Cuts Like A Dream: TOPS Knives Baja 4.5

#survival #knife #camping #edc
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[@jacobkoder4903]

I know this is an old video now, but I just got a Baja. I like the blade to handle length ratio. The jimping did make my index and thumb sore after heavy use, so I filed the jimping on the top down half way and rounded it over on either side of the blade. Also used a small drum sander to do the same to the jimping on the index. Way more comfortable now.

[@benjamincoetzee1369]

That sounds good. I have my eye on this knife for quite a while but not sure about the jimping. I also thought of the possibility to just take a file to it. Is the spine sharp and hard enough to scrape a firesteel?

[@bernielomax5908]

Thank you for including food prep in the blade review

[@gideonstactical]

No problem.

[@natureministries]

Fantastic knife overall. Blade design is very versatile and works well for most cutting, splitting, carving, animal/fish cleaning and camp craft projects. Love the 1095 with the dual temper. The handle could be a little more ergonomic but the micarta scales allow for a good grip. Had mine for about 9 months, I use it when teaching my survival classes and when I'm just out hiking as a supplement to my tomahawk. The knife sits deep in the heavy duty leather sheath so I don't feel like it will fall out easily when I'm moving fast or through heavy brush. The fire steel and whistle are good compliments for any knife you plan on packing with you when your out in the wild.

[@gideonstactical]

Glad to hear you enjoy the blade.

[@jaydubya7012]

I have had the baja for several years now. I love. I have used the devil out of it and it's still as good as new. Having said that, I am ready for something new and need to sell mine to get the money. I don't have unlimited funds. So if anyone out there would be interested in a topps baja 4.5 without having to pay new price, let me know but responding to this post. Thanks

[@BushOgre]

Good review. Although I am one of the guys that likes aggressive jimping. I do have meaty hands so that may be why the jimping doesn't bother me. I EDC the Baja 4.5 in an IWB sheath. It rides high on the belt and the jimping also gives me a great indicator of where my grip is when pulling out the knife. Keep up the good work.

[@phillipdelaney2989]

Hey Aaron just a friendly tip, when you cut food, it is much safer, easier, and faster if you keep the tip on the cutting board and just kind of rock the knife up and down while you slide the food as it is being cut

[@Teachering]

I confess, I like most knives that come from TOPS. Their designs are very attractive: they simply make beautiful knives, as far as I'm concerned. This Baja 4.5 is no exception. It's on my list for the New Year. Thank you, Aaron, for another great knife review.

[@gideonstactical]

I agree they make some great stuff.

[@kenmarapese9085]

Agreed on the blade thickness and jimping for knives in this category. Another excellent vid.

[@gideonstactical]

+Hiker Marapese Thank you so much!

[@rogerlawson4516]

Aaron, I have the exact same feelings as you. If they had used the same style scales as the Hog 4.5, it would be a fantastic knife. Great video.

[@matthewtaylor9063]

ready for the battle of the blades, thanks Aaron.

[@gideonstactical]

It should be insightful!

[@charlescollier7217]

Beautiful blade. Definitely looking forward to the comparison video. Thanks for the thorough and thoughtful review as always Aaron.

[@opichocal]

Fill in the gimping with JB weld. I did it to my Nim cub 2 and it's way more comfortable.

[@Cr0cket20]

great review on the blade. I have been very interested in this one as I love the 1095 and the length of the blade is right where I want it.

[@gideonstactical]

Thanks my friend, it all comes down to the handle and weather or not someone will love it.

[@Exist_Outdoors_]

Really looking forward to the comparison video too. Thanks man really enjoyed this one.

[@terryhenry54]

Nice looking blade,again tops did another great job

[@SteveSmith-sd5hq]

I went to a knife show today and held this knife, as well as the Brakimo, Bob, and Hog 4.5. I was expecting to like this one the best, but found the handle really uncomfortable. The jimping was awful, and it was too slim for my hands. I'm glad I got to hold it, I was thinking about getting it.

[@bestguest3605]

+gidions tacical would you take this over a esse laser strike for survival?

[@travisroberts4886]

This looks great and I found it at perfect time as I'm on market for a 4-5 inch blade and this is the one I want . But I can't find anywhere that ships with brown sheath or has a option for the brown. All Places seem to ship them only with black and it's driving me CRAZY !!!! I much prefer brown. Unless I want to buy directly from tops and pay about 70$ more !!

