Over Kill Or Awesome? TOPS Knives Operator 7

[@nyk3334]

Honestly, there’s a ton of worse ways to spend our money. I love collecting knives to look at and to use. I take them out and yes, sometimes I just handle them while watching a TV show.

[@beaublumhardt4298]

Dr. Nowzaradan exactly

[@jamesdecimuslll9747]

Knives are mankind's oldest tool. Nothing wrong with collecting and appreciating them in their many shapes and sizes.

[@louisgarcia9940]

Bro I do the exact same thing lmao my lady thinks I’m crazy when I’m sitting in the couch with a knife in my hand

[@kulexxl]

@@louisgarcia9940 relatable

[@1st508thAirborne]

@@louisgarcia9940 Lol... mine too 👍😁

[@davidkurle5418]

I think you hit the nail on the head when you said "it gives me joy". That's as good a reason as any to buy a blade.

[@LXT43]

Yep. That's a good reason to spend hundreds of dollars on a tactical ninja knife that will probably end up on the bottom of the drawer.

[@nyk3334]

Agree all day. We’re men lol.

[@jamesdecimuslll9747]

@@LXT43 : Maybe you are the kind of person that would allow such a usable tool to end up in the bottom of a drawer. For the rest of us, we can buy whatever the fuck we want.

[@christianflores7583]

@@LXT43 this blade is a suprisingly good medium primary knife, on a one day hike/ camp day maybe even overnight this knife paired with a folder will do everthing you need. It fills the same role as an esee 6, bk7 to bk9 etc. It may not be my first choice that role is reserved for my wtg jx omega, but you could not go wrong with anything froms tops, tops heat treat and finishes are perfect.

[@adods9824]

Works for me!! 😁👍🤘🇦🇺

[@andrewmoore7586]

I’ve had this Blade (in the Darkened Edition!) for over 2-YEARS now & I Love IT..!!! I mistakenly bought two of these knives & gave one to my neighbor/friend, ‘cause he’s the type that’s ALWAYS helping myself & other neighbors out whenever there’s a NEED! Since he loves to hunt, this seemed like the perfect way to Thank him…🇺🇸

[@azvoltman7335]

Thanks a friggen lot . My wife hates it when she hears me watching your reviews. I have bought 3 of the last 5 knives you have done vids on. And man, i love this knife !! Gotta get it !!

[@rubiconoutdoors3492]

Im about to buy this one lol, what were the other 2 knives you bought ?

[@baseballman74]

lol

[@sawdust6968]

i took a ceramic rod to mine and its now the sharpest!! knife i own the way they ground it down from the spine was brilliant.and tops has listened to us about the sheaths GREAT JOB TOPS!!!;-)

[@luibadazz6027]

What ceramic rod did you use on the Operator 7?

[@adods9824]

What system pls!

[@tx1hawkins357]

I have knives costing 4X the Operator 7 and they don’t look, feel, or perform as well as the Op7. Definitely worth the money. As for the 1075/1095 argument as an Engineer with a background in Metallurgy it’s more of a talking point. Great knife at a very reasonable price point. Thanks for the review!

[@stevelucier8346]

Thanks for the great review. For me it is the best replacement for my Bowie knife I bought some 50 years ago mainly because of severe hand deficits. Dual guards are always prime for my knives that will be rough housed. The TOPS Ranger Bootlegger is on the list to pair with the Operator 7.

[@jacka6207]

Paused the video, went and ordered, then came back

[@jamesclark6597]

Me too

[@sergiotheg13]

Lucky fuckers. Lol

[@ssunfish]

Ha Ha, thats awesome!

[@ssunfish]

@@sergiotheg13 ha ha, I know, right?

[@mikeyob4271]

Lucky guy.. I'm jealous.

[@legoutdeslames]

I did a review also on this knife (blackout edition) and I asked myself the same questions, what's the point for this thing ? And after having tested it in the forest, I came to the conclusion that it is doing very well despite its big thickness and the strange shape of its blade and its handle. To my surprise this knife is very functional.

