Defense Tops Knives Micro Hawk EDC Recoil Staff February 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 The Micro Hawk, designed by LEO and Military hand-to-hand/edged weapons instructor Shawn Owens, is an EDC defensive tool small enough for carry daily. It combines the traits of a karambit, tomahawk, and a traditional knife into one piece. It should not be confused with their skeletonized Mini Axe or Max the Mini Axe (both of which have their own appeal). TOPS touts the Micro Hawk as a serious everyday defense tool that can also get it done in survival situations. It’s lightweight and small, making it ideal for pilots of small planes where weight is especially important. Overall weight is 11.2oz with a 6.9″ length. The Micro is made of 5/16” thick 1095 steel. The camo paracord wrap has obvious uses for survival, but also gives a comfortable grip on the knife. The minimalistic Kydex sheath keeps the weight down, but holds the Micro Hawk in place securely. MSRP is $180. Tops Knives Micro Hawk EDC Specs Knife Type: Fixed Blade, Axe Overall Length: 6.90″ Blade Length: 1.95″ Cutting Edge: 1.95″ Secondary Edge: 3.94″ Blade Thickness: 0.320″ Blade Steel: 1095 RC 56-58 Blade Finish: Black Traction Coating Handle Material: Paracord Wrap Knife Weight: 11.2oz Weight w/ Sheath: 13.0oz Sheath Included: Yes Sheath Material: Black Kydex Sheath Clip: Rotating Injection Molded Nylon Designer: Shawn Owens Here's how they describe it. Shawn Owens brings a wealth of martial arts experience to his design, the Micro Hawk. He has trained for over 30 years in Filipino martial arts and Muay Thai. He is an instructor and has trained civilians, LEOs, and military personnel alike. On top of all that, he is also a pilot. The 5/16” thick 1095 steel feels as solid as it looks, but won’t weigh too much on your belt. The camo paracord wrap has obvious uses for survival, but also gives a comfortable grip on the knife. The minimalistic Kydex sheath keeps the weight down, but holds the Micro Hawk in place securely. The Micro Hawk was designed to be an EDC defensive tool, small enough to carry daily, and can also be versatile. Shawn has effectively combined the traits of a karambit, tomahawk, and a traditional knife into one piece. When flying light aircraft, weight is always a concern, so this tool goes with him everywhere he can possibly take it. Visit www.topsknives.com for more info. Why you can trust RECOIL Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyer’s guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles. Our reviewers are the backbone of our operation and come from diverse shooting backgrounds: Former law enforcement, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and plain old firearms enthusiasts. Furthermore, we’re not just gun experts, but dedicated journalists who adhere to the strictest standards of our profession. At RECOIL, editorial independence is the foundation of everything we publish and the cornerstone of reader trust. Our editors, writers and content creators make all editorial decisions independently, free from outside influence. That boils down to: advertisers don’t dictate our coverage, the outcomes of our reviews or what we recommend in our buyer’s guides. First and always, our commitment is to our audience—ensuring every review and article is accurate, unbiased, and driven by real-world experience. Whether you’re selecting your next firearm, upgrading your gear, or exploring the latest innovations in the shooting world, RECOIL provides the trusted insights you need to make informed decisions. Learn more about our Editorial Standards and how we review products. 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.
