Stroup Knives // American-made fixed blades for real-world use.

Stroup Knives is a veteran-owned, American knife manufacturer that produces handcrafted fixed blade knives designed specifically for hard use rather than display. Founded in 2017 by Chris Stroup, a U.S. Army veteran, the company operates from North Carolina with a singular focus on building knives that perform when lives depend on them. Unlike mass-produced tactical knives from overseas factories, every Stroup blade is handmade in small batches, allowing rigorous quality control over blade grinding, heat treatment, and handle fitting. The company's "no safe queens" philosophy means their designs prioritize function over aesthetics—these are tools built for military operators, law enforcement professionals, and prepared civilians who actually use their equipment. Stroup collaborates directly with active-duty Tier One operators and tactical professionals to develop blade profiles, handle ergonomics, and carry systems based on real-world requirements rather than theoretical design. This feedback loop results in knives with reinforced tips for piercing, thick blade stock for durability, and handle shapes that accommodate gloved hands and stress positions. For Mountain Ready customers building emergency preparedness kits or everyday carry setups, Stroup represents the intersection of custom knife quality and duty-grade reliability—an authentic American alternative to production knives that genuinely delivers on tactical promises.

Selecting the right Stroup knife depends primarily on your intended carry method, blade length requirements, and whether you prioritize utility tasks or defensive capability. The lineup spans from ultra-compact EDC options to larger tactical blades, each filling a distinct role. The Mini and Mini 1 models at 6.5-6.75 inches overall are three-finger knives ideal for deep concealment, smaller hands, or low-profile everyday carry. The GP2 at 7.75 inches overall with a 3.5-inch blade serves as a versatile general-purpose fixed blade suitable for belt carry and light outdoor tasks. The Bravo 5 at 7.75 inches overall represents the sweet spot for many users—large enough for serious work but compact enough for comfortable daily carry, available in both drop point and tanto configurations. The MK2 at 8 inches overall with a 4-inch blade was developed with active-duty Tier One operators specifically for combat applications, featuring a slimmer "stabby" profile optimized for piercing. The TU2 at 8.75 inches overall bridges utility and tactical use with its thinned handle designed for plate carrier mounting, while the TU1 at 9.25 inches serves as the dedicated tactical blade for kit mounting and field operations. Consider your primary use case: EDC concealment suggests the Mini series, general preparedness points toward the GP2 or Bravo 5, and dedicated tactical or survival applications favor the MK2 or TU series.

1095 high carbon steel excels in survival and preparedness applications because it combines excellent toughness with field-maintainability—you can sharpen it with improvised materials when specialized tools aren't available. Unlike stainless steels that resist corrosion but require diamond or ceramic stones for maintenance, 1095 responds well to simple whetstones, river rocks, and even the unglazed bottom of a ceramic mug. Stroup heat treats their 1095 blades to 58-60 HRC hardness, achieving a balance between edge retention and impact resistance that prevents chipping during hard use. The steel's predictable behavior under heat treatment means consistent performance across production runs—critical for knives intended for serious applications. While 1095 requires more maintenance than stainless alternatives, this trade-off delivers superior toughness for batoning, prying, and other abuse that would damage more brittle steels. Stroup addresses the corrosion vulnerability through acid-etched or Cerakote finishes that provide a protective layer while adding visual character. For preppers and survivalists, the ability to maintain a functional edge without specialized equipment represents genuine tactical advantage—your knife remains serviceable even when supply chains fail. The steel's long heritage in military and hunting applications provides decades of proven performance data, making 1095 a thoroughly vetted choice for blades that must work when everything else breaks down.

The SD1 push dagger serves as a highly effective defensive tool designed for close-quarters scenarios where rapid deployment and instinctive use matter most. Developed in collaboration with Wilder Tactical, this 2.5-inch double-edged blade features a chisel-ground tip optimized for penetration with a reinforced point that prevents bending during impact. The push dagger grip design positions the blade perpendicular to your fist, allowing powerful punching motions that transfer body weight directly through the blade—significantly more force than standard knife grips generate. At approximately 4.875 inches overall and 4.44 ounces, the SD1 conceals easily on a belt, chest rig, or plate carrier while remaining immediately accessible. The full-tang 1095 construction ensures no handle failure under stress, while the milled G10 scales provide positive grip even with sweaty or bloody hands. For everyday carry, the SD1 excels as a backup blade or last-resort defensive option rather than a utility knife—its double-edged design limits practical cutting tasks but maximizes defensive effectiveness. The included Kydex sheath with Tek-Lok clip accommodates multiple carry positions for customized concealment. While push daggers face legal restrictions in some jurisdictions, where permitted they represent one of the most effective close-quarters defensive tools available. The SD1 has gained particular popularity among female carriers seeking compact, powerful defensive options.

