Tops Woodcraft. What's Good and What's Really Bad
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- čas přidán 18. 03. 2023
- Tops makes some whacky looking knives and most of their designs belong on display at a carnival or state fair, but if you look closely at this Woodcraft knife, you will see that it is actually quite normal. How is that possible? Well, it's because they did not design it. Rather...it was a commissioned work from Smokey Mountain Knife Works who owns the brand name Marbles. Marbles was the original maker of the Woodcraft, starting way back in 1915. It had a good run under Marbles, then as too many makers do, they went out of business. Then Mike Stewart bought the name and started making them with his crew from the recently defunct Black Jack knives. Only thing was that they were making them out of 52100 steel (which is good stuff) and it was a convex grind. Original Marbles were flat ground.
These Tops knives are back to 1095 steel and flat grind. Sure, they are thicker than they need to be, but not freakishly. The blade is very true to the original design. The handle of course is 21st century and micarta. Very cool color combo and construction and I truly hope this knife does well for them. Maybe they will draw in a more traditional customer with this knife and be motivated to start making more knives like it.
Enjoy and thank you for watching.
If you like this sort of video, here are a couple others you may be interested in.
My previous video about the Tops Brushwolf:
• Tops Brushwolf Experience
Or the Tops Brothers of Bushcraft:
• From Unusable to Slici...
Or this one about my ESEE / RAT 3:
• ESEE 3. Why Do I Still...
Here is the video where I painstakingly modified the Gerber Strongarm:
• Must Do Mods On The Ge...
Here is the video where I teach you how to Scandivex a knife blade.
• Create And Sharpen A S...
And if you are into modifications, this one about my Randall Model 3-5 should be interesting:
• Randall Made Knives Gu...
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Video Closing Music:
Music: Let the Mystery Unfold
Musician: geoffharvey
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My problem with TOPS knives is that every time they put out a new knife, I want it! 😎
Not a Bad problem to have. I like this woodcraft so much I might buy another just as a back up.
Amen brother!!
1095 is actually my favorite knife steel. I like the way it sharpens up and actually like the way it feels against a whetstone, ceramic rod, steel or strop when sharpening/honing it. I will admit I haven't tried a 'super steel' and, while not opposed to doing so, I won't be heartbroken if I never do.
I like how you think. Bravo. 1095 is great and I love the feel of it as well.
I feel like that’s what amish people feel about the car. They say I’m happy and love my horse and buggy but can you go back to horse and buggy after driving a car? Same with super steel
@@brewtal420 Back when I was in High School my dad, as a hobby and just for fun, would go to salvage yards, get the front and rear axles and the front bucket seats out of junked Toyotas. He would use those and some truck leaf springs as the foundation of building buggies/wagons or whatever you want to call them. He would also get the brake cylinders, mount them.on the front of the buggy, weld up a pedal and have a buggy that would have actual tires, car brakes and bucket seats. He would build one, someone would want it so he would sell it to them for more than he had in it then build himself another. He would keep a couple of mules to pull it. He would go on organized rides through the mountains, with other folks who had buggies or just rode horses, where they would set up a horse camp at night and spend the entire weekend riding and camping. Back then, living in the country, there was very little vehicle traffic on our back roads so some days Dad would hitch the team and we would go for an evening ride. It was really nice and relaxing.
Dad had a couple of trucks - one for daily use and one for more of a work truck for hauling stuff, etc. Mom had a car. When I got old enough I had a car. So the buggies didn't replace the cars nor even compete with them. The buggies were their own thing with their own purpose and, honestly, usually more fun to ride in/drive than a car.
In other words, yeah, you might have super steel knives but still enjoy high carbon like 1095 and you might even get more pleasure out of the 1095.
