Tom Horn
Illinois

Aug 07, 2017

Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Materials, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

Best Mid-Size Tac/Defensive Fixed Blade for the $

Best Mid-Size Tac/Defensive Fixed Blade for the $ Pick it up. Study it. It is obvious Mr. Swanagon put a lot of thought and experience into this knife. I imagine he made several models to get it just right (it seems well tweaked). Although, it looks to have been designed primarily for reverse ice pick/karambit grip, and I have read some reviews that complain the grip is uncomfortable in sabre, or Filapino grip (thumb on spine), I found that not to be the case. If you put your pinky in the finger ring (end of handle), it is surprisingly comfortable, and one of the most secure grips that I know of. You’ll break a finger before this knife become dislodged (Ah, you don’t need that digit, anyway). That security of grip is paramount in a tactical/defensive knife. C.U.T. 4.0 also excels at a third grip style (don’t know a name for it, Palm Reinforced?). With index finger on the jimping of the spine (file work), pinky just inside finger ring, middle finger at trailing edge of finger choil, you have a very controlled grip for fine detail work. This grip gives this knife added versatility, and would perform well for bird & trout, boning, or detailed carving/bush craft. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> The Blade: the drop, long primary grind/width of blade/grind termination, strong point, thickness of spine, all come together to promote excellent slicing/penetration mechanics. Again, this knife is well tweaked. I prefer their stone washed finish, like on the TOPS Lioness, to the black traction coating on C.U.T. 4.0 (stone washed = < friction), but, not a deal breaker. >>>>>>>>>>>>> The Sheath: nice sheath. I like TOPS swiveling sheaths much better, but if you’re a cross draw, or Karambit grip guy, you will like this sheath. I may put a large Tek-Lok on it (available at Knife Center.com). >>>>>>>>>>>> You could spend much more on a mid-size, tactical fixed blade, but I doubt you will find a better one than, TOPS C.U.T. 4.0.

Doug
, Briones trail, Lafayette CA, Bay Area

Feb 02, 2022

Pros: Blade Sharpness, Weight, Overall Quality, Materials, Handle Material

Cons: None

Perfect all around

This Knife is excellent, shave sharp out of the package, fits perfectly in hand, death grip secure. Fits snug in sheath, no wiggle, and draws with the right amount of resistance. I can press my thumb against the sheath and draw the knife with the pull of my hand/fingers. I chose this knife as a self defense measure for when I’m off hiking in the hills. We have cougars where I’m at, though it’s rare to ever see them. If this knife had to find an underbelly and penetrate with ease I’m confident it will do its job. Great looking, great feeling tactical knife. Couldn’t be more pleased. Hope I never have to use it. Wish me luck

Jay
Kansas

Nov 29, 2016

Pros: Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Sheath/Scabbard, Materials, Finish, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

Perfectly Executed

The one knife to do it all......Tops Cut 4.0. EDC, survival, defense. Perfect length, great ergonomics and excellent scout mount sheath! When I do not want to belt mount the Cut it drops right in my front pocket. The loop barely sticks out and does not appear to be a knife. It is quickly accessed and handy. Literally the biggest fixed blade I can realistically carry everyday and not gather dust in my dresser drawer. The Slight curve of the handle shortens the overall length and provides a death grip with a deep choil for finger protection. The blade is very thick, but tapers to a sharp fine edge and is very usable unlike other overbuilt fixed blades on the market. I am thrilled. I hope Tops continues to make this model. I was not paid to write this, but i have wasted money on alot of other fixed blades. BUY IT! you won't regret it.

Christian
Hattingen, Other

Jun 08, 2016

Pros: Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Sheath/Scabbard, Materials, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

Solid field tool

This knife is as robust as a knife can get. Its not a lightweight, but handles pretty well. Ring gives good grip but grip is also good with no finger through the ring, so knife can be drawn very quick. The edge is extremely sharp, as I expected from 1095 steel. Carbon Steel is the only steel I want in my knifes, because Stainless can never really compare to a good tool steel in my experience. Add the superb TOPS heat treatment to this and you get a knife with a rather thick and solid blade, that can still slice tomatoes thin like a chefs knife! Sheath is also top notch, very solid retention. The only drawback I found is that this knife can only be comfortably hold in reverse grip with the edge facing away from you, but thats not a big deal and had to be expected from the geometry.

Blag
Kansas

Jul 29, 2017

Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Sheath/Scabbard, Materials, Finish, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

What I Thought

F*****G everyday beast! TOPS keeps satisfying me. I own over 2 dozen premium blades and these guys keep making my decision easy. I'm just a normal single father who likes to be prepared for life and TOPS has never let me down. Good job my friends. Good job.

Fc
Southern Arizona

Feb 05, 2024

Pros: Blade Material, Blade Sharpness, Finish, Handle Material, Materials, Overall Quality, Sheath/Scabbard, Weight

Cons: None

Excellent Knife

This is an excellent knife for hiking in the mountains. I will definitely take it with me when I go hiking in the southern mountains of Arizona, and when passing through the urban jungle at night. The dangerous animals come out after dark. Some are vicious. This knife is very powerful, sharp and well made. A little heavy but it’s made for real world conditions. This knife will keep you alive in a jam and won’t fail on you. An excellent choice.

Mike L.
VT

Aug 29, 2022

Pros: None

Cons: None

Great knife out of the box

Very balanced knife, the feel is a bit tight as I have larger hands, but not unmanageable by any means. Day 2 out of the box I noticed blade rust, day 3 worse. I'm in fear that if I go a day without CLP it may develop small pits. There is no option to show pictures. However if your an actual blade fan, edge quality is everything