[@dirttrack1123]

Jimpings and 3 grooves are great for cowhide gloves

[@patmcguire6867]

I just purchased this knife. Your review was helpful. You were right about the jimping. I wish the grooves were finer. Other than that it is a nice knife for the money.

[@raycontego3276]

Oh man! Great knife but if I were to choose, I'd fork up for another $15-20 for an Lt Wright GNS.

[@nyk3334]

I’m guessing you live in America? I live in Canada and it’s about $189 CDN yet it’s on BladeHQ for $129. The LT Wright is $300 CDN. You guys are lucky.

[@Lars1540]

Great review Aaron! When I first saw this knife, I immediately keyed into the rather uncomfortable looking jimping in the finger guard and spine... After noticing that, I immediately passed this knife over... For the price point of this knife, there are much more comfortable options available... Why is it that most companies seem to always go for stupid shit like decoration over comfort!? I mean, do these companies actually use their own equipment?! Obviously not, because if they did, then they would quickly realize what I noticed simply by looking at a freaking picture of the knife! I don't know man, I don't understand why knife companies just can't simply design knives with smooth, neutral grips... Why is this concept so hard to grasp!? Honestly.... I'm getting to the point now where it just irritates the shit outta me! It's like they're afraid that a nice comfortable neutral grip isn't going to look good enough and not sell or something.... Beats the hell outta me... But these knife companies (not just TOPS) need to pull their head outta their asses and start making comfortable knives! -end rant-

[@bluefishermen6005]

Its is outperformed by a mora :)

[@beaucrawford538]

Imma buy this

[@zoo2you]

Looks like a great camp knife.

[@jakubfabisiak9810]

here's a suggestion: do a review on the LT Wright Next Gen - there's really only one out on YT, and two mentions on blade show 2015 vids - great knife IMO, that deserves a bit more recognition.

[@danielheller9624]

I was actually about to buy one of these then I watched this video. Now I'm thinking more.

[@stevemack389sm]

just wonderful just unbelievable.... and like all tops Knives there just great....

[@RisemyMinions]

the hog with leather sheath and black wash would be just about perfect. Although I still really like the silent hero.

[@shcmoly]

Really nice sheath, I would like it more with out the jimping.

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

Along with the jimping they can take the writing off of the blade too.

[@BushCampingTools]

Nice knife design and nice review as always mate.

[@RazZelDaZzel16]

Great review. Cant wait for the battle of the blades. I would put my money on the Hog. really liking it.

[@livingoutloud1679]

love tops!

[@paulie4x1]

Say Heah, Yeah, It's the size I like for my bush craft knives, Yes'er. But with some of the better steel's like 3V, CPM S30V, and other's even the 154 CM because I'm finding out it's very comparable to O1 and it's less maintenance which for me is worth it, I go out in all weather so lately I've been buying mote steel suitable for wet and snowy conditions. Yeah that Top's BoB is interesting me, But the review was top shelf as usual, Thanx You, Aaron. ,, .

[@insbass]

Hey Aaron, thanks for the great review. I was interested in this knife too, but these jimping on the finger guard made me think.

[@gideonstactical]

It is a great blade, but the handle leave something to be desired.

[@thelasthuntsmanoutdoors]

Nice review and I have been checking this knife out myself. Would you still suggest this one? I have a knife I would being willing to trade and give you something else to review if your interested. LT Wright GNS...

[@csh6220]

This looks like a winner to me. Tops doesn't make to many shabby knives though. On another subject, you chop, baton, and carve a lot of pine in your great videos, but I never hear you mention FATWOOD. In Ky,. I find it in fallen pine trees in branches right at the trunk. Cannot beat it for a natural fire starter, and it is rather abundant in Ky. Do Colorado pine trees contain fatwood (turpene)? I've seen all of your knife vids, but no mention of FATWOOD. Just curious, and Thanks for the great info you give us.

[@jamesmanners8493]

hey, how does it stack up against the becker bk16?

[@SUFFICIENTSURVIVAL]

Great video as always!!

[@gideonstactical]

+SUFFICIENT SURVIVAL Glad you enjoyed it!

[@donnymac575]

Great video as always. I think I like the looks of Baja 4.5 the over the BOB and HOG but am still looking for to your comparison video.

