TOPS C.U.T. 4.0 Voted Best New Fixed Blade for EDC 2016

Presented by: Work Sharp Knife & Tool Sharpeners

The KnifeNews Dealers’ Choice Awards recognize extraordinary achievement in the production knife world. KnifeNews turned to knife dealers to determine the winners. With hundreds of new production knives passing through their hands and many hours spent interacting with end-users, dealers have the most comprehensive and informed perspective. 21 of North America’s top dealers cast their votes in 10 different categories to choose the best of the best in 2016.

We are pleased to announce that the TOPS C.U.T. 4.0 is the winner of the KnifeNews Dealers’ Choice Award for Best New Fixed Blade for EDC 2016. Votes cast by dealers indicated that other great new blades in this category include the Bark River Knives Bravo Necker II, the Böker Plus Eddleman Tanto Dashi, and the Spyderco ARK.

Dealers relish the C.U.T. 4.0 and TOPS appreciates the recognition. “At TOPS, we recognize that our dealers make our business, and we’re honored that they would select the C.U.T. 4.0 as one of the best knives of 2016,” says TOPS Knives’ Craig Powell.

The new knife is a ‘why didn’t I think of that’ kind of idea that seems obvious in retrospect. The C.U.T. 4.0 combines the popular ring knife handle seen on karambit fighting knives with a more utilitarian 4” blade. The ergonomic advantages of a tactical-style handle merged with the practicality of a drop point blade provide the owner with the best of both worlds.

TOPS complements the 6 oz. knife with a Beta Loop kydex belt sheath that keeps the C.U.T. 4.0 low profile but always at hand. The C.U.T. 4.0 features tan canvas Micarta handle scales with TOPS’ Dragonfly Tread grip pattern. Users can choose between a standard black traction coating or a camo pattern and both finishes come in 1095 carbon steel.

The C.U.T. 4.0 was designed by Joshua Swanagon, a self-defense instructor and outdoorsman. Swanagon also designed the Ulu-inspired TOPS Backwoods Skinner, a 2014 release. C.U.T. stands for “Combat Utility Tool,” and this is a knife that works in both a self-defense role and for everyday cutting tasks. But, when we spoke with Swanagon in April, he told us he designed the C.U.T. 4.0 mainly to be an all-purpose, everyday companion. “I was looking to design something that would successfully bridge the gap for more of a full function EDC.”

Visit KnifeNews.com tomorrow to find out the winner of the KnifeNews Dealers’ Choice Award for Best Knife Upgrade 2016.

AWARDS SCHEDULE

Best New Tactical Fixed Blade:
Top 4 Contenders
CRKT Clever Girl (WINNER)
Friday, November 11th

Best New Outdoor Fixed Blade:
Top 4 Contenders
Mora Garberg (WINNER)
Saturday, November 12th

Best New Fixed Blade for EDC:
Top 4 Contenders
TOPS C.U.T. 4.0 (WINNER)
Sunday, November 13th

Best Knife Upgrade:
Top 5 Contenders
Benchmade G-10 Griptilian (WINNER)
Monday, November 14th

Best New Automatic Knife:
Top 4 Contenders
Kershaw Launch 6 (WINNER)
Tuesday, November 15th

Best New Assisted-Opening Folder:
Top 4 Contenders
Benchmade 490 Amicus (WINNER)
Wednesday, November 16th

Best New Value Folder (MSRP under $100):
Top 4 Contenders
Cold Steel Pro-Lite (WINNER)
Thursday, November 17th

Best New Manual Folder:
Top 5 Contenders
Zero Tolerance 0456 (WINNER)
Friday, November 18th

Most Innovative New Knife:
Top 3 Contenders
CRKT Homefront (WINNER)
Saturday, November 19th

Best Overall New for 2016 Lineup:
Top 5 Contenders
Benchmade Knife Company (WINNER)
Sunday, November 20th

Knife featured in image: TOPS C.U.T. 4.0