Get some scandi ground 4v or magnacut in your life and swap those whetstone for vitrified diamond stones you won't regret it
I don't see what the big deal is with 1095. A lot of people seem to object to it these days, like you need some flashy super steel. I had no idea there were so many steel snobs out there. But you start talking Tops, and out they slither from their caves to deride the most proven and successful blade steel in current production. I mean Kabar, ESSE, Tops, and numerous others use 1095 almost exclusively. There is probably more 1095 in the woods than all other steels combined. It isn't exotic, but it works. And Tops does an amazing job with it. Their differential heat treating is legendary. I have half a dozen Tops knives and they all come scary sharp. They hold an edge, cut very well, and are easy to resharpen in the field. They are tough and can take a lot of abuse. I have been really impressed with my Tops knives. Some of them have cringe names, and I don't like some of the weird angles and saw backs and stuff they use on some of their blades. But they have an extensive lineup and it is easy enough for me to go through it and find a few designs that catch my eye and make it onto my list. As for the Marble design, I appreciate them giving a classic design some love, but I don't see this replacing my HOG 4.5.
I'm really enjoying this knife. Been a fan of 1095 since the beginning of time basically. The vast majority of my collection is 1095. My sharpest knife is a Tops Tanimboca. Actually, it's probably one of my favorite knives all round. Perhaps I should do a video about it. Hmmm.
Glad to hear you are not a steel snob!!
Most steel snobs never use their knives outdoors and don't even know how to sharpen their knives.
Hog 4.5. That’s one I have been seriously contemplating. It seems pretty darn versatile. Is that what you find. I may have to get one.
Thank you very much for your awesome comment and participating in the discussion. Means a whole lot to me!
@Knifetime Story I carry my HOG 4.5 in Red Hill kydex every day, and I can't say enough good about it.
It was the clean, functional lines that first attracted me to the HOG 4.5, but it was the feel that earned its place as my favorite knife. Tops has a description from Gunny Williams discussing at length the time and effort that went into the knife, and it is immediately apparent as soon as you handle it. The knife feels great in the hand. It begs to be used. It has done just about everything I've asked of it; field dress and harvest game, basic woods craft and camp chores, food prep, and simple everyday tasks. It is a joy to carry and use. It is a little small for serious batoning and chopping tasks, but I carry a tomahawk in the woods for those jobs.
I have dozens of knives of all shapes and sizes, but if I could only keep one, it would be the HOG 4.5. I live in NW MT, near Glacier National Park. My wife and I are in the woods hiking with the dogs every other day. We hunt, we backpack, we spend a day cooking over a campfire by a lake. The HOG goes everywhere with me. I actually use my knives, I have no problem with 1095, and the HOG is a keeper, truly indispensable.
My TOPS Knives are my favourites in my collection.
They make a couple good ones. My only Tops at this time is the HOG 4.5. It replaced my ESEE 4 permanently.
I agree with you about the sheath design. So many manufacturers do this. It’s a common problem.
I don’t understand why it needs to be a common problem. I would think it’s rather easy to fix. Just copy tried and true practical useful sheath designs. Problem solved
@@knifetimestory this makes zero sense to me. How can the sheath designs be trash forever?
Once as a child I cut down blow molded tool cases and sew them together, with some string laying around. A bit of heat forming, I had the coolest plastic sheath ever. Input the knife away with one hand, and it didn't destroy the sheath. Easy!!!
A decade or two later, kydex was a common material, learned it, very easy, very stinky.
So now I'm moving on to leather. The same problem I had as a child, is still being sold.
I have to look for historical texts, to find a sheath pattern that doesn't self-destruct with one days use.
I love Tops knives! I own several & May buy several more in the future. I have kind of reached my limit of knives as I have dozens in my collection. Tops makes extremely practical & tactical knives, nothing pretty, just tough as nails, built to work hard. Very good value for the money.
I agree. Some of their models are nice. Glad you have a nice collection of them. Thank you very much for watching and commenting.
Thanks for the insights
My pleasure. Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to leave a kind comment.
Awesome video, I subscribed. I pray you get 100x more!
You are very kind! I truly appreciate the sentiment. I hope for the same thing someday.
You crack me up. Love the videos. Keep them up.🤙🏼
Glad you like them! Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment. It means a lot to me.
Just my worthless opinion but I think the Camp Creek is the better choice . Five bucks more gets you into S35vn and a slightly longer blade .
