As the temperatures rise, TOPS’s release schedule has quickened. Not so long after the reveal of the tactical yet practical Ephyra, there comes another martially oriented release, the Abaniko.
The Abaniko comes from martial artist Bram Frank, who has no shortage of designs under his belt – but this is his first collaboration with TOPS. The Abaniko is a thoroughbred fighting knife with a 6.38-inch drop point blade rendered in 1095 carbon steel with the typical hearty TOPS powder coat. The bare specifications alone guarantee something both dependable and capable, but there are lots of additional flourishes that give the Abaniko its distinct character.
Right before the handle proper begins, there are two major ergonomic elements to consider. Topside we have Frank’s patented “Bramp” feature (Bram + ramp, get it?). This oversized guard is textured on both sides and ready for multiple different fighting grips; these capabilities are echoed and enhanced by the underside choil. This is also textured and oversized, and in tandem with the Bramp it provides fluid control and comfort over the Abaniko.
Then there is the handle itself, a full-size offering with three primary scalloped areas to situate the entire hand in multiple different ways. The handle tapers towards the butt end, where an extended pommel can be seen – again, with the heavy texturing that we see on the guard elements. The scales themselves are made from G-10, and are also black; the only splash of color here is the edge bevel which remains, as usual, left untouched.
The Abaniko is available now.
Knife in Featured Image: TOPS Abaniko
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