The TOPS Tibo is available with a red finish exclusively from Red Hill Sheaths. They currently have a limited supply of these knives paired with carbon fiber finished sheaths. Visit the Red Hill Sheaths website or their Facebook page to contact them directly for more information.
I am not a knife fighting expert. I have just enough training to realize how little I know about the subject. However, that training has lead me to appreciate small knives with features that make them easy to retain – knives like the ARK or Active Response Karambit.
The ARK came about as a result of a collaboration between Chad McBroom of Comprehensive Fighting Systems and knife maker Dirk Pinkerton who is renown for his small knife designs that incorporate finger rings in the grip. Pinkerton knows how to get the most out of small knives like the ARK.
Unlike most karambits, the ARK’s finger ring is not positioned for the index finger. It is located lower on the knife’s grip so it can be accessed by the user’s middle finger. This is a key component to one of the ARK’s main design goals to allow the user to draw and manipulate a handgun while still holding the ARK. This knife is primarly targeted at law enforcement and this feature may not be useful to everyone. While you may not need to draw a sidearm while holding your knife, you will still appreciate the retention that the ring offers.
The ARK features a 2″ blade which keeps it legal in most jurisdictions. The overall length is a compact 5 11/16″ and it’s 1/8″ thick. The 154CM steel is chisel ground to create the hooked blade typical of karambits.
You can check out the ARK at Comprehensive Fighting Systems.
Some knife historians will tell you that the first folding knives were friction folders made by the Romans. I’m sure those were decent knives but I can tell you that they didn’t have TOPS Knives’ differential heat treated 1095 steel blades and grippy G-10 scales with their Cryptic Cyber texture pattern. So… Sorry, Romans. This round goes to TOPS Knives.
The TAC-Raze friction folder from TOPS Knives has a lot going for it. As mentioned above, it sports a 1095 steel blade – a steel that TOPS works with extensively and knows how to maximize. It’s black G-10 handle scales feature TOPS Knives’ futuristic Cryptic Cyber texture pattern. The knife comes with a very nice belt sheath which is a huge plus as friction folder users will tell you that pocket carry isn’t always a great idea.
Friction folders, for those who may not know, have no locking mechanism which makes them a great choice in jurisdictions that prohibit locking knives. The knife blade has a tang protrusion that nests into the handle when the blade is open and is held in place by the user’s hand. The knife can not close as long as the knife is being held. This lack of locking mechanism along with their simplicity and a sense of nostalgia has lead to a recent resurgence in the popularity of friction folders.
Check out the TAC-Raze at TOPS Knives.
| Knife Type | Folding |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 7.63″ |
| Blade Length | 3.25″ |
| Cutting Edge | 2.88″ |
| Closed Length | 5.75 |
| Blade Thickness | 0.130″ |
| Blade Steel | 1095 RC 56-58 |
| Blade Finish | Tumble Finish |
| Handle Material | Black G10 |
| Handle Style | Cryptic Cyber Scales |
| Knife Weight | 2.7oz |
| Weight w/ Sheath | 3.5oz |
| Sheath Included | Yes |
| Sheath Material | Brown Leather |
| Sheath Clip | Belt Loop |
| Designer | Leo Espinoza |
Setting the table is a lot less complicated with the new F.O.R.K. It from TOPS Knives. It has everything you need to put food into your face all in one single tool.
This 1095 steel tool features a spork end and a knife end so it has you covered from soup to steak. It also has a built in bottle opener to cover your hydration needs. The F.O.R.K. It comes with a kydex neck sheath that also serves as a handle when you are using the spork end.
The Cell Vault from Thyrm is a water-proof tube that is designed to hold batteries. It’s unique design is very slim and has a lid that incorporates a long clip that allows it to attach to PALS webbing.
Rebellion Holster Works has a different idea for how a water-proof container with these specific features could be utilized. They are prototyping a method of attaching the Cell Vault to a knife sheath for use as water-proof storage for survival items – especially items that must be kept dry like fire starting materials. The slim design of the Cell Vault will fit within the footprint of most sheaths and the long clip serves as a useful method for attaching to the sheath.
You can check out Rebellion Holster Works on Facebook.
