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.
So many people have complained over the years on the location of the bow drill on the BOB. I am surprised that Tops did not make an adjusment on the 3.5 inch. I will be visiting their factory soon as I live only 4 hours from them, and will bring this up myself in person to them.
@@simonh2011 Awesome. Went to Clakacraft too while down there. I voiced my opinion to Tops, and those of others with the same opinion that I have heard on various videos. It was noted, so we shall see.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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
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.
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.
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.
Cool! I just ordered a standard BOB, but now I'm forced to pick up the Mini! I saw it on UA-cam, 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!
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
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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 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.
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
@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.
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.
So many people have complained over the years on the location of the bow drill on the BOB. I am surprised that Tops did not make an adjusment on the 3.5 inch. I will be visiting their factory soon as I live only 4 hours from them, and will bring this up myself in person to them.
Any news on that trip yet?
@@chucktaylor2805 2 more weeks.
@@davidking7606 how'd the trip go bud?
@@simonh2011 Awesome. Went to Clakacraft too while down there.
I voiced my opinion to Tops, and those of others with the same opinion that I have heard on various videos. It was noted, so we shall see.
@@davidking7606 ah I'm so jealous man! Would love to tour the tops factory! Bit difficult from over the pond in the UK tho!
I picked one of these up a few weeks ago and love it. You guys are spot on with your review.
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.
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.
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.
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.
These knives are awesome. Would love to see more options for scout carry sheaths. Keep up the great work guys. Thank you
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.
Hi Aaron, Aaron, this is Aaron too! That's a great looking knife with lots of capabilites. Definitely going on my 'someday' list.
I have the CUB and think I can apply this review to it. Lady with small hands so good fit for me. Nice review.
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.
I love my tops knife. Its a knife for life. So well.made and thought out. Im a huge fan
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.
Big fan of jimping. Please Tops DON'T LISTEN to them saying remove it!!!!
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.
For sure! Always thinking of you the viewers always come first.
@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
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.
Love mine. Super comfortable even for my big xl hands
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.
shrinkflation.
Lotta that going on....
Yeah this life has been out long before inflation I think it’s three years old at this point.
Thanks for the review, Aaron X2! Honestly, this makes more sense to me than the full-sized BOB.
That's what she sai....ahem, that's exactly what i thought too👍
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.
Nice Spinal Tap reference! Loving the knife.
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.
Cool! I just ordered a standard BOB, but now I'm forced to pick up the Mini! I saw it on UA-cam, 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!
You will love it
That’s the 2nd knife you’ve convinced me to buy....shame on me. ...can’t wait to get it. ❤
I love the vid tops makes awesome knives
Awesome review!!! I want one!!!
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
Awesome, śmiało medium tips knive
Nice informative knife video here Guys! Tops rules, for sure. Keep up the great work here > 🙂
Thanks for watching!
Nice video! I need to order myself one to compare to my beloved Dicer 3
Use mine around the homestead all the time.
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.
The bk18 or bk16 will be bigger.
I like it! 👍
Nice video, great knife, amazing Gideon 💪🏼
Cool guys 🍀✌️
I like the blade but I just can't justify it over a mora BCBlack or Garberg carbon..it's 3x the price
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.
I will look into it.
@@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.
This will be a good companion for a hatchet?
I love mine!
I want!
I never liked the full size, it got bumped by Becker 16
I always file the jimping smoother
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.
Ahhh!
You made me instantly LOOK!
(I thought I clicked on the WRONG video! 😂)
Looks like a great knife. I wonder how it compares to the Tex Creek.
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.
I ordered the mini Bob because of this video!! Lol
Awesome hope it serves you well!
Aaron^2. More Aaron's? You can literally not go wrong with this 🙃😛
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.
I had both sizes and the 3.5” is far better for me!!!
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.
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.
@@gideonstactical Tops and KaBar are able to get the very best out of the 1095.
What they perform to do with it is crazy.
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.
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.
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.
Nesmuck never carried over 26 pounds in total. How much did your bags weigh?
40lbs but that’s with doubling up on some blades for testing, and over 6 pounds of camera equipment.
@@gideonstactical Nice
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.
I think I want one..!!!!
I'd go with the original blade length.
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.
I actually really like this one..vn
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.
Now make an XL version. Also make a lot more tops in 154
Oh yeah an XL version would be sweet.
Yes please! 🙏🏽😎
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.
Tops mini BOB or Lion Steel m4??
Just depends.
How would you compare this to the mora garberg?
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.
@@gideonstactical Would you choose this over a garberg carbon or esee 4
Did you do any food prep other than the trout?
No, that was about it. They type of grind will do ok with meat, but chopping fruit and vegetables can be tricky.
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...
I like tops knives, but I don’t like the price. My Becker knives are great and don’t cost much
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.
Thanks for sharing Mike!
@@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.
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
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
Off topic, but what happened to the "live the trek" channel ?
The A's Team
The new MKC field craft n survival knife is going to put a ton of knives to shame.
Hold it up next the the original ftw??
Smh
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.
Good feedback Kevin! Thanks for sharing
BRAKIMO 3.5 Please !
That would be cool
@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.
Personally I prefer the regular TOPS Bob, this one is just too small for my hands.
#deletethejimp
Size it's not everything, 3,5 inch is very good for specific wood worki, 3,5 inch and Axe 🧗