my pride (I proudly hail from Mississippi). Stay safe, everyone.
Nice video
You get what you pay for, BUY USA! Definitely worth it, I have had 3 for the past 5-8 years, and all have been outstanding.
I’m part of their market. Their factory is 20 min away from me and I recently bought the Brakimo. I would love to see more 90 degree spines and a heftier fire steel option. It is a big deal to me.
But how MUCH of their market are you?
May I suggest Slysteel knives? It is a micro brand that designs thr knives and contracts woth Tops to manufacturer them. They're in Idaho Falls as well.
Worth EVERY penny.
Tops AlMar mini sere with 154cm at 125$ on ebay is a great offering. The fit and finish is A+.
I have some TOPS knives. They're all great. I noticed the finish on them is great compared to some others. Don't hesitate to buy their product.
I have a small Mora knife that is my dedicated fire knife so not having a 90°spine dosent bother me and tops is still in the budget price range. there are many other companies that offer good blades at lower prices but there is an exchange in there somewhere.
Tops really arnt that expensive for the quality. There actually a good price
I’ve bought all my tops knives from Amazon for like half the original price. If you’re buying them directly from tops full price you’re an idiot. And the money I save goes straight to buying a custom sheath because the sheaths Tops makes are ass, but for some reason everyone loves them.
Then why are they not nearly as common as Essee knives? Esee makes a better knife, hand made-not cnced, with a FAR better heat treat for 50 buck less.
@@petrosspetrosgali I do like esee more, but tops has a much wider variety of knife designs that accomidate more people's personal tastes. And in my experience (I had an esee 6) the factory handles are flat and pretty uncomfortable. Esee warranty is undoubtedly the best though
@@petrosspetrosgali esee knives are not handmade. They in fact are mass produced factory made knives and they'll openly admit that. They have a video of a factory tour showing all of it including the CNC cutout of the knives. Also u gotta remember. Tops fixed blades have a less than 1% failure rate and some of their models even have less than .5%. There's no way esee has that low of a failure rate so that's definitely worth thinking about when looking at the $50 price difference.
Ikr, just look at Microtech for example. There's not a knife under $300 for the most part
If you do some comparative shopping (& I have), you’ll see that TOPS Knives are anything BUT Expensive! Listen, you truly do get what you pay for. If they were cheap [price-wise, that is], I’d WORRY about trusting their blades & w/ my TOPS Firestrike 45 That I’ve had for OVER 5-YEARS, I NEVER Worry. Not once!
Price is well worth it… Handmade, American made, attention to detail/quality control out the wazoo, and premium materials; this is a world contender for best fixed blade knives
TOPS performs custom knife functions, which are labor intensive, rather than an assembly line, like Gerber, Buck, etc.
I think the guy sounds pretty sincere, honest. Tops is a little pricey for 1095. But I'll tell you what they do have awsome quality control and all the tops knives I have can take a beating.
House boat Rob Yeah I would say a good 1095 blade for the price would be the KABAR beckers or the Jarozs(I think it is spelled like that) series. However, my PERSONAL favorite fixed blade design all of time is Snake blockers Apache Falcon.
I’ve wasted too money buying cheap folding knives like CRKT or Kershaw. My first fixed blade (I love neck knives) was the TOPS Sneaky Pete. I couldn’t tear that blade up after a year of extreme use. So, I bought the Ferret... then the Sgt. Scorpion Knife... followed by the IRAQ-JAC-01 which is by far the BEST knife I’ve ever carried. Yes, it’s a little bigger for a neck knife but it’s so perfect. Next I’m getting the TOPS C.A.T. and probably the TOPS ATM. I’ll never own another folder or waste money on cheap knives. In the long run, it’s better to pay for quality. Especially if you find your self in a life or death situation.
There are custom knife makers that have the same general pricing the same craftsmanship and are not cnc cut and there's are made to order how much for a blade made to order from tops
I love Tops!
Any one tell me which Exotac fire steel will fit best in the holder?
