“It’s much more than being prepared every day, it’s about being proud of who you are, what you carry, and how you operate in your daily life. We are relentlessly patriotic and driven towards perfection. We don’t apologize for our love of country. We are creating our own piece of history every day” Mark Carey, Spartan Blades Co-Owner
Our Story
Welcome to Spartan Blades, where craftsmanship meets military precision. Founded in 2008 by Curtis Iovito and Mark Carey, two retired U.S. Army Special Forces NCOs with over 40 years of combined military experience, Spartan Blades was born out of a vision to create high-quality knives designed for both military and civilian use.
Early Beginnings
Our journey began in a Pre-Civil War mule barn in Aberdeen, North Carolina. With limited resources but unlimited dedication, Curtis and Mark meticulously designed each knife, ensuring every blade met the highest standards of craftsmanship and functionality. Their commitment to quality quickly gained the attention of knife enthusiasts and military personnel alike.
Innovation and Growth
As we grew, we expanded our product line to include a variety of fixed blades and folding knives. Designed with input from both our founders and active-duty military personnel, our knives meet real-world needs and set industry standards for excellence. Collaborations with renowned knife makers like Bill Harsey and Les George have resulted in award-winning designs that further establish Spartan Blades as a leader in the knife industry.
Awards and Recognition
Our dedication to quality and innovation has earned us numerous accolades, including:
- 2010: Knife Collaboration of the Year for the Spartan-Harsey Model I
- 2014: Knife Collaboration of the Year for the V-14 Dagger
- 2014: Innovative American Design
- 2016: American Made Knife of the Year for the Spartan-Harsey Folder (SHF)
- 2017: American Made Knife of the Year for the Kranos folder
- 2019: Spartan Blades Merges with KA-BAR Knives, forming Pineland Cutlery, Inc.
- 2021: Imported Knife of the Year for the Astor folder
- 2023: Recognized for Manufacturing Quality at the International BLADE Show
Military Heritage
Our military heritage is deeply ingrained in our DNA. Curtis and Mark brought their extensive military experience to the design and functionality of our knives. This influence is evident in the rugged durability and practicality of each Spartan Blades product. Our knives have been adopted by military units around the world and have proven their reliability in various combat zones.
Merger with KA-BAR Knives
In 2019, we merged with KA-BAR Knives, forming Pineland Cutlery, Inc. This merger allowed us to expand our production capabilities and reach a broader audience. We introduced three distinct grades of knives:
- Gold Grade: High-end knives featuring premium materials and intricate designs, catering to collectors and enthusiasts.
- Silver Grade: Mid-range knives offering a balance of performance and affordability, suitable for everyday carry and tactical use.
- Bronze Grade: Budget-friendly knives designed for utility and practicality, without compromising on quality.
Commitment to Quality
We take pride in our meticulous crafting process, sourcing premium materials such as CPM S35VN and S45VN stainless steels to ensure superior edge retention and corrosion resistance. Each knife undergoes rigorous quality control checks to meet our high standards, making Spartan Blades a trusted name among knife enthusiasts, collectors, and military personnel.
Our Legacy
From our humble beginnings in a Pre-Civil War mule barn to becoming a globally recognized brand, our success is a testament to the vision and dedication of our founders. Their passion for producing high-quality, functional knives has created a legacy that continues to thrive. As we look to the future, Spartan Blades remains committed to innovation and excellence, poised to continue our tradition of crafting exceptional knives for years to come.
Thank you for being part of our journey. Welcome to Spartan Blades.
Meet The Spartan Blades Team
"PLUG" Chunchon (Craftsman), Jake Nelson (Production Manager),Kim Kessler (Customer Service), Curtis V. Iovito (President/Co-Founder), Mark Carey (President/Co-Founder), Craig Forster (Craftsman), Kevin Williams (Craftsman), Jake Blanton (Craftsman)
The SOF Truths that guide Spartan Blades
Guided by Truths
Founded in 2008 by military veterans Mark Carey and Curtis Iovito, Spartan Blades adheres to the "Special Operations Truths," derived from over 40 years of military experience.
Truth 1: Humans are more important than hardware
We design our knives to interface with the human hand and become an extension of one's self. We never forget that it is not about the knife but the user. You can't just design a knife in a box without input from the people that will put the blade to use.
Truth 2: Quality is better than quantity
Instead of making an ever-increasing number of blades, we take the time to examine the user-identified critical tasks, then tailor our knives to those tasks. Only when we have identified a shortcoming not covered by a model do we design a new knife.
Truth 3: Special Operations Forces cannot be mass-produced
Why do we use only the best materials and processes? Why not ship our designs out to be mass-produced in China? Because quality is better than quantity, which is why all our knives are built by highly skilled craftsmen and refined over time.
Truth 4: Competent Special Operations Forces cannot be created after emergencies occur
At Spartan Blades, we are not about 80% solutions. On the battlefield or during an emergency isn't the time to discover that a design was rushed or that compromises had been made.
Truth 5: Most Special Operations require non-SOF assistance
When necessary, we obtain the training and support to succeed in accomplishing our mission. Regardless of our successes, we are always ready to listen to experts and colleagues in our industry. We often collaborate with other knife makers and are always looking to perfect our craft.
Supporting the Brotherhood:
Spartan Blades is more than a brand; it's a give-back organization. Rooted in the belief of being our brother's keeper, we actively support various organizations and initiatives dedicated to helping veterans and others.
At Spartan Blades, our knives are not just tools; they are a legacy of excellence, a testament to your adventures, and a symbol of our commitment to quality, innovation, and the enduring spirit of craftsmanship. Join us on a journey where every knife tells a story, and every story is part of the Spartan legacy.