Stroup Knives Field Test and Review

In 2017, veteran Chris Stroup and his family launched Stroup Knives, focusing on crafting top-notch survival and combat knives for any situation. Whether you need something for everyday carry or tactical use, each knife is made with precision and care to ensure it stands up when needed.

Stroup Knives is also about affordability, ensuring everyone can get the best survival tools. When things get tough, you can count on Stroup Knives to have your back with the one knife you’ll really rely on.

Bragg

Chris Stroup is a former communications specialist with 11 years in the US Army. During his time, he kept communication networks running smoothly on base, set up tactical networks in vehicles, and confirmed everyone had the proper devices to stay connected during operations. He served in some elite units like the 25th Infantry Division, 4th Battalion 160th SOAR (Abn), and a Special Missions Unit at Fort Bragg, where he gained valuable combat experience. Unfortunately, due to severe knee injuries, he was medically discharged.

But instead of letting that hold him back, Chris took the skills he picked up in the Army and launched his own business. He believes the key lessons he learned are the importance of planning and always finding solutions. Now, Chris actively supports the community by hiring veterans and law enforcement officers. He wants to give them a sense of purpose after their service—something they can be proud of.

The author split larger pieces of maple and oak with a baton and the Mountain Predator Bowie for their woodpile. — (Photo by Stroup Knives)

The GP2

Check out the Stroup Knives GP2, your go-to everyday carry (EDC) knife! This versatile tool is perfect for law enforcement, military personnel, and outdoor enthusiasts—it’s ready to tackle whatever you throw at it.

The GP2 measures 7.75 inches overall and has a sturdy 3.5-inch blade made from rugged 1095 high-carbon steel. It’s durable yet lightweight, making it easy to take with you wherever you roam. You can choose from textured G10 scales in flat dark earth (FDE) or OD green, which provide a solid grip even when your hands are cold or wet. Plus, the acid-etched and stone-washed blade surface gives it a sleek look while helping you stay low-key.

Its slim design makes it stand out, and it fits right onto your belt with a black Kydex sheath and a Blade-Tech Tek-Lok so that you can carry it comfortably all day long. Whether you’re slicing food at camp, crafting a spear for fishing, or whittling kindling for your next fire, the GP2 has your back. Whether you need a reliable tool for daily tasks, a trusty companion for outdoor adventures, or something tactical, the Stroup Knives GP2 is ready for anything! MSRP: $219.99

Hardcore Service

I really value comfort and blade performance, so I always take the chance to create something new. One of my favorite go-to options is the Figure 4 deadfall trap. I make the stop cuts with the aid of a baton and angle them at 45 degrees to keep things efficient. This type of trap requires some engineering and carefully placed attention to detail. It’s a lot more practical than the next challenge I tackled.

For that, I plunged the GP2 into an ammo canister and used the knife like a lever. Let me tell you, I pushed the tip and edge to their limits during that mission!

Mountain Predator Bowie

Check out the EJ Snyder Signature Mountain Predator Survival Combat Bowie! Crafted by Stroup Knives from top-notch ¼-inch thick 1095 High Carbon Steel, this knife is built to last. It’s super compact and lightweight, measuring just 13.5 inches overall, with an 8-inch blade that’s perfect for everything from skinning game to tackling craft projects or any outdoor task.

The camo canvas micarta handle gives you an incredible grip, letting you easily control it while keeping comfort in mind, no matter how long you use it. Plus, the custom-formed Kydex sheath keeps your knife secure, complete with a rotating belt clip for quick attachment and removal whenever you need it.