[@alfredkonig4639]

I love exactly these points : big balde-thickness, shape of the blade and the large handle. My other knifes look like toys now and I don`t "need" a few of them any longer, now that I have this "beast" :-)

[@darvinpreece601]

This was a good review! I think I might look at an Operator Seven after this. It looks like something I might like. My personal likes in knives is larger knives with good steel. Something that will not break is a major concern for me. I’ve had knives break miles and hours from any back-up. And of course, I back up the .larger knives with a couple others. A smaller fixed blade and a good pocket knife. Sometimes, I have another one too. Edge retention is a close second against the ability to be durable. And another major concern is the sheath. I don’t want something that will break, or let the knife fall out somewhere. A knife should be at your side when you want it and do what you need without breaking. Within reason, If a knife is heavy, that isn’t a problem for me.

[@kenmarapese9085]

That thing is just beautiful, I have no use for it but want one just to have it!

[@beaublumhardt4298]

Ken Marapese same it looks so cool

[@knowtilus1389]

Received mine yesterday. Love it!!!

[@gamerguy6990]

That sums up allot of what i buy

[@UR2Compliant]

That’s an absolutely perfect reason to own one!

[@captainrayry]

I bought it when it first came out. It's my #1 knife in my collection. Love it, what more can I say. Everything about it is good.

[@jedimasterg5308]

Really awesome video Gideonstactical! I've been watching your channel for years now and I just wanted to say how great of a job that you always do! And really great review on the Operator 7! I'll have to pick one of them up

[@alfredkonig4639]

Thanks for the video. TOPS didn't go too far, but reached the end of the road :-)I received my TOPS Operator 7 blackout today. A dream. A sharp, 7.8 mm thick chisel with an extremely good grip for medium to large hands. Top(s) Keyex sheath, boxed and with emergency whistle. My friendly tip: buy it and be happy :-) Made in U.S.A. Make America great again. Kind regards, Fred from Germany.

[@MatthewCox-fc5cu]

Fuck yeah my brother

[@Zukikipu]

Thanks for the thorough review; it was very informative. I would like to suggest one aspect of survival that wasn't covered, and that is to survive enemy pursuit. I would say the Operator may have just a slight edge over the Steel Eagle having the double (top and bottom) hand guard but without a saw back. I have it from a reliable authority that the saw back makes "extraction" from, let's say a side of beef, more difficult. The toothier the messier is what was said. This is especially so if the "insertion" was made with the blade held vertically. With a wide blade such as the Steel Eagle and the Operator, it would require some effort to force the blade through two ribs. A blade with a toothy back would make extraction more difficult; the extra effort required to free the blade might make the difference between life and death. A trained knife fighter, again I was told, stabs with a flat blade (goes it between ribs with greater ease). So, if one were evading enemy pursuit, wouldn't you recommend the Operator over the Steel Eagle? That's survival too. In my case, I won't be evading pursuit nor do I foresee ever having to survive in the woods on wits and knife alone. Nevertheless I went and got an Operator after watching your review just because I like pry bars with an edge, Better still if it happens to take the form of a knife. Hey, thanks again for a most informative and thorough review.

[@adnanmaharaj324]

Steel Eagle- Survival in the Wilderness. Operator 7- Survival in Jurassic Park. Love both those knives. When Great Minds and Great Steels meet-TOPS. Great Review GT.

[@matthewadler1329]

Im gonna finally pull the trigger on this knife. Craig at TOPS said that the 1075 is both for toughness, and also because their source for US 1095 did not have billets in the thickness that they wanted for this knife. In my experience with 1075 from Condor, its a great steel, and the difference from 95 is not all that apparent. I just love the look of this, and I think the price is really reasonable for what you get. Gotta love TOPS. Such a quality brand.

[@joelilley6001]

Just wanted to let you know you are very appreciated Gideon. You test all kinds of gear in the situations and tasks they are meant to do and some they are not lol, but I don't think people understand how hard of work you are doing just to review a product and help everyone out in making their decision to buy. I've chopped wood before and its hard with an axe let alone a knife lmao. So i want to say thanks for all the hard work you do for everyone!! And would you recommend the operator 7 or the tops combat knife you recently reviewed? Both are similar and I'm not sure witch to buy lol.

[@llamawizard]

I love it. I’m a sucker for recurves. I wish it was in a stainless steel. AEB-L, or 14C28N, Magnacut, S35VN, etc.

