A Beloved Tactical Brand’s Most Formidable Machete Gets the EDC-Friendly Treatment

Tops Knives’ intimidating chopper maintains its material makeup and signature silhouette but gets one really big (or little) change.

Closeup of Tops Knives El Chete Mini handle

By Sean Tirman

Published March 26, 2025

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In 2017, Tops Knives unveiled its aptly named El Chete machete. The intimidating outdoor cutting tool measured a whopping 17.5 inches in length, of which 12 were made up by the blade alone.

The intimidating chopper was anything but carry-friendly. However, it’s getting a second, more EDC-friendly life with a new, also aptly-named iteration called the Tops Knives El Chete Mini.

Tops Knives El Chete Mini knives on peeling paint wood background — Tops’ El Chete Mini comes with a handful of custom options, including a camo blade finish, handle texture and more.

Sized-down slicer

If you compare the materials and silhouettes of the El Chete and El Chete Mini side by side, you won’t be able to tell much difference. They’re virtually the same, save that the original has a black-handled version available.

However, there’s been one very big (or rather small) change. While the original was 17.5 inches in length, the El Chete Mini is literally half that size.

[The El Chete Mini] is a far more versatile all-purpose fixed blade.

This reduces its length to 8.75 inches with a 5.5-inch blade, making the mini much more manageable without sacrificing most of what made the original unique and interesting.

The larger original still has the edge regarding pure chopping power — making it the better outdoor brush-clearing tool. But the mini is a far more versatile all-purpose fixed blade.

Thanks to its long blade and curved belly, it could even be used as a camp cooking knife, along with its other outdoor duties.

Tops Knives El Chete Mini in sheath on person's belt — This Leo Espinoza-designed tool comes with a Kydex sheath and belt loop.

Small blade, big impact

Obviously, there’s a big difference in size between the original and the mini, but many of their specs are still right in line.

While smaller, the blade is still made from hard-working 1095 steel. For an upcharge, it can also be applied with a camo finish and serrations.

Furthermore, the handle is still crafted from Micarta. For an upcharge, it can be upgraded to a Rocky Mountain Tread texture.

Lastly, the El Chete Mini ships with a Kydex sheath, so you can keep it close when you need it most.

Tops Knives El Chete Mini in hand — At 8.75 inches in total, the El Chete Mini is far more carry-friendly than its massive 17.50-inch sibling.

Pricing and availability

Even though the Tops Knives El Chete Mini just dropped, it’s already on sale for $185 — 20 percent off its $230 MSRP. You can pick one up on the brand’s website right now.