Top Knives’ B.E.S.T. knife isn’t just a catchy anagram, as it truly offers the best of both rural and urban applications. This large brute of a knife’s name is the shortened form of the Black Eagle Strike Team, a special commando unit that requires a hardcore tool for their deep cover operations.
If it’s good enough for an elite military group, then it should be equally impressive for you. That is what I intended to determine. Did Tops Knives produce a beast of a blade for your own hardcore needs? Spoiler alert…get ready to hit that “buy it now” button.
The TOPS Knives B.E.S.T.
Out Of the Box Awe
The B.E.S.T. knife, in a word, is awesome. It offers nice weight and the perfect dimensions for me with my larger-than-average hand size. The Black Canvas Micarta handle scales sandwich a full quarter inch of 5160 RC 56-58 steel, and every bit can be felt within your grip. A semi-rough texture and aesthetically pleasing pattern adorned the handle.
My only critique here, and mind you, it’s a small bit of criticism, is that the handle didn’t have indentations to fit my fingers like other knives I own. The handle is beefy enough for my taste, but I was uneasy that it may not provide the best slip-resistance if I put some pressure behind the blade.
Badass Blade
The B.E.S.T. knife blade itself is a thing of beauty. It featured a Hunter’s point with plenty of cutting edge for slicing and a tip that exuded toughness if, or when, it needed to puncture or rip through material. Slight jimping on the back spine was noticeable, but with the high protruding guard, my initial guess is that it may not be truly effective during use.
The knife is slightly top-heavy with a greater girth towards the top three-quarter portion of the blade. I immediately thought of this knife as a great chopper, in a pinch, not dissimilar to a mini hatchet. The full tang steel culminated at its base with a curved pommel and integrated lanyard hole for adding cordage if desired. Tops Knives didn’t hold back when producing this blade, and it shows.
Edge Testing
This knife, in my opinion, is as useful in the city as it is in the deep woods. The intimidating blade can handle itself well with plastic, rubber, drywall, and other synthetic materials found in an urban setting. If buried deep into pressboard or cardboard, I would have no fear of prying the knife out thanks to its thick metal construction.
Outdoors in the woods, the B.E.S.T. knife offers high performance. It can hack through saplings and palm fronds, or other thick brush, if you need shelter or fire material. Its slightly textured handle would allow non-slip use, even in areas with high humidity or constantly wet conditions.
Carry Comfortability
Can this beast of a blade be carried with relative ease? Yes, it certainly can. The included sheath offers multiple carry options, thanks to its MOLLE backing and relatively slimline design. The B.E.S.T. knife is attachable to a belt and can be used with the included cordage to secure it to your thigh.
I had no doubt that movement throughout thick vegetation or confined areas in the city would be snag-free with the B.E.S.T. securely strapped in place. The material is ultra-durable, and the stitching is top-notch. I lost track of how many cheaply made sheaths came out of the packaging frayed and literally falling apart.
Final Thoughts
The B.E.S.T. knife was designed for a military covert member, but is perfectly suited for the “Everyday Joe.” It’s for a person who wants a knife that offers kick-ass reliability and durable craftsmanship. It skirts the line between just right and going a bit too big for daily use. Yet, when it comes to hunting, camping, or overall survival, it hits high marks all around. Is it the B.E.S.T.? Hard to say, but it comes damn close!
The B.E.S.T. Specs
| Overall length | 12.00 inches |
| Blade length | 7.00 inches |
| Blade thickness | 0.25 inches |
| Blade steel | 5160 RC 56-58 |
| Blade finish | Black Traction Coating |
| Knife weight | 22.0 ounces |
| Sheath material | Black ballistic nylon |
| MSRP | $305.00 |
