Love, your videos, i'm a landscaper and amateur survivalist. Have used machetes almost everyday for years. Based on how you are describing the handles I get the impression that you might be gripping them too tightly while swinging. The tighter you grip the more force will be absorbed by your arm on impact, with a somewhat loose but still secure grip you will deliver more energy into what you're hitting. The palm-swell on your Esee seems like it would be great to kind of rock it back and forth in your hand, instead of fighting the movement embrace it. This concept applies to all kinetic chains, the more rigid the less efficient.
For me, it's going to be the secondary issues that come into play. The ESEE comes with a kydex sheath that needs no replacement. The TOPS, comes with their nylon sheath that is far too common on many of their models. Although I disagree with most folks who think those sheaths are horrendously awful, the best that can be said for them is that they're Serviceable or Decent. If the TOPS is going to be carried and used often, an aftermarket kydex sheath is pretty much a must-have purchase. Also, I hate recurves. Just a pain in the neck for me to touch-up or re-sharpen. And although the handle scales on the TOPS are better, the ESEE's scales are still quite good. I wouldn't turn it down if someone gifted me the TOPS. But when it comes to my own hard-earned money, I'd go with the ESEE.
I have loved my Junglass from day one. About a week and a half after purchasing it I called Mike at Esse knives, ask him if it would void the warranty if I installed a choil on my Junglas he said it would not. But he did ask why I would want to do that, this video clearly answers that question. Awesome video bro stay safe
I've never used the Armageddon but I have a junglas and LOVE it! I've got an izula 2 aka that I EDC carry horizontally on my belt just to the left of my bent buckle.
Got to be honest, I own several ESEE knives. All of them with handle scales from The Knife Connection. As good as those G-10 scales are from TKC, there's just not a whole lot of traction on them. Some, but not much. Would love to see if a stock handled Jungles would have done better in terms of slippage against the TOPS.
Good video and comparison. The TOPS is a better chopper due to thickness and weight forward. I have not tried the TOPS Armegeddon, but have other large knives with finger grooves. I have found that although they lock the knife in hand well....they tend to create hot spots and get uncomfortable at those finger grooves for me. Keep up the good work and thanks for sharing!
I prefer the forward choil for the fine work with a big blade. Let’s be honest, if you were lost in the woods, with either knife, you wouldn’t be screwed !!!
I have the Tops Armageddon and the Bark River Grizzly. My two choppers. The only negative I would have to say about the Grizzly, is that you can't replace handle scales. Other than that, excellent knife.
Sir, thank you for your review. I know that you cannot go wrong with either blade. For the entire package, I like the ESEE Junglas because it comes with a great sheath. I did have to replace the handles of the Junglas with the contour handles from the knife connection. I also have the Tops Armageddon, I had to replace the sheath that came with the Tops Armageddon with a Kydex sheath from 7rattlesbushcraft. I did not need to replace the handles. I like that both of these knives are made in the USA. Both knives are top quality. If anyone is on the fence about purchasing either of these blades, then might I suggest that you cannot go wrong with either of these blades. Or just get both of them! Thank you and God bless.
Love, your videos, i'm a landscaper and amateur survivalist. Have used machetes almost everyday for years. Based on how you are describing the handles I get the impression that you might be gripping them too tightly while swinging. The tighter you grip the more force will be absorbed by your arm on impact, with a somewhat loose but still secure grip you will deliver more energy into what you're hitting. The palm-swell on your Esee seems like it would be great to kind of rock it back and forth in your hand, instead of fighting the movement embrace it. This concept applies to all kinetic chains, the more rigid the less efficient.
Short synopsis:
So what you're saying is that I need both of these. Gotcha.
For me, it's going to be the secondary issues that come into play. The ESEE comes with a kydex sheath that needs no replacement. The TOPS, comes with their nylon sheath that is far too common on many of their models. Although I disagree with most folks who think those sheaths are horrendously awful, the best that can be said for them is that they're Serviceable or Decent. If the TOPS is going to be carried and used often, an aftermarket kydex sheath is pretty much a must-have purchase. Also, I hate recurves. Just a pain in the neck for me to touch-up or re-sharpen. And although the handle scales on the TOPS are better, the ESEE's scales are still quite good. I wouldn't turn it down if someone gifted me the TOPS. But when it comes to my own hard-earned money, I'd go with the ESEE.
I have loved my Junglass from day one. About a week and a half after purchasing it I called Mike at Esse knives, ask him if it would void the warranty if I installed a choil on my Junglas he said it would not. But he did ask why I would want to do that, this video clearly answers that question. Awesome video bro stay safe
Warranty is the tipping point. No better warranty in the game then esee!!
Armageddon handle did it for me. Almost bought one online but went to the shop instead, held it and gave it right back.
Both awesome knives loves mine great video
I've never used the Armageddon but I have a junglas and LOVE it! I've got an izula 2 aka that I EDC carry horizontally on my belt just to the left of my bent buckle.
Still going to say Tops !! Awesome work brother
Got to be honest, I own several ESEE knives. All of them with handle scales from The Knife Connection. As good as those G-10 scales are from TKC, there's just not a whole lot of traction on them. Some, but not much. Would love to see if a stock handled Jungles would have done better in terms of slippage against the TOPS.
Good video and comparison. The TOPS is a better chopper due to thickness and weight forward. I have not tried the TOPS Armegeddon, but have other large knives with finger grooves. I have found that although they lock the knife in hand well....they tend to create hot spots and get uncomfortable at those finger grooves for me. Keep up the good work and thanks for sharing!
I prefer the forward choil for the fine work with a big blade. Let’s be honest, if you were lost in the woods, with either knife, you wouldn’t be screwed !!!
I have the Tops Armageddon and the Bark River Grizzly. My two choppers. The only negative I would have to say about the Grizzly, is that you can't replace handle scales. Other than that, excellent knife.
love the videos
I got the Tops Armageddon a 170 machete and the Apache dawn and all 3 are awesome.
Sir, thank you for your review. I know that you cannot go wrong with either blade. For the entire package, I like the ESEE Junglas because it comes with a great sheath. I did have to replace the handles of the Junglas with the contour handles from the knife connection. I also have the Tops Armageddon, I had to replace the sheath that came with the Tops Armageddon with a Kydex sheath from 7rattlesbushcraft. I did not need to replace the handles. I like that both of these knives are made in the USA. Both knives are top quality. If anyone is on the fence about purchasing either of these blades, then might I suggest that you cannot go wrong with either of these blades. Or just get both of them! Thank you and God bless.
Both are larger than I like, but would take the ESEE as I don’t like finger grove handles or recurve blades.
Great video!
Good side by side