[@Inferna-Rex]

I love my operator 7!! Its sooo well balanced that the thickness is totally forgettable. Its a great bushcraft knife. I love mine. Its a super agile knife due to balance and razor sharp and chops and feather sticks like a small and big knife. It does it all like a small knife and big knife.

[@millieatr]

Great video,,,, btw sports fans the knife he is demonstrating comes with the dangler, the blackout version comes with a metal belt clip

[@TheJohn93226]

This one and Team Gemini Light Brigade are my favourite blades for heavy duty work! I would be awesome if they would make a 1095 version too 😃

[@ChrisvilleUSA]

Im 100% happy with all my tops and this one takes the cake. The belt clip keeps it high enough that i can wear this on the daily with no regrets. I have found a home for it in my rotation

[@chuckbergman4855]

I have several Tops knives, I find for outdoor use I go to my Skullcrusher and Operator 7, something I can't explain but the Operator 7 is an amazing knife hands down. I've retired a lot of my other knives because of the Operator 7 and the Skullcrusher. I'm definitely buying another Operator 7 , absolutely amazing knife.

[@armageddon4125]

This is by far my favorite new knife! I have many and saying this brings me joy is an understatement

[@Roberthurz]

That is a perfect knife for the Zombie apocalypse. It's awesome! I love it. Great presentation! I must have it! I don't care if I will most likely never be in that scenario... I WANT IT! Yep... it's on my must have list!

[@Lykapodium]

I have this knife and can attest that it works very well against the zombies.

[@MrBlessed70]

I would like one of these knives with no recurve on the blade and perhaps Zwear PM steel with a DLC coating!

[@baroneb5043]

Barry Hemmy good point.. iv had one for a year now... the recurve helps in chopping but sharpening a little more difficult

[@ssunfish]

Make it that way!

[@dto7321]

Your like the only dude that does good knife reviews anymore. Keep it up Brotha.

[@mctourer5549]

I usually stay away from knifes with the recurve blade design, due to tha sharpening issue, but I think I'll be Making an exception with this one. I've been looking at knifes in this class like the BK 7, but for the money being that you get an awesome sheath it's the complete package.

[@DK-jd8bj]

Yeah by the time I bought my Kydex sheath for my bk9 It got quite expensive.

[@MJA5]

I just bought one! I have a couple other TOPs knives, a Little Bro and a SERE Operator. Needed something bigger.

[@nickburgess4259]

This or the Tops dart for field craft with emphasis on chopping..... Or other suggestions. I,m planning on taking a Jack of all trades as a one day hike type option that fits in my evac watson. My primary woods processing is axe,skrama and silky big boy. And it's an excuse to buy another knife

[@lscf]

Been looking for a thick, heavy duty blade to replace my axe while going bushcrafting, looks to be the exact thing I've been looking for!

[@Inferna-Rex]

I own this knife. It is the most Amazing balanced weight knife ever. Its huge but feels like a small knife. It doesn't feel big when u hold it. It feels way lighter then its actual weight. I was so shocked my first time holding it.

[@NewtonWashinton]

The reason the Operator 7 has 1075 steel is 1095 is not available in large quantity in 0.31 thickness for knife production. 18.9 oz., 56-58 RC. Thanks for your time and review.

[@ssunfish]

Im not on board. I think TOPS can afford and would use a whole run of 1095 if they wanted non-standard dimensions. I believe they wanted 1075 for this design on purpose

[@hatchetjack1031]

Love Tops Knives. Have the missle strike. Tried to get the Op 7 but has been sold out. Great reviews 👌

[@Wildwestwrangler]

They couldn't get 1095 thick enough to make this knife from their supplier only 1075 came thick enough.

[@ssunfish]

I don't agree. Maybe it would be less economical, but TOPS doesn't design around what they can get. I believe they wanted 1075 and it IS better than 5160 in this use.

[@CASTRO45ACP]

@@ssunfish Tops reps have said it was hard to get 1095 that thick so they went with 1075, just saying.

[@ssunfish]

@@CASTRO45ACP oh I see

[@aldenunion]

Can forge it thicker by compressing

[@sifusasdo2314]

Cool Video 👍 Thank U for the Info and the Links 👍

[@brauss878]

So many options at this price point, but thanks to your review I decided to go with this one (even over the blackout edition) so many expectations, but definitely I want to use my knives and seems like I'm gonna enjoy to beat the crap out of this one. I hope it also "gives me joy" :D Thanks for the review!

