Why DOWN-SIZE The BOB!? Fieldcraft 3.5 by TOPS Knives

[@allemander]

I’ve owned the full-size 1095 BOB variant for many years, already, but sadly, I was 3 years too late to the game to capture the stunning, yet highly elusive “Blackout Edition” of the 3.5 Mini Fieldcraft “BOB” knife, sold exclusively by BladeOps, who will likely never again restock or resell this unique variant. I was super bummed that I missed out. I considered buying a standard Mini 3.5 but so glad I waited as eBay let me know recently that one of the ones I wanted most was finally available for sale from a previous owner! Imagine my excitement! I bought it almost immediately. Then, I corresponded with the seller to inquire about the knife and its history. I was told the original owner had passed away and the seller was selling off his collection. It’s unfortunate that we will all someday face this inevitable circumstance but as lovers of the outdoors and passionate knife collectors still among the living, we have to behold the opportunities that find us in this life. I’m still waiting on its arrival but I have no doubt this rare & lucky find will be a joy to own.

[@TinkerTactical]

I picked one of these up a few weeks ago and love it. You guys are spot on with your review.

[@NZComfort]

I’m in the camp of “the more you know the less you take.” I enjoy the Esee 3s, Silent Hero4, Izula, etc… I’m interested in adding this one to the collection too! Thanks for the vid.

[@drmikeyb1]

I have about 3 more days on my ESEE 5, I have the 6 but plan on EDC the 5 scout carry. Their beasts and yes heavy but they won't let you down.

[@stephangrobler5524]

This is my first Tops knife I bought, and won’t be the last. Decided on the 3.5 cause its small enough for scout carry and complete camp tasks. I usually pair it with my WTG Puzon.

[@LuccaReakt]

Maybe not a Chopper Knife but a real 24/7 Cowboy Knife for EDC in the City and Light Bush, and with a mini-tomahawk a serious blades set for survival.

[@drmikeyb1]

These knives are awesome. Would love to see more options for scout carry sheaths. Keep up the great work guys. Thank you

[@whispersfromthedirt8649]

I have the CUB and think I can apply this review to it. Lady with small hands so good fit for me. Nice review.

[@evilnineteen]

I love my tops knife. Its a knife for life. So well.made and thought out. Im a huge fan

[@Redoctober81]

Im thinking about buying my first TOPS knife. Im stuck between the mini bob or the TOPS full size puukko. I like the puukko a bit better but I also like how the mini bob would be better for the outdoors. I just am really disappointed that TOPS decided to make the mini puukko wayyyy smaller then the the original. I wish they would make one that was in-between the two.

[@realbroggo]

Thanks guys. Some good info re. wood/camp knives generally. I have the full size BOB and love it - one of my go-to bush knives. From the info I think the 3.5 will be a good purchase - get all the BOB goodness in a smaller package. For me this will make a great companion knife to a couple of larger knives I have (eg. BK9). Also TOPS quality is excellent so you know you can rely on it.

[@panthros7395]

Thanks for reviewing. It has become my go to bush knife. I have the older BOB and I found I just did not need the weight and size of the bigger knife. This is perfect. I should have used your links as I spent $129.99 from Bass Pro Shop. Lesson learned for future.

[@SunShine713X]

Awesome video! I’m new to knives and was just curious if it’s possible to just file down the aggressive jimp you mentioned? I don’t want to mess up the knife too bad and I’m curious what’s the best way to go about that if it’s possible.

[@aaronb7800]

Hi Aaron, Aaron, this is Aaron too! That's a great looking knife with lots of capabilites. Definitely going on my 'someday' list.

[@jdm925]

My Essee 3 s35vn with contoured scales is in the price range. I like the idea of the larger scales on the BOB. It would be nice if Tops would make a version out of something like s35vn.

[@ace50cal1]

I have an esee 4 and it's a hair over 4 inches blade length and I can not carry a blade over 4 inches in my state. So I am considering this. I am about to order it. I've been interested for over a year now

[@jonpark2247]

How difficult is sharpening this knife with the "scandi-vex" grind? Is there a different technique required than sharpening other basic 20° flat grind knives, for example? Thanks!

[@guitguy666]

Love mine. Super comfortable even for my big xl hands

[@trikelife4960]

I've almost bought one of these a few times. I like the version with the uncoated spine and ferro rod. One day I'll pull the trigger on one. In the meantime, I'm really enjoying the Silent Hero 4 that I got recently after your review. It isn't an amazing bushcraft knife per say but the aesthetics, thin stock, cerakote and the sheath just do it for me. Thanks for keeping your reviews honest, Aaron. I really appreciate it when I buy something and find the reviewer was thinking about the buyer rather than the seller when they put their review together.

