TOPS Ontario XL Hunter

For hunters, campers, and outdoorsmen who rely on a knife for food prep and field work, an overly delicate blade or high-maintenance handle can become a liability. The TOPS Ontario XL Hunter is our modern reimagining of the legendary Old Hickory XL Hunter, built to preserve the slicy performance and familiar feel of the original while addressing its limitations through stronger blade stock, modern materials, and refined fit and finish. It is a purpose-built hunting and camp knife designed to feel instantly familiar while delivering greater confidence and durability in real-world use.

Its performance comes from these key design elements:

• Strengthened 1095 Carbon Steel Blade Maintains Slicing Performance While Adding Confidence: By slightly increasing the blade thickness over the historic Old Hickory versions, we deliver improved strength without sacrificing the light weight and cutting efficiency that made the XL Hunter profile legendary for food prep and field dressing.
• Cerakote Blade Finish Improves Corrosion Resistance for Field Use: Available in Midnight Bronze and Sniper Grey, the Cerakote finish offers greater rust resistance than traditional satin or polished blades while retaining a slick surface that performs exceptionally well during food preparation and processing game.
• Micarta Handle Construction Enhances Grip and Long-Term Durability: By replacing traditional wood with heavy canvas Micarta, we provide a secure grip even when wet, eliminate swelling or warping, and ensure a precise fit to the tang over years of use in changing outdoor conditions.
• Time-Tested XL Hunter Geometry Preserves Proven Cutting Efficiency: We intentionally retained the iconic blade shape where it matters most, delivering excellent control for hunting tasks, camp cooking, and general outdoor work with a design that has proven itself for over a century.
• Deep-Carry Leather Sheath Supports Comfortable All-Day Carry: We paired the knife with a leather sheath designed for secure, deep belt carry, keeping it accessible and stable during long days in the field, around camp, or at the grill.

The Ontario XL Hunter represents a century-old working design refined for modern expectations. First introduced in the 1920s, the original Old Hickory XL Hunter earned its reputation through generations of real use. At TOPS Knives, we preserved that instantly recognizable profile while strengthening the blade, upgrading materials, and refining ergonomics to meet today’s demands. The result is a knife that honors its heritage while offering improved durability, comfort, and lower maintenance for modern hunters and outdoorsmen.

Please Note: 1095 carbon steel requires basic care. Clean and lightly oil the blade after use, especially in wet or humid conditions. Cerakote improves rust resistance but does not make the blade stainless. The leather sheath should be kept dry to maintain its longevity.