Last update on September 28, 2023 // Source: Amazon API
Fixed Blade Survival Knife Product Details:
Tops Smoke Jumper
11 5/8″ overall. 6 1/2″ 1095 high carbon steel blade with black traction coating. Full tang. Black linen micarta handles. Black Kydex belt clip sheath.
Fixed Blade Survival Knife Product Features:
Crafted from the highest quality materials
Built for performance and durability
Made in United States
About Survival Knives
Survival knives are created for tough circumstances when your existence depends upon them. They are hard use tools and can be put to work for cutting, pulling objects apart, carving, self-defense, and lots of other tasks. The Tops Smoke Jumper can possibly function as a survival knife depending on the situation.
Components of a Knife
The key parts of the survival knife are the blade, hilt, handle, tang, and pommel or butt. These fundamental pieces can be additionally broken down. The blade consists of the tip or point, edge, spine or back, and bevels. The hilt is the handguard positioned in between the blade and the grip area. The handle consists of the scales (the grippy sides of the handle) and installing hardware. The tang is the piece of metal that runs the complete length of the knife from pommel to point. Finally, the pommel or butt is at the back of the knife (end facing the cutter when held typically in hand).
Fixed Blade VS Folding Survival Knives
There are several different kinds of knives including fixed blades and folding knives. Fixed blades are typically better for large cutting jobs. The strength of the blade helps the cutter control the knife edge more effectively, and the blade typically holds up better over the long term. Common fixed blade knife types include full-length hunting knives, survival knives, fighting knives, and sushi knives. Folding knives are more compact than fixed blade knives and easily kept in a pocket for every-day-carry (EDC). The technique of how the blade folds into the handle makes it a practical alternative for smaller blades. Some folding knives have lockouts that assist keep the blade in position when unfolded. This simulates a fixed blade while keeping the benefits of a folder. Lockouts are mechanical and can fail if extreme pressure is applied to the folding knife blade.
Tops Knife Blade Care and Upkeep
Tops knives need to be cared for and kept appropriately to optimize their useful life as a cutting tool. Blade maintenance consists of periodically sharpening the edge with a diamond, grinder, or whetstone sharpener and rubbing the blade down with a light coat of oil.
Knife Laws and Bladed Weapon Carry Regulations
Lots of states, regions, and areas have guidelines about possessing knives and bladed weapons. Some of these weapon associated laws might apply to the Tops Smoke Jumper. The laws depend on things like the kind of knife, how the knife is carried, the blade length, and the areas where the knife is carried. There are a few basic guidelines you can follow when carrying a blade.
Take care possessing knives concealed given that this classifies the knife as a concealed carry weapon (CCW). Some states have standards limiting specific things like blade lengths over 3 inches. For fixed blade knives, carry them on your belt when you are working outside, backpacking, hiking, or out adventuring in the outdoors.
For folding blade knives, again be careful of possessing folding blade lengths over 3 inches hidden. If your region or state requires it, look into getting a CCW license. Knives which use assisted opening capabilities or automatic opening knives are typically restricted.
Be careful possessing knives in places around federal government structures, educational institutions, and public gatherings. Most special occasions like sporting events, county fairs, and concerts do not allow knives of any kind and security will take them upon entry.
Frequently Asked Knife Questions:
Question: Is the Tops brand a good quality knife brand?
Answer: Yes, the Tops brand makes decent quality knives and blades which are good for most cutting jobs.
Question: How should I take care of my Tops knife?
Answer: Tops knives should be honed after use, oiled frequently, and kept in good working order.
Question: Can the Tops Smoke Jumper be used as a survival knife?
Answer: Survivalism is an use case for knives and cutting instruments. The Tops Smoke Jumper can potentially be used for survival situations along with numerous other cutting jobs.
Question: How should I sharpen the Tops Smoke Jumper blade?
Answer: Using a whetstone is one of the best traditional ways to hone the blade on your Tops Smoke Jumper. Other methods like using an auto sharpener will also work to keep the cutting edge sharp and refined.
Question: Is the Tops Smoke Jumper legal in my state?
Answer: It depends, check your local blade length laws for your state. The length of the Tops Smoke Jumper blade may be legal depending upon how it is carried and where you live.
Question: Can I carry this knife as a CCW?
Answer: Examine your state for edged weapon concealed carry laws (CCW). You may need an authorization to carry the knife or the knife’s blade may have to be under a certain blade length like under 3.5 inches.