[@gideonstactical]

For sure! Always thinking of you the viewers always come first.

[@maritimespook]

@gideonstactical I have the brushwolf and love it the brothers are making me a kydex rig for it...what would you carry between the Scandi Trekker or the BoB Mini uncoated 90 degree spine ? For a companion blade

[@eyeofthetiger4184]

G'day Aarons, nice collab guys. Scandivex makes good sense I reckon and being a strong advocate of pairing a big fella with something more nimble, (that alone, could still get you out of strife), it ticks a lotta boxes. Jimping; I could take it or leave it, but given a choice I'd rather have it than not have it. You can always knock it down a bit with a file if need be. Bow drill divot; yep no question, centralise it. Not critical, but a hammer pommel/lanyard hole set up would add that bit extra functionality, like what you'd see on a BK or Bravo for example. Cheers Duke.

[@steveurkel1487]

Big fan of jimping. Please Tops DON'T LISTEN to them saying remove it!!!!

[@Btc1ml]

Whats tougher 1095 vs 3v?

[@gideonstactical]

3V by a mile

[@Btc1ml]

@gideonstactical I can't find any 3v edc knives under 8 inches oal and under 4 inch blade. Everyone is making magnacut or some other steel for edc.

[@E.L.RipleyAtNostromo]

Cool! I just ordered a standard BOB, but now I'm forced to pick up the Mini! I saw it on KZbin, it's the law. (Why I'm always broke!) I might just take off the jimping with a slack belt, or at least make it less aggressive. Thanks for the detailed review!

[@gideonstactical]

You will love it

[@charlessalmond7076]

Nice Spinal Tap reference! Loving the knife.

[@martinwhitaker7004]

Hey I have the tops bob in 154cm tumble finish black G10. Why not the 3.5 and yes no or mild jimping and bow divot in center. Just a thought. That would sell out fast.

[@gunner4373]

How does it stack up to the smaller Beckers like the 16 and Harpoon? Especially with micarta on the Beckers. Is it a beefier blade? It actually reminds me of a fancy scaled jakkari puuko in the blade.

[@gideonstactical]

The bk18 or bk16 will be bigger.

[@CaptSeeryus]

105 is a fair price for it, nowadays its about $150. Nothing 1095 should be asking those prices... regardless of how good your heat treat is.

[@charlescollier7217]

Thanks for the review, Aaron X2! Honestly, this makes more sense to me than the full-sized BOB.

[@larstueschjth2658]

That's what she sai....ahem, that's exactly what i thought too👍

[@starlingblack814]

I love my B.O.B. except for the fire notch. A smaller B.O.B. with a ninety degree spine could be real useful. Thanks Aaron for a fun video.

[@kwmoore3464]

I really enjoy you knife reviews. I wonder if you ever considered do a review on TOPS Eagles Shadow? Blade size is similar in length to this one.

[@gideonstactical]

I will look into it.

[@kwmoore3464]

@@gideonstactical Excuse the poor grammar in the first comment. I just got the Eagles Shadow a couple of weeks ago & haven't had a chance to properly use it. I got it because it is a TOPS & it gives me the fizz.

[@davidlacoste]

The standard BOB is also available in 154CM. I would like to have your thoughts on this steel (and its CPM version) compared to 1095, Elmax or CPM 3V. Because i kinda noticed knives made of it seem to be in the same price range (or close to) that knives made of Elmax, CruWear or other premium steels and i don't know if it's worth it.

[@gideonstactical]

Great question, Elmax is cool, very tough but also not fun to resharpen, cpm3v is my favorite but costly. I have been to the tops factory and their process is great and you get some great performance out of 1095.

[@davidlacoste]

@@gideonstactical Tops and KaBar are able to get the very best out of the 1095. What they perform to do with it is crazy.

[@humbertorios6646]

This will be a good companion for a hatchet?

[@gordie4059]

Sub 4” blades are surprisingly very practical. Fallkniven F1 and the Enzo Trapper are two prime examples. Pair with a forest axe and you’re good to go. Glad Tops ditched the extended tang at the back end and just put a 90 deg spine on the knife portion. My biggest grip with the 4.5 version is that dumb notch.

