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TOPS knives come in all shapes and sizes. And I’ve been a long-time fan because they tend to make hard-use blades that are practically bulletproof in configurations meant for the real world and not someone’s impractical fantasy. Here at Knives Illustrated, we give you a rundown of four of TOPS’ new offerings for 2021 that show exactly what I mean.
High Impact: TOPS Knives’ New Axe
Is it a large hatchet or a small axe? The High Impact is TOPS President Leo Espinoza’s take on a mid-sized chopping tool. It just might be the largest full-tang model on the market. It measures more than 20 inches in overall length. At 3/8-inch thick and weighing in at more than 3.5 pounds, it definitely packs a punch as well. It’s made of 1075 high carbon steel, so it’ll handle impacts well and keep a good edge.
The High Impact is large enough to swing with two hands, but still light and small enough to get some work done with just one. Its well-contoured, tan canvas Micarta handles go all the way up the black traction coated blade. And it’s topped off nicely with a quality leather cover. This is an excellent blend of hatchet and axe for those that are looking for that middle-ground tool.
For more information on the TOPS High Impact, go to www.TopsKnives.com/High-Impact.
The TOPS High Impact has a full tang with Micarta grip panels.
The TOPS High Impact comes with a quality leather sheath.
TOPS Knives’ Versatile Brush Wolf
The Brush Wolf was created by brothers Aaron and Nate Morgan, founders of the company Houghton Era. This design was influenced by 19th Century woodsman tools and named for the trickster himself: the coyote. The Brush Wolf was designed while considering the diverse environments coyotes traverse. They can be spotted deep in the forest, open fields, deserts, grasslands, swamps, and cities.
Its blade shape is a modern take on the traditional “Nessmuk.” That shape, combined with a high saber grind, make it a superior blade for processing wood and skinning game. The swedge found on the tip makes for a much finer point for boring holes in wood or a hide. The Brush Wolf also features a 90-degree spine and a saw-tooth section excellent for gnawing into bone or quick notches for various traps and tools you might make in the field. The handle includes a bow drill socket on each side. The all-encompassing blade perseveres in any environment, from bushcraft to survival, along with hunting or defense, ensuring the Brush Wolf as the ultimate and adaptable one-tool option.
For more information on the TOPS High Impact, go to www.TopsKnives.com/Brush-Wolf.
The TOPS Brush Wolf is a short, machete-like chopper with survival knife utility.
The TOPS Brush Wolf comes with a brown leather sheath.
TOPS The Bestia For Chopping Power
The Bestia is Espinoza’s melding of El Chete with a kukri. He wanted a large kukuri-like chopper, but not an actual kukuri. So, The Bestia was born by melding El Chete – already one of TOPS’ most popular workhorses – with a kukri, to create a true beast in chopping ability.
Made with quarter-inch-thick 1095 and a traction coating, the blade is long enough for most heavy tasks. The thick, contoured Micarta handles are long enough to facilitate multiple hand positions. The long, forward curved blade and weight behind it bites deep with each swing and the tan traction powder coating will protect the blade for years to come. The open-backed Kydex sheath with a leather dangler attachment makes it easy to carry given its size.
For more information on the TOPS Knives The Bestia, go to www.TopsKnives.com/The-Bestia.
The Bestia from TOPS Knives is a blend of machete and kukri.
The Bestia can be carried on the belt in the included sheath or attached to a pack.
The First Filet Blade From TOPS Knives
TOPS is well-known for making tactical and survival knives. In recent years however, the lineup of models available through TOPS has opened to a very wide variety of cutlery, including hunting knives, EDC blades, and even kitchen cutlery. Now TOPS is releasing its first filet knife. The sweeping 5.75-inch blade of 154cm steel will make short work of fileting fish and would also be a great boning knife for meats. The handle is a combination of rubber and G10 that provides a secure grip, which is important when dealing with slippery objects.
For more information on the TOPS Filet knife, go to www.TopsKnives.com/TOPS-Filet.
Be sure to look for full reviews of some of these products coming soon at Knives Illustrated.
This is the first time TOPS has offered a filet knife. Fishermen are going to love it.
THE SPECS
TOPS High Impact
Overall Length: 20.0 inches
Blade Length: 5.75 inches
Cutting Edge: 5.75 inches
Blade Thickness: 0.38 inches
Blade Steel: 1075 RC 56-58
Blade Finish: Black traction coating
Handle Material: Tan canvas Micarta
Knife Weight: 58.8 ounces
Weight w/ Sheath: 61.6 ounces
Sheath: Brown Leather
Designer: Leo Espinoza
MSRP: $360
TOPS Brush Wolf
Overall Length: 12.13 inches
Blade Length: 6.5 inches
Cutting Edge: 6.25 inches
Blade Thickness: 0.19 inches
Blade Steel: 1095 RC 56-58
Blade Finish: Acid Rain
Handle Material: Green Canvas Micarta
Knife Weight: 11.7 ounces
Weight w/ Sheath: 17.7 ounces
Sheath: Brown Leather
Designer: Nate and Aaron Morgan
MSRP: $230
TOPS The Bestia
Overall Length: 19.25”
Blade Length: 13.0”
Cutting Edge: 12.75”
Blade Thickness: 0.25”
Blade Steel: 1095 RC 56-58
Blade Finish: Tactical Stone Coating
Handle Material: Tan Canvas/Green Canvas Micarta
Knife Weight: 31.5oz
Weight w/ Sheath: 42.4oz
Sheath: Black Kydex
Designer: Leo Espinoza
MSRP: $300
TOPS Filet
Overall Length: 11.5 inches
Blade Length: 8.0 inches
Cutting Edge: 7.5 inches
Blade Thickness: 0.09 inches
Blade Steel: 154 CM
Blade Finish: Tumble finish
Handle Material: Tan/black G10
Knife Weight: 4.2 ounces
Weight w/ Sheath: 7.3 ounces
Sheath: OD Kydex
Designer: Leo Espinoza
MSRP: $215