I have the Silent Hero and love the look and feel of it and it takes care of business very well. I usually wear gloves if I am going to work it hard so the handle is not an issue either. I'm sure you would be happy with either. Wondering which you decided on.
Is the Apache Falcon close to what you would have been looking for? It is larger somewhat but it is reasonable, and I believe they can come without Rocky Mountain Tread
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
Bushcraft Mit Rex wow, what a bummer! that's a great observation and that should be exposed. I haven't watched any reviews for those scales yet...I wonder if anyone has caught that yet.
i did not see or hear it before, otherwise i would have checked how to obtain those damn screws before. Metric system has different screws here so i have to order them from TOPS or anywhere else in the US. gideonstactical has for example reviewed the smooth version but he did not say anything about the screws...but, if i would get free tops knives i would probably not either
I've always wondered about the Mission 21. What I want to know is how you like the grind angle. Where the primary grind starts so low, does it leave you with a shallow grind angle? I can see this knife being tough as nails, but how is it for slicing? And also, do you find the handle to be blocky, or is it rounded enough on the edges to be comfortable. The handle reminds me of the thickness of the ESEE 6, but with the finger scallops.
outer limitless the knife is beyond fantastic. I have a bunch of reviews that I I am preparing to do in a certain order but what I'm going to do instead is put that one at the top of the line and give a review that will hopefully answer all of your questions with videos to match. I wish I could tell you more with simple words but it's one of those see to believe type knives. I think you'd absolutely love it. If you stay tuned to my channel, as soon as I can get to it I will put up a full review on that masterpiece so you can really check it out.
I have been a Cold Steel fan for many years, till I found the Silent Hero. It is great for processing wood & game. The spear point is all so a good balance between tip strength & penetration capability.
Have you checked out the Tops Tahoma knife designed by Andy Tran ? I just got one about a month ago and it’s pretty awesome.....The only thing I don’t like about it is the ballistic nylon sheath that it comes with. BUT, it has a huge front pocket that I use to keep a 6 inch Ferro stick and striker steel. Check out the Tahoma Brother.
I have owned two of them. They appear in my videos...have a couple videos discussing the TFK. Honestly it doesn't do it for me...the handle bugs me. If the handle wasn't so blocky and hooked I might like it better. I'm picky when it comes to knife handles...I don't own the Tex Creek XL nor the Silent Hero either for handle reasons.
I paired my Tex Creek XL with my Buck nighthawk large. They compliment each other well. Fine shaving of the Tex Creek,and the excellent corrosion resistance of the Buck 420hc steel in the nighthawk. I also added a large karabiner to my Tex Creek sheath too. I'm gong to stitch a snap strap on the sheath as well to keep all that sweet 1095 secure in the sheath. I thought about kydex but some knives are just too traditional in my opinion. Thanks for your reviews. Looking forward to seeing you testing the long horn Bowie out.
I love that bowie...unfortunately I had to sell it to keep the channel moving, but I'll get my hands on one again and when I do, I'll be testing it for sure! I hear ya about the traditional knife sheath...I like leather...sometimes kydex is too harsh almost.
My buddy has wanted my Silent hero(BA Knife) for a year, I finally sold it to him and bought my first new Bark river knife,. a Tope Recon, Loving it so far, the handle thickness I'm loving the most, and it handles more like a 6 inch blade vs the 7 inch it is, I think the spine is .186. inch. I wanted a LT wright Sospes, but will wait for a slightly longer handle and 3v(didn't want another O1 blade) Thanks for the vid!! BK7 is always on my mind, but I've never pulled the trigger, lol.
I'll look into the Tope Recon. I havn't gotten my hands on too many Bark Rivers. Just one that is smaller...but I like the look and quality...just other competing purchases. Yeah, I hear ya...I love 01, but I feel like it's easy to have a bunch of them, which I do!
I have both versions of standard Tex creek and think they are great, picking up a the xl as I do not care for finger choils as I carry two blades when in the woods. Need more control I use the smaller blade. That is what is so nice we have such a variety to chose from. Nice video.
Have you tried to add larger inserts in the handle to beef it up? Or maybe wrap the handle? I really like the Tex creek Lx, but I have small to medium hands.
@@outerlimitless Yes , i held it in my hand. I haven't paid for it yet though. Its still at the store. Im picking it up no later than friday. It feels really light in hand and the handle is quite thin compared to the rest of the knife. It's interesting that's for sure. I'll have to see how it handles in the field. It looks really like a very practical and functional tool that can be used for many different tasks. Unlike other knives that only seem to serve a single purpose.
