Tops Knives El Chete

Stating what should be obvious, this should not be used as a machete. I've been using this for hours at a time clearing mesquite off of my property. Loppers and saw cut down thick branches. The chopper (El Chete) is used to chop up the wood into finer pieces to feed my chipper. When used against a 4X4 piece of pressure treated lumber, this knife exhibits excellent control and a very comfortable grip. Delicate point cuts make quick work of mesquite branches up to one inch in diameter. Larger pieces require a snap cut which can shear a three inch branch in one cut. The balance of this blade is well forward of the grip, and its weight reduces fatigue. The grip is perfect for my large hand, whether chopping against the 4X4 chopping block or trimming branches from the tree. At no time have I felt any loss of control of the blade, nor have I felt the knife would fly out of my hand. This blade comes sharp with a semi-durable coating on the 1095 steel. The coating on mine is already well worn after over 60 hours of use. After use, I clean the blade, dry it thoroughly, and give it a light coat of oil before touching up the edge, which usually requires only a light strop. This is an excellent tool and well worth the money. I purchased the hanger sheath. Due to the weight of this tool, I fashioned a baldric from an old rifle sling and it carries very well.

Fit and finish on this beast are top notch. Tops has hit it out of the park with this chopper. Put in my bk 9 and my bk 16 for size comparison. This is one big hunk of 1095 I'll tell ya. Came hair shaving sharp. Ergos on scales are great really comfortable no hot spots as of yet. And from what I hear there shouldn't be any. The choil is very comfortable and necessary in my opinion. As this beast is on the heavy side at 2 pounds and the choil really helps you get a good solid grip. The sheath is VERY very good. I'll tell ya with 2 full pounds of Good 1095 great ergos and an Outstanding sheath for around $200 it's a great deal. Don't pass the El Chete up boys and girls this beautiful chopper is a MUST have. Your wont regret it.

Yeah, like the other reviews, this knife is a beast. Heavy, durable and sharp. A perfect camping knife. After I used it to chop kindling, I sharpened it, cleaned it, and used it to carve the roast we had in the smoker. My wife asked, "You're going to use that to carve"? Yes, I did and it worked quite well for the task at hand. Worth every single penny.

Another TOPS masterpiece. Its a big heavy chopper that feels good in the hand and grip That locks in making it easy to control this heavy blade. The dangler Sheath Works as intended.

This replaces a hatchet and large knife, and a machete. This is very sharp! The finger grove gives good control for more delicate carving. Well suited as a drawknife.

I wish I could give zero stars! As a former Marine I happen to know a little about edged weapons! I like everything about the El Chete except: 1) the finish coat (acid rain) has dirt flakes everywhere in it, so the finish will be chipping off all over the place! Crap QA! 2) the handle is 1/2" - 3/4" too short to choke down for more power! Bottom of hand rubs the lanyard hole point! Crap Design! I can get just about anything from Condor for less than 1/2 the price and will fit properly in the hand and blade finish that looks like a professional did it.

Excellent chopper! And after a lot of chopping through juniper, pine, an fir, it was still shaving sharp. Best chopper I've used. Very comfortable in the hand.

I think the knife is cool but I didnt get a leather hanger for it and the sheath broke the first time i put it on, the nut came off and its almost impossible to put back together, looking closer is this a counterfeit? The description says El Chester I think I got ripped off.