I'd actually prefer ESEE over TOPS. TOPS makes quality stuff. No doubt about it. I'm just more of an ESEE guy. Randall's knives are tested quite well during his various jungle training classes. So I approach ESEE with a little more "field tested, battle approved" mindset.

It's really just preference. If someone handed me an ESEE or a TOPS...I'd feel confident with either. But as others have mentioned there are cheaper, field tested knives out there. I've never been a fan of big knives. I made that mistake when I bought my BK-7. Just was too big and I rarely used it. I'm from the school of bushcrafting where...smaller is better. Hence my love of the ESEE Izula and Candiru.