TOPS Tahoma Field Knife... Looks Can Be Deceiving!

[@cocovasquez1]

I love my Tops Tahoma

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

It's not bad

[@EDCwithAaron]

This is the first video ive watched from you in awhile. Been subscribed forever but havent watched much lately... And I have to say you're getting way better with your reviews! The editing was great and it wasnt boring at all... Great job!

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

Wow, thank you, I have been working to increase the level of quality in my videos, not just in entertainment, but education! I am glad people can tell, and appreciate it!

[@EDCwithAaron]

Alyeska Bushcraft no problem! I just started doing my own reviews, literally about a week ago... If you have time, check them out and let me know what you think and what I could do better! And if you like them please subscribe!

[@NGMonocrom]

Thank you so much for the honest review. All of the big review channels on YT drool over the good things about this knife, yet never mention or severely downplay the minuses. A few mentioned the issues with the sharpened upper edge, but none mentioned the issue with the notches. And absolutely zero criticism regarding the weak protective coating. Heck, some of them even praised it! Thank you again. You saved me a good chunk of money as I was seriously considering buying this knife. But 1095 carbon steel with such a weak coating.... I'm going to stick with my Becker BK9 with the micarta handle scales I put on it. The tip is just very thick, but no other disadvantages other than that one.

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

Hey, I did want to tell you, I later spook with the owner of TOPS and he fixed the coating on my TFK, I guess they are not supposed to be that weak, and mine was mistreated from factory. Just throwing that out there.

[@NGMonocrom]

+ Life In The Taiga I really appreciate the update. Thank you. Looks like The TFK is going back up on my list of soon-to-be purchases. I learned that buying the knife from TOPS or Andy Tran himself, directly, allows the option of getting the knife with the top edge unsharpened. That, along with finding out that the finish is far more durable, eliminates two of the biggest negatives about the TFK, for me. The other issues I consider minor. Also, apparently a really good kydex dangler-style sheath is available for the TFK. Ironically, it's from the same custom sheath-maker (and in the same overall design) whom I contacted to make me a kydex sheath for my BK9. But I won't mention his name for two reasons. One, don't want to give anyone free advertising on your channel. Wouldn't be right. Two, as fantastic as the sheath turned out to be, he messed up by making it for a BK39 instead of a BK9. The slightly thinner protective coating on the BK39 means that a BK9 will fit... it's just going to be a noticeably tighter fit. In fairness, he did offer to make things right and admitted that he made a mistake. With the TFK I believe the upgraded sheath is an immediate option from Andy Tran. Which is very nice since I had to wait several weeks to get the one I ordered for my BK9. Thanks again. I appreciate it. But my wallet hates you. (LOL)

[@NGMonocrom]

Oops! Sorry, but it looks like Andy is no longer offering the kydex option on his website anymore. There's just a leather one. Though plenty of independent kydex sheath-makers out there for those who want one. Likely just going to have to wait awhile for one to be made.

[@Shooter11B]

Hey brother, I think your observations pretty much mirror my own. That mini saw section on the top is for two purposes, as a pot lifter and as a bone cutter/notcher for breaking heavy bones to get to the marrow. Personally, I also do not like that feature, not because it does not work, but because it severely weakens the knife. The Buck Hoodlum is notorious for breaking at that point. I noticed you did not mention the chisel section on the pommel. as another personal preference, I HATE pointed or sharpened pommels because they inevitably dig into your side while wearing it or you cut you hand on them when trying to draw the knife, plus they cut into your hand when doing heavy chopping with a two finger Leuku style technique. I hated the one on my TFK so much I ground it off, and it is sweet now. Great review as always! I look forward to the next one!

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

That is true, that pointed end on the pommel is annoying!!! Thank you!

[@survivalofthefittest409]

Really smart review. I like what you said about the sheath, was a good point!

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

Thank you much!

[@survivalofthefittest409]

Alyeska Bushcraft Forgot to ask. You talked about the bad coating, so I wad wondering if u thought about bluing it, or forcing a patina?

[@troyspurling1910]

You can order this knife with an unsharpened false edge

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

Yes.

[@brr8888]

I have the single edge version, I love the knife!

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

I'm glad!

[@joshsimp1995]

Over come and adapt

[@straycat1674]

If I choose to get this knife and give it a try I am going to get custom handles and sheath made for it. Not crazy about the sheath. I think it is very cheap and a simple but quality leather sheath would be better, even if they need to raise the over all price a few bucks. No bow drill divot for the new handles. You can also get the TFK without the sharpened top edge. I would also prob just take and polish the blade to a mirror finish. I prefer that for knives I use in the bush.

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

Sounds like a fantastic plan.

[@1stcSOLDIER]

I have the non sharp top edge version, is good overall. The sheath is alright for this but a nylon or Kevlar would be the best option if it was offered. Kydex is good for axe heads.

[@paulie4x1]

Say Heah Mathew, I almost got the Top's Thomas. I wanted one without the Sharp Swedge though. But luck was on my shoulder. Swamp Rat ran a sort run on the Ratweiler. They offered it in two thicknesses. So I got the 1/4" thickness. I love it. Instantly I teamed it with my Rodent Solution. It's my ALL Time Fav. Cold Weather Combo. In early fall, I just add a Saw. Yup, my Agawa Canyon 21 Boreal Saw. But I still keep my eye on a Thoma if I can get a good price on one.,,.p

[@1stcSOLDIER]

Yeah it's a good knife for chopping for sure. On the one I have, the notch for the spindle is wearing a bit. Agreeable review though.

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

Thanks!

[@PedroGarcia-ni2nb]

Excellent review been thinking about buying this knife for a while. Being that it's offered as an all-in-one knife would it still be good for combat. Or finding knife if I had to use it for that purpose.

[@TheRealCake]

Well it's a knife and its sharp, it can stab people, so yeah if a situation happens where you gotta use it to fight you can.

[@robinworkman3621]

I too am thinking of getting one, it's hard to fork out almost 200. For a knife. It may not be designed for fighting, but I would think with the weight and blade length it would be good for slashing as for stabbing I'm sure you could, There is probably better options. But a knife designed specifically for fighting may not fill some of the gaps this knife does,just my opinion and I am not a expert,I don't even play one on tv.i have however stayed in a holiday inn

[@Apradavra]

It's not a matter that there were certain tasks that "the knife could not do", but more so a matter of you could not do those tasks with this knife. z The sawback is tempered so it can be used to strike ferro rods but otherwise I agree with your assessment of it. The finish is also garbage. Overall though, I love the TFK.

[@viking1545]

Yeah I don't compare Tops knives to buck knives and this knife is more for a military / survival mindset but I don't think this knife was in mind for a civilian. However it is a great knife if you're thinking about Warfare and survival. If I were truly deciding a knife to bushcrafting it would be either a Habilis Bush tool or a Honey Badger , a Becker BK9, or a Top's Brakimo.

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

Um...

[@brr8888]

Viking I have the Habilis Bushtool, it too is a great knife but this is obviously better at chopping.

[@1stcSOLDIER]

The brakimo is decent, as is the bushtool.. I have both of them as with the tops Tacoma field knife, it's also decent just the handle can wear out quicker than some of my other knives.. The honey badger folder? Sucks. Ka-bar BK9 also sucks.