Spartan Blades: Precision Knives Since 2008
Founded by retired Green Berets Curtis Iovito and Mark Carey, Spartan Blades has been dedicated to precision craftsmanship and high-quality knives for collectors, professionals, and enthusiasts. With decades of Special Operations experience, Curtis and Mark bring discipline, skill, and care to every knife they create.
Founders Biographies
CURTIS V. IOVITO
Co-Founder / Co-Owner, Spartan Blades, LLC
Curtis is a native of Bolingbrook, Illinois. He served as a U.S. Marine, then in U.S. Army Rangers and Special Forces. He completed a 20+ year career with numerous deployments throughout Asia and the Middle East, developing a passion for knife making.
After retirement, Curtis worked in marketing for a large armor development corporation, then teamed up with Mark Carey to form Spartan Blades. Curtis currently resides in Aberdeen, NC, near Ft Bragg.
MARK CAREY
Co-Founder / Co-Owner, Spartan Blades, LLC
Mark is a native of San Diego, California. He served over 21 years in the U.S. Army, including Special Forces Medical Sergeant assignments with deployments throughout Asia.
Upon retirement, Mark worked as Director of Overseas Operations in Kuwait, then partnered with Curtis to launch Spartan Blades. He currently resides 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 legendary knifemaker Bill Harsey produces The Spartan-Harsey Model I and establishes 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 forming Pineland Cutlery, Inc
Spartan Blades partners with the legendary KA-BAR brand to produce an innovative tactical line, combining heritage design with Spartan precision and durability.
2024 – Euro Blade Worx (EBX)
Our new workshop in Europe, Euro Blade Worx (EBX), brings Spartan Blades craftsmanship to an international audience, expanding our global presence while preserving quality and legacy.