Tactical knife legend Laci Szabo has contributed a new model to the 2026 TOPS lineup. It’s called the Shirodagga, and in addition to a memorable name it aims to give users a self-defense option that is bigger than a backup knife, but smaller than a full-size tactical blade.
Szabo’s reputation in the knife world is built upon decades of practical, experience-informed tactical knife designs. His most famous production piece is probably the Spyderco Szabo folder, but he has also partnered with custom makers to realize a number of other designs – all focused on the tactical/fighting/self-defense corner of the market. Szabo’s work leverages unconventional blade shapes inspired by international knife traditions to create memorable, artistically coherent tools up to the standards Szabo has accrued over time in both the military and law enforcement.
The Shirodagga is, indeed, a dagger, with a 5.5-inch, double-edged blade. The wasp-like profile, reminiscent of the Roman gladius, is deft and maneuverable like a smaller knife would be, but thanks to the heavy recurve and two live edges, it cuts like a bigger piece. According to TOPS, this was Szabo’s goal from the start, addressing a common conundrum in the tactical knife realm, where most releases are either very small so as to be concealable, or big, intimidating, and overbuilt; by taking characteristics from both size classes, the Shirodagga can play more roles than its peers in the field.
The handle portions of this full tang 1095 carbon steel knife is covered by scalloped G-10 scales; a symmetrical hand guard divides the grip portion of the Shirodagga from the business end. TOPS has provided this piece with a pancake Kydex sheath and steel spring clip, so that it can be worn on the belt, attached to a vest or pack, or even clipped to the outside of a pocket. Given its size and capabilities the Shirodagga maintains an impressively svelte figure, with a combined knife and sheath weight of just 8.8 oz.
It is available now.
Knife in Featured Image: TOPS Knives Shirodagga
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