Almost 6 years later and this is still my primary forest blade.

9 years later and still is one unique great knife. Only thing I don't like is carbon steel and leather sheath together. If you work in wet conditions or with wet stuff then moisture will stay in the leather on a blade that could rust.

Awesome review as always. This knife really looks like a functional piece of art. The design and forethought that have gone into it are amazing. Your review just put the cherry on top for me, I'll be ordering one tonight.

Hey I thought you'd like to know...your video was the reason I invested in this blade. Let TOPS know you're doing a great job!

SOLD. Got mine today and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT. THANK YOU!

when i buy a knife i usually always see if you have a review on it. when you do it always boosts my confidence up when purchasing a knife, as always great review, keep up the good work, us subscribers really appreciate it.

Thank you for the excellent video. I just came across this knife a little while ago and was immediately attracted to it. I love the size and the blade profile. I also favor the blade thickness and double lanyard. I see one of these in my future. Also very impressed with your presentation; very enthusiastic and professionally done. Thank you again.

@gideonstactical

10 жыл бұрын

Nicholas Desposito Thanks so much and I am glad you enjoyed the video!

THX for the video. I´m now the proud owner of a Silent Hero. Took a long time to decide between ESEE 6 and Hero. Your videos helped a lot.

Thanks so much for the response. I really like the silent hero but it's been sold out for a bit and not sure when it's coming back. I've been looking at the esee 6 with g10 scales for a bit and may pull the trigger.

Hi Aaron Quint here from the Netherlands. Your review made me buy the silent Hero and THX very much it really rocks as you said! I just wanted to let you know I have put some overgrip tape on the handle and can highly recommend it. Fills up your hand, no hot spots, soft grip, anti slip and looks great in various colors. Keep up your work I think it's fantastic!

I love this knife. I have had mine for a few years and it's one of favorites. The sheath is the only con for me, but I plan to make a new for it.

I have owned one of these knives for about 18 months. I love it. The best description I have heard describing the blade is "a tactical butcher knife" and that says it all. I have used it to process meat and that is where it shines. Sliced with the best of them, hold its edge as well as any knife I own and it works around camp doing what ever is ask of it from food prep to splitting wood. I love this knife and will proudly pass it down to one of my boys some day.

Love the dual lanyard setup. What an incredible knife. Great review.

@gideonstactical

8 жыл бұрын

+Bill Burkheimer Thanks!

Going to be doing some testing soon, I have my Bark River Bravo 1.25 and I'm waiting on my Silent Hero to come in. I immediately purchased one after watching this video, I even ordered a custom kydex sheath for it as well. Thanks for the awesome review. Will be a nice addition to my collection.

gideonstactical Another great video. I keep coming back and watching it every so often just to hold me over until I can afford one. Really respect your opinion; you're one of my first stops to see if you've reviewed something I think I want. Thanks.

@gideonstactical

9 жыл бұрын

Jesse Adams Thanks so much Jesse!

I have been contemplating getting this knife for some time but wanted to be sure I was getting the best bushcraft / survival knife on the market in my budget. See how it performs in your video and how my purchase can help combat the poaching crisis in South Africa is the icing on the cake. Thanks for the video.

Great review Aaron,been in the market for a good medium sized blade for bushcraft and camp duties,your review has made my mind up for me,keep up the good work,your reviews are so informative

This great knife is everything you said it was and more, i bought one and am still learning skills and different tasks to do with it.. I'm impressed , good job on your video very well done.. Now, i carry a smaller knife too and use it for what it is for..

Hi, Great review! I am thinking about getting a high end survival knife for general outdoor activities and bushcraft. I don't know if you've tried the Habilis Bush Tool, but in case you have, which one would you advice having? Thanks!

Great review, thought about this one myself and I reckon it is def TOPs most practical model to date. I asked them for this model to review but I guess I'm a no one out here in KZread land

Its a clear cerakote coating, you're seeing the natural steel underneath because its duly heat treated. Its just naked steel with a clear coat.

I can see how that knife can excel at many wood craft/bush craft tasks. As for a survival knife or a good all use knife for your dedicated woodsman, I think the Tahoma field knife will be an excellent choice. I spent many hours debating over the Tahoma or the Condor. Eventually I ended up going with the Condor first. My next knife from Tops will definitely be the Tahoma field knife. Love the reviews, appreciate your time and effort to help those who are interested in these tools make a decision.

It really has a quality feel to it. The knife, the handle, the sheath all of it exudes quality.

