Staccato has partnered with Stroup Knives to introduce a new fixed blade knife in the X series. It’s a collaboration that unites two veteran-led American brands with a shared commitment to excellence, service, and craftsmanship. These knives are more than tools. They’re mission-ready statement was forged from battlefield experience and American ingenuity.
The Stroup Knives Staccato X
When I saw the Staccato X Stroup Knives Fixed Blade Knife on the Staccato website, I knew I had to get my hands on one. It looked like the perfect fixed blade knife for everyday carry (EDC), so I had one sent out. From the moment I unboxed it, I knew I had made the right choice.
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Staccato
Staccato, headquartered in Florence, Texas, is a veteran-led firearms manufacturer renowned for its precision-engineered 2011® pistols. Not to mention, its latest line of HD pistols, designed for enhanced durability and performance.
Formerly known as STI International, the company has become a symbol of American reliability and innovation. It produces high-performance handguns trusted by law enforcement, military personnel, and responsible citizens. With over 25% of its team having served in the U.S. Armed Forces, Staccato operates with a deep commitment to honor, accountability, and excellence.
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The company’s dedication to training and community is embodied in Staccato Ranch, a state-of-the-art facility that serves as both headquarters and proving ground. At the Ranch, visitors can experience immersive shooting courses tailored to all skill levels, from mastering red dot optics to advanced competition techniques, led by expert instructors. Staccato Ranch isn’t just where skills are sharpened; it’s where a shared passion for excellence becomes a way of life.
Building on that legacy, Staccato Vegas now brings the brand’s elite training philosophy to the heart of Nevada. This premier facility offers hands-on access to the full lineup of Staccato pistols, immersive shooting experiences, and expert-led instruction in a dynamic urban setting. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a first-time shooter, Staccato Vegas delivers the same commitment to excellence, now with a Vegas edge.
Stroup Knives
Stroup Knives, based in Fayetteville, North Carolina, was founded by U.S. Army veteran Chris Stroup, who served for 11 years in the military.
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His service included four years with the elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), commonly known as SOAR or the “Night Stalkers,” and another four years with a Special Mission Unit (SMU) under U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) at Fort Bragg. That experience instilled in him a mindset of precision, resilience, and problem-solving, which now defines the ethos of Stroup Knives.
The company specializes in handmade knives built for durability, performance, and everyday use. Each blade is crafted in-house with discipline and pride, reflecting the grit of its military heritage. Beyond producing high-quality tools, Stroup Knives actively supports the veteran community by offering job opportunities and promoting workforce development for those transitioning from service to civilian life.
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Staccato x Stroup Knives Fixed Blade Knife
The Staccato x Stroup Knives Fixed Blade Knife features a sleek full-tang, saber-ground drop point blade with swedge crafted from CPM S35VN stainless steel. It measures 3.25 inches in length, 0.156 inches in thickness, and 6.875 inches overall.
The blade geometry is specifically engineered for effective piercing and slashing. This makes it ideal for tactical and defensive applications, as well as general utility. A robust spine and jimping along the back of the spine and on the butt of the handle provide enhanced grip and control.
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CPM S35VN
CPM S35VN is a premium-grade martensitic stainless steel developed by Crucible Industries using powder metallurgy technology. It is engineered for high-performance applications, particularly in knife making, where a balance of edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness is critical.
The alloy contains carbon, chromium, vanadium, and molybdenum. This contributes to its excellent wear resistance and ability to maintain a sharp edge over time. Compared to its predecessor, CPM S30V, S35VN offers improved toughness and is easier to machine and polish, making it a favorite among custom knife makers and outdoor gear manufacturers.
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Proper heat treatment is just as critical as the choice of steel in knife making. It determines the blade’s final mechanical properties. Steel composition sets the potential for hardness, toughness, and edge retention. However, heat treatment activates that potential by refining the microstructure through processes like austenitizing, quenching, and tempering.
Without precise heat treatment, even premium steels can result in blades that are brittle, soft, or prone to rapid wear. Stroup Knives states that the blade has a hardness of 59-60 HRC, which aligns with industry standards.
