Mine got a horribly chipped blade from very minimal use, so I called tops. After minimal discussion I sent it back free shipping, they fixed it, and got it back and it's all good now. A mostly painless experience. Love the knife tho
I have one I use to process firewood for our fire place. It is must faster than an axe and less energy consuming. I sit in a chair and baton large fire wood into smaller pieces, my favorite yard job. For hiking I use a smaller and lighter knife to make fire wood for a small twig stove or little cook fire. I love this blade. Thanks for a great informative and honest video. I too would like the handle an inch longer.
I've been waiting a Long Time to finally get one of these , I just got the New Bronze Edition with the Dangler for $210 , the Blade is Awesome , BUT I have XL Hands ✋️and the Handle could be better , I basically can only hold it one way , if I try to choke back I can barely get 3 fingers on the handle , So I'm Definitely with You when you said it could be at least a half inch longer ....👍🖖
Just got mine in the mail. I love the blade but the sheath is pure perfection. The break front design is super user friendly and the way the mid spine portion seats flush with the edges of the corresponding section of the sheath is ergonomic perfection. The edges of the sheath and the edges of the spine are broken so there are no sharp edges where there shouldn't be- clothing, fingers and the wifes furniture are no worse for wear after a day of trying it out!
Hey I enjoy watching all your videos on heavy bush crafts trying to decide what I really need. I found at Walmart a Gerber 14 inch with a black blade. I am amazed on how it loves wood. Every stroke is awesome without putting any pressure. I laugh with enjoyment. You would love it. It just bites into wood like butter.
Finally the Chopper I have been looking for, I am still going to comission a local Smith to make me a Competition Chopper, but for a Camp, Survival, Bushcraft Chopper the El Chete is for me. I love big heavy choppers, I live in the PNW and when I go backpacking sometimes we find small pine trees, other times bigger maples, it just depends on what's dead and can be taken down. The sheath is perfect, I ordered the dangler, they are harder to find and probably allot more popular than the clip
Before you mentioned it, my first thought was "Not a good handle design." Looks good otherwise, though I can already hear the backyard campers asking, "Why carry that instead of a hatchet or ax?" True woodsmen and survivalists know why and don't even think to ask why.
If you want better chipping power, you should whack the limb at the contact resting point, where you have the least amount of energy lost through vibration.
Before you buy one of these, a couple things. This knife can be had for about 200 bucks. A gransfors bruks small forest axe can be had for 134 dollars. The axe obviously chops MUCH better. The grandsfors is lighter without much difference in length. The only down side is you usually have to get on a waiting list for a small forest axe.
At LAST!!! LOL!!! And this beast is everything that I wanted it to be. Kinda thought that would be the case. And you are the first one to review this monster. And the sheath works as well, no let down there. So now I must start my El Chete savings account because I really do want this beast. Thanks for the review!! Big thumbs up Amigo!! ;-)
Most of these chopper style machetes keep getting bigger and bigger. Just adds more weight! ▪ ▪ A heavy weight unit can be useful but how much weight does one want to carry?
Got my hands on the El Chete at Shot Show and am excited about it. I really want to get my hands on one again. Its just a beefy chopper and looks like it did well for what it is.
This blade is a much of a "choppa" as my brothers Harley! Impressive. Me, I am prone to a small ax and a light weight 4" blade. But one could clean a trout, cut down a tree, and prepare kindling, ya!
Been waiting on a review of this blade, and glad you got it first! Wonderful review on a kickass blade from TOPS! I will agree on the handle, wish there was another inch or so on the length. This is on my short list with the Condor Jungolo neck and neck.
Every large blade that comes out has a shallow,weak rear section on the handle...bring a nice,deep rounded curve around the end of your handle..and make the blade 5/16th thick,with a full convex edge...you'll easily become a millionare.
Say Heah Tim, Yeah, the El Chete is my type of knife. It dies remind me of my Johnson Adventure Parangatang, But its longer, and I use mine more like a summer long knife.,,.