Hmmmm. GREAT! Now I have to look into that knife. Thanks for costing me more $$$ 🙂
@@knifetimestory i always wanted the xl tex creek. But don't have any Tops blades.
Great video
Thank you!!!
I am a pro knife collector and trader. I now have 12 Tops knives and have nothing but total satisfaction to report. I got every kind of knife you can imagine, new , vintage ECT. For abuse I really like Tops and some Esee. The operator 7 is a special heavy duty knife and the Steel Eagle is bug out knife winner of 2022. Mine don't rust as I use Vaseline when not in use. I do know that my Tops blades will last the rest of my life and I will give my collection to my two sons. American knives are machined much better than any other country and they flat get the job done. For work or camping or even self defence you can't find any better in my opinion. The Combat is just awesome also. Anaconda, and pig hunter is also good for many jobs including self defence. I could go on and on but will say they are worth every penny!!!!!!!
Excellent comment. The fit and finish of tops knives and ESEE are excellent. But are surpassed by companies like Joker and LionSteel.
Another awesome video, Mr. Tom. I watched another review on this knife, thinking I might need one...lol. You mentioned Blade magazine. Curious if you remember Tactical Knives magazine and your feelings on their articles? I read them for the entirety of their existence and really thought them to be a useful publication. Hope you have a great weekend, Sir.
Thank you for your kind words! As always, I really appreciate it!
Yes, I do remember Tactical Knives. Actually preferred it over Blade.
I hope you have an awesome weekend as well!
From a point of a knife that rill take a beating, easy to sharpen, and years upon years of successful use in the backwoods , you can’t go wrong with 1095. There is a reason that tops, ESSE, Condor, all use 1095. S35VN is a great stainless that holds a sharp edge for a long time. But depending what your abusing your knife with it can end up with a chippy blade and not do easy to sharpen in the field. We have all become knife steel snips buying into the hype of super steels. But 1095 will rarely let you down. Great review.
Thank you for your kind words and for participating in the discussion. I have never had a problem with 1095. I love the stuff. I love the way it cuts. I love it’s durability and that you can always count on it.
Great story thku. Tops are my favorite fix knives. Love knives not the price point here in Ontario, Canada.
I’ve heard stuff can get pretty darn expensive on its way to Canada! So sorry about that!
Hi from Italy and thanks for share your opinion.
May I ask what do you think about the Tops Sonoran? I can't find many videos about it.
Buongiorno.
Thank you very much for watching. I appreciate it. I have no experience with that knife. I will have to look it up and see if it’s something that I want to get an experience with.
What Condor Knife do I need to buy to get the sheath you showed?
They call it their Bushlore. It’s a bush craft knife with a four and three-quarter inch blade.
I absolutely agree with etiquette and rules at events like this. People need to show some respect where it's due.
...and Damn! that Tops is a good looking knife. But I don't agree with the steel considering Tops' price range. A 14C28N version would be nice imo.
Glad you agree with the etiquette rules. I cringe sometimes at night shows when I hear somebody say “what’s the least you’ll take for this“ or something comparably as stupid and disrespectful.
I agree on the issue with the snap strap. Why does any company still make it that way. Nice review. zane
Glad you agree!
Hey so do you like the brush wolf?
I did it first. But then when I got chips in the blade… I stopped liking it so much. Plus the handles just a little bit on the small side. I did a video dedicated just to it. Check it out.
My problem with tops knives is they always cost too much
I had to find them to be a little too much money for what you get.
Yeah agreed, kinda pricey for different sized 1095 steel blades. Just my opinion
@rnkmode1876
It's utterly ludicrous for ANY knife maker to charge premium prices on ancient blade steels, that no longer offer the performance of newer steels that expectedly have higher prices attached to their manufacturing.
@@TheScotchaholic I like 1095. Don’t get me wrong. But I don’t like paying those kinds of prices for that kind of steel. I totally agree with you!
I think you just sold me a woodcraft, love my Bocca pukko, more I look at this the more functional it looks 🤔 definitely needs new kydex and ulti clip
You will like the knife, but hate the sheath. Not only is the design a piece of crap, but there is at least a quart of oil soaked into it. Soooo, it will stain anything it touches.
