Couteau TOPS Brakimo Fixed Blade, vert BRAK02

Like most American knives, this is overpriced. The same money buys European knives using much better steel. And yet, such considerations aside, there is much to like. While large and strong, the knife is easy and nimble in use: the handle is very comfortable, the balance is right between handle and blade and the design places the index finger within millimeters of the cutting edge, while still offering protection of the hand. Fit and finish is excellent, including the kydex sheath, except that I don’t care for the belt clip, preferring danglers. The design is not without its problems though. The first version of this knife was prone to rusting, because of the stone washed finish. Coating has now been applied, solving this issue - but now the spine is rounded out by the coating and the only part of the blade that will strike fire is the back of the tip: hardly an ideal solution. TOPS is a brand I have little respect for. Their claim to being preferred by military personnel is unfounded, the knives usually absurdly over designed and impractical. The Brakimo is one out of two exceptions, the other one being the HOG 4.5. Both these knives were designed by unaffiliated men with plenty of experience and expertise in knife use. To sum up: not a recommendation for an only knife; not worth the price; but a very nice collector’s item nonetheless.