I also watched your field test of this knife. I wouldn't have bought it if I hadn't seen you test it and put it through the paces. I watched your test of the Gerber LMF II after I had already purchased it and wish I had waited. It's good to see someone actually report on something in an unbiased manner. Thank's for all you do!

@gideonstactical

8 жыл бұрын

Cool, thanks my friend. You should check out the gerber strongarm, much better then the LMF II.

@charlesp9681

8 жыл бұрын

Will do.

just bought this knife...looks like I made a great choice, thanks for the video...

Hey, if you'd have to choose one, would you pick this knife or the lmf 2 from gerber? I'm struggeling with the decision, I don't know which one I should buy

Yeeeaaahhhh! Not all of the designs from TOPS knives attract me, only a very select few. THIS particular one did caught my eye some months back. It somehow ticked ALL of the boxes of the design features I find interesting (no BS there!) Everything here---the knife, the review, the worthy cause behind it --- is 100% pure schweetness!

@gideonstactical

10 жыл бұрын

JuandelaCruz001 Amen!

Birthday is a great thing :) Now i´m also a proud owner of the ESEE6. I tested both, and most confess thet the lanyard option for the Silent Hero, makes the differnce. But what a luxerious problem to have. "Which blade will I go with this time". THX a lot for your work and videoes. My best regards for your wife and upcoming sibling.

Thanks for the video, good job! How do you think this stacks up to the Ontario RTAK II?

Good looking knife.I carry a Esee 6,it’s served me well and is my favorite knife to use when I’m in the wilderness.If I do buy another knife,which definitely won’t be out of need it may be this one,I just love knives!

I have the Silent Hero with the smooth handle. I never go to the woods without it. I have several Top's knives and they are best and worth every cent.

buying this hands down, great review thanks

Thanks Aaron for the in depth Review of the Silent Hero.I bought one a few weeks back.I really haven't gotten a chance to use it yet just have played with it and wore it around the house and such just to get use to it some.I also have an Esee 6 that was my main belt knife the last couple years. For two knives of similar size I was surprised how much Better the silent Hero "Feels" In my hands. Not that I'm Kicking My Esee 6 to the curb that wont happen. I'm really digging that slightly Blade heavy feel of the Silent Hero compared to the Middle Type Balance of the Esee 6.We shall see after this coming up fall , winter and spring which of these two great blades will fit "ME" Better :) Thanks for another great review Brother..

@gideonstactical

10 жыл бұрын

John Deaton Thanks so much for the comment and support!

Best knife design I've seen in a long time.

love the video brother! Might have to look one up.

Awsome knife,Awsome review.Thanks for the great work Gideonstactical.

@gideonstactical

10 жыл бұрын

todd wilkinson Thanks!

Excellent review. Dang, I sure do like the looks of this knife and I your use of the lanyard is very useful. The only thing I do not like the leather sheath. If it came with a Kydex sheath then this would be a great package deal. This is a dangerous channel for knife collectors. I may have to add this one to my collection.

Beautiful knife and a great review! If you could only take one blade into the bush, would you consider a big knife like this or a small ax?

very educational. ordered it as my 1st knife. thanks

@gideonstactical

4 жыл бұрын

Glad to help!

Let me just say straight off the bat, I've been looking at this blade for a while now, and I have been meaning to check out your review Aaron, and I am extremely happy I did! Great review, great blade! Thank you, again! Sold!

@gideonstactical

10 жыл бұрын

Beejay Sanders You won't regret it!

@tr0ubl3mak3r

9 жыл бұрын

gideonstactical Hi Aaron, just wanted to let you know, I've had the silent hero for about a month and a half, taken it out with me, used it and abused it, and I'm extremely impressed! This is indeed an outstanding blade! Very happy with the purchase. Thanks Aaron and gideonstactical for the review and advice. Cheers.

Hi there. I've just purchased the silent hero and wanted to know who makes a kydex sheath for this. Any info would be great.

Omg im soo conflicted, this or the tops dart? Both seem like awesome designs.