Do you think the brushwolf is an attempt at taking this very similar blade design and changing its purpose? I am not sure I’m a fan of the brushwolf and hoping my opinion of that knife doesn’t influence my opinion of this one. I don’t think every knife is purpose built for survival or bushcraft, What tasks would you say this design is best for?
The Brush Wolf is a whole different animal all together. If it were not for the fact I promised to put a fresh edge on it and whack some more bone, it would be in the land fill. However, this Woodcraft is actually a very nice knife and I look forward to using it more extensively other than in my kitchen. It's going to be put through some stout use and possibly some abuse. Stay tuned. (have to wait for at least a Spring thaw)
@@knifetimestory I’ll be here
An excellent video sir. Thanks for sharing..
I have an original. You're correct; the handle is tiny. Very tiny. I'm fact, the whole knife looks (and feels) wee little to me. I didnt know how any normal sized man would use it, until you mentioned the spot just in front of the blade. But even then... I dunno...
The sheath I have for it is also not the sheath it came with. That has disappeared in the mists of antiquity. I put it in another company's sheath, similar to what I thought it might have been like originally. I don't use the knife. To me, it's just not that usable as I have scads of other, newer blades better suited to me and the intended purpose. In that regard, the new Tops one looks more useful to me. I keep it I guess as a matter of history.
Take care.
Cool. Glad you have an original and not a "Black Jack Knives" version. Very different animals.
I'm with you on the fact I found the knife to be too small. That is probably why the handle grew over the years. Probably more guys felt as we do and voiced their opinions to the store who sold it to them and then the store owner in turn said something to the sales rep, who then took it to his boss etc.
Funny how some stuff just disappears. I'm a year into looking for my Bob Dozier Canoe handled knife that I use to whittle with. Somehow it got lost in the move.
@@knifetimestory Yeah, moves are trash on stuff. I'm missing a bunch of stuff from a.move a few years back...
I always wondered why my grandfather use to always skin deer choked up far on the knives I let him borrow lol.
Fun learning new stuff isn’t it. Thank you very much for watching and sharing your comment.
That’s not really my style of knife but I really like that one. Is it like a pointier nessmuk?
That's one way to possibly describe it. But with a full flat grind and not a "choppy" as a Nessmuk.
@@knifetimestory thanks I might give it a go. I’ve never been sure a nessmuk would suit me. I once mentioned on some other review that I didn’t get cleaver shaped blades as I felt they don’t have the same utility without a point, someone got angry and demanded to know who I needed to stab 🙄.
@@requiscatinpace7392 There are boatloads of idiots out there. Don’t take it personally.
I am personally enjoying this knife a whole lot.
I’m actually dealing with a guy who thinks I “blacked out“ some titles on the books behind me in my videos. Even though I told him I didn’t, he seems to think I still have. I think maybe he’s blacked out.
Well i have to say, i love Cold Steel knives. And i love some of the Tops knives too. But not the most crasy designs. I have alot of knives from many brands, some brands i have much more of, that is jyst how it is. Everyone have something special they are attracted to. I will always love the good old 1095 steel and other old tryed and true carbon steels. I have more modern steels, but i just like carbon steel better. The Marble design you have there is a good and effective design, that is easy to see, like it alot.
Great Comment. Thank you. I also love 1095. Though, not all 1095 is created equal.
@@knifetimestory that is true🔪🐻❄️🇧🇻
12:24 - I try tellin' this to my boys all of the time.
But, because of their... lack of awareness, I'm getting better at making and fixing sheaths.
Well… After the first time they didn’t listen to me, they would no longer have the privilege of using my cutlery. And they would have to save up their money to buy their own darn knife! Otherwise they will never learn.
@@knifetimestory
Oh... I NEVER let them near my blades, axes, machetes', or tools. I will take it out, and they can look at it, ask questions, but that's it.
No, it's their own stuff. They just don't have the strength (yet) to fix leather. Nylon repairs are all them though. (Backpacks, straps, our tent, their sheaths or covers)
How’s their warranty vs esee? Does anyone know. Thanks
They supposedly have a very good warranty. However… They are not as gracious in accepting responsibility for a broken knife or as lenient. ESEE will accept it back, even if you have done modifications, and clearly been at fault. I do not believe Tops follows suit.
