Tops Knives ALRT Knife Review

Let’s Dive into Tops Knives ALRT Knife

The Tops Knives ALRT Knife, short for Anywhere Last Resort Tool, is a compact, skeletonized fixed-blade knife designed for situations where a reliable cutting tool is essential. Manufactured by TOPS Knives, a company known for its robust and practical designs, the ALRT aims to be a discreet and easily accessible backup. Its small size and versatile carry options make it an interesting contender in the world of everyday carry (EDC) and survival knives.

I was drawn to the Tops Knives ALRT Knife because I was looking for a lightweight, easily concealable knife that I could carry as a backup to my primary blade. I wanted something that wouldn’t add significant weight or bulk to my gear, but would still be capable of handling basic cutting tasks in a survival or emergency situation. I also wanted a knife that could be worn around my neck and easily accessible in a tactical scenario.

Upon unboxing the Tops Knives ALRT Knife, my initial impression was one of solid construction. The skeletonized design keeps the weight down, while the 1095 high carbon steel felt substantial in hand. The black traction coating gave it a subdued, tactical appearance and seemed to provide a good grip. The Kydex sheath also felt well-made and secure.

I considered a few similar knives before settling on the Tops Knives ALRT Knife. The ESEE Izula II was a strong contender, but its slightly larger size and handle scales made it a bit less concealable for my needs. The Benchmade Hidden Canyon Hunter was another option, but its higher price point and focus on hunting applications made the ALRT more appealing for my intended use as a general-purpose backup.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The Tops Knives ALRT Knife seemed well-suited for my needs, but I was eager to put it through its paces to see how it performed in real-world situations. The size of the handle was my only concern.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Tops Knives ALRT Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Tops Knives ALRT Knife during a weekend camping trip in the Appalachian Mountains. I used it for various tasks, including food preparation, cutting rope, and feathering sticks for fire starting. The compact size made it easy to maneuver, and the blade proved to be surprisingly capable for its size.

The weather was damp and cold, but the black traction coating on the handle provided a secure grip even when wet. I found the skeletonized handle a little uncomfortable for extended use without gloves. It took a little getting used to the small size and skeletonized handle, but overall, the Tops Knives ALRT Knife performed well in these conditions.

I didn’t experience any major issues during my first outing. However, I did notice that the blade required frequent sharpening, especially after cutting through tougher materials.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Tops Knives ALRT Knife has held up remarkably well. The 1095 high carbon steel has proven to be durable and resistant to chipping, though it does require regular oiling to prevent rust, especially in humid environments. The black traction coating has shown some wear and tear, particularly around the edges of the handle.

Despite the cosmetic wear, the knife remains structurally sound and reliable. Maintaining the Tops Knives ALRT Knife is relatively easy. A quick cleaning with soap and water followed by a light coat of oil after each use is usually sufficient to keep it in good condition.

Compared to other small fixed-blade knives I’ve used, the Tops Knives ALRT Knife performs admirably. It’s not as comfortable for extended use as knives with full-sized handles, but its compact size and ease of carry make it a valuable addition to my gear. For its intended role as a backup blade, it has more than exceeded my expectations.

Breaking Down the Features of Tops Knives ALRT Knife

Specifications

• The Tops Knives ALRT Knife has a blade length of 2.63 inches. This compact size makes it easy to conceal and carry.
• The blade is made of 1095 high carbon steel, which is known for its toughness and ability to hold an edge. However, it is prone to rust if not properly maintained.
• The overall length of the knife is 5.38 inches. This small profile contributes to its discreet carry.
• The knife is designed as a pocket knife in the fixed blade category. Meaning it can be carried as a pocket knife, in a boot or around your neck.
• The ALRT comes with a Kydex Sheath for secure and versatile carry options. This includes carabiner clip and beaded neck chain.
• The handle is skeletonized with a black traction coating. The skeletonized design reduces weight, while the coating provides a secure grip.
• The knife comes with a lanyard. This provides an extra point of control.

These specifications are important because they dictate the Tops Knives ALRT Knife’s intended use and performance characteristics. The small size makes it ideal for discreet carry, while the 1095 steel provides a good balance of toughness and edge retention. The skeletonized handle keeps the weight down, but may sacrifice some comfort for extended use.

Performance & Functionality

The Tops Knives ALRT Knife performs its intended job as a backup cutting tool very well. The blade is sharp and capable of handling a variety of tasks.

Its strengths lie in its compact size, ease of carry, and solid construction. The skeletonized handle, while lightweight, can become uncomfortable during extended use. The ALRT meets expectations as a reliable, easily concealable backup knife.

Design & Ergonomics

The Tops Knives ALRT Knife boasts a simple, functional design. The skeletonized handle contributes to its light weight but lacks the comfort of a full handle.

The knife is relatively user-friendly, requiring minimal learning curve. However, some users may find the skeletonized handle less comfortable than a more traditional design.

Durability & Maintenance

The Tops Knives ALRT Knife, with its 1095 high carbon steel blade, is built to last. Regular oiling is essential to prevent rust, especially in humid conditions.

The knife is easy to maintain and repair. Sharpening the blade is straightforward, and the Kydex sheath is durable and requires little maintenance.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Tops Knives ALRT Knife comes with a Kydex sheath, carabiner clip, lanyard and beaded neck chain. These provide various carry options.

Aftermarket accessories are limited due to the skeletonized design, but custom Kydex sheaths can be found. There are not many options for customizing the knife other than sheath replacement.

Pros and Cons of Tops Knives ALRT Knife

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Who Should Buy Tops Knives ALRT Knife?

The Tops Knives ALRT Knife is perfect for individuals seeking a lightweight and easily concealable backup knife. This includes survivalists, preppers, and anyone who values having a reliable cutting tool readily available. It’s also a great option for those who appreciate a minimalist design and robust construction.

This product might not be ideal for those who require a comfortable, full-sized handle for extended use. Also, those who prefer stainless steel blades with minimal maintenance might want to explore other options.

A must-have accessory for the Tops Knives ALRT Knife is a quality knife sharpener to maintain the blade’s edge. Additionally, a small bottle of oil for rust prevention is essential, especially in humid climates.

Conclusion on Tops Knives ALRT Knife

The Tops Knives ALRT Knife is a well-designed and executed backup knife that excels in its intended role. It offers a great balance of compactness, durability, and ease of carry.

The price of $109.99 is justified given the quality of materials and construction. However, potential buyers should consider the limitations of the skeletonized handle and the need for regular maintenance of the 1095 steel.

I would personally recommend the Tops Knives ALRT Knife to anyone looking for a reliable and discreet backup cutting tool. Its small size and versatile carry options make it a valuable addition to any EDC or survival kit. If you value preparedness and appreciate a minimalist design, the Tops Knives ALRT Knife is definitely worth considering. Add this to your cart today!