The Ultralite Non-Metallic is a completely detector-invisible defensive tool constructed entirely from injection-molded Zytel, designed for environments where carrying traditional metal blades isn't possible or practical. Weighing just 1.2 ounces with a 3.25-inch blade and 7.5-inch overall length, this one-piece construction offers remarkable durability despite its polymer composition. The Ultralite excels in non-permissive environments—locations with metal detectors, security screenings, or policies prohibiting metal objects—where conventional knives cannot be carried legally or practically. Zytel (DuPont's glass-reinforced nylon) provides substantially more strength than typical plastics while remaining completely non-magnetic and undetectable by standard security equipment. The knife is designed primarily as a puncture tool rather than a cutting implement—there's no sharpened edge in the traditional sense, only a reinforced piercing point. This makes it a defensive weapon rather than a utility knife. Common applications include gym carry with athletic clothing lacking belt support, travel scenarios, professional environments with strict policies, or backup defensive positioning where metal might be problematic. The included Kydex sheath with IWB clip facilitates discreet waistband carry. While the Ultralite cannot replace steel knives for cutting tasks, it fills a specific niche that no metal blade can address—providing defensive capability in environments that would otherwise leave you completely unarmed.

The Bravo 5 represents a genuine working partnership with Justin Melnick—a former police officer, combat photographer in Afghanistan, and star of CBS's SEAL Team—where real operational experience directly shaped blade geometry, handle ergonomics, and carry integration. Unlike celebrity endorsements where a famous name gets stamped on existing designs, the Bravo 5 evolved through actual field testing and feedback loops with someone who understands both tactical operations and the demands of professional knife use. The collaboration produces two distinct blade profiles: the drop point version optimized for versatile utility tasks including piercing, chopping, and slicing, and the tanto variant designed for maximum penetration with a reinforced tip geometry favored for defensive applications and hard material breaching. At 7.75 inches overall with a 3.5-inch blade weighing approximately 4.1 ounces, the Bravo 5 hits the practical sweet spot for field carry without excessive bulk. Proceeds from Bravo 5 sales support the Boot Campaign and SOWW Charity benefiting the U.S. Special Forces community, adding meaningful purpose beyond commercial transaction. The knife appears on screen during SEAL Team episodes, providing organic validation of its design intent. For Mountain Ready customers, this collaboration represents functional credibility—not marketing—backed by someone whose professional career depended on equipment reliability under genuine stress conditions.

Every Stroup knife ships with a custom-molded Kydex sheath specifically fitted to that individual blade, ensuring positive retention with audible click-in confirmation while eliminating rattle during movement. The standard configuration includes Tek-Lok or Blade-Tech belt clips that accommodate vertical, horizontal, or angled carry positions on belts from dress to duty width. These mounting systems can be repositioned for left or right-handed draw without purchasing additional hardware. The sheath retention holds knives securely during running, climbing, vehicle operations, and dynamic movements without accidental release, yet allows smooth presentation with consistent draw stroke. For tactical integration, the TU series particularly features thinned handles designed specifically for plate carrier and chest rig mounting where profile matters. The sheaths accept aftermarket clips from companies like Discreet Carry Concepts for enhanced IWB concealment or alternative mounting solutions. All mounting hardware uses standard screws for user modification or replacement. For everyday carry, the Mini and GP2 sheaths maintain low profiles suitable for business casual concealment under untucked shirts, while the Ultralite Non-Metallic includes an IWB-specific design for athletic wear carry. The Kydex material resists moisture, temperature extremes, and physical abuse without deformation, maintaining consistent retention throughout the knife's service life. Understanding your primary carry context—belt, kit, concealment, or backup positioning—helps select the appropriate model for optimal integration.

