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Spartan Blades
Published: January 24th, 2025
Founded in 2008 by retired U.S. Army Special Forces NCOs Curtis Iovito and Mark Carey, Spartan Blades embodies a commitment to creating tools that honor the needs of military personnel, outdoor enthusiasts, and collectors alike. Headquartered in Southern Pines, North Carolina, the company’s journey reflects its founders’ passion for precision and practicality.
Curtis Iovito and Mark Carey founded Spartan Blades with a clear mission: to design and create high-quality, functional knives for military personnel and knife enthusiasts. Drawing on their extensive military experience, the founders ensured that each Spartan Blades product would meet the rigorous demands of real-world use. The Spartan helmet logo embodies the Spartan warrior, reflecting the strength, resilience, and practicality embodied in every knife.
All of Spartan Blades’ knives are designed in the United States, with Gold and Silver Grade knives being machined and assembled domestically to uphold rigorous quality standards. Gold-grade knives are crafted in-house at Spartan Blades’ headquarters in North Carolina, while silver-grade knives are produced in partnership with KA-BAR at their Olean, New York facility. Both grades utilize premium steels like CPM-S35VN, CPM-S45VN, and CPM-MagnaCut, ensuring outstanding edge retention, durability, and corrosion resistance.
The Spartan Harsey Folder, released in 2016, stands out as one of the brand’s most iconic models. This folding knife combines sleek aesthetics with rugged functionality, created in collaboration with acclaimed knife designer William “Bill” Harsey. Its precision construction and premium materials have garnered widespread acclaim, including the "2016 American-Made Knife of the Year" award at Blade Show.
- Spartan Blades was founded in 2008
- Spartan Blades was founded by Curtis Iovito and Mark Carey (pictured above)
- In 2016, Spartan Blades released the Spartan Harsey Folder (pictured above)
Collaborations have played a key role in Spartan Blades’ success. In addition to working with Bill Harsey, the company has partnered with esteemed designers such as Les George and Tu Nam. These collaborations bring together traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation, pushing the boundaries of knife design.
- In 2019, Spartan Blades merged with
KA-BAR to form Pineland Cutlery Inc.
Grades of Spartan Blades
Gold Grade
High-end knives featuring premium materials and intricate designs, catering to collectors and enthusiasts. This class of knives is manufactured in-house by Spartan Blades.
Silver Grade
Mid-range knives offering a balance of performance and affordability, suitable for everyday carry and tactical use. This class of knives is manufactured in Olean, New York, by Spartan Blades’ partner, KA-BAR.
Bronze Grade
Budget-friendly knives designed for utility and practicality, without compromising on quality. This class of knives is manufactured overseas but still meets the rigorous quality standards set by Spartan Blades.
Spartan Blades continues to forge ahead with a commitment to crafting knives that blend functionality, durability, and striking design. By actively engaging with its community, the brand maintains its strong presence and relevance in the knife industry. Whether creating reliable tools for military professionals or timeless, collectible pieces for enthusiasts, Spartan Blades remains steadfast in its mission to deliver excellence.
Written by Drew Clifton
What to Buy
The Spartan Blades Nemec Folder, designed by European maker Ondrej Nemec in collaboration with Spartan Blades, is a high-performance folding knife built for versatility and durability. Its 3.5-inch CPM S35VN stainless steel blade delivers excellent edge retention, toughness, and wear resistance, with a stonewashed finish that enhances its rugged appeal. The flipper mechanism and precision pivot system ensure smooth, fast deployment, while the stainless steel liner lock provides secure lock-up. Lightweight titanium scales offer durability and a comfortable grip, making it easy to carry at just 2.62 ounces. A tip-up pocket clip adds convenience, blending modern materials with timeless design.
The Spartan Blades Phrike versatile knife designed for precision and durability. Featuring a 4.25" CPM S45VN stainless steel drop point blade with a sleek black DLC-coated finish, this knife offers exceptional edge retention and corrosion resistance. The full tang construction is complemented by grippy tan G-10 handle scales for a secure grip, and a lanyard hole with a black cord lanyard adds convenience. Weighing just 3.84oz and measuring 8.5" overall, it’s lightweight yet robust. The included black Kydex sheath with an IDW loop ensures secure carry. Proudly made in the USA, this knife is built for performance and reliability.
The Spartan Blades Harsey Difensa is a robust fixed blade inspired by the bravery of the First Special Service Force during the 1943 Battle for Monte la Difensa. It features a 6.25" CPM S45VN spear point blade with a SpartaCoat PVD tungsten black finish for superior durability and corrosion resistance. The black 3D-contoured CE canvas micarta handle offers exceptional grip and control, complementing the knife's full-tang construction. Measuring 11.63" overall and weighing 11.36oz, this knife is built for serious performance. Designed by William Harsey, it includes a tan Kydex sheath for secure carry. A tribute to the courage and collaboration of U.S. and Canadian forces, this knife combines cutting-edge materials with a historical legacy of resilience and strength.
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.