To anybody looking at buying this knife please be very careful this thing comes razor sharp my brother actually cut the hell out of his hand today just barely glancing the blade with his thumb while putting back into the sheath
I love the steel ! I have the steel eagle Tanto 111A by Tops knives and it is so strong I have punished that knives Even though it's more like a short sword ! But to be honest I hate the handle it doesn't feel comfortable in the hand unless you are wearing gloves !! The steel is as strong as a super steel in my opinion it holds a edge Like no other knive I have ever had !! BUT THE HANDLE SUCKS !! IM A HUGE TOPS KNIVES FAN BUT THEY NEED TO HAVE A BETTER HANDLE ON SOME OF THERE KNIVES !!
DPX cost is way more. Ergos are better on the DPX Gear I'd say. Chopping power is slightly better on the El Chete. I really like both but for the cost, the El Chete is a better overall purchase.
the 2 lbs weight is a concern to swing a axe but with one arm, I will be hurting for sure after you are done processing wood for a night ! but at $300 now (+shipping?) it just kill the deal for me... I rather buy a chainsaw!... but thank you for the video ,still a awesome chete!
no offense meant but I see no gain in any application of these smaller or medium choppers over a good although be it longer machete which will often weigh less so if weight being a concern opt for a machete.
A machete is more versatile. You can use it as a knife and clear brush with it. The thinner blade profile gives you more speed and penetration. And this is true for all blades, but the more cutting area you have, the longer you'll have a usable edge.
*+StandsWithABeer,* -Not by much. Recently had to pay over $150 for the GB Small Forrest. Plus a blade like this is better for brush and branch clearing. But mostly machete/knives like this are just fun to own and use.
Thanks for the question. I find the machete/chopper can do more for me, and (for me) unless I am felling a lot of trees, I just don't need an axe as much. That said, if I was dropping a lot of trees - axe all the way.
I really like the look of the El Chete, but it seems very impractical. I mean, I use my Bahco Laplander for most of this sort of cutting and it is much easier, more accurate, and uses less energy. My ESEE 6 is the largest I carry. No Hatchet or choppers for me.
I think that this would be awesome, but now i'm disappointed, the handle it's not the best, the knife it's too heavy, it get stuck a lot, but my greatest disappointment it's that it does n't chop as well as i thought.... there are a lot of big knives that chops better and that are n't so much heavy. I usually like tops, maybe i had a lot of expectations and now i'm disappointed. At least the price is right... Guess i had to wait for the yakarè Lol
To be honest, using the HEFT vs this - I am just concerned using a knife over $400 that I'm going to damage it. This thing - heavier but not worries at all about it busting on me. The handle on the HEFT was better though. Just not better by $200.
This looks like a bad combo of a huge thick blade stock and a fragile grind. A full flat grind would make more sense on a chopper. It also defeats the purpose of a machete by being heavy and cumbersome. I like my machetes light and strong with a flat grind. I would not like to carry this fantasy knife.
This chopper sucks! I purchased one about 2mo ago and was impressed with how sharp it was. so I took it to trim my star fruit tree and took out a 2” branch, when I was done..edge roll heaven son..save yourself some money folks. Your PSA for today
I'm not a tree hugger, but thank you for not using a live tree!
Mine got a horribly chipped blade from very minimal use, so I called tops. After minimal discussion I sent it back free shipping, they fixed it, and got it back and it's all good now. A mostly painless experience. Love the knife tho
GOT MINE ABOUT 3 WEEKS AGO AND WHAT A BEAST. LOVE IT IF YOU CAN AFFORD IT GET IT YOU WON'T BE SOORY.
Getting one for my wife and one for myself!
I have one I use to process firewood for our fire place. It is must faster than an axe and less energy consuming. I sit in a chair and baton large fire wood into smaller pieces, my favorite yard job. For hiking I use a smaller and lighter knife to make fire wood for a small twig stove or little cook fire. I love this blade. Thanks for a great informative and honest video. I too would like the handle an inch longer.
I've been waiting a Long Time to finally get one of these , I just got the New Bronze Edition with the Dangler for $210 , the Blade is Awesome , BUT I have XL Hands ✋️and the Handle could be better , I basically can only hold it one way , if I try to choke back I can barely get 3 fingers on the handle , So I'm Definitely with You when you said it could be at least a half inch longer ....👍🖖
if you live in the jungle it's perfect but for northern hemisphere I think a small axe still trumps it
just had to bring up Trump.
