Gear TOPS Knives Introduces the VI Ax Industry News August 24, 2016 Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Learn More Fjords and longships and Norse-wrought carnage have been all the rage on TV now for a few seasons, and there's a simple explanation for it — people like the Viking mythos. Many knife and axe aficianados feel the same way. Those folks will be happy to know that Ucon, ID based TOPS Knives informed us they have a new tool available: the VI Ax. As TOPS describes it, “The VI Ax, short for Viking Ax, was designed by Leo Espinoza. While it has some similarities to actual Viking axes, Leo added his own flair to the design and it became something totally different.” Here’s what they told us. TOPS Knives Introduces the VI Ax The Vi Ax was designed by Leo to resemble a Viking axe, but with the flair and construction that you only get with TOPS. Made from one piece of 5/16” 1075, this is the largest piece of its kind TOPS has ever made. Its large blade will chop through just about anything you put in front of it. The spike on the back is double-edged to provide maximum damage, and the grippy Black Linen Micarta handles will help provide a secure grip when swinging an ax that a Viking would be proud to wield. VI Ax Specs Overall Length: 15.25” Blade Length: 5.25” Top of Spike: 2.13” Bottom of Spike: 1.88” Blade Thickness: 0.31” Blade Steel: 1075 RC 56-58 Blade Finish: Black Traction Coating Handle Material: Black Linen Micarta Knife Weight: 39oz Weight with Sheath: Sheath Material: Black Leather Sheath Clip: None Designer: Leo Espinoza MSRP: $330 Here’s more about TOPS Knives in their own words. In late 1998, TOPS Knives was founded with a mission to create the highest-quality knives around. Our Knives are tools, designed and built using the extensive knowledge and real life experiences of many Operators with backgrounds in Military, Law Enforcement, outdoor professions, and Martial Arts. Specifically, we have worked with designers with backgrounds ranging from Navy Seals to Airborne Rangers, from Martial Arts instructors to survival experts, and from SWAT Team Members to Native American weapons experts. We have a designer from nearly every background that uses hard-core knives. Perhaps the best part, all TOPS fixed blades are manufactured and hand-finished at our facility in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, USA. You can find TOPS online here. Explore RECOILweb:AR-15 and Glock 17 Cheap DIY UpgradesRECOILtv: AR vs AK UnderwaterRECOILtv Shot Show 2019: Winchester AmmunitionKE Arms STC-1 Emperor Scorpion Trigger [First Look] NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOILFor years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included). Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.You want this. Trust Us.