Looks like you need the replacement handles that came out for the Silent Hero. It looks like a lot of people didn't like them either. I think you can even send the knife back to TOPS to have them replaced for free.
Wow, that would be a pretty sweet deal. I definitely don't like that rocky mountain tread pattern. I have since sold the silent hero, but i'll likely get ahold of one again someday. Thanks for watching!
I 've used the Tex Creek 4 inch and the XL, and the Silent Hero. I did buy the Silent Hero for use as my field knife, and the 4 inch Tex Creek as an EDC blade. The XL just didn't feel right for me. Love the Silent Hero, feels great, does everything well. The Tex Creek is easier to carry, and I think has a better balance, with more control than the larger XL.
I LOVE the blade shape, style, and finish. It's the handle that doesn't work for me. I can totally see why you think it's the standard though. If it fit my hands better I would probably be saying the same thing.
I really feel that the silent hero is the absolute best mid size survival/tactical/bushcraft knife there is!I got my silent hero with the smooth micarta handles witch I ordered from Tops over the phone. I will say that all those knives you have in this video agree great knives!
I always wondered how to get the smooth handles. I guess I never thought to order it over the phone...I always would check the website and never saw it so I assumed it wasn't available. That's good to know, glad you mentioned it!
You should check out the Boker Rold Camp. Very underrated, great value and ergonomics. Although not USA made (and the stock sheath is crap) it's a competitor in this class.
+Dan S It's funny you say that. I had my eye on the Rold Camp for a long time and then it slipped out of my site. I went though a phase where I was really digging the Boker blades...I still do. I was very interested in that blade but never pulled the trigger to buy one. That's a good idea, I think I'll get it back in my sights. Thanks for writing!
The Silent Hero would be my choice but it does not have a 90 degree spine for striking a fire steel and for me that is a must have. So I bought a SCHDF 42 for a little over 50 including shipping from amazon
+Oregon Bushcraft & outdoor channel I have had an eye on the SCHF42 for a while but never got my hands on one. The "D" is the one without the recurve blade, right? How do you like it?
I have found that the recurve blade on the frontier model is not that hard to sharpen like I thought it would be. That recurve blade sure grabs the wood when making feather sticks. I plan on having both once I purchase the D model and carrying both
Go for the silent hero......It is a great knife carry esee 6 in my bug out and silent hero for everything else. I got the new handles but kinda like the RMTred better
I struggle with the handle...I sold both of those off and eventually bought a second Silent Hero. Thought I would re-kindle...never took to it. I still have my silent hero, but I don't naturally gravitate towards it. I LOVE it in looks...but not in feel.
I have the Tops punisher and the tops dart. But after watching your video I just got to have the silent hero. I really want the larger one. Thanks for sharing brother
My advice. For you, the silent hero would be too big. It's not the length of the blade, but the depth. Look how tall the silent hero is compared to the tex creek. For a camp knife, I prefer a finger choil...and that's the only downfall to the tex creek. The 4" tex creek would be a pure joy of a blade. I'll own one someday, but right now i have too many blades in that size range.
cool, thanks for the advice. I will check it out for sure. be careful if you do the small forest video...the "axe guys" will hammer on you if you don't use perfect technique.
I like the idea about a longer blade, but the Silent Hero handle being undersized would not work well with a longer blade in my opinion. However, if they proportionally resized the handle to accommodate the larger blade, it might work better.
I have never used either the SXB or SXS...altough I do appreciate Tops designs, I often struggle with their handles. Sounds like you found a workhorse!
@@outerlimitless I just got a Tom Brown Tracker but that's not at all like the silent hero or Texas creek. You can message Justin Gingrich who actually designs knives for kabar and Ontario , to make a custom knife. His company is called Tactical Innovations. You'd love his knives. Search - Ontario Afghan signature series. And Ontario RD7 Signature series. They're 3/8 an inch thick. S7 tool steel. He designed the Ontario Ranger series.
I have some Tops knives but my favorite is my Condor Moonshiner. handle is similar to a Becker but the blade had a different profile and it slices well and chops well. plus you can't beat condors leather sheath, lol.
I actually just got myself a moonshiner...it's the newest blade I have. I've yet to really test it, but have played with it a bit. The edge is insanely sharp....and I really like the grind on the secondary bevel. The leather sheath is pretty nice, good fit and nicely stitched.
