TOPS Knives Earth Skills Knife Matt Graham Short Machete Tan Micarta ESK-01

Outdoor adventurer Matt Graham’s second design with TOPS USA is the big brother to his popular Little Bugger, the Earth Skills Knife. It’s basically a short machete with a bit of a Barong feel to it. It’s meant to slice, tear through and chop away foliage for anything from shelter building to brush clearing. Matt wanted to keep this one thin and light for those long outdoor excursions.

Brand new, direct from TOPS Knives, USA. 

Blade: The long slicer features TOPS’ modified Scandi grind useful in so many ways outside that’s easy to sharpen in a pinch. A two-tone steel finish features primarily a heavy tumble across the flats for hiding wear over the Seasons, with a clean satin on the grinds. Its long belly comes to a piercing point, handy for working through trouble spots and even dinner. Classic 1095 carbon steel means the toughness you’ve come to know at 1/8″ thickness so that it’s easier to carry over long distances. 

Handle: All-weather Tan Canvas Micarta handle slabs were chosen by Matt because they get the job done no matter what, and are easy on the palms. You’ll welcome comfort for any extended cutting tasks. The shape of the handle also works for you with a middle swell, right where you want it, and a rounded pommel end protecting you from slippage and losing your grip. It’s there for you when the Elements are not. A single hollow pin allows for lanyard attachment furthering your grip.

Sheath: TOPS and Matt went old school here giving you a deep carry brown leather sheath based off some old Native American style sheaths. It’s meant to ride cross-draw, underneath the belt, towards the back side of the wearer. 

1095 High Carbon Steel: Highly popular, simple carbon steel. Used extensively by both production and custom knife makers. Low abrasive wear due to low carbide content but very tough and easy to sharpen. Not corrosion resistant and will rust without proper care. TOPS offers their 1095 with a differential heat treatment that optimized blade performance at the edge and durability at the spine.

About the Designer: Matt Graham, who is much more than just a “survivalist”. He is an athlete – ultra-marathons, triathlons, rock climbing, etc., a martial artist – several styles, and an expert in primitive weapons, hunting, and shelters. He has more “dirt time” than almost anyone else out there