The TOPS TSK is a compact, tough, very lightweight, and seemingly capable stainless steel survival blade. My first POU would not be a "steak knife" as this knife has a stout, thick blade. That means it slices crudely in many materials. The 440C steel starts at .017" thickness and tapers towards the tip. From the box the TSK is adequately sharp but its angle is abrupt for my cutting tasks and a shallower angle seemed appropriate to help it slice better. So after some work on the Edge Pro Apex, the TSK cuts better in all tasks (including cardboard and batoning). I prefer this shallower 21º grind and it should serve well in most roles. I would prefer another steel to the 440C choice as it's hard to get it razor sharp (154CM, VG10, AUS8 preferred) and keep it there. It offers good (but not excellent) rust resistence and edge holding. The leaf blade is an excellent all-purpose shape and it has a strong tip that held up in medium temperature batoning. The blade is full flat ground, it is marked "Ontario USA" (under the handle), and the tang is ¾ long. This tang length is ideal and will work fine for the POUs discussed; don't believe the group think that you always need a full tang knife (that would add unneeded weight here too). Not discussed are the serrated versions of the TSK but of course the PE is always preferred for easier edge maintenance. I'm not sure the "Black Traction Coating" is needed on the stainless blade but it does look good and it held up well. It also ...
Sunday, October 14, 2012
TOPS TSK: "Featherweight Survivor" by Nutnfancy
TOPS TSK: "Featherweight Survivor" by Nutnfancy Tube. Duration : 18.73 Mins.
The TOPS TSK is a compact, tough, very lightweight, and seemingly capable stainless steel survival blade. My first POU would not be a "steak knife" as this knife has a stout, thick blade. That means it slices crudely in many materials. The 440C steel starts at .017" thickness and tapers towards the tip. From the box the TSK is adequately sharp but its angle is abrupt for my cutting tasks and a shallower angle seemed appropriate to help it slice better. So after some work on the Edge Pro Apex, the TSK cuts better in all tasks (including cardboard and batoning). I prefer this shallower 21º grind and it should serve well in most roles. I would prefer another steel to the 440C choice as it's hard to get it razor sharp (154CM, VG10, AUS8 preferred) and keep it there. It offers good (but not excellent) rust resistence and edge holding. The leaf blade is an excellent all-purpose shape and it has a strong tip that held up in medium temperature batoning. The blade is full flat ground, it is marked "Ontario USA" (under the handle), and the tang is ¾ long. This tang length is ideal and will work fine for the POUs discussed; don't believe the group think that you always need a full tang knife (that would add unneeded weight here too). Not discussed are the serrated versions of the TSK but of course the PE is always preferred for easier edge maintenance. I'm not sure the "Black Traction Coating" is needed on the stainless blade but it does look good and it held up well. It also ...
The TOPS TSK is a compact, tough, very lightweight, and seemingly capable stainless steel survival blade. My first POU would not be a "steak knife" as this knife has a stout, thick blade. That means it slices crudely in many materials. The 440C steel starts at .017" thickness and tapers towards the tip. From the box the TSK is adequately sharp but its angle is abrupt for my cutting tasks and a shallower angle seemed appropriate to help it slice better. So after some work on the Edge Pro Apex, the TSK cuts better in all tasks (including cardboard and batoning). I prefer this shallower 21º grind and it should serve well in most roles. I would prefer another steel to the 440C choice as it's hard to get it razor sharp (154CM, VG10, AUS8 preferred) and keep it there. It offers good (but not excellent) rust resistence and edge holding. The leaf blade is an excellent all-purpose shape and it has a strong tip that held up in medium temperature batoning. The blade is full flat ground, it is marked "Ontario USA" (under the handle), and the tang is ¾ long. This tang length is ideal and will work fine for the POUs discussed; don't believe the group think that you always need a full tang knife (that would add unneeded weight here too). Not discussed are the serrated versions of the TSK but of course the PE is always preferred for easier edge maintenance. I'm not sure the "Black Traction Coating" is needed on the stainless blade but it does look good and it held up well. It also ...
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