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Toor Knives
Published: January 20th, 2025
Toor Knives is an American knife company that has rapidly gained a reputation for producing high-quality, functional tools designed for military, tactical, and everyday use. Founded in 2014 by brothers Connor and Cameron Toor in San Diego, California, the company emerged from a simple yet ambitious mission: to create affordable, durable knives that could withstand the rigorous demands of real-world applications.
The origins of Toor Knives trace back to late 2013 when Connor and Cameron Toor began crafting knives for their deploying military friends. Starting in their backyard with a makeshift forge, built from a concrete-molded fire pot, brick-and-mortar base, galvanized pipe, and a hair dryer for air circulation, the brothers laid the foundation for what would become Toor Knives. A small shed served as their workshop, complete with salvaged desks as workbenches and a bedroom dresser to store tools like files, angle grinders, and sharpening stones.
- Toor Knives was founded in 2014 by Connor and Cameron Toor (pictured above)
Despite these humble beginnings, the brothers’ dedication to quality quickly caught the attention of their peers. As demand for their knives grew, they decided to turn their hobby into a business, officially launching Toor Knives. They soon upgraded their workspace to a U-Haul storage unit, expanding to three workbenches and even adding a refrigerator. This setup allowed them to meet the increasing demand and provided room for Cameron to contribute between deployments.
In 2015, the brothers launched the SOF Series, a collection of knives designed to handle the diverse challenges faced by Special Operations Forces (SOF) operators. The success of this series marked a turning point for the company, necessitating a move to a commercial location in Miramar, San Diego. The new space, equipped with multiple offices and a dedicated garage, allowed Toor Knives to operate more efficiently and meet the growing demand for their products.
One of Toor Knives' defining characteristics is its unwavering commitment to American craftsmanship. Unlike many knife manufacturers that outsource production, Toor Knives maintains complete control over their manufacturing process, ensuring that every knife is made in the United States. Their facility is equipped with state-of-the-art CNC machines, heat-treating ovens, and precision grinding equipment, allowing them to produce knives with exceptional attention to detail.
This commitment extends to the materials used in their knives. Toor sources premium steels such as CPM 154, CPM S35VN, and CPM 3V, which are known for their strength, edge retention, and corrosion resistance. The handles are crafted from high-quality materials like G-10, micarta, and carbon fiber, providing a comfortable and secure grip even in demanding conditions.
Toor Knives’ designs reflect a blend of functionality and aesthetic. Each model is purpose-built to meet the needs of specific users, whether it’s a tactical operator, a survivalist, or an everyday carry enthusiast. Their product line includes fixed-blade knives, folding knives, and specialty tools, all designed to excel in various environments.
Toor Knives Anaconda
In addition to crafting tools that serve these professionals, Toor Knives actively supports military and veteran organizations through donations and collaborative programs. This dedication to giving back strengthens their connection to the communities they serve, while also reinforcing the brand’s mission to honor and empower those who protect and serve.
As the demand for Toor Knives continued to grow, the company moved from their commercial location in Miramar to a custom-built manufacturing facility in East County San Diego. This 3,000-square-foot space allowed Toor Knives to optimize every step of their production process. Separate rooms were designated for Cerakoting, engraving, and grinding, with specialized benches for each step; from heat treating to handle assembly, to ensure efficiency and organization.
The new facility also included a reception area, offices for customer service and supply management, and a dedicated space for quality control. A 40-foot-long American flag, hand-painted by Cameron, adorns the walls, symbolizing their pride in American craftsmanship and their commitment to the values that inspired their journey.
Innovation lies at the heart of Toor Knives. The company continuously seeks ways to improve its designs and manufacturing processes, incorporating cutting-edge technology to enhance performance and durability. Customer feedback plays a vital role in this process. Toor’s team actively engages with its community, gathering insights and suggestions to refine its products. This collaborative approach has resulted in a loyal customer base that values the brand’s transparency and dedication to improvement. It’s not uncommon for Toor to release limited-edition models based on customer input, further strengthening its reputation as a brand that listens to its users.
As Toor Knives continues to grow, the company remains committed to its founding principles: quality, craftsmanship, and purpose-driven design. Their dedication to producing American-made knives has set a high standard in the industry, earning them a place among the most respected names in knife manufacturing.
Looking ahead, Toor plans to expand its product offerings and explore new markets while maintaining its focus on innovation and customer satisfaction. Whether crafting a rugged tactical blade or a sleek EDC folder, Toor Knives stays true to its mission of delivering tools that inspire confidence and perform when it matters most.
Written by Drew Clifton
What to Buy
The Toor Vasive is a compact fixed-blade dagger engineered for high-performance and discreet carry. Featuring the innovative Helix Grind blade design with chisel grinds on both sides, it offers enhanced puncturing and slicing capabilities. Crafted from CPM 154 stainless steel for superior edge retention and corrosion resistance, the Vasive delivers reliability under demanding conditions. Its durable G-10 handle provides a secure, ergonomic grip, while the lightweight 1.9-ounce design ensures comfortable everyday carry. With an overall length of 3.87 inches and a blade length of 2 inches, this versatile tool is perfect for tactical use or discreet EDC, blending premium materials with precision engineering.
The Toor Zenith Apocalypse is a premium fixed-blade tactical knife built for extreme performance. Made in the USA, it features a 4-inch CPM CruWear stainless steel blade with exceptional toughness, edge retention, and a sleek black finish. The clip point design excels in cutting and piercing, while thumb jimping enhances control. Its full-tang construction, gray G-10 handle, and neon green liners provide durability, water resistance, and a bold aesthetic. At 9 inches overall and 8.1 ounces, it balances power and portability. Includes a custom Kydex sheath for secure carry.
The Toor Merchant 2.0 S is a rugged yet refined folding knife, perfect for outdoor adventurers. Featuring a 3.75" drop point CPM S35VN blade with a black oxide finish, it delivers exceptional toughness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance. Its framelock design ensures secure use, while the thumb stud allows smooth one-handed deployment. The Forest Green Canvas Micarta handle with Dark Earth G10 liners provides a superior grip, even in wet conditions. Compact at 8" overall and 3.6 oz, with a tip-up pocket clip for convenience, this knife blends durability, performance, and style for camping, hiking, and everyday carry.
Expert Reviewed
T.C. Barnette
T.C. Barnette is a dynamic media personality and the esteemed spokesperson for SMKW (Smoky Mountain Knife Works), where his passion for knives intersects with his captivating on-screen presence. With a magnetic charisma and deep expertise in cutlery, T.C. has become a beloved figure in the knife community.