Tops Knives El Chete (PART 1): First Impressions - Preparedmind101

There's a new Mega-Chopper on the block, and his name is El Chete. A heck of a deal too...considering that the kydex sheath that it comes with is aftermarket-grade and would probably cost you $100 alone. This is Part 1 of a two part review.
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[@bill2747]

I really like that for a designer who designs knives and just came out with a new "chopper" yourself, that basically just hit the shelves , you can give such a strong review of another design while yours is just getting on a roll. Props to you Chris.

[@preparedmind101]

+Bill Cutting It's called not having an ego problem. Plus... There was only 200 JX5s to start with (50 blanks were stolen from UPS). I love knives. Everyone has different tastes and needs. Mine represent my ideas for knife design and always trying to design the perfect tool. Not there's SO much awesome stuff out there! I love my Jessmuk, but the incredibly normal-looking Bravo-1 is over if my favorite knives. JX5 is awesome, but the El Chete is awe-inspiring in use. If you want people to appreciate your designs, you should take time to appreciate everyone else's. I'm currently building a small collection of midtech to custom level choppers I call the "Chopper Illuminati". El Chete, JX5, TM Hunt M-18.... And I'm trying to decide on the fourth. So I can do another Big Bag O Blades 3 video. They will be "The Four Horsemen of the Chopocalypse" lol

[@semdijkstra9784]

that thing could circumcize a frickin dragon

[@atomicvomit8780]

Sem Dijkstra This is true and disgusting at the same time

[@ivanhita4726]

and nuder it at the same time!

[@MrZdixo1]

André Roy but one cannot argue its certainly creative

[@atomicvomit8780]

So and so Such and Such Agreed

[@karlskidmarx956]

It could circumcise Shlomo the Dragon.

[@pboone1231]

You're comment on the bow-drill divot was exactly what I was thinking when I saw it - before you mentioned it. Awesome blade and first impressions.

[@darc1027]

Awesome review as usual man can't wait to see part 2

[@danreger8924]

I bought one and took mine out camping last weekend and love it!

[@Stabby__]

Thx for the video Chris, and for the link to smkw, got the last one they had, very happy with it. Can't help but look at this thing and not smile. Keep doing what ya doing, will keep watching, God bless.

[@TheJohn93226]

Great review Chris and love your channel :D

[@johnrollins4879]

Awesome review as always! That thing really looks like a beast!

[@uriahstonebreaker2733]

Chris thanks for the review I've been thinking about getting one and it's settled now I'm going to do it.

[@dmpeacefrog38]

Far more interesting story as to the birth of El Chete. I like how this looks. I also liked how you said that it was "all sweet spot" which makes me kind of want it. It might have to be saved up for as a Christmas present for myself.

[@jessewatt5528]

Your review is awesome the best on KZbin for this blade I just got mine today and it's worth every penny

[@ellisholcomb2299]

very nice knife looks great thanks for taking your time to share with us wish you all the very best my friend

[@jasoncox6058]

If i don't stop watching your channel Chris, I'm going to be broke! I had to order one dammit! It's just too badass to pass up! Thanks for all the great reviews!

[@mikeg2046]

Love the roasting of Schrade

[@Veesaki]

"The quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten" Henry Royce (the rolls royce guy) , save your loot and buy the best. Very nice review !!

[@survivalsquatch8148]

Yes! The El Chete is a bad ass blade. I can't wait to get my hands on one. Tops is always amazing me. Great video man.

[@ckost2308]

Thanks for the video Chris! I bought the El Chete from SMKW, it lands tomorrow. Confirms I made the right purchase for a large Chopper to pair with the BK7

[@Dragonflail]

I'm going to have to buy one of these. Very nice design.

[@charlescollier7217]

I kind of assumed the Perseverance Survival Knife was Jessica-listed. Would also guess the Silent Hero, the Brakimo, and the SXB were at least in the vicinity of the list, if not on it.

[@jamesallen9054]

Chris, I love you videos. Thanks for talking me into the purchase of the "El Chete". Didn't take long to get a full picture of what this blade can do. I've been eyeballing this blade for a while. Love the super meth scenario LOL

[@bigjpcutlery]

excellent review...i haven't had the chance to take mine out and put it through its paces yet, so this was great to watch. I agree about the sheath. I have the dangler and it looks and functions like it would be a custom piece. As info, I live about 15 minutes from SMKW and I saw that they are selling this thing of beauty for $199. Lowest I've seen. Thanks and take care.