With only 100 of these bad boys being serially numbered worldwide, this knife is a unique piece you’ll love to show off on your adventures. EJ Snyder, a true survivor, advocates living by the motto, “Always be the predator, not the prey.” This bowie embodies a mindset of strength, resilience, and fierce determination. With the Mountain Predator in your hands, you’ll be ready to tackle any challenge that comes your way! MSRP $399.99

Prepared for Action

The Mountain Predator Survival Combat Bowie stands out as a formidable tool. It offers a medium-heavy build that delivers a significant punch. Many outdoor enthusiasts believe a 7 to 8-inch blade is ideal for survival knives. If you’re a fan of classic knives in this weight category, like the KA-BAR or Becker 7, think of the Mountain Predator as those models on steroids. Despite its heft, this knife remains nimble and provides more power than its rivals without sacrificing finesse.

I always begin my knife assessments with the arm shaving test. While it seems straightforward, not all knives achieve hair-shaving sharpness. When a knife starts out able to shave hair, I use that as a benchmark throughout my testing process to track when the edge has dulled.

Real-World Testing

I ventured into the woods for a bit of camp cooking, utilizing a small DIY wood-burning stove made from a metal colander. This stove accommodates larger pieces of wood than typical bio stoves like the Uberleben or Emberlit, allowing for more substantial fuel. The Mountain Predator excelled at this task, as I had hardwood rounds from winter that needed splitting. I primarily used oak, maple, and beech for fuel, while poplar provided excellent kindling to ignite the fire. I employed a baton to hammer the knife into the wood, and with just a few taps on a log, I completed the splits. Most pieces measured about wrist thickness, while a couple reached bicep thickness, and the knife efficiently handled them.

Next, I tackled kindling preparation, which involved snapping thin sticks of various sizes. When the sticks reached thumb-to-broomstick thickness, the Mountain Predator came into play. Chopping these on a hard surface often sends them flying in all directions, occasionally back toward your face—which can happen! Although the Mountain Predator has the strength to chop through sticks, I found it best to make controlled cuts along the wood’s length to weaken it for easier breaking by hand. This approach minimizes the hunting for kindling compared to full chops. It requires skill to execute correctly, but you can combine finesse with power with a knife like the Mountain Predator!

Kitchen Predator

I fired up the Mountain Predator in camp kitchen mode, chopping up green onions on a cutting board for some quick Udon noodles. I also tackled some tomatoes, which can be tricky to slice. Thankfully, only sharp knives handle tomatoes like a breeze, and the Mountain Predator made that look easy. The 8-inch blade fits comfortably in my hand since I’m used to chef knives and cleavers of that size. It sliced and diced without smashing the ingredients everywhere.

Regarding meat, the Mountain Predator had no trouble slicing through sausages, chicken, and beef for different dishes. It was a breeze butterflying chicken breasts for the grill—a task that needed a sharp blade and some finesse, and this knife nailed it!

The Stroup GP2 endured harsh conditions as it was thrust into an ammo canister and struck with a baton, yet the edge remained unharmed. — (Photo by Stroup Knives)

Spark It Up

The Mountain Predator has a bumpy spine that looks like mountains, but don’t underestimate it when it comes to striking your Ferro rod. The textured thumb jimping and the spine near the tip are perfect for creating sparks. Instead of wrestling with a big tool like the Mountain Predator, try moving the smaller, lighter piece for striking—the Ferro rod. Pulling the Ferro rod back against the spine is the best technique, directing the sparks into your tinder pile.

Another solid method is to stick the knife tip into a piece of wood and then draw the Ferro rod back against the spine tip. It’s a safe and efficient way to send sparks flying to your tinder, yet most people don’t use it!

Force of a Brute

To wrap things up, I love testing the limits of any gear designed for extreme outdoor use. I chopped a rigid hickory board in half and then split the pieces for a fire since I needed hardwood coals.

For the edge strength test, I used deer bone. After a few chops, I was impressed by how well the edge held up. But the real challenge came from an ammo canister I found hidden in the woods. Stabbing through that canister was the ultimate test of the knife’s tip, cutting edge, and overall toughness. I took a full-powered stab with the knife in an icepick grip, then I used a baton to hammer that tough blade into the canister a few inches and worked it back and forth for good measure. Many knives would’ve chipped or rolled their edges in this situation, but not the Mountain Predator!