Breaking News – Ucon, Idaho – TOPS has released the new TOPS Tracker Digger, a knife they’re calling a cross between a, “smatchet with a hori hori and the iconic Tom Brown Tracker.” The 10.5″ TOPS Tracker Digger is made of 1095 RC steel and looks a bit like you’ve joined two Tom Brown Trackers at the spine.
TOPS tells us, “From harvesting wild edibles in the forest, to making fire pits, to digging roots out of your garden, this knife is as versatile as the Tracker it was based on. It’s got a wide, thick blade, but is also milled for good balance. The Micarta scales are contoured for comfort and a solid grip. The Tracker Digger will be found among many a camp kit, bug out bag, and tool shed.”
Craig Powell at TOPS gives us this inside look at the Trapper Digger as well, “The Tracker Digger is a challenge to the “traditional wisdom” that you should never put your blade in the dirt. People (some) have become so obsessed lately with making sure their blades can shave their arm hairs whether that’s the designed purpose or not, that they’re almost afraid to use them. [TOPS] wanted a tool that would do duty as a shovel or a knife. Is it going to get dull faster in the dirt? Of course. Is it going to roll or chip if it hits rocks? Of course it is. But if it’s made with that in mind, we feel people won’t feel so bad about it. Same reason no one feels bad about getting their shovel dirty.”
“I asked our TOPS Knives Users Group what they thought the top 3 uses would be for [the Tracker Digger] and they pretty much confirmed the theory behind the design. I’ve been playing with one for a little while now and found it to be super handy in the garden I’m building in my backyard, and I can see myself using it out in the woods too,” Craig tells us.
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The Details
- Overall Length: 10.5”
- Blade Length: 4.75”
- Cutting Edge: 4.75”
- Secondary Cutting Edge: 4.75”
- Blade Thickness: 1/4″
- Blade Steel: 1095 RC 56-58
- Blade Finish: Black Traction Coating
- Handle Material: Black Linen Micarta
- Knife Weight: 18oz
- Weight w/ Sheath: 24.5oz
- Sheath Material: Black Ballistic Nylon
- Sheath Clip: Molle Backing
We dig it (every pun intended). You can grab your TOPS Tracker Digger at Smoky Mountain Knife Works (smkw.com) right now. Just click the button below to find it.