I love TOPS knives. I don't care how much they cost, I would pay double what they ask. I own the Bushcraft Kukri, a B.O.B, and I plan on purchasing that pukko when it comes out and I also want a 154 cm B.O.B, as well as the Brakimo. Thank you for the vid. Some people just don't get it and wont ever. You get what you pay for. You are supporting American workers, not just at TOPS, but at the steel mills where this steel came from. At the factory that makes the micarta. And at TOPS as well. When you buy one of these, you are getting a Great product for a FAIR price, supporting American laborers, and getting a product you can trust your life with. I don't see a downfall. Keep doing what you are doing TOPS! Yes, they are expensive. That is why I don't own the others I want yet. I will though. I guarantee it. Thanks TOPS for doing what you do.
I have a tops apache falcon, these knives you dont pay for the brand you pay for the quality. Edge retention is incredible, knife is durable, everything is hand finished. You pick one of these knives up and the first thing you think of is quality
So if I buy one of the larger knives it's going to bend under heavier work like batoning or chopping?
No it’s made for that. Just don’t hit it with a sledgehammer or a full power swing with a harder metal object.
I personally use quite a bit my 90 degrees spine
I have 2 tops knifes, one was excellent, the other I chopped down a small tree and chipped the h**l out of the blade Wich was completely out of line. So I called them up sent it back they fixed it and it' 100% now. Super nice
I guess expensive is relative. Im not blessed with a ton of cash but I just ordered my smoke jumper and waiting for the wind runner set to be delivered. Thats 3 high quality knives I got for 340$. That, to me, is an incredible deal!
I have 2 tops knives and 1 of their axes.awesome well built tools worth every cent. Made in USA. Nuff said
Tops knifes are fit and finished they take care detail on knife. How about warranty? Do they take care warranty likes they do take care on knifes? Like ESEE knifes warranty?
You can use these things called stickers with your fire steel.
I have only 1 TOPS knife. The Survtac 7 . It was I think 170.00 dollhairs and worth every penny.
most knives that are made here in the US are pricey what I can say is tops is not the most expensive out there. But let's be honest most knives out there are getting up to the $100 ranger now even not made in the US. at least buying something made here helps your country man and women keep working and feeding there family's.
Ash Aphter well said, sir!
I've only spent 100+ plus on three knives and two were tops Bob's and 10 out of 10 would buy again.
Why not do the edge harder and the spine just hard enough to withstand striking a ferro rod? They'd still have a strong knife and it would actually be of use in a survival situation. What HRC is needed for a ferro rod? 45-50? Don't get me wrong I love Tops knives but I do feel that they could still make them able to strike a ferro rod and still have ferro rod capabilities
Thumbs up to my fellow 603!
Pulling for you.
Keep it real
Rock on for the 603!
Are they expensive? Sure but in my opinion it's well worth it for Tops knives. They're great knives.
Sculpin They are making great almost custom knives in the USA employing people to make them by hand and some are complying about the hand made part. There prices are high but not outrageous. They also have a very diverse lineup. A great company with great products.
DamionJR4923 I agree mate. They're great.
"expensive" is relative. When I first got into the knife game I thought over $100 was. To me now expensive is $500 or higher, Tops knives are quite cheap for the quality of product you get, my favorite fixed blade company without a doubt.
This makes me want to go buy a tops knife
I love my el chete.
i own a mixture of TOPS knives and moras. bases covered :)
I love Tops.
No definitely not expensive for what you get. Still the only knife I've never worried about and just used. That alone is worth the price of admissions!
Tops knives are the best in the business. My favorite knives. I love them they're the best.
Meh
Craig, I'd quickly come up with $250 for a BOB in 4V without thumb jimping and the tang divot, with a sharp spine starting just ahead of the current jimping area.
You and how many others, though. That’s the thing, all of these comments like, (I) want this so why won’t you do it? You’re not the entire market. You already hear others saying the knife is too pricey, yet you want one so the price point could RISE FOR YOU. Not everyone shares that opinion. They’ve probably done the research and find that the cost to benefit ration isn’t where they want it to be.
