Lone hunter is right, STOS took the "needle" off the tip almost 2 years ago.  The newer ones have what I'd describe as a mini tanto, very similar to the Magnus "Diamond tip".  They should perform very well with or without further modification.

I don't think you'll find a better flying head, and the factory grind is simply superb.  

Hi Tim,,

STOS took the "needle" off the tip almost 2 years ago. The newer ones have what I'd describe as a mini tanto, very similar to the Magnus "Diamond tip". They should perform very well with or without further modification.


I went to the Magnus site and couldn't find any reference to the new tip style, Do you have any pics? (of the Stos as well?),,

Thanks,,Frank

Frank, the Magnus Diamond tip was introduced 4 or 5 years ago.  Basically they just took the needle off for durability, I wouldn't call it new.  I'm surprised you didn't see anything on the site, I've got their 2009 catalog here and it still mentions it.

Here's a pic of a Magnus with a diamond tip.  Not a close up but the best one I've got.  The STOS is virtually identical out of the pack.  All my close up STOS pictures I tanto tipped myself so they won't help you.

Thanks Tim,, I can see the difference,,Frank

Been using 160 grain stos for three or four years.  So far have killed an elk and a nice whitetail with them.  Very good head.  I tanto the tips.  As others have said, no down side to a tanto tip.  I use True Angle hones to sharpen.  They work very well.  I'm also waiting for their new single bevel to come out.

I have been using STOS heads for three years.  Have killed elk, whitetails, black bear and feral hog.  I use a 160 gr. with a 100 grain steel adapter.  File sharpened with a point.  Have not bent one yet.