Review: TOPS Armado 6.5 Fixed Blade Knife

Hey everyone, welcome back to Jimping with Jacrispy! Today, we’ve got an exciting new fixed blade knife from TOPS to dive into — the Armado 6.5. I’ve spent some time with this knife and its sheath, so let’s take a closer look at what this rugged tool has to offer.

Unboxing and First Impressions

Right out of the box, the Armado comes in a simple protective bag. Nothing too flashy, but it gets the job done. Inside, you’ll find the Armado fixed blade knife, a black Kydex sheath complete with a dangler strap, and a nice little TOPS whistle attached to the sheath’s loopholes. While the whistle might seem like a small touch, it’s always nice to have an extra survival tool included.

The Sheath: Practical and Versatile

Let’s start with the Kydex sheath that comes with the Armado. This sheath is made from durable Kydex, a tough polymer that securely holds your knife while allowing for quick access. It features 16 loopholes at the bottom, which means you can add extra items or run a paracord through it for customization. While this sheath doesn’t come with a Tech-Lock, it does have a dangler strap, meaning the knife can hang from your belt as you walk. For some users, this can be a very convenient setup, allowing for easy access and movement.

The Armado Knife: A Beast of a Blade

Now let’s talk about the Armado fixed blade itself. At 12 inches overall, this knife is large, and it has a substantial presence in the hand. The handle is made of tan canvas micarta, which not only looks good but provides a solid, comfortable grip. However, it’s worth noting that the handle is pretty large, so if you have smaller hands, you might find it a little difficult to get a full, comfortable grip on the knife. There’s also a lanyard hole at the end of the handle for added security or customization.

Moving to the blade, it’s made of 1095 steel, known for its toughness and ease of sharpening. The drop point design is perfect for general utility tasks, and there’s no serration on this blade — it’s all about clean, smooth cuts. On the top of the blade, you’ll find jimping to give your thumb better control, especially when making more precise cuts. The blade is finished in a black coating, which not only looks sleek but also helps protect the steel from rust and corrosion.

Specifications

To give you the full picture, here are the key specs for the TOPS Armado 6.5:

• Handle: 5.5 inches (tan canvas micarta)
• Blade: 6.5 inches (1095 steel, drop point, flat grind)
• Overall Length: 12 inches
• Weight: 14 oz (knife alone), 19.1 oz (knife with sheath)

The Armado feels well-balanced in the hand and should be a great option for both field use and emergency preparedness.

Final Thoughts

The TOPS Armado 6.5 is a solid, no-nonsense fixed blade knife. It’s built to last with its tough 1095 steel blade and durable micarta handle. The included Kydex sheath with the dangler strap offers flexibility in how you carry it, and the extra whistle is a thoughtful survival addition. The only real downside might be the handle size, as it could be a bit too bulky for people with smaller hands. But for those who can handle its size, this knife is a powerhouse that’ll get the job done.

At a price of $188.95 on our website, the Armado is positioned in the mid-to-high range for fixed blades, but you’re getting a high-quality, USA-made knife that’s built to last. If you’re looking for a versatile, tough fixed blade for hunting, camping, or survival situations, the Armado 6.5 could definitely be worth considering.

That’s all for today’s review! If you enjoyed the video, don’t forget to check out our other reviews and take a look at our YouTube page. Until next time, stay sharp!