Yeah, but as someone that likes to cook, and if you want to field dress some medium large game, this thing would be a huge help.
Just got mine in the mail. I love the blade but the sheath is pure perfection. The break front design is super user friendly and the way the mid spine portion seats flush with the edges of the corresponding section of the sheath is ergonomic perfection. The edges of the sheath and the edges of the spine are broken so there are no sharp edges where there shouldn't be- clothing, fingers and the wifes furniture are no worse for wear after a day of trying it out!
I believe this is what I'll be spending my Christmas money on. Holy crap that's a beast!
Looking good Tim. Thanks for showing us what this beast will do.
Wingman115 Jon, I hear some Colter pines calling you to the table :)...chop chop. 🇺🇸
Hey I enjoy watching all your videos on heavy bush crafts trying to decide what I really need. I found at Walmart a Gerber 14 inch with a black blade. I am amazed on how it loves wood. Every stroke is awesome without putting any pressure. I laugh with enjoyment. You would love it. It just bites into wood like butter.
Awesome review, bonus points for showing the .230. I have the .230 and was waiting on the El Chete to hit the Tube here. Great stuff! TOPS Rocks!
Finally the Chopper I have been looking for, I am still going to comission a local Smith to make me a Competition Chopper, but for a Camp, Survival, Bushcraft Chopper the El Chete is for me. I love big heavy choppers, I live in the PNW and when I go backpacking sometimes we find small pine trees, other times bigger maples, it just depends on what's dead and can be taken down. The sheath is perfect, I ordered the dangler, they are harder to find and probably allot more popular than the clip
Before you mentioned it, my first thought was "Not a good handle design." Looks good otherwise, though I can already hear the backyard campers asking, "Why carry that instead of a hatchet or ax?" True woodsmen and survivalists know why and don't even think to ask why.
If you want better chipping power, you should whack the limb at the contact resting point, where you have the least amount of energy lost through vibration.
Before you buy one of these, a couple things. This knife can be had for about 200 bucks. A gransfors bruks small forest axe can be had for 134 dollars. The axe obviously chops MUCH better. The grandsfors is lighter without much difference in length. The only down side is you usually have to get on a waiting list for a small forest axe.
great point
That looks like an awesome chopper.. Thanks for reviewing it 👍🏼
At LAST!!! LOL!!! And this beast is everything that I wanted it to be. Kinda thought that would be the case. And you are the first one to review this monster. And the sheath works as well, no let down there. So now I must start my El Chete savings account because I really do want this beast. Thanks for the review!! Big thumbs up Amigo!! ;-)
Most of these chopper style machetes keep getting bigger and bigger. Just adds more weight! ▪ ▪ A heavy weight unit can be useful but how much weight does one want to carry?
Got my hands on the El Chete at Shot Show and am excited about it. I really want to get my hands on one again. Its just a beefy chopper and looks like it did well for what it is.
This blade is a much of a "choppa" as my brothers Harley! Impressive. Me, I am prone to a small ax and a light weight 4" blade. But one could clean a trout, cut down a tree, and prepare kindling, ya!
Been waiting on a review of this blade, and glad you got it first! Wonderful review on a kickass blade from TOPS! I will agree on the handle, wish there was another inch or so on the length. This is on my short list with the Condor Jungolo neck and neck.
thanks for showing the good and bad.
Thanks for watching the video.
I use my El Chete for my EDC knife I live in Texas just sayin
Chone Martinez ha - well-played!
I prefer the,"Hogsplitter".
That thing is a freaking beast.
Wow, this would replace the hatchet machete and fixed blade in my pack
This thing is gorgeous and exactly what I am looking for.
That's a big ole hunk o' steel! I'm surprised the wood didn't split itself at the sight of El Chete....lol
Every large blade that comes out has a shallow,weak rear section on the handle...bring a nice,deep rounded curve around the end of your handle..and make the blade 5/16th thick,with a full convex edge...you'll easily become a millionare.