[@gideonstactical]

Hope the comparison helps you out

[@knifesharpeningnorway]

great review and blade brother just wish they could offer the samme warranty as esee

[@ThumbStuds]

Nice looking blade, great review.

[@gideonstactical]

Thanks!

[@SwedishOutdoor]

Nice review! Looks like a great knife, but the gymping on the bottom seems a bit odd? Thanks for sharing!

[@hectorsegura8167]

Have you checked out the Mountain Lion? I'm debating about which I should purchase as a main knife for all situations. I'm stuck between the schf42, bk7, or the TOPS Mountain Lion. I'm sort of gravitating towards the Mountain Lion because it's fairly thick, but the price point on the schf42 is attractive. I'd upgrade to a kydex sheath from YHCK. Any thoughts/recommendations?

[@benjamincoetzee1369]

I had a Schrade 42 and sold it. Regret it now. For the price it is very functional.

[@Dont_Poke_The_Bear]

Just like with most TOPS knives, I dig almost everything about it EXCEPT THE JIMPING. It drives me crazy.

[@gideonstactical]

I hope they will change things on this one.

[@Dont_Poke_The_Bear]

+gideonstactical I agree with peter ... Jimping should work in theory... I sold my BOB because of the jimping. really would like to see them offer some models with or without.

[@dualsportedc]

Nice knife. Shame the sheath is useless for me though. Hate leather. It just holds moisture and makes your knife rust faster. Plus the retention on leather is not strong enough if you’re riding through the woods on a dual sport. I’ve lost several knives to leather on the bike so sadly it’s kydex or something similar or nothing for me unless the sheath has a hood like the Garberg or Shango XL that goes up over the handle to help hold it

[@NoLaneRestrictions]

Would appriciate your help deciding between three fixed blades for bushcraft. TOPS Baja 4.5, LION STEELLSTB40ST SANTOS B40, or Esee 3. Thank you very much for your time and advise! Cheers!

[@jimmelnyk7506]

I don't understand the thought process that drove TOPS to put jimping on the bottom of the handle where it would be abrading your forefinger. If TOPS is paying attention then the Baja 4.5 v.2 should have no jimping where your forefinger rides, less aggressive ( or no ) jimping on the spine, and Hog 4.5 style handle scales. Don't worry about the appearance of those shiny brass screws. As they age they will darken. I think they will look just fine with the color of the scales.

[@gideonstactical]

+Jim Melnyk Right on!

[@dthreadjr]

Might I recommend working with your hands a little more developing some thick skin and calluses

[@parapearce3129]

Awesome review

[@Theoutdoorproject80]

I'm not a huge tops fan I like a few models though and that's one I like I also love the tops dragonfly 4.5

[@gideonstactical]

I want to review that one at some point

[@benjamincoetzee1369]

@@gideonstactical please do 😊

[@matthewtaylor9063]

Good insight from Peter.

[@gideonstactical]

They guy knows his stuff!

[@mannysoriano5190]

That was awesome blade?how much for it?

[@pappy451]

i like the looks of that hog , something about it just looks comfortable. learn that from tv did ya? "tune in next week for the thrilling conclusion!". lmao. i know i know you said 24 hrs.

[@chewher4171]

The screws are preferable to me. They don’t bother me.

[@vhcalderon25]

out of all the knifes that you have worked with witch would you recommend for a good edc survival/buschcraft ? even ones that you may have to get custom sheath for

[@Airik1111bibles]

Schrader Schf42?? kinda the same blade in a way.

[@Primitivebearknives]

how does the handle feel on this compared to the condor kephart? is it about the same size or maybe a little bigger?

[@illusivemind6655]

what a sexy blade

[@gideonstactical]

+Nick Palmer It is a hot looking blade.

[@BeardedWondererUK]

Does anybody know if the pasayten fit in the sheath?

[@keeganmiles4168]

Review the CUT4.0

[@ethanburnette7310]

how does it compare to the heavier TAK-1? did you keep the TAK-1?

[@MichaelTravis12c27]

That jumping is a bid deal breaker for me. If they clean that up it would be a solid choice.

[@gideonstactical]

Yep, I totally agree

[@Julian-bq9qv]

+Blue Mountain Bushcraft and Outdoors A Dremel and five minutes time will solve it, if that is your only hold back. I have had to do several of my blades to smooth off rough jimping and it works out great.