[@regularguyoutside100]

MAN!!! Chopocalypse has begun!! This video shows a beastly blade in action!

[@johnbagaas3345]

I've watched every review video I can find on this knife and seen it chop all sorts of woods such as maple, oak and hickory... chopped through stumps like butter... chopped green trees and dead ones with ease and each and every time the edge and finish come out undamaged... no chips, no rolling..... seems like a very good chopper and worth the 210 dollars in my opinion... I really want one.

[@keftonbrown1460]

Back again except I'm looking at the condor golok and this popped up again. El chete is awesome I've now used it extensively. It's worth the price point.

[@axlvixn3174]

boat maker would love that...for me, sxb...thanks Chris, great realistic review...

[@keftonbrown1460]

I realize this is an older video and that I've had mine for close to a year. While I haven't used it heavily I have used it a bit and let me just say it chops amazing. The grip is comfortable for my xlarge hands. Last weekend I used it to cave trigger sticks. While not it intended purpose it should work well in a draw knife fashion just be careful it is very sharp.

[@mgtowanonymous3120]

I like the now drill divots btw glad they are on there 8D

[@MrChazeman1]

Question I know this video is old but would you carry the el chete over your condor parang bushcraft if you still haveit.just curious.

[@mawbeeveen1470]

love it! However will they run a legitimate classic jessx after the junk ones?

[@johnhungaski725]

When can we expect the part 2 of this video?

[@MSato123]

I have never seen Chris so happy in his video

[@preparedmind101]

+M Sato Even more funny had you seen the video shot before this one, which was the first video addressing the murder of Jess-X. Too many F-bombs.

[@normanscout1148]

hi from the UK I've just came across your channel and pleased I have I just luv knives and if I may would like to ask you a question could you recommend an all round knife for bushcraft and survival I have a few knives but I find that one knife is good for some tasks but not all and do carry 2 knives on occasion

[@showingYOUtheworld]

Got it 😄👍👍👍 No words ! Thank you man,that you open my eyes for this competition chopper. Thank you ❗ P.S. And as always, GREAT review 👍👍👍

[@kemalsadikoglu7288]

Thanks to you Chris in the last 2 weeks I have bought the El Chete, Chanceinhell, Halfachance, JX5 and a Jess X and if it's hollow grind then I'm gonna tell Doug from YHCK to NOT make a sheath and to just throw it away or keep it and break it.

[@kevinharrison6572]

How was it on the wrist? Control, impact shock, deflection etc. Great review as always!

[@GeneLucas2941]

Impressive! How does that compare with the Gerber Gator Golok? Please review it.

[@Jason-jd1jv]

I don't even feel the need to watch a review on this blade. I think the picture is enough for me to want it. Very few knives these days impress me but this one does. This blade makes me want to own it.

[@lhinarizona6658]

I was waiting for a hollow grind comment, you didn't disappoint!

[@jlogan2228]

genuine question. if you were going to use it as a machete for limb and small tree chopping would it be more cost effective to get a good say tramintina machete and have something almost twice as long and much lighter? or does the heft of the el chete lend itself to chopping more than a standard machete?

[@preparedmind101]

+Jacob Logan Weight and Geometry.

[@infernoofawesome4112]

As far as all around value goes would you rather have the El Chete or the Esee junglas?

[@p.fabiano223]

Hey man , love your review ! I've got a couple of quick questions : 1) how was the edge retention of this chopper after your tests ? . 2) i have to buy a proper big chopper at the moment , but my choice is between this one and the bark river senegal ( a bit bigger than the tops and in a2 steel )! can you give me any feedback about these 2 cool blades ! greatings from italy ! Keep up with the great content :) !

[@philpowell9111]

Hey Chris what do you think about the tops eagle 111A? And have you used one ?

[@ksmith6wm6]

i wonder what a side by side test with the Tops SXB would look like? just curious...

[@royphelps8084]

was thinking of building one close to that shape , but I'm thinking that would serve my purpose of a deer elk butchering in the field ! and a good folding saw !! that would be safer to carry than my double bit axe !

