Tops Knives California Cobra Self Defense Tool CALCO-01

Absolutely ideal last ditch self defense tool. Easily concealable, and lightning fast deployment (depending on how you angle the blade on your belt - horizontally with handle flush with belt is ideal.) Fixing the sheath took some time, a little difficult to unscrew but easy to figure out, and not a problem. Sheath could of been a touch tighter for better knife retention, but easy fix with some boiling water and a squeeze. I'm extremely impressed with the care for detail that went into making this blade. It's functionality, and ergonomics are superior quality. Expertly designed, and purely made for combat. Well worth the steeper cost for sure. Handle fits wonderfully in hand. The jimping on both top and bottom of blade is wisely placed. The pointed hand guard would truly land a non lethal but vicous blow to ward off any attacker. The blade itself is scary to say the least. I prefer holding the blade like a karambit, with the curve pointing down like a tiger claw for deeper cuts, but both options are sound. I had my doubts on whether the blade geometry would be a reliable stabber considering it's curve, but it surprisingly penetrates effortlessly when testing both grips - blade curved up and down. The blade edge was not extremely sharp out the box, but that was not a detractor for me. This blade out the factory would no doubt fulfill it's purpose of self defense in grappling distance, due to it's wicked piercing edge. No training is needed to utilize this blade, simply deploy, and punch. But training of course creates a more intelligent, and capable defender. And because of the double edged blade, if it were razor sharp it could be dangerous for the untrained wielder. With that said, sharpening both sides of this blade would make this devastating knife worthy of it's name. A deadly cobra strike for sure - violators be warned!

Solid price of kit.. constructed like a tank. That is why they are called Tops I guess..

First let me just say this knife is awesome. I ended up buying this over the Shiv Works Clinch Pick since Shiv Works seems to like making blades in a country that's our enemy. I've never had to use it for its intended purpose and I hope I never have to but I would be glad to have a tool like this if I ever found myself in a sticky situation. This thing is pretty sharp out of the box, and would be extremely effective for it's intended purpose. But there is one bad thing about this, I don't carry it anymore. The included sheath is so bad that it will fall out during day to day activities, and this is carrying it horizontal which the included belt clip cant do without modification which is extremely weird. I would not trust carrying this thing blade up handle down like the photos show. The problem is is that there are only 2 screws holding the bottom portion of the sheath in the center and nothing towards the back which creates a loose fit. I have tried taping it which helps a little. The included belt clip is way to big for any type of fabric belt and it will be loose if you don't do something like what I did where I took a Velcro zip tie style band and tied it to my belt where the opening for the blade is. I had this blade fall out over the side of a cliff when I was doing some decking work, luckily it got caught in some bushes and didn't go all the way down. The 2nd time I had it fall out was in the back of a moving truck and I thought i had completely lost it. Found it in the front of the truck when unloading. During this time of it being lost I contacted Tops asking if they would replace it and the best they could do was 50% off a new one and they would "reshape" the sheath. The sheath doesn't need to be reshaped, it needs to be redesigned. Tons of people seem to complain about this and Tops doesn't seem to care. As much as I like the blade I don't think I will be purchasing a knife from Tops in the future. If a company can't even make a sheath for safe carrying of their blades, then I don't think I will buy or recommend this company in the future. I'm either going to try to put a new screw into it to try to make it hold tighter, or contract someone to make a new sheath for it as I have seen one on YouTube. I currently have it on my Haley D3 Gun Belt that I just started building out, but currently don't train with that belt and for any "conflict" I would not trust the sheath with my life.

A hands-on attack would be unsuccessful against someone defending themselves with this. Excellent and recommended.

Perfect concealed carry knife and quick to deploy. Very sharp and nice and thick handle.

The one star is for the design of the Knife, however, the quality of the manufacture is sub standard. I sent the first one I received back, presuming it was a used / demo knife; the knife point was like a pair of scissors and the sharpness felt as if it was used to cut paper. The sheath barley held the knife secure and when I shook it in the inverted position it easily just fell out; so I purchased another so I could return it. I did receive the replacement within a day, so I was pretty excited about my replacement, but apparently TOPS KNIVES puts their name on this type of quality; so I will have to sharpen it and fix the sheath, ( it fell out today while carrying it upright and hit the deck), I teach gun safety and personal protection and will make it my mission to spread the word about TOPS KNIVES as well as Boy Cot TheirProducts for the Rest of My Natural Life; No wonder I had never heard of them, My Mistake!

This little knife can't be mistaken for anything but a self-defense tool, so if you carry it, be prepared to explain it-or beer yet, keep it concealed and only use it when lives are in danger. It's another quality product from Tops.

The knife itself is awesome and well made . The sheath is not easy to reposition. The clip screws have blue locktite in them . Also the kydex is loose . I corrected it by heating it and punching the opening closed and now it holds good . Like it should . Only complaint is the case is lacking for a 100 dollar Knife.