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. Also the handle is really thin....but nontheless i like the knife. I have TOPS send me the correct flathead screws as i can't get them here in Germany, have me some good kydex made and then the knife is ready to rock
I've had two Tahoma Field Knives...I don't really agree that they are a combo of these blades...they might have some similar features, but not close enough to call them a combo TFK. Anyway, all great blades...just that each one has issues with the handles. Many Tops blades have handle issues...not sure why, but they do!
Yeah, depending on the thickness at the ricasso area that can sometimes work. I added a choil to my BK9 and it was moderately effective, but not great for long durations of work due to the thin blade in that area. But other knives it is possible, and comfortable. I sold that XL a while back, but someday might get another one, who knows!!
I didn't think of it at the time, but I've since experimented with my BK9...ground a choil into it and was pretty successful. Take a watch if you're interested: ua-cam.com/video/JnsqfvYqXIw/v-deo.html But after working on this BK9, I feel like the Tex Creek might be too thin through the grind to actually add a choil. It's a good idea though, but maybe tough to execute successfully.
Haha, neither! Sold both, but I eventually bought another Silent Hero for a use video which I posted, but I really don't like the silent hero. It's the reason I built my TFK T17 to eliminate my frustration with knife geometry that doesn't fit my needs. I sold the Second Silent Hero I then got the TOPS Tex Creek 20th anniversary edition that solved my issues with the Tex Creek
Try checking out Northeastern Blades. Ben has his own channel. I love the silent hero but Ben made me a custom for almost the same price. He called it the Texas Bushcrafter He also made made a fantastic kydex sheath that sirs low and off the belt. His work is top notch. It is worth looking at to see if you want something in the future. He has done a variety of knives. check it out at Northeastern Blades
I took a look at his website...definitely looks nice. I couldn't tell what steel he's using...looks like a high polished stainless, but wasn't sure if that is true. Do you have any thoughts about what he's using? Thanks for the head's up.
Mine is O1 and Ben has done 1085 but fear not. He does stainless as well. My next will be his skinner in something stainless. I am thinking CPM S35VN or 154 CM. I think he has worked with both. Here is a website but you can just comment in his videos or on his facebook page for a quick response. www.northeasternblades.com/
Great Video, (thanks for the support as well Michael). Most of the knives you're showing in this video were on my list before I started making my own blades. I'm a big fan of S35VN, great stainless steel, very tough when heat treated properly. I usually use 01 for my carbon applications, but they're all custom and very littlle is "out of the question" Feel free to fire me a message if you have any questions. Ben
outer limitless all kinds of wallet struggles because of this channel. Lol Fucken love you channel brother. Subscriber for life. Love to see some of Gransfors, more survival and bushcraft knives.
Hahaha, YES!!! So you can obviously appreciate what wallet struggles I have created for myself!!! Hahaha. A labor of love...and worth every dollar! Ok, yes, you are exactly right about some of the blades...I have fallen off of blades for a while and been hanging on the backpacking and shelter gear. It's hard for me to strike a balance...I think I have some stuff right up your alley coming soon...I have a bunch of blade work to get to. Some VERY significant projects in the works...a LONG time in the making, but it's all coming together. Thanks for watching it all develop!
I have neither, unfortunately. I buy all my gear and have thousands invested. In order for me to keep my channel alive, I rely on selling what I'm not 100% happy with. I would consider both of those blades again someday if I can score a deal, but for now they're back burner.
+Daniel De La Cruz Yes, the ESEE 6 still takes the cake. It's my first love and that can be a hard thing to break! It's just the perfect size for my hands and is tough! I have smashed that thing and it's still mint. crazy tough! What's your all time favorite?
+outer limitless When Are you posting again? As I over time has come to be quite fund Of the tfk. ISO not Own one, but a Tom Brown Tracker, which took a coupé Of years to reshape to my specs. It is just to heavy for backpacking. I am very fund Of Helle Utvær knife, but it is a bit smaller and stainless. Similiet size as the Gerber Strongarm.looking forward to your post
Intobalance Buschcraft I almost bought the Utvaer. I LOVE that knife...I almost had one, wish I bought it. I have the Helle Gaupe...it's nice, but the Utvaer is beautiful!
@@outerlimitless Yeah I ordered the original silent hero with Rocky mountain handles and then I watched reviews of people saying the new smooth handles are much more comfortable and feel a lil bigger. Now I'm kickin myself in the ass. The handle to blame ratio is a lil off balance. I don't like how thin the handle is compared to the blade.