Hey I recently got the Tops TeX Creek XL and love it but the scales are really ridiculously thin and hardly offers a good grip and I only have medium size hands. How is the scales on the silent hero? Are they thicker than the TEX Creek xl

Good point on the sheath. I have a few sheaths like that (a leather retainer in the firing line of the blade draw).. and so far none have failed (fingers crossed), but it is truly annoying to constantly have to look down and be careful when you pull out or put away the knife. It introduces a moment of anxiety where there does not need to be one. Great vid and +1

@bootlip11

7 жыл бұрын

TheWtfnonamez especially with how sharp I keep my knives

Thanks for starting my fascination with this knife. I just got back from a month long trip to Alaska, and while I was there, I was attacked by a 300 pound black bear. This knife is pretty much the only reason I am still alive (and the bear is not). Its a great tactical blade and now that it's saved my life, it's never leaving my side!

@gideonstactical

9 жыл бұрын

Istiaq Zaman awesome!

@aguyus4w

9 жыл бұрын

yup lost 3 fingers haha

@itsawonderfulknife7031

6 жыл бұрын

Istiaq Zaman Cool story bro!

Haven't used this beast yet so take it with a grain of salt but for my hands I like the thickness of the ESEE or Becker handles. Seems to be better for long term use, again just for my hands. I think the grind of the silent hero with the handle of a Becker or ESEE would be fantastic. Love the sheath and forward lanyard hole..

I’ve had the TOPS Firestrike 45 for about 7-YEARS Now & While I’d never get rid of it, I am seriously looking to purchase this ~ Impressive & The style ‘speaks to me!’ I’m very picky about what knives I buy - I know right away what I like (my EDC is the ZT-0561, which I’ve used for 3-yrs & will stay w/ it!) and what I don’t... EXCELLENT Video: KUDOS!🇺🇸

Awesome find of a knife. Want one of course. Perfection. Hey, you ever take a look at the 1095 carbon steel Trailmaster from Cold Steel. Old ones USA made. Whatcha think on those? Thanks

For the Silent Hero.....Sorry for not knowing all of the technical terms....in reference to the back of the knife not having the sharp 90 degree angle to effectively strike a ferro rod. Would the curved area for your finger when choking up on the blade be effective for striking a ferro rod? Or is the angle similar to the back of the blade?

Love your channel and the straight to the point reviews! Been a sub for over a year now and always look forward to your new vids. When the silent hero first came out your review convinced me into buying this great blade and have no regrets in my purchase! Not sure if you have answered this question yet but does the spec ops sheath work with the silent hero?

@gideonstactical

9 жыл бұрын

KVsFinest It is too wide a blade, mine cut into the kydex insert.

Nice review. A couple of times you referenced the BK-7 as a comparison. I think a better comparison would be the BK-12. The blade shape is identical and about the same length, and, if like me, you hate choils, the 12 would be a much better choice, not to mention the price difference. They are both using the same steel. Another viewer commented that he preferred leather over kydex probably because of his age. I'm 68 and prefer kydex every time.

When you stick your finger into the finger choil, did it cut you? Or does it ever concern you that it might?

Great video man I will be looking into getting one for Christmas.

@gideonstactical

9 жыл бұрын

Redline Survival Sweet!

Looks awesome! Great review

Nice Review, Thanks! I just purchased this knife while watching your vid.. with help of your comprehensive review. I have been sitting on the fence had this one on my short list.. didn't know about the poacher aspect cause you mentioned at the end of your vid. That was just the last bit to make me press "purchase". Looking forward to putting this knife to use. Enjoying your channel, keep up the great work. Cheers!

@gideonstactical

9 жыл бұрын

Andrew Roden Thank you so much!

Have been enjoying your videos for quite a while - thanks for putting in the effort and the quality information. Will you be doing a Tahoma Field Knife review sometime soon? Really keen to compare it with some of your larger knives, or the Silent Hero.

@gideonstactical

9 жыл бұрын

Paul R Thanks so much. I hope to get review in the coming months the Tahoma, Steel Eagle, and Longhorn from TOPS. So stay tuned!

Great review. Thanks for sharing.

Legend has it, he's still chopping

Theres a 10 dollar by mossy oak and it has a gut hook but it can be used to chop and slice and that gut hook could hel strip some hope vines twigs for brush to get a fire started

after seeing this review i immediately ordered one its a little expensive but definitely worth the mony it is a great all around knife. i also bought a tops sxb. ps love the vids.

Does your lanyard get in the way when using the Riverboat Gambler's Hold in an emergency?

Loved the review and now I want the knife! Unfortunately, I can't find it in stock anywhere. Even the TOPS website has a 6-8 week delay and they're charging $240 :( Has your opinion changed about this knife at all in the last 8 months?

I don't know if you are still answering questions on this review. I hope that you are(great review by the way)...but I have a question, why did you not baton with this knife.

