Passion for knives

In 1943 a battle was fought between the U.S. and Canadian First Special Service Force and German troops in Italy. Known as the Battle of Monte la Difensa, the courageous performance of the U.S. and Canadian forces on this occasion was essential to the final Allied victory in Italy.

When Canadian Special Forces commissioned Spartan Blades and master cutler William Harsey to produce a blade for them, we knew we wanted to create something special. Our goal was to create a knife that would serve the Special Forces for years to come, both in the northern woods of their homeland and in missions around the world. The result was the Spartan Harsey Difensa, named after the infamous and hard-fought victory achieved through cooperation between Canadian and U.S. forces.

The name refers to the excellent use of this custom tactical knife in the field and on the battlefield. The spearhead profile of this handcrafted knife is flat, with a tapered top edge that provides excellent tip strength, balanced penetration, and cutting power.

The full tang and handle of the Spartan Harsey Difensa allow for neutral balance in the user's hand. Combined with the ergonomic Micarta canvas handle, modified from our Model II, with no rear joints, this custom combat knife provides the griper with a comfortable and secure grip in both dry and wet conditions.

After more than 40 years of service in the U.S. Army Special Forces, Curtis Iovito and Mark Carey founded Spartan Blades LLC in North Carolina. Curtis, who had already been designing and drawing knives for his friends in the Special Forces for years, and Mark, who had always been involved in military and tactical equipment when he served in the "Green Berets," decide to combine their skills and passion with the goal of building innovative and functional knives using the highest quality materials and made entirely in the United States.

Intended Use: Tactical/Military

Production Type: Mid Tech
Country of Production: USA
Blade: stainless steel CPM-S45VN 59/61HRC
Blade Finish: PVD Tungsten DLC Flat Black
Handle: Canvas Micarta
Blade length: 159mm.
Blade thickness: 4.8mm.
Total length: 295mm.
Balance: on the guard branch
Weight: 325g.
Sheath: thermoformed Kydex.
Packaging: cardboard box with Spartan Blades logos
Notes: Design by William Harsey

Purpose: Collection / Fighter

Type of production: semi-industrial
Country of production: Boise - Idaho - USA
Blade: Stainless steel CPM-S35VN at 55 / 57HRC
Surface treatment: Dark Earth PVD
Handle: Black Canvas Micarta
Blade Length: 180mm.
Blade thickness: 5.58mm.
Total Length: 315mm.
Balance: on the lower guard branch
Weight: 363g.
Sheath: Nylon thongs, compatible M.O.L.L.E.
Notes: New Version 2017 - Warranty and Authenticity Certificates - Design by William W. Harsey