Description

In 2021, Ed Calderon was able to host one of his most famous training courses at TOPS Knives and took the time to be a guest on the TOPS Daily Grind podcast. During his time in Idaho Falls, there were many conversations about edged tools and weapons. Ed, along with Leo (TOPS president) agreed that a knife designed by Ed and produced by TOPS would be epic. This was the basis for the design that became El Pionero. Its a simple design based on what is probably the most common knife type on the globea paring knife. The original version of El Pionero is a tumble finished blade with tan canvas Micarta handles. This Blackout Edition has been requested by a large number of customers and by Ed himself. El Pionero has many other features that Ed has found to be useful on knives throughout his experience. The finger divot is a signature of his that he originally learned from his mother and is designed to make it easy to know where the edge is oriented based on where that divot is felt. As an added bonus, it helps when extracting a knife that has been stabbed into something and may be somewhat stuck. The false edge aids in stabbing as well. The Kydex sheath is low profile and easily customized by the end user to be worn in multiple configurations.

1. Specs:
2. Overall Length: 7.63″ (194mm)
3. Blade Length: 3.38″ (86mm)
4. Cutting Edge Length: 3.13″ (80mm)
5. Blade Thickness: 0.09″ (2mm)
6. Blade Steel: 1095
7. Blade Finish: Black Traction
8. Handle Material: Black G-10
9. Weight: 3.2oz
10. Country of Origin: USA
11. Sheath: Black Kydex