Tops
Tops handle scales
TOPS Knives (Tactical Operational Products) is a renowned American fixed-blade knife manufacturer specializing in rugged tactical, survival, and bushcraft knives for military, law enforcement, and outdoor professionals
Founded in December 1998 in Idaho Falls, Idaho (heart of the Rocky Mountains), by Mike Fuller (aka Michael Jon Fuller/Hand) and a group of Vietnam-era veterans and friends—including military, SWAT, martial arts, and survival experts. The company arose from frustration with weak issued knives during Vietnam service, aiming to build ultra-durable, no-nonsense tools that could withstand life-or-death demands
TOPS emphasized practical design, high-quality 1095 carbon steel (later variants like 154CM, D2), full-tang construction, and hand-finishing in-house USA production. Iconic models like the B.O.B. Field Knife, Tracker (popularized in media), Mil-SPIE, and Tom Brown Tracker collaborations built a loyal following
In 2015, controversy surfaced when investigative reports revealed co-founder Mike Fuller's true identity as Michael Jon Hand—a former Green Beret linked to a 1980s banking scandal and alleged CIA ties—who had lived under an alias
Mike Fuller passed away on November 7, 2020. Ownership transitioned to Leo Espinoza (former employee who rose from maintenance roles), who continues leading TOPS with the same "One Life... One Knife" ethos—affordable, battle-proven blades made in the USA