Think I would set up a cross body harness system to carry it especially when it is the purpose time to use it.
Thanks for the info. Definitely excited for the El Chete. My heart dropped when you were gonna chop that oak XD
Ha! Yeah, that would have been a bit of overkill, eh?
Anyone else notice a face in the tree that looked like it was getting madder every time he chucked out more?
I like it a lot the sheath is cool how it set up
Looks like a very functional design. I'd get it if I had the extra $. Can't have em all. As a hiker I'd choose the Yacare but definitely Love TOPS!
I'd love to see a TOPS El Chete vs Terävä Skrama price per performance video!
I"ve heard they are hard to locate now.
Just got it...and it does a good job - Chopping !!!
Say Heah Tim, Yeah, the El Chete is my type of knife. It dies remind me of my Johnson Adventure Parangatang, But its longer, and I use mine more like a summer long knife.,,.
I have a similar machete. Same shape, thickness and length. Convex blade though.
what chopping knives would you rate as amazing? great videos btw!
El Chete is a beast.
To anybody looking at buying this knife please be very careful this thing comes razor sharp my brother actually cut the hell out of his hand today just barely glancing the blade with his thumb while putting back into the sheath
Nice piece of gear worth having. Great review and video.
Seems IF you must get just 1 Blade, then THIS Chete is IT! Great video ~ KUDOS🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
This thing is a beast!
SPINE thickness of the knife is a critical component, no one ever mentions this issue.
El Chete or Storm Vector?
Great, thorough vid as usual!
Thanks for watching Peter.
Still waiting for the Hammer-Hawk 😑
You got a lot of work to do, let's get to it.
Wish someone would do el chete vs condor pack golok
Did anyone else notice how angry the post was with El Chete @ 1:40 ☹️
Lol nice
The Jess-X has met its match
I think I'll have to name it beaverstick you have to turn the wood as citing in 2:00 area,,
Steak machine!!!
ha = nice!
I can see a serial killer really enjoying this blade.
nice review
Impressive! Can you please review the Gerber Gator Golok and compare?
Holy Moly, nice big knife! :)
I love the steel ! I have the steel eagle Tanto 111A by Tops knives and it is so strong I have punished that knives Even though it's more like a short sword ! But to be honest I hate the handle it doesn't feel comfortable in the hand unless you are wearing gloves !!
The steel is as strong as a super steel in my opinion it holds a edge
Like no other knive I have ever had !! BUT THE HANDLE SUCKS !!
IM A HUGE TOPS KNIVES FAN
BUT THEY NEED TO HAVE A BETTER HANDLE ON SOME OF THERE KNIVES !!
Now for the Big Question. Is it worth the money spent?
thanks dude!
Philip Davis I'd say yes - this has become my go-to wood processor.
Sure thing.
That is a great blade, need to buy one to cut open coconuts
Nice knife..but.. why not have a great axe from Granförs Bruks instead and get the job done in half the time??
@EverydayTacticalVids would you be able to compare it with DPX Gear Chop 12 ?
DPX cost is way more. Ergos are better on the DPX Gear I'd say. Chopping power is slightly better on the El Chete. I really like both but for the cost, the El Chete is a better overall purchase.
Can you do a review of the new Tops Yacare knife?
I never understood why you were chopping out past the end of the log instead of chopping directly above the log for maximum efficiency!!!
Small axe is cheaper too
the 2 lbs weight is a concern to swing a axe but with one arm, I will be hurting for sure after you are done processing wood for a night ! but at $300 now (+shipping?) it just kill the deal for me... I rather buy a chainsaw!... but thank you for the video ,still a awesome chete!
Sharpen it, makes it a better chopper.
So im looking for a big chopper, im currently thinking about a bk9, as of 2017, is there any others you would recommend along those lines? Thanks
So I do not want to be "that guy" but why not use a small folding saw for chopping?
Does the full tang construction have hollow grooves cut out in it?
no offense meant but I see no gain in any application of these smaller or medium choppers over a good although be it longer machete which will often weigh less so if weight being a concern opt for a machete.
I love it . I will get one. However, the dangler i dont like.
