As regular UN12 readers will know, we are enthusiasts of not just custom firearms but also custom blades—particularly those that are built for hard use and serve a distinct purpose. Expect to see a few featured blades from Toor Knives in this space soon and in the pages of an upcoming print issue of UN12.
In the meantime, Toor Knives—a veteran-founded and veteran-operated American knife company—has announced that legendary professional skateboarder, hunter, outdoorsman, and product designer Geoff Rowley, along with his outdoor brand Civilware, will join Toor’s growing family of collaborative brands.
The Civilware and Toor Knives partnership brings together two companies with a shared commitment to American-made performance, purpose-built tools, and real-world problem solving. This long-term collaboration will combine Rowley’s extensive hunting, guiding, outdoor, performance brand, and product development experience with Toor Knives’ precision knifemaking expertise and U.S. manufacturing capabilities.
The relationship will follow Toor’s creative collaborative model, bringing specialized experience and distinct design perspectives into Toor’s San Diego manufacturing operation. Toor’s collaborative programs are built around direct participation, shared product development, testing, refinement, and long-term brand growth.
“Geoff has built his reputation by committing fully to everything he does, whether that is skateboarding, hunting, guiding, product design, or conservation,” said Connor Toor, Toor Knives founder and CEO. “He has spent decades learning through experience and developing a clear understanding of what equipment must do in the real world. That perspective fits naturally with how we approach product development at Toor Knives. We are excited to bring Civilware into the family and work directly with Geoff to build dependable American-made tools.”
Originally from Liverpool, England, Rowley moved to the United States at 18 to pursue professional skateboarding. His uncompromising approach helped make him one of the most influential skateboarders of his generation.
Away from skateboarding, Rowley developed extensive experience as a hunter, outdoorsman, hunting guide, and conservation advocate. He founded Civilware on July 4, 2013, to create outdoor products and content influenced by hunting, wildlife conservation, field experience, and active outdoor living.
“I have always believed that the best products come from doing the work, spending time in the field, and paying attention to the small details that determine whether a tool succeeds or fails,” Rowley said. “Connor and the Toor team share that same approach. They understand American manufacturing, they understand performance, and they are willing to work through every detail until the product is right. This partnership gives Civilware the opportunity to build on our original purpose and create tools that are made to work, made to last, and made here in the United States.”
The first two blades produced by Toor Knives for Civilware are the Petty and the Striker.
The Petty is a culinary knife designed as a practical everyday food-preparation tool, while the Striker is an outdoor fixed blade influenced by the handmade knives of legendary American houndsman Ben Lilly. Its recurve, pronounced belly, and strong pointed tip create a versatile profile designed to provide leverage and effective cutting performance across a range of outdoor applications.
Rowley’s original Striker concept grew from his own experiences hunting in Colorado and was further influenced by accounts of Lilly’s preference for handmade “wavy blade” designs. The modern Striker develops that historical influence into a functional outdoor blade intended for hunters, guides, outdoorsmen, and everyday users.
The Petty and Striker represent just the beginning of an ongoing product-development relationship between Toor Knives and Civilware. Keep an eye out here and at the link below for more from Toor Knives.
Toor Knives x Civilware
URL: toorknives.com