From decades of Special Operations experience, Curtis Iovito and Mark Carey bring discipline, skill, and care to every knife they create. As Co-Founders of Spartan Blades and Co-Presidents of Pineland Cutlery, they’ve built a team devoted to performance, craftsmanship, and customer satisfaction.
Biographies: Founders of Spartan Blades
CURTIS V. IOVITO
Co-Founder / Co-Owner, Spartan Blades, LLC
Curtis is a native of Bolingbrook, Illinois, grew up hunting and camping. Served as a U.S. Marine, Army Ranger, and Special Forces. Developed knife making skills in Special Forces over a 20+ year career.
After retirement, worked as Marketing Director for an armor development company. Teamed up with Mark Carey to form Spartan Blades. Lives in Aberdeen, NC near Ft Bragg.
MARK CAREY
Co-Founder / Co-Owner, Spartan Blades, LLC
Mark is from San Diego, CA. Served 21+ years in the U.S. Army including Special Forces Medical assignments. Completed numerous deployments in Asia.
After retirement, worked as Director of Overseas Operations in Kuwait, then partnered with Curtis to launch Spartan Blades. Lives in Aberdeen, NC near Ft Bragg.
OUR HISTORY
2008 – Humble Beginnings
Retired Green Berets Curtis Iovito and Mark Carey start Spartan Blades in a pre-Civil War mule barn in Southern Pines, NC. This modest workshop marked the beginning of our legacy of precision craftsmanship.
2010 – Model I
Our first collaboration with Bill Harsey produced the Spartan-Harsey Model I, establishing Spartan Blades as a top-tier collector and professional knife brand.
2016 – Spartan-Harsey Folder Release
The first Spartan-Harsey Folder is released, combining field-tested durability with collector-grade design — a milestone in our product line evolution.
2010–2024 – BLADE Show Awards
Spartan Blades earns multiple awards at the prestigious International BLADE Show, recognizing innovation, design excellence, craftsmanship, and manufacturing quality across our knife lines.
2019 – Partnership with KA-BAR Knives / forming Pineland Cutlery, Inc
Spartan Blades partners with KA-BAR to produce Pineland Cutlery, combining heritage design with Spartan precision and durability.
