There are a lot of innovative knife designs out today, often made with cutting-edge (see what I did there?) material. Sometimes the old ways just work, though. Although even those can occasionally use some updates. The latest collaboration between Ontario Knife Company and TOPS Knives is a great example of that concept. The TOPS Ontario XL Hunter blends traditional design with modern manufacturing and materials to give you that classic vibe while delivering improved performance.
Old Hickory Roots of the TOPS Ontario XL Hunter
The TOPS Ontario XL Hunter is a modern reimagining of the legendary Old Hickory Hunter. Ontario’s Old Hickory line consisted mainly of simple, kitchen knives with 1095 carbon steel blades and wooden slab handles. They were reasonably priced, solid knives that took a great edge and held up to heavy use. While designed for the kitchen, some, especially the butcher patterns, were quite similar to the old American trade knives of the 18th and 19th centuries.
In fact, many folks used their Old Hickory knives as hunting and camp knives over the years. I modded a 7-inch butcher to a 5-inch spearpoint and used it a good bit back in the day myself.
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That wasn’t lost on Ontario, and they made a couple of hunting versions themselves, including the Old Hickory Hunting Knife. That was a 5.5-inch blade knife with a clip-point blade and a decent leather sheath. They were a good knife, but a little on the thinner side. Great slicers and carvers, but not heavy camp knives.
The Blue Ridge Connection
When Ontario Knives went bankrupt and sold off its assets, it was a big blow to the industry. Ontario was an American icon that had provided knives to hunters, outdoorsmen, chefs, and military service members for well over a century. Many of us feared the name would be bought out and slapped on Chinese imports, as has happened with other companies in the past. Luckily, Blue Ridge Knives stepped in.
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In 2023, Blue Ridge bought the rights to Ontario’s name and catalog of designs. Unlike many other businesses, Blue Ridge began looking for American companies to partner with to bring Ontario’s knives back as US-made products.
The company started with military-contract knives and bayonets, like the Air Crew Survival Knives, M9, and OKC 3S bayonets. From there, they moved to bringing back the Old Hickory Kitchen line. When it came time to bring the Hunter back, they went a different route and teamed up with TOPS Knives.
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The TOPS Ontario XL Hunter
TOPS Knives is making the new knife for Ontario and will be sold by both companies and their dealers. It’s dubbed the XL Hunter. While it is about the same size as the original Hunter, it’s beefed up in a number of areas.
The knife measures 10.25 inches overall with a 5.5-inch blade and a full 5.5-inch cutting edge. It features 5/32 inch thick 1095 carbon steel blade, hardened to RC 56-58. That’s a slightly thicker blade stock than the old knives for added strength and toughness. I’m actually a big fan of that thickness for field knives; it offers good strength while maintaining slicing capabilities.
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Despite being a little thicker, it retains the iconic XL Hunter blade geometry that’s proven effective for hunting, food prep, and field dressing. A Midnight Bronze or Sniper Grey Cerakote finish improves corrosion resistance and provides a slick cutting surface.
The handle is made from red heavy canvas Micarta. Micarta provides a secure grip, even when wet. It also eliminates the swelling or warping common with traditional wood, as the Old Hickory had. TOPS adds a set of orange G10 liners, giving them a pop of color. In addition, the handle contours allow you to really grab and keep hold of the knife.
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In a nod to the modern bushcraft crowd, there’s even a bow drill divot on each handle scale. At least that’s what I assume it is. I actually haven’t seen it referenced in the TOPS video or any of the descriptions I’ve seen.
The XL Hunter weighs 9.0 ounces on its own, and 13.7 ounces with the included brown leather sheath. The sheath is solid and nicely made. It’s a deep carry style with a rear-mounted belt loop.
MSRP on the XL Hunter is $215.00.
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XL Hunter Fit and Finish
I’ve had the Ontario XL Hunter for a few months now. I didn’t have any camping trips planned, but I did get out on some day trips. Likewise, I worked with it in the backyard a good bit. We had some pretty good storms over the winter, and I had a lot of knocked-down branches and hunks of tree to play with.
I hacked, chopped, whittled, and batoned with the XL Hunter. After using it, I found that it has some similarities to the original thin Ontario design and some differences as well.
Comfort is the first thing I noticed. The wood slabs on the original Hunter XL are fine. However, the fit and finish are definitely better on the TOPS version. The scales and liners are flush with the tang. Nothing stands proud to cause hot spots or discomfort. Its handle is about the same thickness, but better contoured.
The original is perfectly functional, but the TOPS version is simply more comfortable. Something else that stands out is that the relatively simple, straight grip works really well in a variety of grips and holds. Being symmetrical, it doesn’t lock you into any one particular grip style.
Using the TOPS Ontario XL Hunter
The thicker blade on the new TOPS XL Hunter definitely shows when it comes to chopping and making snap cuts. Aside from improved durability, it provides more mass.
The original Hunter and the Old Hickory knives, on which it was based, are great slicers but not choppers. They lacked the mass, and the edges tended to be thin and could chip. The TOPS version adds just enough mass to make light chopping practical. Especially if you choke back on the handle and gain a little extra leverage on your swings.
TOPS also ensures that the XL is sturdy enough to baton with, if that’s your thing. I actually broke down a fair bit of kindling for my fire pit this way. The XL Hunter worked quite well for this. The blade is thick enough to be tough, but thin enough, with a grind profile that didn’t bind in the wood.
The Cerakote finish held up extremely well, too. I’ve had a lot of blade finishes wear off, or at least mar, when batoning. The TOPS finish cleaned up fine afterward with hardly any noticeable marks. I’m not always a fan of Cerakoted blades, but it looks like TOPS did this one right.
While the new XL Hunter is thicker than the old models, it’s still a capable slicer. It’s tougher and stronger than the Old Hickory-based Hunter, but it’ll still step up for kitchen duty. The Cerakote finish and micarta handles make clean up easy too. The same would hold true if you used it as a hunting knife and had to clean up afterward.
Tried and True for a Reason
The simple clip-point design of the Ontario Hunter XL is a tried-and-true design. It’s been around for a long time and for good reason.
It isn’t fancy, but it’s practical, and it works well for a variety of tasks from hunting to camp chores to kitchen prep. The 5.5-inch blade is in that sweet spot of being big enough to handle most knife chores. However, it’s not so big as to be cumbersome to carry. If you need something bigger, pick up a hatchet of machete.
It’s good to see Ontario Knife Company bringing back old classics and new designs. The collaboration with TOPS blends the best of both of those worlds. It’s a classic design, made with a modern twist. It’s the kind of outcome you get when two great American companies work together.
TOPS Ontario XL Hunter Specs
| Knife Type | Fixed Blade |
| Overall Length | 10.25 inches |
| Blade Length | 5.50 inches |
| Cutting Edge | 5.50 inches |
| Blade Thickness | 0.150 inch |
| Blade Steel | 1095 RC 56-58 |
| Handle Material | Red Heavy Canvas |
| Knife Weight | 9.0 ounces |
| Weight w/Sheath | 13.7 ounces |
| Sheath Included | Yes |
| Sheath Material | Brown Leather |
| Sheath Clip | Belt Loop |
| Designer | Ontario Knife Co. |
| MSRP | $215.00 |
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