[@markjg2275]

+Blue Mountain Bushcraft and Outdoors The Lower gimping can be easily ground off , The handles can come off and replaced with wood grips . The knife blade has a flat grind which is hard to find in a knife of this size and 1095 steel the two combinations make it a great blade and steel. Another good choice is the LT Wright GNS great knife and blade design but it costs a lot more. Just my opinion.

[@doronpapo6439]

great video as always! Is the knife true flat grind or does it have a secondary bevel

[@gideonstactical]

It a FFG

[@doronpapo6439]

+gideonstactical Thanks!!

[@DamionJR4923]

I mostly hate jimping. I have a Becker BK 16 and the jimping almost ruins the knife. You try using it for any prolonged use and it tears my thumb up with no added benefit IMO.

[@gideonstactical]

That is how I feel about jimping too

[@jozy5154]

really like this blade. I'm thinking this over the esee 4. is there different handles

[@gideonstactical]

+JOEY Simps (Jozy) It is better then an esee4 (I have owned one) this is the only handle option right now.

[@jozy5154]

That's fine with me. I'll still like it anymay thanks

[@yesdeere1376]

Tops has got to stop with the jimping on the spine. I want a Baja so bad but I can't do it because of that one thing. I have a bob and never use it for the same reason. I've just been using my bk2, and bk9, they're about as tough as they come. Oh and no harsh jimping.

[@SteveSmith-sd5hq]

YesDeere13. Get, or at least look at the Tops Brakimo. Fantastic knife, and no jimping to speak of.

[@Wildwestwrangler]

Knives plus 120.97

[@Gloern24]

I feel like if true could have the handle of the hog and the blade of the baja it would be the perfect knife.

[@gideonstactical]

That is exactly what I told them!

[@BushCampingTools]

With the ergos, was it the squarish looking profile of the handle which made it a bit not so ergo?

[@Cbhill24]

What sharpener do you use to sharpen your tops and esee knives?

[@gideonstactical]

+Chill The work sharp guided sharpener at home, and their field sharpener in the woods. Both great.

[@Cbhill24]

+gideonstactical thanks, i have DMT at home but struggle with the consistent angle.

[@gideonstactical]

+Chill These are great, and practice makes perfect.

[@Cbhill24]

Work sharp arrived today. WOW...I finally have an edge. Get product for the money. Thanks for info, as I checked out your review of product as well.

[@jozy5154]

is ballistol a good oil for these knives gideonstactical?

[@frankwoods135]

gideonstactical what's your favorite steel for a knife and don't say 1095 lol XD

[@GaryHorn]

Sheath is right-hand carry only. Bummer.

[@SteveSmith-sd5hq]

I'm pretty sure that you can special order a left hand sheath.

[@GaryHorn]

+Steve Smith Yes, but that decreases the value.

[@Luso308]

TOPS jimping is, IMO, awfull and ruins the BOB for me. Too agressive. As a functional feature it is a risk, as it offers very little and can ruin the confort for the user. Nutnfancy has a bit of blame by hyping this feature. So sad as there are so many exemples of confortable handles that are ignored just to make a diferent product. I wonder how this knife will compete with Cold Steel´s AK47 Field Knife in CPM 3v (USD$150 on Amazon).

[@twocrowsblades3544]

Phillips head screws are hideous on knives / guns / bows ... keep Phillips head screw's on decks porches and patios

[@gideonstactical]

+Tom Goodwin Haha!

[@crack61616]

bis auf den scheiss 1095 stahl eigentlich ein gutes design aus dem computer.

[@darktimbercustomknives6248]

that Peter guy sounds like he watched too much tnp

[@gideonstactical]

You and me both!

[@MrBluoct]

. . . dremel . . .

[@mgautier88]

Tops is a horrible company. Quality control and customer service are pure trash. I wish i could post the emails. Ive had mine two months and its already rusting through the coating, i havent even cut anything yet! And the stamp on the ferro rod was completely crooked. I wish i could post the pictures

[@Greenmachine305]

Its sad that TOPS made this. Until now, they only made overpriced, gimmicky prybars. They broke thier perfect record...except the price is still rediculous, and the jimping and grip texture sucks. Its almost as if they enjoy causing people pain. Still thier best offering, so that's still embarrasing.