» Besh/TOPS Knives G2G
By Vince on September 4, 2011
Just got this in a couple of days ago, Brent Beshara sent me one when I saw a blurb for it on FaceBook (of all places!) and emailed him about it.
Please keep in mind that Brent is a friend and will not just send a knife to anyone, so don’t ask him. Just buy one of his great knives, you won’t regret it.
Here are my thoughts:
The knife is heavier and thicker, ¼ inch of 440C steel, than I thought it would be and balances towards the butt. Its 10 inches overall with the blade being 4 and half of those inches and weighs an even 8 ounces.
The balance/weight issue is not a problem in fighting knife this size, as that makes the blade faster. It is also less likely to break. Of course the blade has to be a certain thickness to allow that fabulous Besh wedge to work and I have to say I like it!
I’ve never been a big fan of the chisel grinds on a knife, as I consider them tool grinds but for this fighting knife it works great! However be advised, chisel grind cuts do heal differently. I know; I have a scar to prove it, even with prompt stitching, they heal slower than conventional V ground blades. This blade is scary sharp!
This knife has a sub-hilt instead of a guard. The sub-hilt allows both fore hand and reverse grip (heaven & earth) to be used in power thrusts/stabs without the worry of the blade hitting something hard and running your hand down unto the blade. The rebated, finger groove, black G-10 scales help secure your grip too.
I’ve always been a big fan of thumb grooves, or jimping, on the spine of a blade without a guard just forward of the hilt/handle. When I was with Larry at Blade Art (Bladeart.com) I would always insist makers add that. It was surprising how many could not and would not.
I also like the fact that the butt protrudes enough (from my hand anyway) to be able to use it as a skull crusher, yet it’s short enough to be able to reverse it from forehand grip to reverse grip easily.
Even the sheath is pretty good, basic kydex with a non-removable belt clip, altho it can be adjusted for cant.The whole package, sheathed knife is slim enough to tuck behind your belt or IWB and set up for reverse grip draw (if you’re right handed).
In my opinion TOPS makes a good knife, usually a bit heavy for my tastes, but they make a solid, well made knife. They have done an excellent job of translating Brent’s design to reality.
I had some reservations on this knife initially as stated above, but I have to say I really like this knife! I’ve been carrying it for the last week and it’s pretty comfortable.
Frankly I think TOPS should do more to promote it, as it’s on page 18 of their catalog on the bottom of the page and does not even mention the Besh Wedge, which BTW gives you THREE cutting edges due to Brent’s ingenious design!
Specs on the G2G are:
Blade length: 4.5 inches
Overall length: 10 inches
.25 inches thick
Steel is 440C
Scales: G-10
Weighs: 8 oz.