[@johndavid9973]

That’s the 2nd knife you’ve convinced me to buy....shame on me. ...can’t wait to get it. ❤

[@neemancallender9092]

I want! I never liked the full size, it got bumped by Becker 16 I always file the jimping smoother

[@therealfilthyanimal]

Awesome review!!! I want one!!!

[@damianambrozewicz772]

Awesome, śmiało medium tips knive

[@the_gear_shak]

Nice video! I need to order myself one to compare to my beloved Dicer 3

[@chrisr7316]

I love the vid tops makes awesome knives

[@jonnyboat2]

Looks like a great knife. I wonder how it compares to the Tex Creek.

[@ctrip34]

How would you compare this to the mora garberg?

[@gideonstactical]

They are very different knives, this one is in some ways tougher and little easier to carry. The Garberg will be a little larger and bigger handle.

[@wolfpacak47]

​@@gideonstactical Would you choose this over a garberg carbon or esee 4

[@blackwolflife]

Nice video, great knife, amazing Gideon 💪🏼

[@JamesBoren]

Nice informative knife video here Guys! Tops rules, for sure. Keep up the great work here > 🙂

[@gideonstactical]

Thanks for watching!

[@dash8465]

Not sure what you guys mean with “scandivex” but my Bobs all have a very slight shallow hollow ground scandi with a normal V-edge. “Scandivex” typically means it has a arched convex scandi grind instead being plain flat, my Bobs are the opposite of that.

[@bereantrb]

As you can see in the video, the main grind is scandi, but when you see it up close you can see the cutting edge is a slight convex.

[@Gman-26]

Use mine around the homestead all the time.

[@702johnny]

I have a full size bob. The jimping is too aggressive. That is coming from someone that usually wants the most grippy materials and has ruff hands. But dam.. 1095 steel jabbing by thumb is not the best feeling ever. Now with gloves, it is. Not so bad. But without gloves, I do light duty tasks with my Mora still.

[@blainebarringer2356]

Did you do any food prep other than the trout?

[@gideonstactical]

No, that was about it. They type of grind will do ok with meat, but chopping fruit and vegetables can be tricky.

[@slick8086]

I like a knife this size. It isn't that common any more to see this name but I would like to think of this as a "Bird and Trout" knife.

[@billk5864]

I bought an Esee 4. Realized it was bigger than I needed for 75 percent of my uses. In an urban environment I didn’t want some soccer mom yelling I was carrying a machete. I thought the Fieldcraft 3.5 would be perfect. I was shocked when I received it that the total package (knife plus sheath ) was almost the same size as the Esee 4. The handle is 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch longer than my hand and the Esee 4 handle. I’m sure it’s a great knife but why carry this instead of the Esee when it’s more comfortable, has a thicker and longer blade, yet takes up the same real estate. I’m sorry I bought it, and have started looking for something smaller.

[@robertkroberjr.157]

I like it! 👍

[@drmikeyb1]

I'm really disappointed in the original Topps B. O. B knife. I'm sure you guys have heard of or seen Joe X review knives and basically put them through hell to their breaking point. First thing he broke the tip on the B.O.B after after hitting a windshield only 2-3 times and then it was down hill from there. Ok everyone is gonna say well most people will not abuse their knife that way but if shit hits the fan you'd like to know what your carrying can take whatever is thrown at it. Just my personal opinion. Thank you and enjoy your channel.

[@gideonstactical]

Thanks for sharing Mike!

[@drmikeyb1]

@@gideonstactical please understand by no means I bashing that knife it's a great knife. I honestly still want to purchase it but I'm a disabled vet on a very small income. I've been a knife nerd all my life. Please take care guys and God bless.

[@mrdarren1045]

Regular stropping is all you need on a BOB which is great news for lame stone sharpeners like me. This size also makes more sense for own personal use as a hiker rather than hardcore buchcrafter.

[@scottmiller8354]

shrinkflation.

[@dick_richards]

Lotta that going on....

[@gideonstactical]

Yeah this life has been out long before inflation I think it’s three years old at this point.

[@donsmith8300]

I ordered the mini Bob because of this video!! Lol

[@gideonstactical]

Awesome hope it serves you well!

[@acejokerjay]

Tops mini BOB or Lion Steel m4??

[@gideonstactical]

Just depends.

[@msellick5237]

Cool guys 🍀✌️

[@JoeyB7615]

I like the blade but I just can't justify it over a mora BCBlack or Garberg carbon..it's 3x the price

[@maxlvledc]

I actually really like this one..vn

[@leoboles7398]

I love mine!