That's a good point. I totally agree. Actually, I've never thought to look for aftermarket silent hero scales. I've dabbled in making micarta with reasonable success, but I haven't been able to invest in the good epoxy...that stuff is expensive!
What do you mean, have 3 knives? I like the look of the Super Bowie, but I really dislike upper finger guards. The lower guard is ok, but I can't get into upper guards. I would grind it off!
Buy new scales bro’ $50-35. I bet the sheath is not right width? Go to a shoe repair shop. I am sure they can make dangler or cut it. You want it bro’!
I have since re-bought the Silent Hero...the blade depth is too deep for my liking...I did a follow up video about it. I find the handle to blade geometry awkward regardless of the handle scales. I really want to love that knife...but ergos don't do it for me unfortunately!
That's right the Rocky Mountain Tread turned me off on Tops Knives for long time.. Who thought up the Rocky Mountain tread and who thought it was a good idea to put it on all their knives....crazy stupid dumb.
In defense of the Silent Hero sheath, the knife was designed for an African anti-poaching organization. In Africa, I don't believe the dangler sheath is as popular there as it is in Europe and North America.
Immer die gleichen Klingen ....... Ich habe auch Top-Klingen (operater7 als sxb 10, aber es ist ein many andere (bessere Messer) in der Welt, nicht nur Tops esee und Co. Eine der wirklich anderen Klingen ist wandern taktisch. In dieser Klasse ist das wandernde taktische Uro. www.wandertactical.com/shop/uro-tactical/
I have the Silent Hero and love the look and feel of it and it takes care of business very well. I usually wear gloves if I am going to work it hard so the handle is not an issue either. I'm sure you would be happy with either. Wondering which you decided on.
Is the Apache Falcon close to what you would have been looking for? It is larger somewhat but it is reasonable, and I believe they can come without Rocky Mountain Tread
Silent hero! Now comes with new handle scales
That is definitely a sweet upgrade!
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
Bushcraft Mit Rex
wow, what a bummer! that's a great observation and that should be exposed. I haven't watched any reviews for those scales yet...I wonder if anyone has caught that yet.
i did not see or hear it before, otherwise i would have checked how to obtain those damn screws before. Metric system has different screws here so i have to order them from TOPS or anywhere else in the US. gideonstactical has for example reviewed the smooth version but he did not say anything about the screws...but, if i would get free tops knives i would probably not either
outer limitless I think tops will send you the different handles. ...call them
You can get the Silent Hero w/o the rocky tread scales now. Good vid though!!!
Ya, that's a sweet upgrade. The biggest problem I have is that it's quite a tall blade. It's not a geometry that fits my hands well.
I have a couple “Tops” blades. I really like them. Built well.
I think you're looking for the Tops Mission 21. My favorite blade along with my Esee 6.
I've always wondered about the Mission 21. What I want to know is how you like the grind angle. Where the primary grind starts so low, does it leave you with a shallow grind angle? I can see this knife being tough as nails, but how is it for slicing? And also, do you find the handle to be blocky, or is it rounded enough on the edges to be comfortable. The handle reminds me of the thickness of the ESEE 6, but with the finger scallops.
outer limitless the knife is beyond fantastic. I have a bunch of reviews that I I am preparing to do in a certain order but what I'm going to do instead is put that one at the top of the line and give a review that will hopefully answer all of your questions with videos to match. I wish I could tell you more with simple words but it's one of those see to believe type knives. I think you'd absolutely love it. If you stay tuned to my channel, as soon as I can get to it I will put up a full review on that masterpiece so you can really check it out.
Ok, I just posted the video. Please check it out.
I have been a Cold Steel fan for many years, till I found the Silent Hero. It is great for processing wood & game. The spear point is all so a good balance between tip strength & penetration capability.
Have you checked out the Tops Tahoma knife designed by Andy Tran ? I just got one about a month ago and it’s pretty awesome.....The only thing I don’t like about it is the ballistic nylon sheath that it comes with. BUT, it has a huge front pocket that I use to keep a 6 inch Ferro stick and striker steel. Check out the Tahoma Brother.
I have owned two of them. They appear in my videos...have a couple videos discussing the TFK. Honestly it doesn't do it for me...the handle bugs me. If the handle wasn't so blocky and hooked I might like it better. I'm picky when it comes to knife handles...I don't own the Tex Creek XL nor the Silent Hero either for handle reasons.