[@joeframo3347]

It's worth every penny plus Kydex sheath it's badass and it'll get the job done no fooling around with Bowie knives and all these other so-called knives that are out there on the market El chete is the real deal thanks for sharing the video

[@scoopdedoop2673]

the 2 spindle fire, I do it all the time!! Great vid Chris

[@ksstg581]

SCOOP DE DOOP Only works if you stand on your head while doing it!

[@guns4funcajanajustin]

This knife is done right nice first impressions.

[@CavemanOutdoorsMissouri]

now that is a badass blade

[@kenmarapese9085]

Great vid!

[@JGstunts22]

are you ever going to review the BK 20 that is a very great Chopper also

[@Eric-ew8jt]

I've totally paid over 200.00 USD for a knife, After Currency conversion well over 300 CAD. And I 'd do it again in a heart beat. Great video

[@outdoorstech6205]

hey Chris, what do you think about harbor freight tarp the 4 mil....i can get it for 53 cents and I'm thinking about making a vid about super budget starter shelter.

[@preparedmind101]

+outdoorstech I use their tarps all the time.

[@outdoorstech6205]

PREPAREDMIND101 alright thanks! I think some people will be interested in getting it for that cheap

[@jameshenderson3925]

Do you think that would cut through a 12 rolled up tatami mat?

[@Grinder__]

Do the handles come off so you can store things inside?

[@Grinder__]

That is one badass chopper...

[@ShelleyRaskin]

How does it chop compared to the Hunt m18?

[@devildawged]

BladeHQ is sold out of the dangler. 202 and some change at Kifeworks.

[@TheMarsgia]

I love it!! Rather use a chopper than an axe. This is powerful. My personal choice. for this type of blade. I would go with a nice leather sheath.

[@cbr600rrturbo]

total beast mode!

[@preparedmind101]

I told you this is the one you should just buy. Borrowing it will just delay the inevitable.

[@juanb.ascanior.4156]

delaying the buy, is just plain masochim

[@pearliemccann989]

Run this through the Guantlet. Tac knows how to punish test them.

[@madawcofarreat2348]

Search for the video "Predator 2 - El Scorpio is READY!" That's what I imagined when Chris told the true story of El Chete's inception.

[@Eldofarmboy]

Tac you need this in your life

[@37gdog]

Anyone have any experience with a Browning Crowell-Barker Competition Chopper?

[@Feverdream7777]

That scimitar design... like the similar Kbar Swabbie.... it's fucking scary how good it chops.

[@garvincentcia5873]

👍🏻 beaver tooth ,, walk around tree chopping , and split logs 8"" or smaller

[@anthonycharles1970]

Did he ever make part 2?

[@thebob6385]

I'm not finding part 2. Can someone drop me a link? Thanks.

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

Yea, I am looking for it as well; came to comments section to look for the link...

[@New2Kendo]

I need an El Chete in my life, I love big choppers, i think the price is excellent, I have seen then for around $215 on average.

[@StelmansLT]

Thumbs up just for this El Chete story itself!

[@bcjdwbiernfjherwfbowfib]

I was gonna get the jess x knife, but after all that, what is a good replacement that I can buy.

[@joshjohnson5307]

Emory Bragg Kershaw camp10. less than 40 bucks for an awesome all together packages. he has a few vids of the camp 10, with some minor mods it turns a good package to a great package

[@bcjdwbiernfjherwfbowfib]

cool man thanks

[@EDCwithAaron]

I want a cruwear version with a convex grind by bark River!

[@bobjones9727]

Wondering how this style chopper would stand up against a Kukri style chopper.

[@ondrejkrivanek4568]

Can you test Apache Bolo from Pro Tool ? It look like best chopping knife ;)

[@littlewoody5539]

Nice chopper !

[@deaton123able]

Bought one today... Yeah Baby !!

[@ShakerHP]

Did you mention what steel it is??

[@CDShap]

It's a Tops, so I have to ask. Will the spine strike a ferro rod?

[@thelambinator9234]

my guess negative only the Perseverance survival and the Tanimboca Puukko can strike ferro rod I think

[@sonfoku73]

I fucking love those troll ninja imitation voices, had me rolling

[@thomasferris3750]

i know you might get this question alot but could you reviwe the bell and Howell tac light?

