I made a point of coming back to this video after receiving my second Silent Hero today. I had originally bought the version with the smooth scales and loved it enough to buy a second backup blade but saw that only the rocky mountain tread version was available. So I bought it, and upon opening it today got the biggest surprise when I realized that the rocky mountain trail handle scales are actually thicker, filling out the hand more, than the version with the smooth scales. I was actually really happy to realize this, seeing as I always found my original silent hero’s handle to be just a tad too thin. I havent used the rocky mountain tread version in the field so I can't speak to the difference in developing hot spots between it and the smooth grip version, but the thicker grip on the RMT version feels so much more robust and ergonomic to me in how it fills out my hand. Honestly, I think I’m going to migrate over to it, and if the rought tread gives me any issues, I’ll wrap the handle in black tennis tape to smooth it over, and fill out my hand even a bit more. This was one the happiest accidental discoveries I’ve made in a while, and I hope this helps anyone considering which version of the silent hero they want.
@NGMonocrom4 жыл бұрын
Only an upgrade for some. I have a TOPS Apache Dawn with the Rocky Mountain Tread, and I love it! Excellent, secure grip. No issues with the handle scales. No clue why everyone thinks the grips are too aggressive.
@MrTimstaaa6 жыл бұрын
I just received my silent hero after watching this review and a few others and I must say it's an absolute animal. I spend most of my time in the high country and this thing has already proven itself after a week of solid use. Thanks again for the great reviews
@mr.delacruz5598 жыл бұрын
I'm happy that Tops listens to its customers! I did special order my silent hero without the RMT scales a while ago. The knife is without a doubt my favorite mid size knife. now I'm just waiting for the Tex creek & BOB folders to come out!!!
@stephenward68868 жыл бұрын
That's Awesome! I was just talking to Pete Kohler last Saturday morning about the Silent Hero. And the topic of the handles came up too. I have gotten used to handle now. I let Pete know that the main reason I decided to pull the trigger and place the order for the Silent Hero was the very in depth video you put out on its performance. Since then, I now have 2 different custom kydex sheaths for my Silent Hero by Doug Wilson at Yellowhawk Customs. I just wonder how much of a size difference there is on the forward side of the handle, for fitment into my kydex sheaths. Great video Aaron. Hope you and Pete have fun camping.
@SUFFICIENTSURVIVAL8 жыл бұрын
It's about freaking time, you don't know how many times I wanted to buy it! And the handle was the only draw back for me!!
@gideonstactical8 жыл бұрын
Now you are free to enjoy it!
@gabrielshear42986 жыл бұрын
I’m camp cook so considering that most of my work I will be kitchen chores this would be an excellent knife !. Yup it’s a great knife for bushcraft and prepper work also .. I love a knife with a nice fat blade !. Would love to see this knife about an inch longer though ..
@johnfromscotland10506 жыл бұрын
Brilliant, brilliant, great knife, had my eye on this for a few years but the handle put me off a bit..... Now oh yes, I bought it, and love it, great knife for 95% of all hunting, bushcraft and camping survival tasks...... and a very noble cause that the foundation supports...... so we'll worth a purchase. It's not Africa, but Scotland can be a hardy place to test a knife, and this knife stands up to everything I have tossed at it.
@kaiabbe26238 жыл бұрын
Do a versus video with the esse 6, been dying to see one in the field
@Lawman-1967 жыл бұрын
Definitely one of my favorite knives in every trip👍
@jsmitty20478 жыл бұрын
Tops makes amazing knives. I planned on buying the original but the handles put me off, needless to say ill be ordering this in a minute. I agree with you 1000% I wish they did kydex sheath, the sheath Tops use and have are great quality but I am a kydex person.
@gideonstactical8 жыл бұрын
J Smitty agreed perfect match to be with the Kydex sheath!
@j.p.45418 ай бұрын
Just a heads up I called Tops today and it was $60.00 for the handles.