I bought the tahoma a year ago and I love it, keeps a wicked sharp edge
I paired my Tex Creek XL with my Buck nighthawk large. They compliment each other well. Fine shaving of the Tex Creek,and the excellent corrosion resistance of the Buck 420hc steel in the nighthawk.
I also added a large karabiner to my Tex Creek sheath too. I'm gong to stitch a snap strap on the sheath as well to keep all that sweet 1095 secure in the sheath. I thought about kydex but some knives are just too traditional in my opinion.
Thanks for your reviews. Looking forward to seeing you testing the long horn Bowie out.
I love that bowie...unfortunately I had to sell it to keep the channel moving, but I'll get my hands on one again and when I do, I'll be testing it for sure! I hear ya about the traditional knife sheath...I like leather...sometimes kydex is too harsh almost.
My buddy has wanted my Silent hero(BA Knife) for a year, I finally sold it to him and bought my first new Bark river knife,. a Tope Recon, Loving it so far, the handle thickness I'm loving the most, and it handles more like a 6 inch blade vs the 7 inch it is, I think the spine is .186. inch.
I wanted a LT wright Sospes, but will wait for a slightly longer handle and 3v(didn't want another O1 blade)
Thanks for the vid!! BK7 is always on my mind, but I've never pulled the trigger, lol.
I'll look into the Tope Recon. I havn't gotten my hands on too many Bark Rivers. Just one that is smaller...but I like the look and quality...just other competing purchases. Yeah, I hear ya...I love 01, but I feel like it's easy to have a bunch of them, which I do!
I have both versions of standard Tex creek and think they are great, picking up a the xl as I do not care for finger choils as I carry two blades when in the woods. Need more control I use the smaller blade. That is what is so nice we have such a variety to chose from. Nice video.
I would love to get my hand on the standard model...I was on the watch for that but haven't pulled the trigger yet. in due time!
The bullseye pattern is more comfortable then I thought it would be, try to check that out as well.
outer limitless Top offers the silent hero with or with out the Rocky Mt. tread.
Have you tried to add larger inserts in the handle to beef it up? Or maybe wrap the handle? I really like the Tex creek Lx, but I have small to medium hands.
I'm getting the silent hero this weekend. Just bought the Tom Brown Tracker last friday. I love it.
Did you get the Silent Hero? Wondering your thoughts!!
@@outerlimitless Yes , i held it in my hand. I haven't paid for it yet though. Its still at the store. Im picking it up no later than friday. It feels really light in hand and the handle is quite thin compared to the rest of the knife. It's interesting that's for sure. I'll have to see how it handles in the field. It looks really like a very practical and functional tool that can be used for many different tasks. Unlike other knives that only seem to serve a single purpose.
Looks like you need the replacement handles that came out for the Silent Hero. It looks like a lot of people didn't like them either. I think you can even send the knife back to TOPS to have them replaced for free.
Wow, that would be a pretty sweet deal. I definitely don't like that rocky mountain tread pattern. I have since sold the silent hero, but i'll likely get ahold of one again someday.
Thanks for watching!
this is a very old video but ontario rak and the rd6 both have 6 inch blades with a finger choil
Is tops making knives for people with small hands. The grip of the esee is a bit bigger than the tops.
I 've used the Tex Creek 4 inch and the XL, and the Silent Hero. I did buy the Silent Hero for use as my field knife, and the 4 inch Tex Creek as an EDC blade. The XL just didn't feel right for me. Love the Silent Hero, feels great, does everything well. The Tex Creek is easier to carry, and I think has a better balance, with more control than the larger XL.
Yes, I think the 4" Tex Creek would feel great. It's the XL part that seems odd. I'll try the short version someday.
Thanks for watching!
My Silent Hero is the standard I compare all other fixed blades to & I have not found a better fixed blade yet.
I LOVE the blade shape, style, and finish. It's the handle that doesn't work for me. I can totally see why you think it's the standard though. If it fit my hands better I would probably be saying the same thing.
I really feel that the silent hero is the absolute best mid size survival/tactical/bushcraft knife there is!I got my silent hero with the smooth micarta handles witch I ordered from Tops over the phone. I will say that all those knives you have in this video agree great knives!
I always wondered how to get the smooth handles. I guess I never thought to order it over the phone...I always would check the website and never saw it so I assumed it wasn't available. That's good to know, glad you mentioned it!
No problem chief! With the smooth micarta handles the silent hero is my favorite knife hands down!
