Tops El Pionero ELPO-01 Tan Canvas Micarta, fixed knife

The Tops El Pionero is a small fixed blade. The design is simple but effective, based on one of the most common knife shapes in the world: the paring knife. The El Pionero takes this classic shape to the next level with unique details, such as a distinctive finger cutout for extra grip and helps with orientation without having to look. This knife is the result of a collaboration between Ed Calderon and TOPS Knives.



The blade of the Tops El Pionero ELPO-01 Tan Canvas Micarta, fixed knife measures 8.3 cm in length and 2.4 mm in thickness. The total length is 19.3 cm.



Blade made of 1095 carbon steel
The blade of this fixed knife is made of 1095 carbon steel, and measures 8.3 cm in length. 1095 steel can be seen as a true veteran in the world of steel. It has been made and used for many years. It’s a tough type of steel that is easy to sharpen to a razor-sharp edge, even with limited resources. This makes it a popular choice for knives that see a lot of use in the field: all you need is a simple sharpening stone to get your sharp edge back.

1095-carbon steel is not very corrosion-resistant. In fact, it discolours pretty quickly when it comes into contact with moisture and/or salt and acid. So clean the knife after use and give it a drop of oil every now and then. Over time, 1095 steel does form a patina. This makes it less susceptible to corrosion.



The ‘stonewash’ process was chosen for the finish of this blade. The stonewash process involves the blade being placed inside a drum with ceramic stones, or media, and then vibrated or tumbled for several hours. The result is a finish that looks precisely polished or roughened depending on the version. The advantage of stonewashing, however, is that signs of use are much less noticeable. That makes it a popular choice for knives that see a lot of use.



Micarta handle
The handle of the Tops El Pionero ELPO-01 Tan Canvas Micarta, fixed knife is made of micarta. This is a composite material made of fabric and synthetic resin. If you look closely, you can see a subtle texture on the surface, sometimes it looks almost like wood. This material is strong and stable, and it’s very grippy.



The Tops El Pionero ELPO-01 Tan Canvas Micarta, fixed knife comes with a sheath made of kydex, a sturdy plastic that will keep the steel safe. However, it is important to keep a kydex sheath clean on the inside. Rinse it regularly with water. This will prevent dirt from remaining in the sheath, which can scratch the blade.



TOPS Knives: Spec Ops Trust TOPS!
TOPS Knives are crafted in Idaho, USA, for professionals who demand absolute reliability from their knives. These are not just sturdy tools; they are designed for those who need performance in life-or-death situations. Many of TOPS’ customers and designers are military professionals who depend on their knives in critical situations.

You don’t need to use your knives in conditions that extreme in order to appreciate their quality. Whether you display them proudly or push them to their limits, TOPS knives consistently deliver exceptional performance.



Looking to personalise your new purchase?
Add an engraving! Our engraving machine will turn your Tops El Pionero ELPO-01 Tan Canvas Micarta, fixed knife into something truly special. Personalise your own gear, or create a unique gift. We can engrave names, dates and short quotes. Logos and small images are also possible. Ideal as a business gift, for your wedding party or when you just fancy spoiling yourself.

The engraving process is simple: when engraving a name, date or short text, simply choose the option ‘Add engraving’ next to the ‘Add to cart’ button. The rest is self-explanatory. Would you prefer to have an image, logo or more detailed engraving? Take a look at our Advanced Engraving options.