Spartan Blades
Published: December 17th, 2024
Spartan Blades, founded in 2008 by retired U.S. Army Special Forces NCOs Curtis Iovito and Mark Carey, is driven by a mission to create high-quality, functional knives for military personnel, outdoor enthusiasts, and collectors. Based in Southern Pines, North Carolina, the company reflects its founders’ dedication to precision, durability, and practical design, values drawn directly from their extensive military experience. The Spartan helmet logo represents the warrior ethos of strength, resilience, and dependability embodied in every knife the company produces.
Grades Of Spartan Blades
Every Spartan Blades knife is designed in the United States and adheres to strict quality standards. The company’s offerings are divided into three distinct grades:
Gold Grade
These high-end knives are crafted in-house at Spartan Blades’ headquarters in North Carolina. Designed for collectors and enthusiasts, Gold Grade knives feature premium materials and intricate designs, ensuring unmatched performance and visual appeal.
Silver Grade
These knives are produced in partnership with KA-BAR at their Olean, New York, facility, Silver Grade knives strike a perfect balance between performance and affordability. They are ideal for everyday carry and tactical applications.
Bronze Grade
Designed for practicality and utility, Bronze Grade knives are manufactured overseas while adhering to Spartan Blades’ rigorous quality standards. These knives provide exceptional value without compromising reliability.
Spartan Blades: Precision, Partnerships, and Premium Materials
Spartan Blades’ commitment to excellence extends to their material selection. Premium steels like CPM-S35VN, CPM-S45VN, and CPM-MagnaCut are used to ensure superior edge retention, corrosion resistance, and overall durability, making their knives reliable tools in the most demanding environments.
One of Spartan Blades’ most iconic models, the Spartan Harsey Folder, exemplifies the brand’s fusion of precision engineering and rugged functionality. Released in 2016 and designed in collaboration with renowned knife maker William “Bill” Harsey, this folding knife combines sleek aesthetics with unmatched durability. It quickly earned acclaim, winning the 2016 American-Made Knife of the Year award at the Blade Show.
Collaboration has played a pivotal role in Spartan Blades’ success. In addition to Bill Harsey, the company has partnered with respected designers like Les George and Tu Lam, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation. These partnerships allow Spartan Blades to continually push the boundaries of knife design, producing tools that are both functional and visually striking.
Spartan Blades
Harsey Folder
Precision Craftsmanship with Military Roots
Spartan Blades leverages cutting-edge manufacturing processes, including CNC machining and advanced heat treatments, to ensure precision and longevity. Each knife is hand-finished and subjected to rigorous quality control, ensuring that it meets the high standards expected by professionals and enthusiasts alike.
As a veteran-owned business, Spartan Blades remains deeply committed to supporting military and veteran communities. The company actively contributes to organizations dedicated to assisting service members and their families, reinforcing its roots in service and sacrifice.
Knife Machining
Spartan Blades & KA-BAR
In 2019, Spartan Blades merged with KA-BAR Knives to form Pineland Cutlery, Inc., a strategic partnership that expanded production capabilities and broadened the brand’s reach. This collaboration has enabled Spartan Blades to maintain its exceptional quality while offering a diverse lineup of knives to meet the needs of various users—from professionals in the field to collectors seeking timeless pieces.
Spartan Blades continues to thrive as a respected name in the knife industry. By seamlessly blending functionality, durability, and standout design, the company remains committed to crafting knives that meet the demands of real-world use. Whether creating dependable tools for military professionals or heirloom-quality collectibles for enthusiasts, Spartan Blades stands at the forefront of innovation and craftsmanship, delivering excellence with every blade.
Pineland Cutlery Inc.
Featured Knives
Spartan Blades Zelos
In Greek mythology, Zelos personified dedication, eager rivalry, and zeal, a fitting namesake for this lightweight automatic folder. The Zelos is the first automatic knife from Spartan Blades, it features a razor-sharp 3.25” CPM-S45VN drop point blade and a precision-machined 6061 aluminum frame, ensuring exceptional lockup rarely found in auto openers. Its black PVD blade finish, blacked-out hardware, and carbon fiber pocket clip offer a sleek, tactical aesthetic. The tip-up or tip-down right-hand carry clip adds versatility, while the button lock mechanism ensures reliability. With an overall length of 8.0” and weighing just 4.58 oz., the Zelos blends cutting-edge design, technology, and functionality into a superior automatic knife. Designed by Curtis Iovito, it delivers premium performance for professionals and enthusiasts alike.