@steelers908028 жыл бұрын
I've always loved this knife but never cared for the handle. This is really tempting me to purchase
@gideonstactical8 жыл бұрын
steelersfan now you don't want to miss it!
@bushcraftrex53948 жыл бұрын
I instantly bought the smooth version BUT be careful, TOPS made a huge design flaw. They use the same screws as on the original handle- And the because the handle is smooth, those screws stick out about one millimeter to each side which gets really annoying with prolonged use. I contacted TOPS, but now i have to pay almost 30$ to get the f*** right screws to me here in Germany
@steelers908028 жыл бұрын
Bushcraft Mit Rex That's horrible customer service, TOPS should be ashamed
@Airik1111bibles7 жыл бұрын
Wows Tops is a great company, giving owners of that knife the choice to send it in for new scales!! THUMBS UP TOPS! ....I love so many of their knives yet the Hero doesn't grab me, the way you love that blade though makes me consider it.
@jessjohnson49783 жыл бұрын
with or without the RMT, adding tennis handle grip tape helps a lot...
@dennisjpoleyjr87138 жыл бұрын
I love my Silent Hero, and I don't mind the Rocky Mountain tread pattern. But the handle is very smooth/shiny, kinda slippery. I think G10 would be nice. Definitely needs a Kydex sheath.
@donaldpickowicz16984 жыл бұрын
I’m torn between the silent hero and the moccasin ranger for just a BA camping knife. Do you prefer one over the other?
@reynaldogarciajr.2356 жыл бұрын
I own one with the mountain tread handles and I must say being a 5' 7" tall man with small hands it feels good and sturdy but still small. I'm guessing if TOPS company could make this upgrade then they should think about making the handles thicker for those who may want it.
@guns4funcajanajustin8 жыл бұрын
They are both good ones but the ESEE 6 would be my pick! Excellent review I like the scales on those I cant wait to try them thanks for the info.
@gideonstactical8 жыл бұрын
guns4funcajanajustin no problem
@xnbomb8 жыл бұрын
Thanks for letting us know this finally available. All they have to do now is make this in a stainless steel (any of 440c, 154cm or N690Co, which they have used on other models, would be fine by me), and they can count on my purchase. I spend all day on the water, so regular carbon steels are not appealing.
@steelers908028 жыл бұрын
Agreed
@NGMonocrom8 жыл бұрын
Yup. I'd buy one in a heartbeat if it was available in a non-shiny 440C. Like their Desert Nomad model.
@inquisitor46358 жыл бұрын
Stainless for me as well. And a kydex sheath. Perhaps the handle may need a bit more girth for larger hands...looks to be a bit narrow in the vid. With these change added to the knife, it would be perfect.
@NGMonocrom8 жыл бұрын
inquisitor I don't know..... Aaron has large hands. So the handle seems fine. You can always buy an aftermarket kydex sheath for it. That's what I did with my ESEE 6 and my Becker BK9. Only thing we can't easily change or DIY is the blade steel. I get it. Stainless steels don't quite have the ability to soak up shocks & knocks as well as carbon steels. But it's not as though 440C is made out of glass! TOPS' Desert Nomad isn't failing like crazy. I'm getting fed up with trying to find a knife as capable as my ESEE 6, or like the Silent Soldier but without the rust issues. Come on TOPS, please make this knife in a subdued 440C option.
@inquisitor46358 жыл бұрын
NGMonocrom Thnx for the input.
@alaskaraftconnection-alask33978 жыл бұрын
Yep... good move on the handle changes... Really like the geometry and thought perspective of this knife. Looked at the original version non-tops manufacture (very pricey) and when TOPS production started up with this Knife design --- it had that funky RMT handle that I felt was a deal breaker... particulars being overall feel and picking up dirt as well as harder to clean off game related tasks in cold conditions, etc. I also think this knife could benefit from selecting some optional steels.
@justintraupel94684 жыл бұрын
I am in love with this blade!
