The Armageddon from TOPS Knives is a true beast of a blade. If the Armageddon looks familiar to you, that’s because it probably is. Also, you clearly know your knives. We pulled this blade out of the annals of TOPS Knives’ history because it remains worthy and relevant unto the end of all things.
The TOPS Knives Armageddon
Skirting the line between a machete and a do-all camp knife, you get the best of both worlds. That is the premise of this oversized chopper. But does it stand up to real-world applications and intense use while in the field? That was the question, as I ventured into the woods with the Armageddon in hand and ready to work.
From its colossal length to its beefy Micarta handle, to its top-heavy, long cutting edge, this belt-carry companion either hit high marks when it came to quality and performance, or it faltered when I needed it most. Read on for the eye-opening results.
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Out-of-the-Box Impressions
Naturally, when my sample arrived, I was quick to open the shipping box and explore its contents. The actual box for the Armageddon was larger than I would have imagined, with a length of nearly eighteen inches.
But more surprising than its length was its weight. It had heft that was noticeably felt with my one-handed pickup. This was a great start to my review of this gargantuan blade. Too many times in the past, when I had the opportunity to review oversized knives, they exhibited the size but lacked a solid, substantial feel. The Armageddon had no such issue there.
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The knife came housed in its rich black nylon sheath. This sheath wasn’t a Plain Jane by any means. Instead, it featured twin hook-and-loop closures that snugly secured the knife, two adjustable buckles for gear attachment if desired, and a looped end at the lower end for tie-down capabilities. Cordage for tying the sheath’s tip around your thigh was also included, which was a very pleasant surprise.
Often, an included sheath is an afterthought with many knives. In addition, they are often poorly sewn or constructed cheaply and fail early in use. The Armageddon’s sheath offered tight stitches, along with thick nylon material. Likewise, the buckles appear to be able to withstand both time and repeated use.
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The Visuals of the Armageddon
Of course, the knife itself is the center of attention, and the Armageddon didn’t disappoint. Upon removal from the sheath, the unit was impressive to say the least. My large hand conformed perfectly to the contours of the handle, with no hanging pinkie or awkwardness in my grip. There was plenty of handle, and its girth allowed a solid hold.
The bottom of the handle featured a solid pommel with twin holes for attaching cordage or for hanging the entire assembly when not in use. The blade, made of 1095 steel, featured a distinct Kukri-like (forward-heavy) design with a ten-inch edge for cutting or hacking. Its rich black traction coating gave the blade a glare-free finish, which I prefer when choosing a primarily outdoor-use knife.
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The overall feel in my hand was well-balanced and highly controllable, both key assets for less user fatigue during long cutting sessions. The knife was aesthetically pleasing and spec-wise (below), hit all the essential marks.
Hardcore Precision: Surviving Armageddon
With a massive blade like this, it had to be put to the test as both an improvised machete and an all-around cutting tool for the backwoods. Lucky for me, there was no shortage of saplings, vines, or thick brush to feed this monster’s hunger.
The Armageddon’s forward-heavy design and thick, meaty handle worked in unison to hack through most saplings with one quick strike. Every swing had both control and precision on my intended impact point. This allowed me to chop through one- to two-inch saplings rapidly. Thicker limbs also fell with multiple strikes, somewhat similar to a camp hatchet’s performance.
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The Armageddon was a bit too large for small precision cutting. However, it did slice away strips of wood from a small log for tinder without any problems. Its belt-attached sheath came in very handy between uses. It allowed me to traverse dense woods without awkward handling or having the sheath get snagged on random branches or large fronds.
Clearing away a path through the densest foliage I could find was child’s play for this big boy blade. Vines and shrubs were easily severed in a series of back-and-forth swings, allowing mobility through the newly created opening.
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The knife had just enough length to perform a machete-style action. Likewise, with its added weight, nothing stood up to its unrelenting fury.
An Amazing Outdoor Companion
There are knives on the market today that are more fluff than substance. Then, there are ones that are true long-term companions. The Armageddon is, without a doubt, the latter. Which is the reason we decided to revisit this beast of TOPS Knives’ bladed history.
Confidence in a knife goes a long way to improve the wielder’s peace of mind. Just as a weak blade can give the user nothing but continued problems. Though the price may be a bit steep for some, it’s well worth the money. It’s far better to buy one quality knife that lasts for years or even decades than to continually replace inferior blades when they fail.
Remember, if you’re about to face Armageddon, then you need TOPS Knives Armageddon in your hand! There is a reason it is still kicking after all these years.
TOPS Knives Armageddon Specs
| Overall length | 16.50 inches |
| Blade length | 10.63 inches |
| Blade thickness | 0.250 inches |
| Blade steel | 1095 RC 56-58 |
| Handle material | Black Linen Micarta |
| Knife weight | 24.00 ounces |
| Sheath material | Black ballistic nylon |
| MSRP | $350.00 |
