REVIEW: TOPS Tahoma Field Knife

Is there THE knife? Certainly not, otherwise there wouldn't be such an incredible variety of blade shapes, knife lengths, designs, and so on. Someone who spends a lot of time outdoors has collaborated with TOPS Knives to design a knife that he believes eliminates the need to carry additional knives, axes, or tools. Today, we'll take a look at his knife.

We're talking about the TOPS Tahoma Field Knife. TOPS Knives has been making knives since 1998 in collaboration with designers from various backgrounds such as Bushcraft, Martial Arts, SWAT, Law Enforcement, or Special Forces. This design comes from Andy Tran.

Andy is an avid outdoor enthusiast and is outside whenever possible. He also enjoys photography, and this led him to optimize his gear. "Just the photo equipment sometimes weighs up to 20 kg and I haven't even packed any food or other outdoor equipment yet," says Andy. So weight must be saved somewhere. If you have an axe, a saw, a multitool, and a knife with you, a few kilos quickly add up – so you combine the best qualities of the tools into one: The Tahoma Field Knife is the result.

The Tahoma Field Knife is a full-sized camp knife. It has a total length of 35.4 cm and weighs a proud 538 grams without the sheath. Sounds like a lot at first, half a kilo – but when you compare the usefulness of this knife to a combination of a knife, saw, axe, and multitool, it's practically nothing.

The blade of the knife is a total of 19.7 cm long. However, only 18.6 cm can be used – the rest is taken up by the finger choil. Additionally, there is another edge on the back of the blade, measuring 7 cm. The blade shape chosen is a spear point, which is perfect for a work knife like this. The blade steel is TOPS-typical 1095 with a hardness of 56-58 RC. The steel thickness is 4.8 mm. The finish chosen is "Black River Wash", a faded gray tone. Of course, with such a knife, it is a "full tang blade" – meaning a full-length blade that is not screwed onto the handle but is made entirely of a single piece of steel. The blade comes with a very good factory sharpness.

The handle is slightly curved, providing a very ergonomic grip – especially for chopping.

The handle division allows for various ways of gripping it. The first option: in the "Full Grip", where the index finger is placed in front of another finger choil...

In this position, the grippy thumb ramp also works very well and helps ensure a secure grip while working.

Second option: The hacking grip. The knife is gripped behind the finger choil and can be additionally secured with paracord thanks to the loop at the end of the handle.

Third option: The fine grip. The knife is gripped right at the front, with the index finger in the choil and the middle finger in the second choil.

With this grip, you can easily do fine work – carving, making tinder – no problem.

For additional support, the thumb of the second hand can be placed on the back of the blade, making planing a breeze.

The pointed end of the handle can be useful for prying or levering. This side can also be used effectively as a glass breaker.

The handle material is proven Canvas Micarta, in a reddish-brown tone. There are now also handle scales in black for those who do not like the brown. Additionally, TOPS offers handle texturing called "Rocky Mountain Tread":

A detail on the handle is worth noting: a small recess located in the center on both sides.

This recess is intended as a guide for fire drilling.

Once the drill rod is lightly prepared, place it in the recess and have a well-functioning guide for the rod. Now, the other side just needs to be prepared.

For this, the spear point blade is again very useful for drilling a hole in the board. Add some tinder and you're ready to go.

We tried this – admittedly – for the first time, and the result was amazing. After a few attempts, the tinder ignited, with the knife providing perfect support.

You can also start a fire with the firesteel. The knife has also been equipped with a few useful features. In the thumb ramp, there is another loop that can be used not only for lanyards: It is the right size to break open a .223 cartridge.

SPARTANAT is the online magazine for Military News, Tactical Life, Gear & Reviews.
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