TOPS Lil Chete Compact Chopper Knife Announced

Lil Chete Compact Chopper Brings Big Cutting Power

TOPS Knives has introduced the Lil Chete, a shorter and more portable take on the company’s El Chete chopping blade. Designed by Leo Espinoza, the new model is aimed at bushcrafters, campers, hunters, and overlanders who want substantial chopping performance without carrying a full-size machete-style knife.

The Lil Chete keeps the hard-use concept of the original while trimming overall size and weight to make it more practical in the field. Built around a 0.25-inch-thick 1095 carbon steel blade, it is positioned as a compact chopper for fire prep, brush clearing, and general wood processing.

Quick Specs:

Product: Lil Chete
SKU: LLCH-01
Overall length: 13.88 in.
Blade length: 8.38 in.
Cutting edge: 7.88 in.
Blade thickness: 0.25 in.
Blade steel: 1095 carbon steel, RC 56-58
Blade finish: Tan powder coat
Handle material: Green canvas Micarta
Knife weight: 21.3 oz.
Weight with sheath: 29.1 oz.
Sheath: Black Kydex
Sheath clip: Leather dangler
Designer: Leo Espinoza
MSRP: $330

In practical terms, the Lil Chete appears to target users who found the original El Chete effective but more blade than they wanted to carry deep into the woods. An 8.38-inch blade still puts it firmly in the chopping category, but the reduced footprint should make it easier to pack, belt-carry, and control during extended work sessions.

TOPS says the knife retains the blade shape and broad geometry that helped define the larger model. The combination of a high grind, wide blade profile, and thick 1095 stock suggests a tool built to strike hard, clear material efficiently, and hold up to repeated impact use. The long Micarta handle also supports multiple grip positions, which matters on a blade intended for both chopping and controlled wood processing.

The Lil Chete carries an MSRP of $330 and is available through TOPS authorized dealers and directly from TOPS. It ships with a black Kydex sheath fitted with a leather dangler for belt or pack carry.

For users who want a more manageable camp and trail chopper without stepping down to a light-duty knife, the Lil Chete adds a compact but still aggressive option to the category.