Evaluating the Sky Marshall & S.W.A.T. Spike
models from Tactical OPS USA
By Allan Garcia |
When it comes to combat fixed blade knives, Tactical OPS USA / TOPS KNIVES has been on top of the heap for some time in the Spec.-Ops. and tactical law enforcement communities. They are well known for their no nonsense,  super tough cutting tools and combat/ survival weapons. They have recently come out with several new models, and I was lucky enough to have been sent two of them for test and evaluation. The TOPS Sky Marshall is the first of the two we will look at. The knife is 9.5 inches long overall, it features full tang, 1/4 inch thick, 1095 high carbon alloy construction (Rc58). The blade is coated in a black traction coat. The handles are G-10 laminate slabs secured to either side of the tang. The cutting edge (measuring 4 1/8 inches) features three deep serrated cutting surfaces at its base which, combined with its razor sharp dual grind, tanto blade give it excellent cutting capabilities. The handle is configured to allow for a very secure grip. It has a large finger groove which doubles as a blade side hilt. I found that the purchase I could attain when gripping the knife in a standard "hammer" style grip was absolutely outstanding. Once you get this knife in your hand, it is for the most part, there to stay. The pommel of the knife is shaped in a beveled "skull crusher" type fashion, but it could also be used for expedient prying if necessary. It is delivered in combination black leather and Kydex belt sheath that is void of any retaining device but, is molded to the knife and provides excellent retention, and flash fast drawing capabilities.
There is no doubt this knife could do its job if used as a defensive weapon. I found it very nimble and easy to manipulate through standard edged weapon defensive drills. The overall thickness of the knife would negate any breakage or bending unless it is put to uses that would far exceed its intended capabilities. I was able to drive the knife through the tops of fifty five gallon drums with nothing more then cosmetic damage to the black blade coating. The blade showed no signs of bending whatsoever as I repeatedly slammed it through the drum and twisted and turned as I pulled it back out. This knife was obviously designed to be used for powerful, up close cutting and slashing. Its super rugged construction allows it to be used and abused in many different fashions. I liked this knife and could find no obvious flaws in its design. At fewer than 10 inches overall, it maintains excellent concealability characteristics and could be easily mounted on standard load bearing equipment. This is an excellent knife for the police officer or soldier that is looking for a super tough, dependable knife that is not overly large or cumbersome void of any lanyard holes, fancy cutting edges, or any other exotic 'bell or whistle', this knife is pragmatic genius. The Sky Marshall lists at a very reasonable $179.00.
TOPS SWAT Spike The second knife provided, and subsequently tested, was the SWAT Spike series of TOPS fixed blades. I was provided with the tanto point, straight edge version with micarta slab handles. The knives come in a variety of configurations and the specifications are as Follows; all of the models have roughly 5 inches of cutting surface. you can purchase a SWAT Spike with either micarta or wrapped paracord handle. All models are  full tang 3/16 thickness. The supplied sheath is an all Kydex model, with a rotating spring steel clip which allows for a multitude of carry options. The surfaces can either be supplied with the black traction coating or a camo finish if you desire. The blade can also be done with partial serrations if requested. One thing that is easily noticed when looking at the SWAT Spike is the pommel of the knife which is fashioned into a very practical pry bar. One of the main functions of a fixed blade knife carried by SWAT operators is not as a weapon. If you think about it for a moment, there is no shortage of weapons carried by SWAT team members. Subguns, shotguns, pistols, less lethal devices, chemical munitions, and the list goes on, and on. Besides using his fixed blade for obvious cutting chores, a SWAT operator mostly uses his knife as an expedient prying tool or puncturing device used in after action contraband searches, etc. This knife fills the role perfectly for a SWAT operator looking for a tough, sensible fixed blade that won't take up to much space on his person yet provides a myriad of uses. I was amazed at the hardiness of the 1095 high carbon alloy steel construction. I was able to pry and bend chain link  fence, hack through old doors on a shed, and plunge the knife through old car doors with relative ease. The knife showed no signs of failure during my testing and along with the Sky Marshall, stood up to a 2 hour salt water immersion without damage. The SWAT Spike is yours for $99 from TOPS and is an outstanding purchase for that low price.
If you are looking for extremely rugged, outstanding quality knives made in America. I would strongly recommend that you take a look at www.topsknives.com as I am sure you will find what you are looking for. As the TOPS motto states:
Special OPS Trust TOPS...Cause They're Hard To The Core!
|
| Allan Garcia has been a police officer in Middletown. RI. since 1988. Prior to that, he served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division. He has been assigned to both his department and regionalized SWAT teams since 1991 Officer Garcia is a state and local level law enforcement firearms instructor, as well as a field training officer &. C.P.R. /A.E.D. instructor. Officer Garcia has field experience in both patrol and tactical operations and is a graduate of numerous firearms and tactical schools to include offerings from Blackwater Training and Tony Blauer. He is a member of the NTOA, and IALEFI. |
