The Darter: An In-Depth Look

Back in 2020 we had the honor to join forces with Haley Strategic Partners. Working with one of the best innovators in the market today, we were beyond excited to grow and create a product that would embody both companies. The result of this collaboration? The Darter - an embodiment of Travis Haley's rich tactical background as a Force Recon Marine and a titan in the tactical industry, merged with our unparalleled craftsmanship and dedication to American craftsmanship.

Connor Toor, our CEO and founder, had a clear vision. Collaborate with Travis and utilize his extensive experience to forge the ultimate blade for combat and personal defense. And guess what? They nailed it. The Darter isn’t just a knife; it's a high-quality steel fighting blade with unique reverse serrations that sets the standard.

Design and Features

The Blade

The blade is built from CPM S35VN steel, renowned in the knife world for its exceptional toughness and edge retention. What sets this steel apart is its fine grain structure, offering a perfect balance between hardness and durability. Heat-treated to a Rockwell hardness of around 59-61, the Darter's blade strikes the sweet spot of being hard enough to maintain a sharp edge, yet resilient enough to withstand heavy use.

The Design

But it's not just about the material; it's about the design. The blade measures 4.25 inches, making it long enough for effective use yet compact enough for easy carry. At .1875 inches thick, it's stout and capable of any task you can throw at it. As time grew on we have added more blades to the Darter lineup, to include a tanto shaped design.

The Edge

One of the most distinctive features of the Darter is its unique reverse serrations on the spine. This unique design allows for an extremely sharp secondary style cutting application, offering additional cutting options and tactics. These serrations aren't just functional; they add a distinct aesthetic flair to the blade, making it instantly recognizable.

The Finish

Completing the Darter is its KG Gunkote finish. This isn't just for looks – the coating provides additional corrosion resistance, ensuring that the Darter's blade stays resilient against the elements, maintaining its integrity and functionality over time.

The Handle

Now, onto the handle. Crafted from G10 with liners, it's not just about the aesthetics. The handle is textured to mimic the Haley Strategic dragonfly wing pattern, ensuring an unmatched grip even in wet conditions. This attention to detail extends to the stainless steel torx handle screws and the retention lanyard hole, ensuring both durability and functionality.

The Sheath

The Darter comes with a Black Toor Knives FlexTech KYDEX® sheath, which is as practical as it is sleek. It features a retention adjustability screw and friction offset, minimizing blade rattle. Plus, the UltiClip Slim 3.3 mount and a laser-cut loop make attaching the sheath to your gear a breeze.

Additional Features

The Darter isn’t shy about its tactical roots. With thumb jimping on the spine and butt end, a Black KG Gunkote spray finish, and the logos of both companies laser-engraved on the blade, this knife is a testament to its heritage. Each Darter has its own serial number, marking it as a unique piece of this historic collaboration.

Specs At A Glance

Overall Length: 8.5"
Blade Length: 4.25"
Handle Length: 4.25"
Handle Material: G10
Steel: CPM S35VN
Blade Thickness: 0.1875"
Blade Hardness: 59-61 Rockwell
Weight: 5.3 oz

Final Thoughts

The Toor Knives x Haley Strategic Darter is not just a knife; it's a symbol of tactical excellence and superior craftsmanship. Whether you're a seasoned operator or a gear collector, the Darter promises to be a reliable companion in any scenario. As Travis Haley himself put it, this knife is all about being mission-ready, and with the Darter in hand, you definitely will be.