@Shooter11B8 жыл бұрын
I absolutely love the knife design but for me the major weakness is it's WAY TOO THIN and un-beefy handle. The RMT seriously hurt my hand when I was trying to chop wood, etc. I do so almost daily with many of my other knives with no issues, that knife hurts! How about a fundamental redesign of the handle shape?
@joefrank71598 жыл бұрын
Awesome a great knife is even better now.
@MIADolphinsFAN8 жыл бұрын
Love the new rockin scales. Going to have to ship mine to tops for the upgrade. Thanks for the video Aaron😎
@gideonstactical8 жыл бұрын
Nice!
@SurvivalZoneAfricaZA8 жыл бұрын
The Silent Hero is always a winner! Thanks for your views!
@tomservo34016 жыл бұрын
Hmm tempting but i g2 admit ive never really had a problem with the rmt on my silent hero. I didnt care much for the sheath so i got an awesome custom kydex sheath for it.
@Dutch1911a17 жыл бұрын
Hey there! I'm a big fan of Tops. I'm currently looking for a knife that is great for skinning and processing game. How does the Silent Hero fit that bill. I'm in Utah and hibt and hike in Utah and Idaho. Your thoughts?
@bryanteal7 жыл бұрын
I just emailed TOPS about getting these scales for the knife I just ordered on amazon.ca. I don't want to ship my knife to the US, and I'd be surprised if they have a Canadian affiliate to do the scale fitting. I'm willing to do it myself, but I doubt they'll agree to that. We shall see.......
@kshatriya14146 жыл бұрын
I'm still wondering if I should get the tops knives silent hero or the ESEE 6?..
@JuandelaCruz0018 жыл бұрын
Dear Santa . . . I haven't been a good boy lately. . . but . . .
@gideonstactical8 жыл бұрын
Haha nice!
@Rick1dat8 жыл бұрын
Not trying to find fault with your review it's good was wondering why your not using hard wood ? The test if your going to do chopping I'd think be with hard oak, maple, beech.
@gideonstactical8 жыл бұрын
Rick AB. The state in which I live has Fern trees pine trees and Aspen. You have to work with what you got!
@Rick1dat8 жыл бұрын
Oh, sorry I was afraid I may step on someones toes wasn't trying to be rude. Again sorry.
@utilitariansharp85978 жыл бұрын
New camera lens is superb
@gideonstactical8 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@huejanus55058 жыл бұрын
I kind of like the rocky mountain tread but wish they wouldn't make the tread as aggressive. More like ripples.
@sonfoku738 жыл бұрын
scalloped handles like brkt rather than rocky mountain tread would be better IMO
@lrrp6928 жыл бұрын
do you like this knife better than your gso survive knives
@DeepakKumar-kr9ki7 жыл бұрын
I want purchase one. Can you help where to get this online? I live in India, not finding on eBay or amazon!
@sirjackson25295 жыл бұрын
@gideonstactical , so I've had to go through a bunch of loops to get this knife. I ordered it through amazon, got the wrong one, and eventually got it replaced. The smooth grips on mine are definitely not any thicker than the RMT grips. Are my grips different from the ones on yours in the video?
@Mortzy8 жыл бұрын
Just ordered this beauty.
@mistersmith39868 жыл бұрын
Although I don't like Tops knives, I do like your great reviews. Thanks.
@gideonstactical8 жыл бұрын
mister smith thanks for watching!
@ToxicFantasma7 жыл бұрын
Smooth handle version is $170 on Amazon, while the ESEE6 is $120. Is this knife worth the extra $50?
@gideonstactical7 жыл бұрын
(SBB) Blitz That is hard. I love the ESEE6, but...the egos are better on the TOPS and the Saber grind will work a little better in general survival talks.
@ToxicFantasma7 жыл бұрын
Thanks Gideon, great videos, keep up the phenomenal work!