@@knifetimestory awesome intel, thanks.
So True On Your "Craftsmanship Comment!" I Had This Original 1st Series Brand New Marbles Woodcraft Knife. Do NOT Recall The Decade In Which The Knife Disappeared? Only The Sheath Remained. With A Bit of Change I Used It For Another Knife With The Opposite Issue. SOME decades Later That Mated Combination Disapeared. Procrastinated Purchasing It: Why? THE SHEATH! I AGREE With You About The Sheath. Am Going To Do The Same! Thank You, J
Great comment. Thank you for sharing that story. Yep, weird how things disappear. Still looking for my Bob Dozier knife I used for whittling. I'd have never gotten rid of it but in the move...GONE.
Strange how a thing like a sheath will keep you from buying a knife. If I did not have a bucket of sheaths, I would not have purchased the Bark River Bobcat yesterday. The sheath looks like a nightmare, but I know I have a pouch sheath that will fit it nicely.
Thank you for watching and commenting. I really appreciate you taking the time to do so.
Would you Please tell me the "model of the Condor knife you purchased to acquire that Sheath? Thank You, J
Forgive me, should have included this in my reply previous:
I cannot for the life of me "Comprehend" WHY? Manufacturers Have Continued To Make Sheaths With This Slam Dunk In Our Face Critical Bass Ackwards Design Flaw Year After Year, Decade After Decade and quite possible: Century after Century, getting away with it! It is Beyond Me! Thank You Sir, J
Condor Bushlore. $57.00 on Amazon. :-)
I wish I could pin your comment to the top. If it was a free standing comment or the start of a comment thread I could.
Wow. You said it better than I could ever think to say it. Thank you. Brilliant!!!
I personally think the original TOPS Camp Creek is the better way to go. Discontinued, I know. But, S35VN blade, G10 handle, awesome Kydex/leather dangler sheath. It is more refined all the way around. I got mine for $150 when they came out. The sheath on that Woodscraft is just a poor design, as you said.
I'll see if I can locate a Camp Creek and take a look. Thanks for the tip. Glad you think the sheath is garbage also. Speaking of which, I'll have a video next week about a Bark River sheath that is worse!!
Love the content. If possible, please lose the blur slow motion edits. It detracts and makes some queasy.
Really. OK. I thought that that effect made the transitions smoother and less abrupt. Thank you for your input. What do you suggest I do instead? Just have it snap from one edit to the next? I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you.
@@knifetimestory I would mirror DBK or survival Lilly edits, ultimately it is your decision. They seem to just snap.
Thank you for the fast reply. I really appreciate it. I will check both of those channels out and take note of how they do it.
Look at JRE industries….they make great leather sheaths that don’t break the bank.
Thank you for the tip! I will look into it.
This is supposed to be a skinning knife design. In my personal experience, which is very similar with most hunters I know, this isn't the best design and that big belly, just makes the knife slower. Finger choils, are also a theoretical safety feature, but in reality, it just makes the knife less versatile (on the different grips you have to use when skinning) and also makes the knife slower, because it forces you to hold the knife as the knife likes and not as you need to.
An ideal design, would be something like Bark River Fox River, which is probably the maker who makes the best designs for hunting knives and probably the most too.
I like your point about the curve belly. I suppose if a curved belly was the best design, then Bob Loveless would have done that!😁👍🏻
@@knifetimestory Spot on! Bob Loveless had nailed the hunting knife design. The big curved belly may work for skinning a deer that's hanging from a rope upside down, however, it doesn't work as good as the classic hunting knife design does on the field. However has real experience using these tools, knows what I'm talking about.
I've spent years trying to find the perfect balance between aesthetics, practical use, durability, ease of sharpening in the field, etc. No one manufacturer gets it just right, but some get pretty close.
Tops does a good job, as does Esee, which you compared to the woodcraft; but i digress...
