Tops Knives Felony Stop 7.25″ Fixed Blade Knife Review

Let’s Dive into Tops Knives Felony Stop 7.25″ Fixed Blade Knife

The Tops Knives Felony Stop 7.25″ Fixed Blade Knife is a serious tool from a company known for its rugged, no-nonsense designs. Tops Knives has built a reputation on crafting knives that can withstand extreme conditions, and the Felony Stop appears to be no exception, with its 1095 high carbon steel and full tang construction. This knife promises a balance of concealability and utility, designed for those who need a reliable cutting tool for everyday carry or tactical applications.

I was looking for a robust, easily concealable fixed blade knife that I could rely on for both utility tasks and self-defense. I wanted something more substantial than a small pocket knife, but not so large that it would be cumbersome to carry daily.

Unboxing the Felony Stop, the first thing that struck me was its solid feel and the aggressive profile of the spear point blade. The gray micarta handles provide a secure grip, and the Kydex sheath seems well-made and functional. The build quality is immediately apparent, inspiring confidence.

I considered the ESEE 4 and the Benchmade Hidden Canyon Hunter before ultimately choosing the Felony Stop. The ESEE 4 felt too large for concealed carry, while the Hidden Canyon Hunter, though excellent, seemed more geared towards hunting than general utility or tactical use. The Tops Knives Felony Stop 7.25″ Fixed Blade Knife seemed to offer a better balance.

My first impression was positive, though a bit cautious. I was excited by the potential of a sturdy, concealable fixed blade, but I was slightly concerned about the 1095 steel’s susceptibility to rust if not properly maintained.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Tops Knives Felony Stop 7.25″ Fixed Blade Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing involved a week-long backcountry camping trip in the Appalachian Mountains. I used the Tops Knives Felony Stop 7.25″ Fixed Blade Knife for various tasks, including processing firewood, preparing meals, and creating improvised shelters.

The knife performed admirably in both wet and dry conditions, maintaining a secure grip even when my hands were damp. The spear point blade proved versatile for both piercing and slicing tasks, and the overall balance of the knife made it comfortable to use for extended periods. I found the Kydex sheath provided secure retention and allowed for quick and easy deployment of the knife.

I did not experience any significant issues during my first use, although I noticed the edge began to dull slightly after heavy use processing firewood.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Tops Knives Felony Stop 7.25″ Fixed Blade Knife has held up remarkably well. The blade shows some minor scratches and wear marks, but there are no signs of significant damage or corrosion.

The micarta handles remain grippy and comfortable, even after prolonged use in demanding conditions. I have been diligent about cleaning and oiling the blade after each use to prevent rust, which is essential for 1095 steel. Compared to other knives I’ve used with similar steel, the Tops Knives Felony Stop 7.25″ Fixed Blade Knife seems to hold its edge well with proper maintenance.

Maintaining the knife is straightforward. I simply clean the blade with warm, soapy water, dry it thoroughly, and apply a thin coat of oil.

Breaking Down the Features of Tops Knives Felony Stop 7.25″ Fixed Blade Knife

Specifications

• Overall Length: 7.25 inches. This provides a good balance between a useful blade length and overall concealability.
• Blade Length: 3.5 inches. A useful length for a variety of tasks while remaining compact.
• Blade Material: 1095 High Carbon Steel. Known for its toughness and ability to take a sharp edge, but requires regular maintenance to prevent rust.
• Blade Finish: Tactical Gray. Offers some corrosion resistance and a non-reflective surface.
• Handle Material: Gray Micarta. Provides a secure and comfortable grip, even in wet conditions.
• Sheath Material: Black Kydex. Durable and provides excellent retention, with a metal clip for secure carry.
• Full Tang Construction. Provides superior strength and durability.
• Weight: 5.4 oz. Lightweight enough for comfortable carry.
• Thickness: 0.19 inches. Provides a strong and robust blade.

These specifications matter because they directly affect the knife’s performance and usability. The 1095 steel provides excellent cutting ability, while the micarta handle and Kydex sheath ensure a secure grip and carry. The full tang construction adds significant strength, essential for a knife intended for hard use.

Performance & Functionality

The Tops Knives Felony Stop 7.25″ Fixed Blade Knife excels at a variety of tasks, from everyday utility to more demanding cutting chores. Its spear point blade is well-suited for piercing and slicing, and the full tang construction provides the strength needed for heavy-duty applications.

The knife’s strengths lie in its robust construction, comfortable grip, and versatile blade. One weakness is the susceptibility of the 1095 steel to rust if not properly maintained. The Tops Knives Felony Stop 7.25″ Fixed Blade Knife largely meets expectations as a reliable and capable fixed blade knife.

Design & Ergonomics

The Tops Knives Felony Stop 7.25″ Fixed Blade Knife features a simple, functional design with a focus on ergonomics and usability. The micarta handles are well-shaped and provide a secure grip, even with wet or gloved hands.

The knife is user-friendly, with no real learning curve. Its intuitive design makes it easy to deploy and use effectively.

Durability & Maintenance

The Tops Knives Felony Stop 7.25″ Fixed Blade Knife is built to last, with its full tang construction and durable materials. With proper care and maintenance, it should provide years of reliable service.

Maintaining the knife is relatively easy, requiring only regular cleaning and oiling to prevent rust.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Tops Knives Felony Stop 7.25″ Fixed Blade Knife comes with a molded black Kydex sheath with a metal clip. There are aftermarket options for belt clips and carry systems compatible with the Kydex sheath.

While the knife itself has limited customization options, the Kydex sheath can be modified or replaced with aftermarket versions to suit different carry preferences.

Pros and Cons of Tops Knives Felony Stop 7.25″ Fixed Blade Knife

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Who Should Buy Tops Knives Felony Stop 7.25″ Fixed Blade Knife?

The Tops Knives Felony Stop 7.25″ Fixed Blade Knife is perfect for individuals who need a reliable and easily concealable fixed blade for everyday carry, self-defense, or outdoor tasks. This includes law enforcement personnel, security professionals, survivalists, and serious outdoorsmen.

This knife may not be ideal for those who prefer stainless steel blades with minimal maintenance or those who require a larger knife for heavy-duty chopping tasks.

A sharpening stone and quality blade oil are must-have accessories for maintaining the Tops Knives Felony Stop 7.25″ Fixed Blade Knife.

Conclusion on Tops Knives Felony Stop 7.25″ Fixed Blade Knife

The Tops Knives Felony Stop 7.25″ Fixed Blade Knife is a well-built and highly functional tool that offers a great balance of concealability, durability, and cutting performance. While the 1095 steel requires diligent maintenance, its superior edge retention and toughness make it a worthwhile trade-off for many users.

The price is justified by the quality of materials and construction, as well as the knife’s overall performance. I would personally recommend the Tops Knives Felony Stop 7.25″ Fixed Blade Knife to anyone looking for a dependable and versatile fixed blade for everyday carry or tactical use.

If you’re seeking a rugged, no-nonsense knife that can handle a variety of tasks with ease, the Tops Knives Felony Stop 7.25″ Fixed Blade Knife is definitely worth considering. Add it to your cart today and experience the TOPS Knives difference.