TOPS Tex Creek Hunter Knife (TEX-4)

The Tex Creek Hunter is a tribute to the men and women who hunt and fish in the Tex creek area in Southeast, Idaho.

The wildlife management area which includes 2 national forests, is home to an abundance of diverse wildlife and is accessible starting about 10 miles from the TOPS shop facility. Open range, high rugged mountains, waterways and large forests provide the hunter and fisherman a variety of diverse terrain to acquire: elk, bear, mountain lion, wolf, moose, pheasant, turkey, quail, rabbit, duck, goose, steelhead and salmon.

The fact that this Tex creek area is so close to TOPS headquarters, enables their designers and makers the ability to field test in their own backyard. Since many of their staff grew up in this setting, they have ample opportunity to evaluate the use of TOPS knives/tools under the most adverse conditions. The Tex Creek Hunter XL is a fine example of a high quality, good looking “working knife.”

The designer, Leo Espinoza, created a new look on this specific blade. At TOPS, they call it “Black River Wash”. The uncoated finish clearly shows the heat treat line along the blade edge. The darkened-steel pattern is unique on every blade. This creates that “broken in, rustic look” and feels just like an old pair of comfortable boots. The darkened Micarta scales are screwed onto the handle and a large cord holder is accentuated at the back of the handle. The handles are designed and built for a positive grip and for extended periods of use. A simple and usable design is reinforced by a sturdy 3/16” thick blade and full tang handle.