My ALL time favorite blade profile in the Silent Hero.. Didn't know it even existed until I saw your review.. and, based on that, I now have one. No, haven't thumped on it or heavy used at all yet.. but, this knife won't leave my side. Much obliged.

@gideonstactical

9 жыл бұрын

deckard9732 Glad you like it and this video helped you out.

So I really want to buy a silent hero knife and then upgrade to a spec ops combat master sheath but I'm a little worried about the width of the blade, I know the sheath can hold up to 1 3/4 inches but I cant seem to find the width of the knife anywhere.

So, it’s been 5 years. Do you still use it or have it? Someone told me that because the knife blade is so tall it is hard or uncomfortable trying to use the choil if you choke up on the knife. What do you think?

Would you pick esse 6, bk 9 or silent hero if you could only pick one for a survival knife?

Hey Aaron isn't this Tops Knife's blade edge differential hardened? And if that's a yes wouldn't that make striking a fire steel on the spine a bad idea cause of how soft the metal is on the spine?

I like the look of this knife, I appreciate your thoughts and opinion on the Silent hero.

How long is the cutting length of the blade? Minus the choil

Good vid. Great review. I never saw the leather sheath. I might have missed it. At 65 I am slowing down. You I am partial to leather over many of the other materials for sheaths. But I suppose it just shows my old age. I have a leather sheath from my one of my father's knives that is well over 70 years old. He took care of it and it still looks and smells great. I know Kydex might be stronger, but it just doesn't have the feel of leather. And if you want to have a quiet sheath, nothing beats leather.

@gideonstactical

10 жыл бұрын

mikedifeo Thanks for the comment!

@scottbuc3225

7 жыл бұрын

Very true about the leather, in saying that I do like my kydex sheathes. It all depends on the knife shape. I have a few Lionsteel knives, which I have leather sheathes (made in Italy)! All other leather sheathes should be made in Italy, then they would be a work of art!

I just recieved the Silent Hero I love it wow is all I can say.I love the name if you need help reach for your Silent hero atleast thats what I say.I love all tops knives I wont go anywhere without it.thanks for your vid it helped along with Prepared Mind you and 5 others I watch all the time again thanks.keep up the fantastic videos.

And here I come 5 years later to ask a question. Did you by any chance do a point/tip test on this knife by stabbing it in wood and prying it out to the left/right? It looks like it stabs well in the log you were demonstrating with, but I saw you were removing it by working forward/backward. One of my peeves is to buy what seems to be a good knife then have the point break. Thanks.

ordered one of these knives because of this review. 6 to 8 week wait but thinking it will be soooo worth it! Thanks Aaron!

@gideonstactical

9 жыл бұрын

Matt Schmidgall Nice, you won't be sorry.

@mattschmidgall2702

9 жыл бұрын

gideonstactical I hope not! Was a pricey blade! My only gripe with it is that it doesn't come with a kydex sheath. :/

It was partially based on your review that I bought this knife. I think it's fantastic and happy that I bought it. I do have a question for you: have you tried to use the spine of this knife to strike a ferrocerium rod? My experience was that it did not do well with this task any thoughts on the matter would be appreciated. Thanks.

Say Heah Aaron, Yes Street, Awesomeness, I've been experimenting with unique and some unusual carry options, I started out a few years ago as basically a three knife carry (3 /2", 4 1/2"-5 1/2", 7 1/2"+) and sometimes to a 4Knife carry. If for no other reason on extended trips to save the edge retention and to be assured I could stay the duration of the trip in the Boonies. Since I incorporated a axe/Hatchet and a saw I like a large/small knife team up. One of my Fav's is my Rodent 7 and my Rodent 4 outstanding pair. But recently I've been practicing using my Ratweiler as a One Tool Option even though I teamed it up with my Rodent Solution I try using the Ratweiler for everything. and I believe if you just use one knife, You will get use to it even if it's a Khukuri. At first my stepping stone was the Potbelly which made the transaction easy when I finally started using the Ratweiler, That Silent Hero is a Dynamite Style and I could see myself using it as a One Tool Option. Thanx for sharing a Dynamite Style Knife. Even If you team it up with either the Top's Mini Scandi 2.5 or a NK-14 with scales, I know the blade geometry will work great because of Knives that I have that are similar. Job well done Bro.