@eachday95388 жыл бұрын
Respect to TOPS
@EverydaySurvival8 жыл бұрын
YES FINALLY.thats the only thing that held me back from gettin it.Thanks for the info
@gideonstactical8 жыл бұрын
Everyday Survival awesome glad to hear it!
@WTHyde8 жыл бұрын
I don't know what all the concern is about the handle. I like the Rocky Mountain Tread. I don't think the new handle makes any difference at all with the knife. Sorry that Tops fell for all the whining.
@combatewingchun7 жыл бұрын
W.T. Hyde I agree
@9unslin9er7 жыл бұрын
Any word on this improper screw size issue? I don't want the smooth micarta if those screws are going to stick out.
@megalodonscortex75784 жыл бұрын
Can I send you a knife to review? Please I need to more about these European steels.
@emmanuelmaldonado82028 жыл бұрын
I have years follow your vídeos, I like so much your Chanel. Regards from Monterrey México!!
@gideonstactical8 жыл бұрын
Awesome, thanks for watching!
@DrJJay18 жыл бұрын
why haven't you reviewed any Schenk Knives yet?
@balazsweber40208 жыл бұрын
At last! Now I gone buy one!
@fanboy57697 жыл бұрын
Would you recommend the silent hill or the Tahoma field knife?
@shaifulafzan8 жыл бұрын
hey mr aron. love all ur vids very2 much info and realistic. sir i have a request if u dont mind can u please take out the micarta handle.. just wanted to see the tang from a side. because the width of the tang it is look quite thin.. please post it on fb after removing the scale. very much tq sir. long live u sir
@MrKitty-zv3dl8 жыл бұрын
No doubt that the Silent Hero @ $160.00 is a nice knife but the Esee 6 @ $125.00 is just as good. I prefer the way the Esee 6 fills my large hand but I also like the Silent Hero ramped jimping... Either knife will serve you well really.
@justintraupel94684 жыл бұрын
Where can i find the best deal on this without the rocky mtn scales?
@hawaiivolcanosquad33228 жыл бұрын
Nice looking blade!
@mikeolito80775 жыл бұрын
Do they have a left handed sheath
@gunnerhusnian43758 жыл бұрын
nice upgrade! great job
@MrBluoct8 жыл бұрын
. . Thanks. 2016... and no kydex sheath option ?????????? source for kydex . . . .
@gideonstactical8 жыл бұрын
AZWelke or redfeathergear
@maddogtannen19668 ай бұрын
The blade needs to be an inch longer in my opinion .. I'm nit picking I know .. Just my opinion .. This knife however is a pretty good knife .. Forget "The Tracker" BS knife nonsense .. "The Tracker" knife to me is a mean looking knife that isn't worth much ..
@schoondogg77 жыл бұрын
This vs esee 6? Love my esee but i like this knife a lot after watching this
@justuswhitmore81998 жыл бұрын
if I'm going to get an aftermarket sheath either way, should I go with the esee 6 or the silent hero?
@sonfoku738 жыл бұрын
i say silent hero. its meant for combat, but the design of the knife offers better slicing ability, whereas the esee 6 is meant to be your average survival knife
@benhenry73496 жыл бұрын
Can you do a review on the new up grade steel eagle 1070c delta class?
@DougCRood8 жыл бұрын
Woo Hoo! Gotta add that to the Christmas list! dcr
@darrellbowen15825 жыл бұрын
Awesome ! I want one!!!!
@jaredcook23997 жыл бұрын
get a sheath from red feather you can custom make your sheath
@rustywilliford82983 жыл бұрын
put the esee 6 handle on this knife and you will have a good knife!.. the handle shape on this knife does the blade no justice..
@Sam-ze9mo8 жыл бұрын
what's that watch you're wearing?
@gideonstactical8 жыл бұрын
Casio G-Shock and Sunnto mini compass.
@Sam-ze9mo8 жыл бұрын
thanks!