[@troymanning3150]

Thanks Aaron! I think....every time I think I don’t need this knife I watch a video on it and then I need it again

[@toddquaale253]

That’s funny. It is amazing how watching the KZbin video on the knife or gun or whatever can convince you you simply can’t live without it. Lol

[@christiangarcia7907]

Got mine when it came out.its best knife in tops knife brand

[@ronaldrose7593]

Great video of a really fine quality knife. As Crocodile Dundee would say "now that's a knife mate". Thank you for sharing. Not a bad price for a beefy knife such as that. Keep those great reviews going. 🤗

[@rickjohnson4009]

Just picked up a Operator 7 Blackout edition. You were dead on with your Review Love your channel before I make a knife purchase I always check out your reviews Keep up the good and enjoyable reviews.

[@semperfidelis1550]

This is the knife that all fixed blades want to be when they grow up…

[@phillipnunya6793]

I don't get TOPS pricing. Survive! makes similarly priced stuff at similar sizes with much better steel.

[@bencorrigan8042]

Just received mine today. It is awesome. Zero buyer's remorse. It's the real deal. Thanks Aaron for the review. Spot on. Aaron is totally correct on all aspects. And yes, the top gaurd doesnt get in the way. To anybody that might be "on the fence" with this...buy it. Fits tje hand like it was made for it. It's awesome!! 😎🤩👏👏👍

[@arctodussimus6198]

Great review, and I really liked the in-depth comparison. A couple of very nice, heavy duty , survival knives. 🇺🇸👍🏻👍🏻

[@a.toddmoore7262]

Hey Aaron, got mine a few months back to purpose as a survival knife. Right now it's pulling service as my truck door knife in my Tundra. Love it! btw, I just picked up a Tex Creek 20th Aniversary to us as my primary belt knife. Would love to see you do a review on that one since it has CPM 154 steel. Like to hear your thoughts on it.

[@sergiotheg13]

A tops operator in your tundra truck door. Boss shit right their.

[@rickjwilliams]

Very good review. I like Top Knives, I have a Armaggeddon. But, I do not like the factory sheath. I wish they would of designed a good 2 piece Kydex sheath for it. And, I wonder why Tops does not offer replacement scales for their knives.

[@jorgefernandez6407]

Great video! Just pulled the trigger on the Blackout version. Too many good reviews for me to pass up the knife...

[@charlesmurphy7712]

That handle looks like something Batman would carry. It's cool I'm impressed!

[@jerryjohnsonii4181]

Awesome knife Aaron. I need to get one of those TOPS knifes. Very Badass knife !!!!!

[@scodoguy5581]

I thought I was the only one who would sit and hold them in my hands while on the couch, lol

[@yaakovisrael148]

Great review! Thank you very much 👍

[@martinmiller1087]

Incredibly thorough review Aaron. Thanks

[@stevelucier8346]

Since the Operator 7 came out I've said I would pair it with the Ranger Bootlegger 2. With my hand deficit grip is very important and the Ranger 2 fills notching and tiny carving needs better for me.

[@jerrydonquixote5927]

Good review badass blades!

[@mikeyob4271]

Would you recommend lock tight the bolts on the handle ? I probably would.

[@mozzberg590]

I am trying to figure out how it would be used, but at this point it's just a cool blade that will last forever.

[@justafloridamanfromthe75thRR]

But does it have a 90° spine? Will is strike the ferro rod?

[@rvcruzn3870]

Great review Aaron...as usual. Love my Op7!

[@1st508thAirborne]

Lol... you dated yourself with the Grizzly Adams and Jeramiah Johnson references. I loved that show and movie as a kid. The book about Liver Eating Johnson (Crow Killer) that movie was based off of was good too. Enjoyed your review. Definitely picking this knife up.

[@wolverinebear5357]

Whats up dogman cool to see you here

[@1st508thAirborne]

@@wolverinebear5357 I'm doing good! Hope you are too! 🤜⚡🤛

[@ericathompsen8110]

If it works really good and it's a great tool it could be one of the greatest designs since the original Bowie knife.