While 1095 is tough and a viable choice for certain tasks, the truth is: it simply doesn't hold and edge for very long. Hence, my proclivity toward "better" steels. Let's be honest, if you know how to sharpen a knife, and have just a little patience (something, many in this present age are in short supply supply of), then the more modern "super steels" are really not that difficult to sharpen either.
That being said, what remains then, is knife design. There are some amazing companies who get it right; such as Lt Wright, White River, Spartan, TRC, and Bark River; amongst a few others.
I absolutely agree with you about the retention strap though. I find myself not choosing certain designs just for having the thought that i might cut the damn thing and have to send my knife off somewhere to have a simple pouch sheath made for it.
However, I have done so and spent almost as much as the knife itself for some leather work, just because i love the knife. No regrets there.
In my humble opinion, the best all around for fit and finish, practical use, durability, and really decent pouch leather sheath, Lt Wright is the most balanced available today.
No, they're not particularly fancy; they are not Randall made beauties, but they sure get the job done right, and at a pretty reasonable price.
Yes, i also own Tops, Esee, BRKT, and other more budget friendly blades, but...1st world problems; I have choices.
P.S., I'm certainly not knocking other's choices either. My opinion is just that, mine. I respect other's for their opinions and choices for themselves.
Thanks for the review, I'm seriously considering the woodcraft as an addition to my toolshed.
I will also add this: most of my cutting tasks can still be done with my tried and true, Case large stockman. But I LOVE fixed blades too!
Excellent comment. I like things traditional I guess you could say so 1095 and 01 are fine with me. I don’t mind sharpening them. They haven’t created a steel yet that I can’t sharpen, so I’m not intimidated by that. But because I like to sharpen, I don’t get bent out of shape when something gets dull. I have found that ESEE has really dialed in the heat treat. More so than Tops. I’ve had shipping issues with them. The only thing I need to do is create handle spacers for the ESEE3 so that it fits my large old hands.
It’s nice to have a tried and true isn’t it!? Thank you so much for your comments and taking the time to watch and participate in the discussion!
@@knifetimestory Esee does have what they call 3D scales available on several of their models now. They fill the hand quite well. The knife connection, TKC, also has some really nice aftermarket scales for many Esee models as well.
2nd review i've watched on this one .. and both said the same ..... whyyyyyyy the snap sheath???
That sheath makes no sense! Glad I’m not alone in that camp!
George Washington used 1095 for his axe?? I'm genuinely surprised. Thought anything past 1065 was too brittle for an axe.
It was a JOKE!!! 😜
What does "tanin boca" mean?
Tanimboca. I don’t know what this means. All I know is they named it that.
@@knifetimestory Sorry, named what?
The sheath, like the knife, is a work of art. Both are beautiful. However, unlike the knife, the sheath is not practical.
That was very well put. Thank you.
I find most tops designs off-putting. I really like a few of them but not enough to pull the trigger on them.. a lot of them have on weird feature that ruins it for me… it may be a crappy sheath, some weird sharp projection, weird handle.. something
Could not agree with you more! Tops and cold steel seem to share a brain when it comes to outlandish carnival like designs. However… I have stumbled upon one Tops that I truly love and is now the only one I own. It is the HOG 4.5. Nothing weird about it. No strange protrusions. A comfortable handle. No sharp jumping. The only issue is, they kind of overdo it in the oiling of the sheath. So don’t let that sheath sit on a wooden table or anything that can absorb oil. Other than that, it is very well constructed and you can carry it as a dangler or a belt sheath.
Knife show etiquette is funny. If the table doesn't have a sign saying dont touch, im going to pick up the knife that interests me. Im not going to wait 15 mins to a half hour for them to finish their story with the customer before me to ask permission to touch something. Also if the knives look used in any way im going to barter, pretty obvious when someone is selling from their own collection tho.
Glad you found that amusing. My etiquette lesson really applies to true knife shows. That is where makers assemble and sell their stuff. Knives that cost hundreds of dollars. So those guys are there to sell their inventory, not chat all day. Once the table is empty, then it is time to chat and go visit other makers.
