Shipping Paused Until 9/20/25 during move to new warehouse (will ship sooner if possible).
How This Hunting Fixed Blade Knife Outperforms the Competition
Need an affordable blade that can help you build a custom hunting fixed blade knife from scratch? This Architect AK 6.5 blade should check many of the right boxes for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Made in the USA, this 6-inch fixed blade knife features 1095 Steel, which perfectly balances toughness and edge retention. It also includes a clear Cerakote Ceramic protective finish that adds to its durability while giving it a glimmer that makes it a sight to behold. It even comes with an unconditional lifetime warranty to highlight just how long it should last.
Top Ways to Use This 6-Inch Fixed Blade Knife
This Architect AK 6.5 blade is designed to help you build an effective hunting fixed blade knife, but it’s also so much more than just that. It has a 6″ blade length (6.875″ if you include the finger choil) that makes it very versatile, so you can utilize it for many purposes.
Whether you plan to stick to hunting with your knife or pull it out when it’s time to perform bushcraft tasks, such as drilling and skinning game, you can find tons of uses. It even has a high saber grind to make it the perfect companion for those constantly pulling out their knives to slice. Its 3/16″ thick blade makes it stout but easy to carry.
Trust Architect Knives for Blades, Handles, and More
Architect Knives specializes in the customizability of knives, and it won’t be hard to figure out why once you see how many blades, handles, and other accessories we carry. Each of our products is made in the USA with a commitment to high-quality and higher-tier craftsmanship, and we also extend a 100% satisfaction guarantee. We even offer free shipping throughout the U.S. and deliver a truly unique shopping experience to our customers. Unleash precision in style by browsing through our collection!
William Lacy –
I kept kicking around the idea of picking up this blade for sometime, finally just ordered it and wow what a blade!! Fit and finish was amazing and razor sharp! Leather sheath is absolutely top notch! Knife connection handle scales are so comfortable in hand and look fantastic! If you’ve been thinking about getting one of these, buy it you won’t regret it!! — Originally posted at TheKnifeConnection
Greg Martin –
Until I got this one. If you only want one knife, get this one. It’s not tiny, it’s not a sword. It’s right in the middle. And will not disappoint. — Originally posted at TheKnifeConnection
Lee Lowder –
I’ve only gotten to use this for some minor bushcrafting so far but it is a phenomenal knife! — Originally posted at TheKnifeConnection
Todd Berkoff –
This is a perfect knife. I love the TOPS blade, sand blasted finish, and blade geometry. The G10 grip scales are comfortable and beautiful. TKC shipped the knife out fast and received it in 2 days. Thank you TKC for making this knife available at a reasonable price. — Originally posted at TheKnifeConnection
Timothy Stout –
This is the best camp knife I have ever had , thumbs up to TKC and Tops knives partnership — Originally posted at TheKnifeConnection
Robert Lunsford –
The Blade and G10 handle were both well made. the fit and finish was excellent, and the Blade was pretty sharp upon receipt. I would definitely recommend this Knife to family/friends. I did not purchase a sheath as I make my own custom leather sheaths so I can’t evaluate the available sheaths from the knife connection. I will be ordering a large Esee Knife as well. Very Impressed. — Originally posted at TheKnifeConnection
Alexandre DUBOIS –
Really goof knife that looks good, feels good my hand and cuts well. Let’s see over time but right now perfect. — Originally posted at TheKnifeConnection
Frank Pedroza –
Great knife love it👍 — Originally posted at TheKnifeConnection
Keith Bernabei –
Architect Knife Builder: Field Buddy 6.5 — Originally posted at TheKnifeConnection
craig panzer –
Love this knife. I think it is the perfect solder’s knife to strap to a vest and also can be used as a survival knife. — Originally posted at TheKnifeConnection
David Jasso –
So far, this knife has lived up to the expectations and the hype of it’s capabilities! I highly recommend this knife to anyone that collects, or uses knives in any capacity, it is an awesome tool to have. The customization is just amazing. Quality, practicality, and awesome all rolled into this one knife!! — Originally posted at TheKnifeConnection
Adam Näsholm –
Fantastic knife! Feels great in my XL size hands. The knife comes razor sharp. It’s also got a nice heft to it without being too heavy. Which makes the knife easy to use for both large and small tasks. Perfect knife if you are looking for a one tool option. — Originally posted at TheKnifeConnection
This has quickly become my favorite knife. — Originally posted at TheKnifeConnection
I love it! — Originally posted at TheKnifeConnection
Will J –
1st of all this Knife Builder is the s**t. The ability to semi-customize what you want is awesome. I chose the Field Buddy 6.5 as a big brother to my Esee 4 HM (if you don’t have one yet you are missing out). The FB 6.5 is a great piece of kit & was chosen over the Esee 6 due to the preferred grind & different coating. I love TOPS blades & being able to pick the scales & carry options was a no brainer. I’ve used it for batoning, chopping & some precision work as well. It is a very versatile knife that does a mutitude of duties. If your thinking of a full sizer that can take about anything you throw at it you will not be disappointed with the FB 6.5….the clincher was the unconditional lifetime warranty that mirrors that of the ESEE. GREAT JOB KNIFE CONNECTION….You have a winner in your stable…..Caveat: You shipped this mother faster than Captain Kirk crossing a galaxy…I will be back — Originally posted at TheKnifeConnection
