Great defense knife - Tops Knives Wild Pig Hunter Knife

This is a hugely popular knife that is immensely well crafted and built. But still, the blade is only 1095 steel which, while good, isn't exactly a super steel, and the shape (good for stabbing) isn't a great knife for slashing. In other words, it's a good self defense knife and is wonderfully designed for that purpose, but for utility it's also overpriced. For that price it's only sharpened on one side, which, for a pig sticker is unusual. (The Cold Steel OSS is designed for the same thing, is double bladed and sharpened on both sides.) The TOPS WILD PIG HUNTER is a beautiful knife with a beautiful leather sheath (which I wish was black).

It comes sharp and the biggest changes I'd make in it are: 1) that I'd make it double edged, not single edged; 2) I'd give it more of a broad cutting edge up front; 3) and I'd upgrade the steel to a good grade of stainless steel or, 4) I'd lower the price. The 1085 is carbon steel and it's tougher than 1095, but the edge retention of 1095 is better. If you're going to be beating up on the blade, go with 1085; however, for the price of this pig sticker ($169 as of 11/2020), most people are going to be cutting with it. Thus the price could be lowered and the steel improved, bringing the price down to about $145 with 1095 (carbon) or AUS10 (stainless). Me, I'd go with the latter.