Man, do you have really KNIVES! Sweet!
You should check out the Boker Rold Camp. Very underrated, great value and ergonomics. Although not USA made (and the stock sheath is crap) it's a competitor in this class.
+Dan S
It's funny you say that. I had my eye on the Rold Camp for a long time and then it slipped out of my site. I went though a phase where I was really digging the Boker blades...I still do. I was very interested in that blade but never pulled the trigger to buy one. That's a good idea, I think I'll get it back in my sights.
Thanks for writing!
There are several micarta or G10 handle options to replace the Rocky Mtn. tread.
There weren't other options at the time this video was made.
The Silent Hero would be my choice but it does not have a 90 degree spine for striking a fire steel and for me that is a must have. So I bought a SCHDF 42 for a little over 50 including shipping from amazon
+Oregon Bushcraft & outdoor channel
I have had an eye on the SCHF42 for a while but never got my hands on one. The "D" is the one without the recurve blade, right? How do you like it?
I have found that the recurve blade on the frontier model is not that hard to sharpen like I thought it would be. That recurve blade sure grabs the wood when making feather sticks.
I plan on having both once I purchase the D model and carrying both
Go for the silent hero......It is a great knife carry esee 6 in my bug out and silent hero for everything else. I got the new handles but kinda like the RMTred better
I struggle with the handle...I sold both of those off and eventually bought a second Silent Hero. Thought I would re-kindle...never took to it. I still have my silent hero, but I don't naturally gravitate towards it. I LOVE it in looks...but not in feel.
I am loving this silent hero thing is epic
Did you get one? I have had a couple now...
I have the Tops punisher and the tops dart. But after watching your video I just got to have the silent hero. I really want the larger one. Thanks for sharing brother
the silent hero alot of people seem to like but the tex Creek looks awesome!
My advice. For you, the silent hero would be too big. It's not the length of the blade, but the depth. Look how tall the silent hero is compared to the tex creek. For a camp knife, I prefer a finger choil...and that's the only downfall to the tex creek. The 4" tex creek would be a pure joy of a blade. I'll own one someday, but right now i have too many blades in that size range.
outer limitless haha thanks!
I have been using the TFK made by Tops and I love it
hey man...really nice video...you should check out the bark river vortex...its amazing..and I might do that video with the small forest axe lol
cool, thanks for the advice. I will check it out for sure. be careful if you do the small forest video...the "axe guys" will hammer on you if you don't use perfect technique.
I want the Silent Hero blade shape and grind with the handle (minus the pommel) and blade length of the Tahoma field knife.
I like the idea about a longer blade, but the Silent Hero handle being undersized would not work well with a longer blade in my opinion. However, if they proportionally resized the handle to accommodate the larger blade, it might work better.
Although a different shape all together I've been stuck on the new 2019 Tops SXS. The SXB "companion" designed by the same person.
I have never used either the SXB or SXS...altough I do appreciate Tops designs, I often struggle with their handles. Sounds like you found a workhorse!
@@outerlimitless I just got a Tom Brown Tracker but that's not at all like the silent hero or Texas creek.
You can message Justin Gingrich who actually designs knives for kabar and Ontario , to make a custom knife.
His company is called Tactical Innovations. You'd love his knives. Search - Ontario Afghan signature series. And Ontario RD7 Signature series. They're 3/8 an inch thick. S7 tool steel. He designed the Ontario Ranger series.
Just keep the ESSE 6 The TOPS knives look good but what are you really gaining?
Dunno... just knife addiction I guess?
@@outerlimitless i understand that perfectly
I have some Tops knives but my favorite is my Condor Moonshiner. handle is similar to a Becker but the blade had a different profile and it slices well and chops well. plus you can't beat condors leather sheath, lol.
I actually just got myself a moonshiner...it's the newest blade I have. I've yet to really test it, but have played with it a bit. The edge is insanely sharp....and I really like the grind on the secondary bevel. The leather sheath is pretty nice, good fit and nicely stitched.
outer limitless I stopped mine on some leather and it shaved better than any BIC razor I've ever used, lol.
I don't doubt it...that thing is wicked! Can't wait to get it out there and give it a quality field test.
I doubt you'll be disappointed!
Silent hero all the way, that thing is a versatile tool! Also, tops just released it with smooth handles.