[@BravoBassin]

I really like both size of these knives my favorite blade lengths are between 3inches to 6 inchs so this falls perfect in that range for sure. I could do without the stupid bow drill divit in the handle though. Statistical fact for you guys only about 1% of the population in the world actually knows how to use a bow drill to start a fire So basically putting a bow drill divit in a knife is pretty much usless to most of the people in the world that actually use a knife.

[@mouthboehm]

I had both sizes and the 3.5” is far better for me!!!

[@adrianjagmag]

Aaron^2. More Aaron's? You can literally not go wrong with this 🙃😛

[@panagiotissoufliotis6558]

Well.....where to start.....i have the full size bob , and this smaller brother, for me....it's not a option. First i don't mind with the existence and the placement of the.....bow drill, cause i don't live in a cave at the Stone Age. The sheath was terrible, so i made another kydex with a dangler. The jimping was so rough , i had to sand it down, and out of the box the edge had a poor sharpening. And because it's not a true scandi grind , but has a tiny secondary angle , it wasn't an easy task ,to give a razor edge. Finally, if it is making your job, it's fine with me. But after 2 years , i keep it in the closet.

[@new2survival]

Now make an XL version. Also make a lot more tops in 154

[@gideonstactical]

Oh yeah an XL version would be sweet.

[@danielguerrero2426]

Yes please! 🙏🏽😎

[@rogerwilco1777]

They make a 3.5 folder! Of course you lose the abilities a full tang brings though (and the reviews are mixed).. I have both the BOB and the 3.5 and they are great for camping/backpacking, but even the 3.5 is a little too 'big' for everyday around town carry.. I'm thinking of getting the folder just to complete the trifecta, but they are a-lot of money and almost always out of stock.

[@tberkoff]

I'd go with the original blade length.

[@E.L.RipleyAtNostromo]

Well, I'm inclined to that length too, but remember this is thinner stock as well, so this would work great as a back up blade to a larger knife.

[@jkpinpdx]

Ahhh! You made me instantly LOOK! (I thought I clicked on the WRONG video! 😂)

[@philspencer8251]

Off topic, but what happened to the "live the trek" channel ?

[@davefletch3063]

I like tops knives, but I don’t like the price. My Becker knives are great and don’t cost much

[@ElektroMoog]

Why?? If you need that size type with scandi-vex, then nothin will be better than Bark River Gunny scandi... why need to reduce the size of the original BOB? Reinventing the tyre is just waste of time...

[@navigator1372]

This knife is good but over built. I think if they used the design of the mini bob but made it 4 .5 inches ( with the same 5/32 thickness) you'd have the best bob. I like my bob but if I had to bug out of the companion knives I own (bk 16, bk 19, cold steel drop forged hunter, rat 3, joker montes 2, joker corzo, id take the bk19. Why? This checks all the boxes. Light weight, food preppy, carving, feathering, tactical, game processing and respectable sheath, and flat grind. My only complaint is the polymer handles. Great ergos but ugly handles. I also carry a mora companion just for quick carving as it weighs next to nothing and cost little. The bob is the better looking knife I think but if I had to choose one it's the bk 19

[@navigator1372]

I've thought about getting the joker trampero and using that instead or getting the condor kephart blank and Paracord wrap it to go with the bk 19

[@DinoNucci]

Hold it up next the the original ftw?? Smh

[@chrisdolin1859]

I think I want one..!!!!

[@ronland1821]

The new MKC field craft n survival knife is going to put a ton of knives to shame.

[@kevinanderson4044]

Has a good blade, the handle sucks, it is too small, in girth, and is hard to get good grip and leverage without total fatigue. I returned it.

[@gideonstactical]

Good feedback Kevin! Thanks for sharing

[@PerceptionVsReality333]

Personally I prefer the regular TOPS Bob, this one is just too small for my hands.

[@Airik1111bibles]

BRAKIMO 3.5 Please !

[@gideonstactical]

That would be cool

[@Airik1111bibles]

@gideonstactical People don't realize just how amazing that scandi vex is on the Brakimo, it's an all around true survival bushcrafter. I seen you have their Dragonfly, I want one cause it's thinner stock than the Brakimo and has a much better grip. I'd love to see ya thump on it and share your opinions. God bless you and your family brother.

[@SoerenGraves]

The A's Team

[@Actionbanana42069]

#deletethejimp

[@damianambrozewicz772]

Size it's not everything, 3,5 inch is very good for specific wood worki, 3,5 inch and Axe 🧗