The secondhand stuff is a different story. Those guys want to tell you the provenance of every knife on the table. I don't have time for that. That is why I don't go to those tables.
Thank you for watching and taking the time to add such a thoughtful comment. I really appreciate it.
@@knifetimestory Yeah my experience comes from blade show, where the floor is flooded with people. You have a good mix of makers, retail sellers, and collectors. I also go to my states biggest knife show, where its pretty packed as well.
I like the shape if only it was thinner
Yes. Thinner would be perfect. Maybe not ESEE 3 thin, but definitely thinner.
@@knifetimestory I’m not gonna lie to ya bro, I’m a fan of the esee 3 thinness. Have me atleast 3. Only two ways you gonna break a knife, batoning or prying. I don’t do that with my knives.
@@knifetimestory also another blade I’m looking into checking out is the condor matato’a has a pronounced swoop like the one in your video but I believe it might be thinner. Waiting on it to touchdown.
I think they tried to pay homage to the classic old style by giving a leather sheath. But who knows. Terrible design flaw. You'd think they would have experienced this before hand.
I've said this before in other videos about designers. They design stuff, but never leave the confines of their office to try anything out. If they did, they would see that some of the stuff they come up with is WAY off.
Being a leffty I always have to make a sheath myself, oye vey . . .☹
That sucks. Wouldn’t it be easier just to become a righty?
I like 1095. I have yet to get a TOPs knife. They seem more like they're focused on being "Tacticool" rather than functional. Makes me question how their products would perform with things like heat treatment. Also their price. I'd rather just get ESEE.
I prefer ESEE and their heat treat. Honestly, the only Tops I really like is my Tanimboca. It took me buying three of them to get one that I finally kept and really enjoy. Really hit and miss with them. ESEE is spot on every time.
👍 Good overview. Like you I have read some unsettling comments about Webster Marbles, but he did revolutionize knife design and knife “crafting” in the late 1890s and early 1900s.
However, having owned several real Marbles knives made in the 1930s as well as the late 1990s and early 2000s I would suggest spend the money and get the real deal. Or, if you must have an interpretation get one made by Bark River. If someone wants the TOPS version I hope they enjoy their purchase, but they are not for me.
I believe the original Marbles knives have tiny handles and prefer the longer handles from the late 20th Century and early 21st Century. To paraphrase Ethan Becker, “Hands belong on the handle, not the blade. That is why they are called ‘hand’-les.” 😃
Always enjoy your reviews and your commentary.
Glad you like my stuff. I appreciate that. I agree with Ethan Becker totally. I'm not a big fan of choking up on a blade.
Thank you for watching and take care!!
Heat treatment, grind and all that are huge but these brands selling overpriced 1095 based blades drive me away. It's as if the very justified backlash against the "supersteel or nothing" craze led us to the opposite conclusion: "heat treatments performed in western countries are magic". A well made us built folder with equivalent handle materials using an expensive stock can cost less...why? It doesn't seem like a matter of production scale. Admittedly I am biased because I enjoy long walks sharpening on the beach lol, and I do appreciate the existence of brands that produce many interesting niche designs here.
Great comment! I like the long walks part!
Sub'd 👍
Thank you very much!! :-)
Had nothing but bad experiences with Tops knives. I had an Prather war bowie and 3 light trekkers wich I could permanently bent with my bare hands, an a few more wich rusted by looking at them and were ridicously thick behind the edge - to the point of uselesness.
They make too many stupid Rambo style and wannabe warrior blade designs..
Personally I think Esse is better in every way-especially in terms of the heat treat and cutting performance Have not kept one of them and will never buy one more.
Wow. You too. Lots of guys have had bad experiences with them.
Thank you for watching and commenting. I really appreciate it!
Being a book nerd, I was zoomed in looking at your library. Why'd you black out some books? Because you're somewhat organized by author, one can deduce what they are more or less, and I can't think of why they'd need to be for CZcams. I'm just asking. If my comment is poking at personal reasons, I don't intend to be intrusive, so I wouldn't be offended if you therefore declined to respond, not in the least.
No worries. Did not black out a single thing. Never even thought to do that. Not sure what you are seeing, but that is a straight up view of my bookshelves behind me.