[@christopher_martin]

love it, im buying one...only bad thing i can say is that the finger choil is pointless on this knife, choking up on the knife to use the choil is not gonna happen with the top guard there!! but its a beast...true apocalypse survival knife!! jmho

[@Andrew-en4zx]

You can choke up quite well actually. The guard is not that obtrusive, and the thick blade gives you enough space to rest your thumb on, even over that top guard. It works, and it works well. You'll see when you get it in your hands.

[@themoodybobby1]

Good review. One suggestion those ceramic rods will work better if you clean them.

[@CaptDavesSportfishing]

they're competing in Lord Thompson's world! AKA: over the top!! everybody wants a slice of the pie.

[@charlespangilinan6351]

When are you reviewing the CUT 4.0? It's literally the coolest knife design that TOPS sells.

[@lamarwilliams185]

Very thorough review!!!

[@musicconnelly]

Looks like an amazing blade. Great review!

[@johnmutton799]

Make a basic sharpening kit from a small radius plastic tube, wrap wet and dry paper, held with elastic bands at each end.

[@johntruongpictures]

Can you take out the handles and take a look at the skeleton? That first torx screw near the hilt/bolster looks very large, and they put it right near the weakest and thinnest point of the blade. Seems like poor design. Couldn't they have moved the screw back where the handle was thicker? Curious to see the diameter on the skeletonized blade where the screws are.

[@jlogue751]

Met the owners nephew yesterday and he mentioned this knife so here I am. Gonna get one ☝️

[@eazye921]

I've looked at that knife for a long time, and decided to finally get it. I wish that damn Micro Hawk was in stock somewhere though I want one so bad.

[@johnruff7417]

Just started the video but will answer the question with awesome!!!!

[@douglasreed9237]

Looks and sounds awesome. Great job on the info and actual use of these two blades. I'm thinking about a steel eagle but this one has me thinking as well. 🔪👍🗡️

[@Danielstanius]

Get the op7 way better handle and chops and stabs like a dream

[@nuancolar7304]

I would be most interested in this knife as part of a two-knife system, paired with a smaller, thinner blade. I'm considering the Op7 and a sheath system piggyback containing a smaller, lighter knife. The chopping and batoning portion of this video shows this knife to be excellent for those heavier tasks, but I would never expect this knife to do finer tasks, which is why I'm a fan of a kit system. Pair this knife with a Tops Mini Scandi or Little bugger and you have a great tandem.

[@alanb.1540]

Great review. Thanks so much. When this came out I fell for it, but didn’t pull the trigger. Then it sold out, I now may hunt one down

[@8RedBear5]

At what point does a knife become a short sword?

[@brianmccann666]

Blade at 10"-18" can be considered machetes/short swords.

[@alpineexposure333]

Hey Aaron, when asked, which large blade chopper was the absolute best in your opinion for batoning? Which one comes to mind ? Ontario SP51 or ESEE Junglas ? Thanks bro

[@SourLymes]

Looking at this vs the Work Tuff Lanzeta. You've done a review on both. What's your opinion between the two?

[@grumpyoldwizard]

Try a destruction test between it and a Busse. I would seriously be interested.

[@danielcharbonneau222]

Can you do a proper review on the Ka-Bar Becker BK 62 Kephart Fixed Blade Knife for us, your viewers. There is not much on KZbin besides first impression / insight on that knife. We need your hard use and handling of the BK 62. We need you to put it through your extreme workout.

[@joemiddleton7566]

Ok, Prather WB, Steel Eagle or Operator 7?

[@davidelkington117]

Yeah...lol

[@ssunfish]

Great question

[@killough71010]

Steel eagle it's the complete package.

[@alexanderbertallo1995]

Prather WB for sure... most versatile, most blade per ounce, only the sheath is not the best, if you just use it out of your back pack it doesn't matter, but I would replace it...

[@jessr.2490]

Silent Hero is the single most versatile knife Tops makes 👍🏼

[@ericbilliter3354]

ordered the blackout edition! thanks for an in depth review!

[@l.wolfm.7006]

Love the blackout!