James Wilson –
Most knife fanatics want to personalize their cutting tool, so what if you could have a semi-custom knife right from the start? As it’s name implies, the Architect series allows you to design it your way. When buying the knife there are myriad options to choose from; blade length, handle scales, sheath type and accessories (there are over a dozen different handle scales alone). What arrives in the mail are all the bits and pieces you ordered, ready to be assembled. The process was easy; it took me longer to lay out all the parts and take inventory than it did to put everything together. — Originally posted at TheKnifeConnection
However, customization without quality would essentially be useless. After all, what good is a knife that doesn’t perform? The components that make up the Architect are manufactured by Tops so quality is a given. The edge came scalpel sharp, shaving off slivers of phonebook paper with ease. The stonewash finish on the flats was flawless, the jimping was right where my thumb lands and is not too aggressive, the protruding pommel is a nice touch for crushing/processing and the choil fits my index finger perfectly. The Coke bottle shape of the handle fills my hand nicely and feels very secure in all grips. The only observed “flaw” was that the scales don’t quite match up to the tang, leaving a thumbnail width of exposed steel. Since the parts are produced in batches, and not hand finished like the rest of the Tops line, that’s to be expected. Another thing to be expected is a spine that isn’t sharp, which is something Tops never does with their branded products. — Originally posted at TheKnifeConnection
The minuscule size difference between the scales and tang isn’t a problem for me, in actual use I don’t even notice it. Not having a 90° spine is a problem though as that takes away some functionality from the knife. Depending upon the options you choose the Architect line can get a bit pricey as well; a 6.5 with a Kydex sheath and ESEE pouch came in a little over $200, so not a bargain option. Those concerns resulted in a 4 start rating (it would have been 4.5 if that was allowed). — Originally posted at TheKnifeConnection
All-in-all, I’m really glad I got the knife. It’s a solid, well designed piece of kit that can be fully customized. Best part is, you get to say you put it together. — Originally posted at TheKnifeConnection
Peter Matthews –
After purchasing quite a few knives in the survival/bushcraft genre from ESEE, Schrade and TOPS, I have to say that the Field Buddy 6.5 takes things up a notch or two. The knife builder process is very rewarding, and the final product is a delight in the hand. Fit and finish and sheath function are all excellent. — Originally posted at TheKnifeConnection
Aaron Newman –
I have not got a chance to really beat it up yet. But you can really feel the quality of all the parts. I am so Happy with my purchase. This is a great family heirloom. — Originally posted at TheKnifeConnection
Craig Stockton –
Took a chance on this one because I hadn’t seen much in the way of reviews let alone gotten my hands on one. This knife is awesome! ESEE handle , TKC scales and blade by Tops! The hefty spearpoint blade is ideal for camp/bush craft chores and the pommel is really utilitarian compared to many others. This thing is amazing in hand and if it holds up to hard use like my other Tops blades it is going to be a beast! This is really a winning combination in my opinion, home run! — Originally posted at TheKnifeConnection
David King –
Very good knife overall. Great balance, scales, edge and overall length for me and my uses. Tops 1095 is the best. — Originally posted at TheKnifeConnection
However, I do wish is came with a 90 degree spine. — Originally posted at TheKnifeConnection
I could go with one without the choil, and just have more cutting edge, but that is just my preference. — Originally posted at TheKnifeConnection
Would love to see this offered without a choil in a 6.5-7.0 inch in CPM 3V, like the smaller Architect. Hint, hint. It would for sure be my main go to. — Originally posted at TheKnifeConnection
Customer service was EXCELLENT!! — Originally posted at TheKnifeConnection
Daneen Williams (verified owner) –
Fits great in hand. Chops wood no problem. I have the 6.5 and this knife just looks perfect. Well built. Good camping knife.
Wayne Henderson (verified owner) –
The 6.5 is an excellent blade! I’m taking it on a kayak adventure this weekend, and going to put it to the test , the fit and feel is perfect, razor sharp! I purchased the AK 8 and it’s a incredible blade as well, everything about the AK knives are top notch, the blades the handles and kydex sheaths , are outstanding ⚔️⚔️⚔️
William Wadel (verified owner) –
Architect® AK 6.5 Blade Only – 1095 Steel – High Saber Grind – Clear Cerakote Coating
Horace Koch (verified owner) –
Nice looking well made knife.
phil altergott (verified owner) –
Love this knife it’s sharp and balanced perfectly! Really love this 6.5 got the 9 and 3 love em all! Tops and white river are doing it!🇺🇸
Greg Cramer (verified owner) –
Everything I wish the ESEE 6 was you guys did.
Vincent Rufolo (verified owner) –
Hello Ethan, I am very pleased and impressed with the quality of the knife and kydex sheath! Thank you for being professional and honest!
Woody Nichols (verified owner) –
Extremely Happy, I am going to order another one ,I bought the AK 8 already and I’m looking to purchase the entire collection over time .You simply can’t beat the quality or the price and Customer service is second to none Thanks Again.