@@knifetimestory
Very weird. Maybe shadows? But, they're exactly along the spines of some books, and some black spots over parts of covers. Zoom in over your head in the video to the right, visually.
@@WheelchairGunfighter Again… Nothing is blacked out. Every title is visible. Maybe it’s a reflection or something.
That knife is a miss for me.. For some reason, I find it ugly all around..the Jessmuk is far more beautiful, but hey, everyone is different.
You are absolutely right. There are plenty of knife designs to make us all happy. Thank you for watching and commenting and participating in the discussion.
Get a winkler
You’re the second person to suggest that. I seriously need to consider that! Thank you.
@@knifetimestory right on check out the utility crusher
The title is dramatic as fuck
Well...then by all means, let me change that for you!
Aesthetically to me the handle looks ugly, like someone stepped on a caramel candy and squished at in the middle.
Far from the original...way far.
Ha ha ha. Great description.
I will never pay what Tops wants for thier 1095 knives.. Way over priced
Good point. They are kinda proud of them. But honestly, this one is worth it I think. We shall see how it does in the long run.
More for me 🎉
I really like this woodcraft. And my Tanimboca. Just about every other model has been a disappointment for me.
@@knifetimestory Honestly I think their designs are more geared towards soldiers (former) like me and not grandpa's, no disrespect intended. So I completely understand why those two patterns appeal to you and many of the rest do not. It took me years to get my hands on a tom brown tracker in 154cm from them. I prefer stainless over carbon for ease of maintenance. I do think it would be very cool to see them make more traditional hunting patterns but at the end of the day that's not really what they are about. They build overbuilt tactical knives. I do like the looks and shape of the woodcraft but I'd rather have a handle in hunter green than doo doo brown but that's my personal taste.
@@knifetimestory I also forgot to mention that I have the lions toothpick, frog market skinner, black heat, bushcrafter kukiri and the 154cm tracker. A few guys in my unit had some tops but they were kinda rare. In 2008/2009 most GI'S that were into knives carried SOG, Benchmade or cold steel (sold steel). I carried a Benchmade nimravus on my vest and an SRK or ODA from sold steel in carbon V until my 1sgt tried to ban carrying blades because we allegedly scared the Iraqis. I still wonder who's side he was on. Cold steel is easy to rib on but some of their designs are solid and good steel but just not for the average Joe. I'm in the process of requisitioning a few more models from them before I wash my hands. The SRK in 3v made in Italy is the bees knees. But sadly most of their stuff is made in crap steel, china or overpriced for legacy designs and now that Lynn Thompson is gone I see them going the way of cheap as hell line of crappy communist steel and ultra overpriced super steels that can be had for a fraction of the price. But only their more traditional combat and hunting patterns appeal to me.
No disrespect taken. I know I am a little rough on them. It would be like me asking Case to make fantasy knives. It's just not their thing. How do you like the Tracker now that you have it. I've always been interested in it and just never pulled the trigger. (civilian trigger that is). Do you have the large or small?
@@knifetimestory I have the #3 which is a 5 and 3/4 inch blade. It's the only model they offer in 154cm. It's large, heavy and I think the sheath could be better. Tops always had 1 thing I don't like: no retention strap over the blade. So in the event one goes ass over teakettle their heavy knives could definitely dislodge from the sheath. That aside, I think it's pretty cool. If I was going camping or hunting and took a hatchet like the buck campanion it would be the only knife I take. It's designed to be a multipurpose shape. Jack of all trades, master of some. I think it gets a lot of flack from folks who don't understand how to use a knife. Like the sawteeth which is for notching traps and pegs, not sawing down redwoods. The recurve notch is for making rounded pegs and sticks. I think if I was stuck in a survival situation or just out to get away from mankind it would be a solid companion. I know bark river also makes the pattern but they are significantly more expensive and rare. The #3 is just the right size. Big enough to be enough but not too big nor too small. It's better 550 corded to a pack or harness than belt carried. Some day I'd like to get a proper black leather sheath made for it with a strap. Then rub it down with mink oil and keep it until I die.