Last in our recent spate of TOPS coverage is the Ontario XL Hunter. Whereas the last few new for 2026 TOPS pieces were in-house designs, the Ontario XL Hunter is actually a collaboration with another knife shop – can you guess which one?
Okay, not a difficult question to be fair, but it is an interesting story nevertheless. Ontario Knife Company brought TOPS onboard to give one of their Old Hickory models the once-over, enhancing the proven outdoor classic with TOPS’s well-deserved reputation for ultra-rugged build quality. The result is something that underlines all the good qualities of the original piece and builds on them without disturbing the time-honored design.
TOPS itself is quick to point out that they did not mess with the core edge geometry of the Old Hickory XL Hunter. The 5.5-inch blade retains the characterful clip blade that made its forebearer a favorite, but TOPS did beef up the stock a bit as you would expect: it’s .15” thick now, but with great care taken to maintain high slicing capability. 1095 carbon steel ensures that the XL Hunter will keep a keen edge for detail work, but hold up under shock as well.
The handle is the most drastic visual departure from the OG Old Hickory, and that’s less because the profile has been changed, and more because, well, there’s no hickory on this one! Instead of wood, the TOPS Ontario Hunter is clad in red canvas Micarta scales, screwed onto the full tang frame as is TOPS’s wont. A simple, deep carry leather sheath is included with the Ontario Hunter XL. Total weight in sheath is listed at 13.7 oz.
This is available now.
Knife in Featured Image: TOPS Ontario XL Hunter
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