Reviews and Ratings for TOPS Knives El Pionero Fixed Blade 3.38" 1095 Stonewashed Trailing Point Blade, Tan Canvas Micarta Handles, Kydex Sheath - ELPO-01
TOPS Knives El Pionero Fixed Blade 3.38" 1095 Stonewashed Trailing Point Blade, Tan Canvas Micarta Handles, Kydex Sheathrated 4 stars out of 5 (5 reviews)
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TOPS Knives El Pionero Fixed Blade 3.38 inch 1095 Stonewashed Trailing Point Blade, Tan Canvas Micarta Handles, Kydex Sheath

 

Price: $167.95

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Customer Reviews

TOPS Knives El Pionero Fixed Blade 3.38" 1095 Stonewashed Trailing Point Blade, Tan Canvas Micarta Handles, Kydex Sheath
rated 5 stars out of 5
Arthur
 South Ogden, Ut
Jul 01, 2025
Pros: Blade Material, Blade Sharpness, Finish, Handle Material, Materials, Overall Quality, Sheath/Scabbard, Weight
Cons: None

Tops elpionero

I like the detent in the pointing out the blade location. I take this knife with me camping. I'm enjoying my purchase.
TOPS Knives El Pionero Fixed Blade 3.38" 1095 Stonewashed Trailing Point Blade, Tan Canvas Micarta Handles, Kydex Sheath
rated 5 stars out of 5
Mars
 OH
Sep 22, 2023
Pros: Blade Material, Blade Sharpness, Finish, Handle Material, Materials, Overall Quality, Sheath/Scabbard, Weight
Cons: None

Definately a Ed Calderon Knife

Merging the style and shape of a paring knife with the characteristics of a carry EDC knife, the El Pionero carries on the legacy of Ed Calderon. This is a new carry in my EDC rotation for gym and work. Mine came razor sharp, with a tight fit in the Kydex sheath. Gorgeous stone finish on the blade with a thicker rounder micarta handle. The handle feels thicker but IMO for the purpose of a better grip. Keep in mind it's heavier than your standard paring knife and the balance of the knife is around the middle of the handle. The handle does have an iconic finger notch at the end and is meant for you to know where the edge is when deployed. Honestly, It isn't a survival knife or an all-tactical purpose knife and if that's more of your concern for this price point, you might want something else. It really is an expensive EDC paring knife but extends its uses from food to defensive applications. If that's something of interest, you might consider adding this knife to your collection.
TOPS Knives El Pionero Fixed Blade 3.38" 1095 Stonewashed Trailing Point Blade, Tan Canvas Micarta Handles, Kydex Sheath
rated 5 stars out of 5
Dau
 Houston, Tx
Aug 05, 2023
Pros: Blade Material, Blade Sharpness, Finish, Handle Material, Materials, Overall Quality, Sheath/Scabbard, Weight
Cons: None

Fighter and useful knife camoed as a paring knife

I love this knife for fit finish, blade shape, look, feel, etc. I have the Dicer 3 and use that as an EDC. Though marketed as a paring knife, it is really an EDC or tactical knife posing as a paring knife. Still does that job well, but this little guy is even better for carry, especially in the pocket. It is slim and you forget you are carrying it in a pocket. It is slim, unintrusive, yet VERY capable. To carry inside the pocket, you do need to change the side the clip is on (for right handers), or, as I did, get an UltiClip. The provided metal clip is awesome, just a bit longer on the outside of the pocket and the J-hook has more room to slip and slide around. I would have kept the provided clip on the sheath if I was going to carry attached to Molle or belt instead of pocket. The micarta, especially the art work is darker than pictures would leave you to believe, but I actually like that. Only gripe is that the handle is a bit short for XL hands for tactical use. My hand literally touches the back of the blade when in the designed for, perscribed reverse grip, and if on a hard strike my hand slides down at all, I will get cut.
TOPS Knives El Pionero Fixed Blade 3.38" 1095 Stonewashed Trailing Point Blade, Tan Canvas Micarta Handles, Kydex Sheath
rated 3 stars out of 5
Noid
 The dark north beyond the great wall.
Jun 01, 2024
Pros: Blade Material, Blade Sharpness, Finish, Handle Material, Materials, Overall Quality, Sheath/Scabbard, Weight
Cons: None

Don't do it.. unless you have money to waste.

This knife while nice.. interesting etc etc.. is just a paring knife.. you can get the same thing with good Japanese or German steel for a quarter to a third the price and its just as good just doesn't have the same company name attached
TOPS Knives El Pionero Fixed Blade 3.38" 1095 Stonewashed Trailing Point Blade, Tan Canvas Micarta Handles, Kydex Sheath
rated 2 stars out of 5
Cutting Dude
 Southern Cali
May 26, 2024
Pros: Blade Material, Blade Sharpness, Finish, Handle Material, Materials, Overall Quality, Sheath/Scabbard, Weight
Cons: None

hmmm... OK

So the knife itself is fine for what it is and designed to be. Expensive in my opinion for what you get. Great for followers of Ed Calderon. I must point out this knife is based on the idea of a simple kitchen knife ready available, cheap and easy to modify, conceal carry, and ditch after use.. if needed. The original concept Ed was conveying with his cheap Pioneer Woman pairing knife, seems to go out the window with this build. But hey why not, when you make it big make some money. Go Ed!