tops knives

topic posted Thu, March 15, 2007 - 9:33 PM by  Unsubscribed
anyone familiar with the tops knives advertised on hoods woods? like the anaconda? expensive , big , wondering if anyone has one and could rate them??????
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  • Re: tops knives

    Thu, March 15, 2007 - 10:44 PM
    I own the Tracker Knife by TOPS. For what I use it for it's great. Big, hefty, good for chopping and primitive tool making. I carved a decent atlatl with it, and my wife finished her yew bow with it. I've abused this knife quite a bit. It is a bear to sharpen, so I have it done professionally. Other than that, I have no complaints.
    CG
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      Re: tops knives

      Thu, March 15, 2007 - 10:49 PM
      thats the model with all the curves aint it? was in a movie?
      • Re: tops knives

        Fri, March 16, 2007 - 12:59 PM
        Yep, sadly it was in the movie The Hunted...so folks thinks it's some sort of fighting knife. We've used it to build shelters and teach various out door skills during our summer survival classes. I'm not one to carry alot of knives on my person or in my pack, so for what it was designed for I think it does a good job. I like it.
        CG
  • Re: tops knives

    Fri, March 16, 2007 - 11:58 AM
    I don't own any Tops knives, but looks like they make two Anaconda's... the Model 9 and the "B" model (Model 7). The first one has a good blade length, but an awkward curve for chopping purposes. The second has a great curve, but the blade is only 7", and I'd prefer 9" for chopping. If you plan to do any gutting, whittling, or carving, you'd be best off with a smaller knife (like a 4" blade) that specializes in those areas. Otherwise, they both appear to be pretty well made- full tang, micarta handles... What would you be using it for?

    As for the Tracker knife, what I hear is this. As far as individual tasks are concerned (chopping, sawing, fine wood-work, etc.), there are much much better knives out there that specialize in these individual areas. But it works okay if you're looking for one knife to do it all (definitely better than those multi-purpose rambo-style "survival" knives). Most people seem to be of the opinion that if you have the option to carry more than one knife, get several that specialize in different tasks. But I would be curious to see how it handles... seems like a decent back-up knife.
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      Re: tops knives

      Fri, March 16, 2007 - 1:37 PM
      chuck is it due to the shape that you have a hard time with sharping? im interested in the tanto model it would be a chopper but most game cleaning would be done with a smaller skinner blade............ they do seem like good blades well constructed and the size is what i want just wanting insite from people who may have experience with the brand as far as quality goes............for 200 dollars i could buy several ka bars and machettes ya know...........
      • Re: tops knives

        Fri, March 16, 2007 - 6:48 PM
        The shape is one reason. Probably the main reason, but the steel is quite hard. I don't mind it the problem, as it keeps a good edge for a long time. The knife was a gift from the designer, though I purchased a second one for a friend. She likes it.
        Due to a stroke some years ago, I travel light. I use the Tracker because it works well for woodcraft and survival skills.
        The Ka-Bar is great, I own one, plus I have three knives that were custom made for me for various needs...camping, plant work (I'm an herbalist and like to have a knife that can dig, cut root, and trim), and defense.
        But if I had to pick one knife to carry in the outdoors, it would be the Tracker. Maybe I'm just lazy ;-)
        all the best
        C.

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