[@chandlersours3633]

I have a pretty good knife collection n I have my favorites for certain things. My favorite combat knife, Warcraft tanto. Favorite chopper, Trailmaster. Favorite survival knife, Anaconda 9. Favorite EDC, Recon 1 and Tops M1 Midget. But if a friend showed up n said "idk where we're going. N idk what were gonna be doing. Could be all of the above". It would be my Operator 7 hands down. It literally does EVERYTHING good!

[@jasonfisher6692]

Got one when it first came out, and I am getting a Blackout Edition as soon as I save up again... I love this knife.

[@ssunfish]

Oh wow! Bec I saw the first run sold out n then they offerred the blackout edition. To have BOTH would be really something!

[@gingerbowman4574]

This thing is a BEAST...... I likey!!!

[@TXRager]

Really wish tops did a 5 inch blade version. Cause my 7 was just too long…got in trouble for carrying it at work. Funny cause I work in a beef packing plant. A 5 inch blade version with scout carry would have been alright but not knocking the original I carried proudly for 4 years and nary had a hiccup until I was told I could not carry it.

[@megalodonscortex7578]

How would you sharpen a curved blade? I am interested in some that have curves to them but I am not sure if worth the time if your in the field for combat reasons. It would be cool if someone can talk about it, even if it’s just an idea what can likely be done.

[@richd5025]

Looks nice, but I have a big knife, the Condor Alert. I have a small knife- Fieldcraft BOB knife and a couple Buck 110's. Would love to buy a new knife. But, thinking I need a good double bit axe more than a knife.🤔 I'll think about it.

[@danielharjuwallin3214]

I happened to buy this knife after I saw this video I think this will be good to take with you in the woods and hopefully this works for defense against predators we may not have firearms with us for self-defense in Sweden but knife is okay when you are out in nature so then you are happy to choose to have something that operates 7 with you and after what I have seen and heard about this it was not a difficult decision continue with your videos very good info and test on the products means that you get a good insight before you buy things

[@rodb9464]

Which knife has the better grip feel? The steel eagle grip looks very thick.

[@adods9824]

Ticked all my boxes, except i wanted the dangler sheath . Bought the only one i cld find here, blackout edition 👍😁🤘🇦🇺

[@tsosmits777tsakous9]

It's a nice survival knife , at this price you can buy a Bark River Bravo 1.5 3V though.

[@TOPSKnivesofficial]

Bark River makes excellent knives. The price points between the Operator 7 and the Bark River Bravo 1.5 are over $100 different though.

[@sergiotheg13]

@@TOPSKnivesofficial its cool to see you guys are reading the replies on this video. I bought a tops CAT as my first tops for edc. Love it! Ima be buying many more in the future.

[@ssunfish]

@@TOPSKnivesofficial i agree except in the aftermarket you may get friends & fsmily pricing. Retail not a chance they are similar

[@lefthandyogi]

@@TOPSKnivesofficial Big up yourselves... You guys make some good knives. Thank you for your work, working with good designers, using decent carbon steel, & not price-gouging... 👍🏾

[@itywhat6499]

Great review. I appreciate the comparison with the Steel Eagle, which I bought from watching your review on it. However, I still love my Steel Eagle 107c and I think I will stay with it. I carry it with my TOPS Brakimo and TOPS MSK 2.5 neck knife. This combination is perfect for me. Thanks again for a great review.

[@jamesdecimuslll9747]

You can love both! I have both and love them equally. Both are completely badass.

[@techtrain65]

Mine should arrive this week!

[@ilemjohn]

Would you recommend this knife over the Prather War Bowie? XL hand size. Thanks!

[@ragnar3891]

I have this knife and I also have larger size hands. Fits my hand like it was made for me,very comfortable axe handle type feel. Great knife.

[@southerncomfort9691]

Beefy blade. I like it..they need to make a model with a belly but no recurve. For sharpening in the field during extended adventures

[@guyincognito9578]

That’s why I always buy bench made because they will sharpen that factory tenant anytime that you get it done. You gotta buy two lives, so you’re not sitting there with that one, but it will be perfect when it comes out back to you.❤

[@DJHamburgla]

Such a good and thorough review.

[@lostintransit3359]

I've never really been a fan of recurve knives outside of the kukri. I don't enjoy sharpening them because of the belly curve on the blade.