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. Also the handle is really thin....but nontheless i like the knife. I have TOPS send me the correct flathead screws as i can't get them here in Germany, have me some good kydex made and then the knife is ready to rock
Check out the Anton du Plessis Warthog made by Scorpion Knives in Sheffield
Nice looking out! That blade looks awesome, I love it. Great suggestion!
have you tried the Vox Rold?
Tahoma field knife is literally those two put together
I've had two Tahoma Field Knives...I don't really agree that they are a combo of these blades...they might have some similar features, but not close enough to call them a combo TFK. Anyway, all great blades...just that each one has issues with the handles. Many Tops blades have handle issues...not sure why, but they do!
fair point friend. they just look as if they do. But, i haven't held them so i will take your word on it good sir. keep up the good work
Way late in my comment, but, Silent hero. The Tex is pretty much an Esee 6 minus the finger coil.
I think I would put a chiol (sp)on the tex creek xl. Custom brother!
Yeah, depending on the thickness at the ricasso area that can sometimes work. I added a choil to my BK9 and it was moderately effective, but not great for long durations of work due to the thin blade in that area. But other knives it is possible, and comfortable. I sold that XL a while back, but someday might get another one, who knows!!
Ever thought of grinding your own choil?
I didn't think of it at the time, but I've since experimented with my BK9...ground a choil into it and was pretty successful. Take a watch if you're interested: ua-cam.com/video/JnsqfvYqXIw/v-deo.html
But after working on this BK9, I feel like the Tex Creek might be too thin through the grind to actually add a choil. It's a good idea though, but maybe tough to execute successfully.
Going straight to the OPERATOR 7.
The only problem I see with the Operator 7 is the top guard. And the knife is a touch over built... like most Tops knives. Nice, but beefy
You see the TFK T17?
which one did you go with?
Haha, neither! Sold both, but I eventually bought another Silent Hero for a use video which I posted, but I really don't like the silent hero. It's the reason I built my TFK T17 to eliminate my frustration with knife geometry that doesn't fit my needs. I sold the Second Silent Hero I then got the TOPS Tex Creek 20th anniversary edition that solved my issues with the Tex Creek
@@outerlimitless Nice. Cheers
Silent hero for sure ❤ not even a question duhh 😮
Try the case roland welker its a bad mamma jamma ❤
Best top silent hero really good 👍
Try checking out Northeastern Blades. Ben has his own channel. I love the silent hero but Ben made me a custom for almost the same price. He called it the Texas Bushcrafter He also made made a fantastic kydex sheath that sirs low and off the belt. His work is top notch. It is worth looking at to see if you want something in the future. He has done a variety of knives. check it out at Northeastern Blades
I took a look at his website...definitely looks nice.
I couldn't tell what steel he's using...looks like a high polished stainless, but wasn't sure if that is true. Do you have any thoughts about what he's using? Thanks for the head's up.
Mine is O1 and Ben has done 1085 but fear not. He does stainless as well. My next will be his skinner in something stainless. I am thinking CPM S35VN or 154 CM. I think he has worked with both. Here is a website but you can just comment in his videos or on his facebook page for a quick response. www.northeasternblades.com/
Great Video, (thanks for the support as well Michael).
Most of the knives you're showing in this video were on my list before I started making my own blades.
I'm a big fan of S35VN, great stainless steel, very tough when heat treated properly.
I usually use 01 for my carbon applications, but they're all custom and very littlle is "out of the question"
Feel free to fire me a message if you have any questions.
Ben
Love this video!!!!
Thanks ma....how you been?? You've been with my channel a long time now! Thanks for hangin with me!
outer limitless all kinds of wallet struggles because of this channel. Lol
Fucken love you channel brother. Subscriber for life.
Love to see some of Gransfors, more survival and bushcraft knives.
Hahaha, YES!!! So you can obviously appreciate what wallet struggles I have created for myself!!! Hahaha. A labor of love...and worth every dollar!
Ok, yes, you are exactly right about some of the blades...I have fallen off of blades for a while and been hanging on the backpacking and shelter gear. It's hard for me to strike a balance...I think I have some stuff right up your alley coming soon...I have a bunch of blade work to get to. Some VERY significant projects in the works...a LONG time in the making, but it's all coming together.
Thanks for watching it all develop!
do you still have both knives?
I have neither, unfortunately. I buy all my gear and have thousands invested. In order for me to keep my channel alive, I rely on selling what I'm not 100% happy with. I would consider both of those blades again someday if I can score a deal, but for now they're back burner.
+outer limitless is the ESSE 6 Still your favorite medium blade?