Should have called it the wood cleaver.
Out of curiosity, why wouldn't you carry a hatchet instead? Great video!
A machete is more versatile. You can use it as a knife and clear brush with it. The thinner blade profile gives you more speed and penetration. And this is true for all blades, but the more cutting area you have, the longer you'll have a usable edge.
a Wetterlings or Gransfors Bruk is less money.
*+StandsWithABeer,* -Not by much. Recently had to pay over $150 for the GB Small Forrest. Plus a blade like this is better for brush and branch clearing.
But mostly machete/knives like this are just fun to own and use.
Thanks for the question. I find the machete/chopper can do more for me, and (for me) unless I am felling a lot of trees, I just don't need an axe as much. That said, if I was dropping a lot of trees - axe all the way.
EverydayTacticalVids ok thank you!
The LOPPER
if tops was priced reasonably they would sell alot more .
Hey man great vid
You ok you look sick
Out of all the wood in the forest he picked the nastiest hardwood for this video haaaaaa.
How does this compare to the DPx Gear HEFT 12 CHOP?
Luis Rios this is heavier - overall I like this one more.
Save energy and feed the log into the fire. ie. no chopping
I really like the look of the El Chete, but it seems very impractical. I mean, I use my Bahco Laplander for most of this sort of cutting and it is much easier, more accurate, and uses less energy. My ESEE 6 is the largest I carry. No Hatchet or choppers for me.
The Zombies won't stand a chance against this beauty / Lol
Yeah, I'll stick with the fiskars x7 for 1/10 of the price.
your poor and a loser.
@@MovieGuy666 .....and you are Rich and a real Winner. Thx.
@Movieguy666 real mature, buddy.
@@seanadams2391 must suck being poor, your probably on welfare.
I think that this would be awesome, but now i'm disappointed, the handle it's not the best, the knife it's too heavy, it get stuck a lot, but my greatest disappointment it's that it does n't chop as well as i thought.... there are a lot of big knives that chops better and that are n't so much heavy. I usually like tops, maybe i had a lot of expectations and now i'm disappointed. At least the price is right... Guess i had to wait for the yakarè Lol
That tool is for people not wood. :)
Doesn't anyone make a descent machete under 10 billion bucks?
Philip Davis Check out condor knife and tool
Ontario Knife Company (OKC)
Condor Knife & Tools (CKT)
Cold Steel (CS)
CRKT
Yeah, Tramontina and you can Mod the heck out of one.
I second the CRKT. Just got one. Its weight makes up for its shortness. Kinda like this one, but not as thick and a little longer.
Is that a Steel will knife in your pocket?
Bluebird Powers indeed - the Cutjack
EverydayTacticalVids yep my current favorite knife is my steel will modus so i recognized the steel will clip.
Looks good. How does it compare to a BK21?
Tactical63 never used the 21
El Wow!
10X faster with folding saw...
Great vid...how does it compare with the DPX Heft 12 CHOP
To be honest, using the HEFT vs this - I am just concerned using a knife over $400 that I'm going to damage it. This thing - heavier but not worries at all about it busting on me. The handle on the HEFT was better though. Just not better by $200.
Thanks for the quick reply !!
Phil D. Sure thing. Have a great day.
The name tho. LOL
RIP living tree
Is anybody interested in buying a unused Busse Team Gemini Battle Grade
Probably a great ZOMBIE hunter!
This looks like a bad combo of a huge thick blade stock and a fragile grind. A full flat grind would make more sense on a chopper. It also defeats the purpose of a machete by being heavy and cumbersome. I like my machetes light and strong with a flat grind. I would not like to carry this fantasy knife.
@Re nato not even close dude.
This chopper sucks! I purchased one about 2mo ago and was impressed with how sharp it was. so I took it to trim my star fruit tree and took out a 2” branch, when I was done..edge roll heaven son..save yourself some money folks. Your PSA for today
Stop making up stories.
MovieGuy666 try it yourself. others have experienced the same
@@justinlong977 I own one and your still full of shit.
Don’t you think mentioning the type of steel is very important,
Drvinnieboombatts it is and I forgot - 1095 is the steel.