Tops/ESEE Knife Advice Please

[Blitzen]

I'm in the market for an EDC fixed blade knife, preferrably Tops or ESSE in the approx 3" to maybe just over 4" long blade for everyday use, camping, survival etc to be worn on the belt. Legal length for TN is a concern but a little over 4 would be fine. . One knife I am considering is the Tops Scout Viper but it is a hair over 4". The Tops UTE is under 4" and a heck of a buy for the money. Another is the ESEE Laser Strike. I seem to gravitate to the spear point or drop point shapes. Anyone have some experience with these makers? I'm jumping all over the map on these two makers and need some experienced advice.

[gjohnsoniv]

I don't think you could go wrong with either of those.

[Blitzen]

I don't think you could go wrong with either of those.

Have not handled either very much. Fair to say they are close in quality of manufacturing?

[willis68]

Out of the ones you mention, I would go with the Laser strike, they are a very good blade for the money I really like them

[willis68]

if you get any knife with tool steel Blade, such as 1095, buy your self a marine grade Tuff Cloth, it will keep the high carbon blades from rusting

[gjohnsoniv]

Have not handled either very much. Fair to say they are close in quality of manufacturing?

I would say so. I've handled Esee more though.

[Howler]

It sounds crazy, but I really like the orange/green color scheme on the ESEE knives.

[Major Kong]

I don't have a lot of experience with the Tops but I've owned a half dozen ESEEs. They make a very good knife that will last you a lifetime if you take reasonable care of it.

[Moped]

Don't think you could go wrong with either brand. That being said, Mike Perrin is one of the owner/designers for Esee and he lives near Knoxville. I'd buy an Esee. Plus I think they are typically a bit cheaper in price.

[Blitzen]

Noticed that Smokey Mt Knife Works is an Esee dealer. I may be up there later in fall and will check them out.

[Blitzen]

Anyone know the primary edge angle grind that Esee and Tops normally use on their knives from factory?

[Capbyrd]

Just want to throw this out there. I believe that 4 inches is the legal limit for carry in the state of TN. If this is for an EDC knife, that should influence your decision.

[jacob]

Was at SMKW yesterday since we were in the area and picked up an Izula...cool little knife....that place is awesome btw...

Edited October 23, 2012 by jacob

[East_TN_Patriot]

My vote is for the ESEE knife. I have several including a little Azula, the RC-3, and the beast Junglas. Very nice knives in my opinion and great customer service. Plus, the guy is from Tennessee, so I have to support a local business.

Edited October 20, 2012 by East_TN_Patriot

[Guest The Dude]

I have a few TOPS knives. Very well built. I have the Condor Alert, Scalpel, and the UTE and a few others. They take an edge good, and offer good edge retention. I sharpened all of mine when I recieved them. I used tuff glide on all my blades. I like TOPS, but ESEE is a good blade as well.

[ProjectDexter]

If you haven't checked out the HEST, you might consider it. Its a sweet little blade. Own a couple ESSE's and it's good option.

http://milspecmonkey.com/weapons-page/blades/350-esee-dpx-hest-knife

[Blitzen]

Got to handle some Tops knives at Knob Creek earlier this month. Rod Sewell of Cahaba Creek Knives from Alabama is a Tops dealer and had several knives. All the knives were full size tactical knives and were not exactly what I was looking for so I passed for now. I was impressed with them all. Very well built out of heavy tool steel and nice micarta scales. No doubt made for hard use. Rod was very nice and knowledgeable about Tops products. The Tom Brown Tracker was a hot item. One Tops knife that interests me is the "Rogue Wolf". It has the same shape as one of my benchmades and is a great utilitarian blade shape IMHO. The small UTE is under 4" and seems like a good option for a fixed blade EDC which I'm looking for. Next trip to East Tn I'm stopping by SMKW's to check out the Tops knives.

[Guest The Dude]

Anyone know the primary edge angle grind that Esee and Tops normally use on their knives from factory?

I think most of the Tops knives have a 20 degree edge. Maybe a bit more. And ESEE, being a full flat grind like on my old ESEE 6, it may have been around 20 or less. I cant remember on that. I may be wrong. lol.

[ProjectDexter]

[Guest JMP]

I have the DPX Hest original as well. It's attached to my laptop bag I keep with me every day. Love it. I have been looking at the ESEE-3 as well with a sheath to be made for carry, but I may just have one made for the Hest. Who knows, but good choices! I need to get down to SMK and see what they have.

I have a ZT 0550 that is my EDC knife and it would be just as easy to carry a small fixed blade lol.

[TNrifleman]

Just got my esee jungles and wow what a blade, balance and craftsmanship is a plus can't go wrong with esee.

[EastHipster]

HEST and Izula II for me.

They are excellent.

The HEST for me was a little bulky for EDC.

The little glass breaker "Beak" on the handle got in my way.

Very nice knives though.

I would encourage you to stay within the legal blade length.

If you give some one a reason to care how long your knife is, you'll wish you had.

[Bocephus]

I just got a rat 3 ontario knives. I love it!

[Guest slickrick0999]

I love my ESEE.  Goes with me camping all the time.  Very useful knife.  Great quality and super people to deal with.

This knife is a great companion to my Emerson folder.

Edited December 15, 2012 by slickrick0999

[Moped]

I love my ESEE.  Goes with me camping all the time.  Very useful knife.  Great quality and super people to deal with.

This knife is a great companion to my Emerson folder.

Which one did you get?