🥇Best Design of the Year🥇El Pionero Tactical Meets Practical

In 2024, 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 TOPS Daily Grind. 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. It’s a simple design based on what is probably the most common knife type on the globe–a paring knife.

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, but also 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.

Love it

At first, I thought I would slip this on my tackle box and use it just as a fish gutting knife. Well, as soon as I held it, I knew plans would change. It's now my edc and I use it for everything from gutting fish, opening meat packages, and cutting rope to keeping it on hand in case I need it for something more life saving. I recommend this knife very much.Review by Clearance Camo (Posted on 6/1/2024)

Knife Type	Fixed Blade
Overall Length	7.63"
Blade Length	3.38"
Cutting Edge	3.13"
Blade Thickness	0.090"
Blade Steel	1095 RC 56-58
Blade Finish	Tumble Finish
Handle Material	Tan Canvas Micarta
Knife Weight	2.9oz
Weight w/ Sheath	4.1oz
Sheath Included	Yes
Sheath Material	Black Kydex
Sheath Clip	Multi-Position Spring Steel
Designer	Ed Calderon