I just got this knife the other day from a seller on ebay, it is amazing! I can't really say it should be the best knife for 2014, because no one really had it in 2014.. Couple things I don't like. The sheath is annoying, I've already cut the strap even when being careful. The handle is awkward if you've been handling other knives like Bk7 or an esee6. where your index finger grips the handle is very thin, and is really hard to get used too. Over time your get used to it. P.s Red hills customs makes some fine kydex sheath for this model.

Just got mine and love it.

Fantastic. I like everything except the sheath design. I know. I would cut off that little piece lol

@gideonstactical

10 жыл бұрын

The Daily Shooter Glad to hear it!

Does it have a skeleton handle under the grip ?

Treat the retention strap with neets foot oil so it gets supple and swings away from the blade.

You do know your knives Bro !!! Great Video !

I asked for this knife for Christmas! Oh man I hope I get it; such a awesome knife!

How's that silent hero holding up. Let's see that kydex sheath. That's what Top's should offer with this knife. I'm going to pick up one soon. Thanks for the nice review. 👍

Hi I saw this and Esse 6 video, , Which of these two you recommend me? If you have to buy one , which would you choose? thx!! regards

@gideonstactical

9 жыл бұрын

Emmanuel Fernando Maldonado Hernandez If you don't mind spending extra money on a kydex sheath for the Silent Hero I would say this one. If you want something that would don't want to spend any extra money on then the ESEE6.

You mention that the lanyard system is handy and kind of a game changer. I notice on I think it's the tops dart your using a similar lanyard only you're tying it around the choil. It seems like you could do w similar lanyard on an esee 6 with a choil. Would this work as well?

@gideonstactical

9 жыл бұрын

Ben Munson I think so, try it out!

It's been six years, but I still want this knife because of your review! :)

@bidensucks6806

3 жыл бұрын

If you do get it you will wish you did years ago.

If you would ask me, all things considered it looks like a good contender for the absolute best survival knife of all times!

Been watching your videos and really like them. Just subscribed. Question; If you had only one knife to take with you in the back country, of all the knives you've worked with, what would your top two or three be?

@gideonstactical

9 жыл бұрын

Ts Warrior ESEE6, Silent Hero, ESEE Junglas, or BK9

Great review indeed thanks

Looks like a very good knife. One question, does it have a 90 degree spine, for firesteel use?

@sidorgan969

9 жыл бұрын

No you will need to mod it

pretty damn good review! For the price using merely 1095 is it extra hardened? because why not get a Blackheart D2 triple hardoned with convex zero-grind. or maybe a 350CN blade by Zero Tolerance?

It's like a budget busse ash 1. Really liking that hamon though!

Is this in stock anywhere? Git a trip to the boundry waters in a few months. And was looking to upgrade my medium survival knife to this and can't find it anywhere.

@gideonstactical

9 жыл бұрын

OB3Y5 email TOPS. They are in such high demand you have to order through TOPS Knives right now.

So what's up with the acid wash, will that keep it from rusting or does it need to be oiled

@gideonstactical

9 жыл бұрын

8triagrammer All 1095 will need some oil to keep it from rusting but only on the uncoated edge. Their river was is a coating of sorts and will protect the blade.

It amazes me how similar our taste are, I helped design one of my custom, s very similar but a little narrower at 1 1/4" wide, and 6" long, but you said on one of your video's that you like blade lenght's of 5"-7", and bingo, so do I, I head a good blade lenght for survuval is 4"-6", but I said what's another inch, my favorite is the Swamp Rat Rodent 7, it's right in between my Ratmansu, and my Rodent 9, it just depend's what knife carry I'm doing, but as far as a one tool knife carry, no question in my mind, a 7" blade is the best, not too big, and not too small, but then a choil is what I like too on a that size knife, our knives are similar.

What's the grind angle on the blade? Just wondering what the best way to sharpen this guy would be as I know TOPS seems to like the modified grind angles like on the TOPS BOB. Trying to decide between getting this or the ESEE 6 as that mid range blade. Keep up the good work!

@gideonstactical

9 жыл бұрын

wpsaints The grind is very similar to the esee6, around 20 degrees with a normal grind.

@wpsaints

9 жыл бұрын

gideonstactical Thanks!

How does it compare to the Tahoma Field Knife?

If you lengthened this knife blade by 3.5 inches it would improve the knife immensely for me .. Also increase the blade thickness to a quarter of an inch .. Just my druthers .. I make knives and have many that fit for me .. I make my own kydex sheaths as well .. I collect knives also .. Im a happy camper ..

Great vid, great knife. When I have the money I'm gonna get one.