[@preparedmind101]

+Thomas ferris Never heard of it

[@thelambinator9234]

its the $20 tac light at wall mart I think commercial shows a Humvee running over it and it frozen in water

[@jeremeybeck7203]

it is not 85 dollars or so so he has not heard of it lol

[@DeanO]

That is a serious chopper Chris

[@TheGrizzLee87]

the new coating is called Acid rain

[@louisbecke2348]

All my knife savings is going for the Honey Badger but thanks for the white hot temptation. Ugggg!!!

[@cromdevoter5942]

Good edit

[@jamesallen9054]

Buy the way Smokey Mountain Knives has the leather dangles version for 199.00. They look like they have great reviews. There up right behind Buds Gunshop range.

[@greghays6794]

I want one too!

[@robertperry2079]

You should give Ben one of the new Jess X's as a fair trade, he'll be fine with that

[@jamesmurphy8014]

Great review! Very nice knife. Got to have ☝️ one!

[@jameshenderson3925]

have you ever demo'd extrema ratio blades, they're from italy.

[@preparedmind101]

No. I know someone that has one that might lend it to me. But they are a bit pricey for my usual audience.

[@outdoordauber]

PM101 - LOL...not busting on you Chris, but every time you say El Chete, I hear "El shit-te"! 😁

[@TheReaper5125]

Outdoor Dauber same here

[@LoveLife-xy9ir]

Parang is a beautiful shape/design.

[@mattiasagren3422]

When will part 2 be out

[@mgtowanonymous3120]

Never 8(

[@fastlifebmx9292]

But is it a better chopper than the bushcraft parang?

[@Blakdog333]

The Beastia is ow King Chopper of TOPS!!

[@pearliemccann989]

chris. we need to see the Tops El Chete vs CRKT Mah Chete. asap. Good Idea ?

[@pearliemccann989]

You didn't Baton it through some wood. We expect that test. Tip Test too.

[@nonjaninja4904]

If they made this in a blackout model, I'd order it.

[@markwilliams882]

Hey Chris i noticed you put the link to SMKW and i thought awww cool cause I've been to their physical store many many times and i love that place. Not sure if you've been there but you could spend a whole day and not take it all in. Awesome knife by the way, would love to get one some day to add to my Tops collection.

[@preparedmind101]

+Mark Williams I was there last week.

[@markwilliams882]

PREPAREDMIND101 Awesome place isn't it?

[@preparedmind101]

+Mark Williams Except that it seems most of the employees are normal people with a job in a knife store, and not knife enthusiasts. Nobody seemed to know much outside of what was in the cases in their dept. One kid said "Bark River? Never heard of that brand"🤤 Lots of really old people. It was weird.

[@markwilliams882]

PREPAREDMIND101 Lol! Yeah i know what you mean I've got that impression from them too and yeah several old people. You reminded me on more than one occasion where I've told them about knife stuff that they had no clue about. One cool thing that happened for me there was i got to meet Ethan Becker on two separate occasions. Pretty cool guy to talk to. Got him to autograph a Kabar knife catalog on the page that shows his knives. Oh yeah i wanted to let you know that i have one of the real Jess X's and not the crap that Shcrade is trying to pass off now.

[@mauser8515]

It’s a Froe with a 45degree bevel. In other words unless you sharpen it, it is a steaming turd. After lowering the bevels to 13.9 degrees it is a fine chopper.

[@joeholtz5395]

those vines are cool. what are they?

[@preparedmind101]

+Joe Holtz They are vines. Lol. IDK.

[@datguyfromdownunder7099]

Where is part 2

[@atomicvomit8780]

Hi Chris. Have you ever thought of designing a folding knife?

[@preparedmind101]

+André Roy Already have. Waiting for Bark River to get the folder division put together. Need another CNC machine I think.

[@atomicvomit8780]

PREPAREDMIND101 Can't wait to see it my friend! 👍

[@alexoneal1029]

If the springs under my one ton Dually were made out of 1095 high carbon steel and you cut one up you would end up with a wood chopping machine --the Tops El Chete!...major mean knife Chris (machete on steroids :) )

[@bigcathornworks5802]

Nice. Probably never buy one but that thing seems pretty bad ass for its intent.