I just bought an anaconda 9 a few weeks ago n to be quite honest I think it's priced very well considering what I got. I've paid as much and even more for knives that aren't even remotely close to the same level of "overbuilt" as this knife. I'm not really sure what people are complaining about with the price of these knives.
Got a silent hero for 170, couldn’t be happier
Ordered a wild pig hunter from Cabellas for 180 and got confirmation that my knife will be shipped directly from manufacturers, went to tops website and knife was listed for over 200. Would have preferred to buy directly from Tops but saved money by purchasing through 3rd party. Why?
They buy more knives than you.
Also just watched the destruction video of tops Bob and the guy broke the tip stabbing through the rear window of a VW golf.
TOPS knives are worth every penny invested, key word being INVESTED. If you buy one of their products you are getting quality and a warranty, that are proven. Between TOPS and ESEE I would be hard pressed to trust my life to anyone else, in the woods I keep a 3.5" Mora that has a few mods, and either an ESEE 4HM or a TOPS Brakimo. Started carrying TOPS while in the Army, and I am thankful for all they put into their builds.
TOPS' prices seem fair given their production processes
Yes i buy knives that r expensive because u get what u pay for more expensive knives last longer in the field without maintenance rather than cheap knives that fail sometimes u need a knife that can do all things and Cheap knives just won't cut it by the way i just love the ( tops El chappo cleaver ) although i do not own a tops knives i would love to own the El Chappo clever
I’m a big fan of TOPS but I have to say that I’m not entirely convinced that the reason behind the “differential heat treatment” is to prevent the knife from breaking. I’m definitely not convinced it’s so important that it should take precedence over a 90 degree spine. The term itself is nice marketing, but the bottom line is most of their larger fix blades are around 3/16 of a inch thick and made of 1095 steel. How many times have you seen 1095 knives that thick snapping in half? It’s never happened to me and it’s probably incredibly rare overall. It’s likely just cheaper and quicker to only heat treat the edge of the knife and a side “benefit” is even more durability. If the customers want a 90 degree spine, that’s who buys your knives, so give it to them. I highly doubt their knives will start breaking in half. His statement that “it just works” is a lazy excuse. Paper notebooks work, but computers work better. Try harder TOPS.
Your arrogance is overwhelming. Yes, you give customers what they want. To a degree. To assume your opinion is THE opinion of all the customers is arrogant.
I hope Tops will make a Tomahawk like an Rmj kerstrel , but less expensive 😬
Topsbis good to go. Just wish the prather war bowie came with kydex. Any of their knives above 140$ street price would be nice to have their stock kydex. Anyway still think their worth it
I do find it funny the same people who ask what happened to good ol made in America are the same people who will buy a $50 chainsaw from china. You get what you pay for and reap what you sow. Anyone that knows what goes into a knife, knows Tops isn't overpriced at all.
Same goes for boots. I own multiple pairs of boots that cost over $400 a pair. Lots of coworkers joke about how I could save money and buy some cheap walmart work boots. But I disagree. For one these people buy a new pair of work boots every couple months. That adds up. The pair on my feet I've owned for 4 years now and they still are fine. I've maintained and cared for them and they have given me my moneys worth, far more than any cheap boot could. Not to mention they're made in America. In the end I've probably spent less than shoes, supported my fellow countrymen, and my feet have been saved from countless sores, stabbing, pokings, and general minor nuisances that definitely add up when you're spending 10 hours a day on a farm.
No question warranty . Or is that essee
Tops knives are built to last for life and your kids life and his kids they don't break they don't wear out have 10 all still good as when purchased cant go wrong with the brand !!!
But I have the 154 CM steel pasayten with uniform heat treat, still have rounded spine....
Modify the existing shango notch.
Just dremrl out a half moon perpendicular to the shango notch and she will throw sparks like a champ.
they are more bang for your buck...benchmade knives is the same price but can not take a beating the way a tops knives can.