Archive | Knives

TOPS Knives Backpacker’s Bowie

By Matt on July 20, 2018 in Knives, Preparedness, Survival

TOPS Knives has released their new Backpacker’s Bowie and it scores some major nostalgia points with me. When I was a teen, a good friend of mine had a Jet Pilot Survival Knife that I thought must have been the coolest knife in the world. The blade shape and grind of the new Backpacker’s Bowie bears a strong resemblance to that iconic knife.

When I am backpacking, I want a knife that is stout but not dead weight. The Backpacker’s Bowie weighs in at just over 7 ounces. It is stout enough to help with emergency tasks like wood processing and shelter building. It is also useful in camp with its built in pot lifter notch so you won’t have to wait for an emergency to use it.

From TOPS Knives:

Bowie knives have long been popular among knife enthusiasts. They are versatile in a wide range of uses. Most Bowies are larger knives, however. TOPS set out to make a shorter version that even a backpacker would carry (every ounce counts). The result is a 4” blade that could be the most important piece of kit that goes on the backpacking trip. Aside from the normal uses a knife affords, the notch on the spine is for breaking wire or pulling a pot out of the fire and the swedge can be sharpened upon request. The Backpacker’s Bowie, because you should always carry a knife.

Pick up the Backpacker’s Bowie from a TOPS authorized dealer or directly from TOPS at www.topsknives.com/backpacker-s-bowie

Specs:

Overall Length: 8.25”

Blade Length: 4.5”

Cutting Edge: 4.13”

Blade Thickness: 0.16”

Blade Steel: 1095 RC 56-58

Blade Finish: Tumble

Handle Material: Green Canvas Micarta

Knife Weight: 7.2oz

Sheath Material: Black Kydex

Sheath Clip: Rotating Spring Steel

Sagewood Gear Pack Strop

By Matt on July 18, 2018 in EDC, Knives

The Pack Strop from Sagewood Gear is a compact, double sided strop. As you might guess from the name, this compact strop is designed to be easy to carry in a pack for use in the field. It is about 5.5″ x 1.25″ in overall size and constructed from 1/4″ Walnut oiled wood with 6 oz leather pads.

The Pack Strop is available with bare leather or pre-loaded with black (aggressive) and green (fine) stropping compound.

SagewoodGear.com

TOPS Knives Operator 7

By Matt on July 5, 2018 in Knives

Everything about the new Operator 7 from TOPS Knives is overbuilt. It is ground from .31″ blade stock which is far thicker than most knives. It has double layered micarta slabs on the handle for a hand filling grip and a striking appearance. It is a tank of a knife.

Here’s how TOPS Knives describes it:

Classic American “fighting” knife aesthetics create the basis for the Operator 7. TOPS went big with thick steel and handles to make a hefty, well-balanced knife that will excel as a workhorse tool. Because it is a tool, it’s also got to be comfortable. The rounded handles and hand guard make it a joy to use and the finger choil allows the user to get great precision for finer cuts. The included Kydex sheath with dangler attachment makes it easy to carry on the job site, in the woods, or in whatever scenario you find yourself.

Pick up the Operator 7 from a TOPS authorized dealer or directly from TOPS at www.topsknives.com/operator-7

Specs:

Overall Length: 12.5”
Blade Length: 7.25”
Cutting Edge: 6.50”
Blade Thickness: 0.31”
Blade Steel: 1075 RC 56-58
Blade Finish: Acid Rain
Handle Material: Tan Canvas Micarta/Black G10
Knife Weight: 18.9oz
Weight w/ Sheath: 24.5oz
Sheath Material: Black Kydex
Sheath Clip: Dangler
Designer: Leo Espinoza
MSRP: $240

Production CCW Blades from MilMak Industries

By Matt on June 29, 2018 in EDC, Knives

Milmak Industries has opened pre-orders for the new production versions of their CCW and CCW-L knives. The production CCW blades are being produced by WE Knife Company to MilMak’s specifications and offer a very affordable option for those looking for a defensive knife for center-line carry.

Both the CCW and CCW-L are ground from 5/32″ S35VN steel and come with a kydex sheath from the factory. They feature sculpted black G10 handle slabs with black handle screws over full tang construction. The CCW is 7″ overall with a 3″ blade while the CCW-L is 8″ overall with a 3.75″ blade.

Check out the production CCW and CCW-L at MilMakAZ.com.

New from TOPS Knives – The Little Bugger

By Matt on June 21, 2018 in EDC, Knives

TOPS Knives offers more compact fixed blade knives than just about anyone and they just released their newest, the Matt Graham designed Little Bugger. There are a lot of big features packed into this little knife – ferro rod notch, palm swell micarta grips, thin blade stock, and the list goes on…

Here is what TOPS Knives has to say about the Little Bugger:

The Little Bugger was designed by Matt Graham, who is much more than just a “survivalist”. He is an athlete – ultra marathons, triathlons, rock climbing, etc., a martial artist – several styles, and an expert in primitive weapons, hunting, and shelters. He has more “dirt time” than almost anyone else out there.

The reason he designed the little bugger was to have a sharp, full-tang fixed blade that can be carried when everything else is left behind. Imagine running an ultra-marathon with a backpack full of gear and this starts to make sense. In order to meet that need, he designed the little bugger.

It’s made of 3/32” 1095 steel with thin tan canvas Micarta handles and black liners. The knife weighs in at about 2.4oz. The sheath, also lightweight and minimal weighs les.s than two, giving you a total package of less than 4oz. The narrow j-clip on the sheath is great for wearing this on a belt or on a pack. It can also be worn with most shorts without falling off. The thin, straight blade is complimented with TOPS’ modified Scandi grind, making this knife razor sharp with a proven utility-style blade. This might just be your next EDC.

Check out the Little Bugger at TOPSKnives.com