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This Adventure Knife Could Be Among the Most Formidable of the Entire Year (Or Longer)

One of the winners of Tops Knives’ annual employee design challenge, this robust blade lives up to its chummy name.

Black tactical knife with serrated edge and patterned handle held in a hand.Tops Knives
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By Sean Tirman

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In the grand scheme of things, knives of all types have one enemy that stands head-and-shoulders above them all: corrosion. And the more exposure to moisture a knife gets, the higher the chance of rust.

That poses a particularly complicated problem for ocean-going knives, as salty seawater is practically the king of naturally occurring corrosion-causing liquids.

And yet, that’s precisely the kind of thing Tops Knives’ Sidekick Diver was designed to tackle, not just occasionally, but daily, rigorously, and it’ll come out the other side no worse for wear.

Black Sidekick Diver knife with textured handle and red fishing line on sand.
The combination of this knife’s unique geometry and remarkable materials makes it an ideal seafaring blade.
Tops Knives

A pirate’s knife for me

This knife was actually one of two winners of Tops Knives’ annual employee design challenge. The other knife is the Snake River Rescue, which shares some material and functional similarities but is also very different.

Interestingly, the Sidekick Diver was penned by Ava Espinoza, wife of Leo Espinoza, the owner of Tops Knives. But this isn’t a case of nepotism; Ava’s design prowess, not her connection to Leo, earned her this win.

Hand holding a black fixed-blade knife with textured handle and "SIDEKICK DIVER" text on the blade.
The blade’s piercing tip is ideal for dispatching fish, while the partial serrations and integrated hook are ideal for cutting lines and clearing debris.
Tops Knives

To understand why, we have to start with the star of the show: the knife’s blade. This knife has one of the more unique blade geometries, which tells the story of its overall purpose.

That piercing tip, as the brand puts it, is ideal for “dispatching fish,” while the trio of serrations toward the hilt is great for cutting rope. And on the spine, there’s a large, integrated hook for larger, tougher lines and to help clear other debris.

In case that isn’t obvious enough, especially given its name, this knife is ideal for seafaring adventures, especially diving. But it also has other elements that give it an edge, even when compared to other dive knives.

Hand holding a black tactical knife with a textured grip and partially serrated blade.
The thick N690 stainless steel is practically impervious to corrosion, and its thickness makes it remarkably strong.
Tops Knives

Don’t get salty

Often, diving knives serve as a last-ditch emergency tool. They’re there to be used when you really need them, but they’re not necessarily to be relied upon for daily hard use.

This knife is different. It utilizes an extremely high-performance N690 stainless steel, which is practically impervious to corrosion (also known as rust) and also retains an edge extremely well. That combination is especially useful for underwater use.

Hand holding a knife with a black sheath and a patterned handle.
The knife gets a contoured G-10 handle and it comes with a molded Kydex sheath.
Tops Knives

The full-tang blade is also extremely thick, which further enhances its overall strength and durability. And it gets contoured G-10 handle scales that keep weight down but provide excellent grip in any conditions, adding another boost to overall durability and long-lastingness.

Finally, it gets a black powder-coat finish, which adds even more durability and some stealthy styling. It also comes with a molded Kydex sheath for easy hauling on land or by sea.

Two black diving knives with textured handles and serrated edges lying on sand next to red fishing lines and metal fishing hooks.
Unlike other dive knives, this isn’t a last resort emergency blade; it’s a true, dependable, everyday cutting tool.
Tops Knives

Availability and pricing

The Tops Knives Sidekick Diver is now available on the brand’s site for $320, down from an MSRP of $395.

About the Author: Sean Tirman is an associate editor at Gear Patrol who specializes in EDC, cannabis and outdoor gear.

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