DLC Coating
The blade features a black Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating. DLC is a high-performance surface treatment applied to knife blades to enhance durability, reduce friction, and improve corrosion resistance.
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Composed of carbon atoms arranged in a structure that mimics natural diamond, DLC offers exceptional hardness. It often reaches up to 75 HRC, and has a slick, low-friction surface that resists wear and scratches. Its deep black finish not only adds a sleek, tactical aesthetic but also provides anti-reflective properties. DLC coatings are also chemically inert and non-toxic. Unlike some coatings, they’re food safe.
Staccato X Stroup Handle Design & Ergonomics
The handle scales on the knife are crafted from rosewood. Rosewood is a richly hued, dense hardwood prized for its durability and striking grain patterns, making it a popular choice for knife handle scales. Its natural oils provide resistance to moisture and wear, while its deep reddish-brown tones and dark figuring lend a warm, elegant aesthetic.
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Engineered for optimal performance, the handle features a sculpted ergonomic profile that conforms naturally to the hand, promoting a secure and fatigue-free grip. Its geometry supports both standard (forward) and reverse grips, making it highly versatile for utility work and defensive use.
The pronounced pommel hook enhances tactile indexing and retention, enabling rapid deployment and confident control under high-stress conditions. The knife exhibits exceptional balance, ensuring precise handling and fluid transitions during use.
The custom scales are secured using Staccato’s proprietary TORX® pistol grip screws. This reinforces the knife’s connection to its firearms heritage and adds a layer of rugged refinement to its build.
Carrying the Staccato X Stroup
Each knife is paired with a custom-molded fold-over Kydex sheath, engineered for a precision friction fit that delivers rock-solid blade retention without compromising accessibility. The sheath secures the knife with a rattle-free hold, keeping it locked in place even during vigorous movement or inverted handling.
Its minimalist profile enhances concealability and wearability, making it ideal for discreet carry. The sheath allows for smooth, intuitive deployment when speed and control matter most.
The sheath is paired with a Discreet Carry Concepts (DCC) HLR clip featuring the Staccato star logo. It’s reversible for right or left-hand carry. DCC clips are crafted from high-strength carbon steel with a non-reflective matte black finish and are engineered to grip tightly to fabric, belts, or gear without shifting.
The slim profile and modular mounting options allow for flexible carry, including inside the waistband, clipped to MOLLE/PALS webbing, or tucked discreetly in a pocket.
Field Testing
The knife arrived razor sharp, straight out of the box. I have used it for a variety of real-world tasks, and it has performed admirably in every situation. From cutting through heavy rope and webbing, cutting corrugated cardboard, to feathering kindling and preparing food, the knife has delivered consistent and reliable performance.
It has held its edge impressively. Likewise, it has proved relatively easy to resharpen in the field. Especially compared to other high-performance “super steels,” requiring only occasional touchups with a strop for edge maintenance. The handle has proved very comfortable during extended use.
The DLC coating has held up well under use, showing no signs of wear. Overall, the knife is both rugged and practical, and let’s be honest, it looks sexy too. Fit and finish are flawless.
Staccato X Stroup Knives Fixed Blade: A Mission-Driven Design
The Staccato x Stroup Knives Fixed Blade Knife lives up to its mission-driven design. It’s clear that both Staccato and Stroup Knives poured their experience and values into the design, and I’m glad to have it in my kit. It has become an integral part of my EDC.
The knife retails for $299.99.
Staccato x Stroup Knives Fixed Blade Knife Specs
| Blade Steel | CPM S35VN |
| Hardness | HRC 59–60 |
| Blade Coating | DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) |
| Handle Material | Rosewood |
| Overall Length | 6 7/8 inches |
| Blade Thickness | 0.156 inches |
| Blade Length | 3.25 inches |
| Blade Shape | Drop point |
| Sheath | Custom molded Kydex sheath with Discreet Carry Concepts clip |
| MSRP | $299.99 |
