It's not the meanest blade at the party but it makes a statement. The Cold Steel Spartan is a manly blade whose lines and chiseled looks would fit right it in at the Battle of Thermopylae or even in a Cretaceous period dinosaur hunting expedition. The Grivory handle is a favorite part for me: the blocky contours are both cool and functional and the wrap around design literally locks the handle into the users' hand. It accommodates both forward and reverse grips and its butt end is long and effective enough for non-lethal impacts. The AUS8A steel choice will provide good edge holding and medium rust resistance. The beast blasted finish looks good and contrasts well with the black handle (and it takes engraving well too). Expect some complications during sharpening as the heavily curved blade will make it tough. However it's that same 4.5" inch Kukri blade shape that gives the chunky Spartan great slashing performance. Out of the box, the Spartan arrives razor edged...nice job Cold Steel. With practice, the deployment speed is fast and I find single handed opening works. Smaller hands might have trouble actuating the thumb plate in conventional fashion. However that thumbplate is ambidextrous (as are the clip placements, two included) and can work to wave the blade from the pocket (a radiused base to this thumbplate could help prevent pocket hangup btw). The pocket clip seems small but it carries tight, is unobtrusive, and it's stout. This clip carries the Spartan deep so you may need to affix a lanyard to the lanyard hold to ensure fumble free pocket deployment. There are no under clip issues that will shread the pocket like several other Cold Steel designs (smooth Grivory handles). Lockup would please King Leonidis: rock solid and the Tri-Ad locking mechanism has been proven to hold 300 lbs and passes overstrike and shock tests easily. It's backed up by a strong lock spring that will require a two-handed closure for safety. Another statement the Spartan makes is WEIGHT. It's weighs in at a heavy 9.4 ounces, partially due to the thick stainless steel liners which are devoid of any milling for weight savings (cost savings too). Some will like this heft and feel it's in line with the theme of the Spartan. I would like to some weight taken off the Spartan in future iterations (perhaps by water jetting the liners). Value is very high. At around $55 or so, you will get a super strong heavy duty tactical blade that can give pride of ownership. Serving as a collectible, a hard use outdoor knife (not tested!), or emergency defensive tool, the Cold Steel Spartan weighs in with authority in the high value knife market. ///////////// Nutnfancy Likability Scale: 9 out of 10 (price considered) /////////////// Music: Jason Shaw @ audionautix.com
2 июн 2010