1095 high carbon steel requires proactive maintenance to prevent corrosion, but this routine is straightforward and builds knife care habits that serve you well with any carbon steel blade. After each use, wipe the blade completely dry with a clean cloth, paying attention to the junction between blade and handle where moisture accumulates. For field carry, a light coating of oil—mineral oil, Ballistol, or dedicated knife oil—provides temporary corrosion protection between cleanings. The acid-etched finish on most Stroup knives adds some corrosion resistance through the protective patina layer, while Cerakote-finished models offer enhanced protection that reduces maintenance frequency. Store your knife with a light oil coating in a dry environment; avoid leaving it in the Kydex sheath long-term in humid conditions as trapped moisture accelerates rust formation. If surface rust develops, remove it immediately with fine steel wool or a rust eraser before it pits the blade surface. For sharpening, 1095 responds excellently to whetstones—start with a medium grit around 400-600 to re-establish the edge, then progress to finer grits for refinement. The flat grind on most Stroup blades simplifies maintenance compared to compound grinds. Periodically check handle screws for looseness, particularly after hard use or temperature cycling. This maintenance investment pays dividends through reliable performance—a well-maintained 1095 blade can serve generations while a neglected one deteriorates rapidly.

Stroup produces knives in several distinct blade profiles—drop point, clip point, tanto, Wharncliffe, and pike—each optimizing different performance characteristics for specific applications. For general emergency preparedness, the drop point geometry found on the GP2 and standard Bravo 5 provides the most versatile performance, combining a strong tip for piercing with a curved belly for slicing tasks like food preparation, cordage cutting, and general utility work. The clip point profile on the MK2 and TU series offers similar versatility with enhanced piercing capability through its concave spine section creating a finer tip—excellent for precision cuts and defensive applications but slightly more tip-fragile during prying. The tanto blade on the Bravo 5 Tanto variant maximizes penetration capability with its reinforced angular tip geometry, excelling at puncturing hard materials and defensive use but sacrificing some utility versatility due to the straight edge meeting at an angle. The Wharncliffe profile available on some Bravo 5 variants features a straight edge with a curved spine meeting at the tip, providing exceptional slicing control for detailed work with a relatively strong point. The pike blade profile on Mini variants combines aspects of clip point and drop point for compact defensive capability. For comprehensive preparedness, a drop point like the GP2 or standard Bravo 5 handles the widest task range, while dedicated defensive carry favors the MK2 or tanto configurations.

Stroup knives are designed with ergonomic features that promote safe handling regardless of experience level, though fixed blade carry does require basic knife safety awareness. The handle designs across the lineup include integral finger guards that prevent forward slippage onto the blade during thrusting motions—a critical safety feature for defensive use under stress. The G10 handle material provides superior grip even when wet, reducing the likelihood of losing control during use. Unlike some tactical knives with aggressive texturing that can cause blisters during extended work, Stroup handles balance positive grip with comfort for prolonged tasks. The included Kydex sheaths securely retain blades and cover cutting edges completely during carry, eliminating accidental cuts during draw or storage. For beginners, the Mini series offers an approachable introduction to fixed blade carry with its compact size and manageable weight, while the larger models require more consideration of concealment and carry position. New fixed blade users should practice their draw stroke and re-sheathing deliberately until muscle memory develops—never look away while sheathing a blade. The straightforward designs without complex locking mechanisms or opening techniques mean Stroup knives deploy reliably without learning curves associated with folders. Understanding your local laws regarding fixed blade carry length restrictions matters before selecting a model. Start with a smaller knife like the Mini or GP2 to develop handling confidence before moving to larger tactical options.

Stroup Knives directly addresses Pillar 9 (Tools & Equipment) and Pillar 6 (Security) in Mountain Ready's 12 Pillars of Preparedness framework, providing the reliable cutting capability that serves as a force multiplier across virtually every survival scenario. A quality fixed blade knife enables shelter construction, fire preparation, food processing, equipment repair, cordage work, and personal protection—making it arguably the single most versatile tool in any preparedness kit. For comprehensive survival kit integration, the Bravo 5 drop point offers the optimal balance: its 3.5-inch blade handles serious cutting tasks without excessive weight, the 7.75-inch overall length fits comfortably on belts or pack straps, and the 4.1-ounce weight won't burden your kit. The collaboration-driven design means it's been field-tested for exactly the scenarios preppers anticipate. For vehicle emergency kits, the GP2's compact profile and general-purpose blade geometry handle automotive tasks, roadside emergencies, and shelter construction equally well. The TU2 suits dedicated bug-out bags where the knife might mount externally on chest rigs or plate carriers during active movement. For everyday carry with preparedness mindset, the Mini series provides constant access to cutting capability without lifestyle disruption. The Ultralite Non-Metallic adds secondary defensive capability in scenarios where primary options aren't accessible. Consider pairing a larger utility knife like the Bravo 5 in your main kit with a compact Mini on your person—redundancy matters when equipment failure isn't an option.