@ottawasilver77208 жыл бұрын
nice!!!!!! I may have to order one!
@gideonstactical8 жыл бұрын
You wouldn't be sorry!
@michaellaird92628 жыл бұрын
sweet. been waiting for.this
@organdonor19625 жыл бұрын
When they make a stainless model , I am in.
@AedansOutdoors7 жыл бұрын
Yo dude you got hacked... A ton of other you tubers got the same hack that it would appear you have as well...
@matthewtaylor90638 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the info
@gideonstactical8 жыл бұрын
For sure!
@miccijrful6 жыл бұрын
Silent Hero vs Tacoma??? Decisions decisions!!?????
@darylgoto15266 жыл бұрын
love it.
@mikecarpenter67038 жыл бұрын
Finally!!!
@bacon818 жыл бұрын
Great! Rocky Mountain tread blows
@paulie4x17 жыл бұрын
Say Heah Aaron, Yeah, My style of knife. I know it will be a performer in the bush as well. But I still love my Modde Rodent 6, I love how it looks like a Ratmandu on steroids now that I had it modified at the Busse Custom Shop. It's the Top's. Yup, it's one of my Fav's in this size. I could Neck Carry my Mora 510 with it. But I just got a Cold Steel Ultimate Hunter, I love the steel. I got very lucky to now have a Awesome Combo. In colder weather, I will team them with my 17" Hultafors Bruks Agdor Hatchet one of my Compact Bush Craft Hatchet which is still easy to carry, I also added my Agawa Canyon 21 Boreal Saw in the Crazy Horse Scabbard with a extra Aggressive saw blade. Ofcource my Gerber Multi Tool to untangle paracord, open my A La Chicken and Dumplings,, take hot pots off the fire and pull my shorties out of my Custom Made Steve Morietti Cigar Mouthpieces. He a world renowned carver and pipe maker. Yeah tge briar he used on mine are over 100 year old. Nice. Anyhow, I already practiced with my set and I trust my life on this set. Oh, even though I could carry my 17" Hultafors Bruks Agdor Hatchet in a Axe Holster made by Eugene Group a KZbin. I have a area on the side of my Kodiak Gearsling also to carry it if I want. Nice. In thicker stuff, I can also bring my Woodsman Pal Premium Machete, or my Ka-Bar Johnson Adventure Parangatang which I have (2) and put a Black Handle on one of them. Yup, I'm a Match Freak.,,. p
@lelandmiller3127 ай бұрын
I have one
@meccagold20098 жыл бұрын
fINA,FREAKIN',LLY!
@bushcrfter79178 жыл бұрын
finally
@RoyFernbach8 жыл бұрын
Great looking blade and great upgrade to the handle. Thanks for the video. But, as always, TOPS is too expensive in general for what it offers.
@gideonstactical8 жыл бұрын
I don't fell that way on the price.
@RoyFernbach8 жыл бұрын
I know people who work for, and work with TOPS. Even they say their blades are on the expensive side. Perhaps you have more disposable income than most... many people make less than $15 an hour in USA... and that means a lot of tops knives = 10-15 hours of work to pay for. Average meal is around $7-10... so you are talking up to 15 meals, etc. When you start to break it down, TOPS, while quality, is rather on the expensive side, at least in many people's opinion.
@killough710105 жыл бұрын
Tops are a bargain for what you get. It's pretty much a custom knife for hundreds less. You probably have never handled one. You can feel the quality in your hand, they are outstanding.
@jeremyg3718 жыл бұрын
That's just a bad to the bone knife.
@gideonstactical8 жыл бұрын
absolutely!
@ryanc56818 жыл бұрын
Aaron- you think I should get the Esee 6 this week or the silent hero? I do love esee but I've been buying Tops lately as well and I am enjoying there work, which should I buy?
@duncansq478 жыл бұрын
dreams
@duncansq478 жыл бұрын
And yes really wish they would have a kydex option cause I don't like leather nor want leather