Tops Earth Skills Knife

Read Time: 4 Min.

In this Field Report, we’re taking a quick look at the Tops Earth Skills Knife, which sparked the creation of this ultra-minimal kit. But, before we go any further, let’s talk about the designer of this knife…

Matt Graham designed the Earth Skills Knife, alongside one of my favorite brands Tops Knives. Matt’s relaxed demeanor and ultra-minimal approach to the outdoors have always been a big inspiration for me. While I am nowhere near Matt’s level with primitive skills, I really enjoy the freedom of using my own minimal outdoor kit like the one we’re looking at today.

Minimal kits are back for the year.

As much as I love cold weather (and I REALLY love cold weather), I am excited about being able to pack minimal kits again in these warmer temperatures. Shown here is a minimal fishing & day-trekking kit that I had out with me last week. Here’s a quick breakdown of this kit…

Tools:
The Tops Earth Skills Knife and a simple folding saw are able to achieve everything and more that I typically need while I’m out.
Water:
The Titanium Canteen is very lightweight, comfortable to carry against my back, holds a lot of water and I can boil water in it. (Or use water purification tabs from my Wazoo Cache Belt)
Fishing:
The Exotac xREEL and reelKIT allow me to procure food, while enjoying one of my favorite past times while I’m out: creek fishing.
Way of carrying everything:
The shemagh is perfect for carrying my entire kit in when I use it as a waist-wrap. It is also great for wiping my dirty hands with, using as an extra layer to add warmth or shield me from the sun (depending on the weather).
Extra EDC Items:
I always EDC (every day carry) a few small items in my pockets and in my belt/hat such as: Cordage, lighter/ferro rod, multitool, flashlight, first aid kit, extra bandana & button compass.

Add a snack or two in the shemagh waist wrap and you have more than enough gear for a fun day outdoors!

See This Kit on Amazon

Perks & Challenges for this type of kit.

The name of the game with an ultra-minimal kit like this one is to keep things lightweight. Your heaviest gear, like the Earth Skills Knife, should be what gives you the most capability in the field. And, as you can imagine, you’re going to have to leave a lot of gear behind and improvise from the landscape for some things.

Tops Earth Skills Knife:
The property that I’m doing a lot of my work & adventures on this year is pretty overgrown and the Earth Skills Knife does a great job of clearing trails when used as a “machete”. And, despite its large size, it is very nimble and capable of carving wood or processing game.
Perks of this kit:
It is very comfortable to wear, doesn’t weigh me down, works well with the Earth Skills Knife sheath, and keeps things simple. Minimal Kits appeal to me so much because you’re more focused on the adventure at hand, rather than keeping up with your gear all day.
Challenges for this type of kit:
As you can tell, one of the main things that I don’t have in this kit is a shelter (among a few other things). This would require me to make a shelter or utilize what nature provides. Strategically forcing yourself to leave certain gear behind, especially on day trips, can be a great challenge for your skillset. You learn to adapt and improvise in the field…Consequently, learning new things in the process.

See the Earth Skills Knife Kit

The Tops Earth Skills Knife has been a fantastic tool that I’ve really been enjoying using lately. Last year, when I first got this knife, I lacked the proper environment to test it fully. But the land I’m on this year has been ideal terrain to put this knife through its paces.

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See the Tops Earth Skills Knife & Full Kit