+Daniel De La Cruz
Yes, the ESEE 6 still takes the cake. It's my first love and that can be a hard thing to break! It's just the perfect size for my hands and is tough! I have smashed that thing and it's still mint. crazy tough! What's your all time favorite?
+outer limitless
not just mid size. ..I mean your favorite, first love blade. ..
Tahoma field knife???
Haha, just posted the Tahoma last night! That's where my mind brought me, but you'll see what happened!
Thanks for watching!
+outer limitless When Are you posting again? As I over time has come to be quite fund Of the tfk. ISO not Own one, but a Tom Brown Tracker, which took a coupé Of years to reshape to my specs. It is just to heavy for backpacking. I am very fund Of Helle Utvær knife, but it is a bit smaller and stainless. Similiet size as the Gerber Strongarm.looking forward to your post
Intobalance Buschcraft
I almost bought the Utvaer. I LOVE that knife...I almost had one, wish I bought it. I have the Helle Gaupe...it's nice, but the Utvaer is beautiful!
I hate danglers these sheaths are pretty nice way better then tops regular sheaths
Just stick with the esee 6 and upgrade the handle scales
Silent Hero comes in 2 different handle choices now.
I like the smooth handle option better...I've never held it, but the blade depth on the Silent hero still bugs me.
@@outerlimitless Yeah I ordered the original silent hero with Rocky mountain handles and then I watched reviews of people saying the new smooth handles are much more comfortable and feel a lil bigger. Now I'm kickin myself in the ass.
The handle to blame ratio is a lil off balance. I don't like how thin the handle is compared to the blade.
Scales are not that hard to make yourself really. And i am sure soon there will be 10 different options for the Hero eventually to buy aftermarket.
That's a good point. I totally agree. Actually, I've never thought to look for aftermarket silent hero scales. I've dabbled in making micarta with reasonable success, but I haven't been able to invest in the good epoxy...that stuff is expensive!
SOG super bowie. Cheap folder, swiss army knife. Think about it. 3. Thats right 3.
What do you mean, have 3 knives? I like the look of the Super Bowie, but I really dislike upper finger guards. The lower guard is ok, but I can't get into upper guards. I would grind it off!
Buy new scales bro’ $50-35. I bet the sheath is not right width? Go to a shoe repair shop. I am sure they can make dangler or cut it. You want it bro’!
I have since re-bought the Silent Hero...the blade depth is too deep for my liking...I did a follow up video about it. I find the handle to blade geometry awkward regardless of the handle scales. I really want to love that knife...but ergos don't do it for me unfortunately!
That's right the Rocky Mountain Tread turned me off on Tops Knives for long time.. Who thought up the Rocky Mountain tread and who thought it was a good idea to put it on all their knives....crazy stupid dumb.
hero
Just stick with the Esee 6. Or save up and get a gso.. Tops knifes are good but in my opinion esee or gso is the way to go
Also look into bark river bravo 1.5 expensive as well but a great knife
Tops will change out the handle for free to the smooth handle
The smooth handle is much better in my opinion. The Silent Hero is still too deep in blade depth for my liking. Handle won't fix that :(
In defense of the Silent Hero sheath, the knife was designed for an African anti-poaching organization. In Africa, I don't believe the dangler sheath is as popular there as it is in Europe and North America.
That makes sense...I just wish that handle was larger! I can live with the sheath!
I would take the tops silent hero over the esee 6 an the creek sh*t an hundred dollar bill on top...cant beat silent hero
Just get the new handle
Sold them both long ago...I'd get the tex creek xl again...
Esee 6
I love the ESEE 6 for sure!!
Silent hero.
The ESEE 6, while a great knife(I own two), is NOT a legit Bushcraft knife.... It's too big.
I would say it's more of a wilderness/camp/survival versus a bushcraft knife.
Can i have this silent hero. hehehhe
What’s the point of talking? Put them to work! You won’t know until you use them for extended periods!
Bite the bullet and keep them both. You really don't need to eat every day do you?
haha, food is over rated...but a good knife, now you're talkin!
actually sold em both unfortunately!
NOOOoooooo!!!!!!
Immer die gleichen Klingen ....... Ich habe auch Top-Klingen (operater7 als sxb 10, aber es ist ein many andere (bessere Messer) in der Welt, nicht nur Tops esee und Co. Eine der wirklich anderen Klingen ist wandern taktisch. In dieser Klasse ist das wandernde taktische Uro. www.wandertactical.com/shop/uro-tactical/