Unboxing a Grail Knife: The Spartan Blades Harsey Folder 2023 SE Relic
Original Video: Spartan Harsey Folder Unboxing a Grail Knife
Today, I'm sharing an exciting knife unboxing experience with you. Like any collector, I have my grail items—those coveted pieces you dream of owning someday. In the guitar world, it was a Les Paul and a Martin D28 for me. In the knife world, I’ve been fortunate to acquire a few of my grail items, but there's one I've been waiting for almost a year now, and it has finally arrived.
As a dedicated knife collector, I treasure several key pieces. One of my top grail items is the Chris Reeve Sebenza, a knife I carry constantly. It's legendary in the knife community as the original frame lock (formerly the Reeve lock). This knife sets the standard for many others in the market. On the fixed blade side, my Half Face Blades Crow Jr is another prized possession. It's a knife that's hard to come by, as you have to purchase them during limited drops. It's a robust and beautifully crafted piece that I’m thrilled to own.
Today, I received the Spartan Blades Harsey Folder 2023 Special Edition Relic, a knife I've eagerly anticipated for over a year. Spartan Blades was founded by two Army Special Forces veterans, and their knives are known for being purpose-driven, heavy-duty, and entirely made in the USA, specifically in North Carolina. This model is crafted from MagnaCut steel, a significant upgrade from the S45VN steel used in previous editions.
Unboxing this knife was a moment of pure excitement. The knife's weight and build quality were immediately apparent from the get-go. It has a unique color—almost like gun bluing, rather than the gold hue I expected from the website images. The knife is heavier than my Chris Reeve Sebenza but feels incredibly solid and well-balanced. The Harsey Folder features a high saber grind blade, which differs from the hollow grind on my Sebenza. This means the blade is flat rather than curved, making it ideal for various cutting tasks. The knife also has a reverse swedge on the back, enhancing its cutting performance.
Despite its collector's item status, I plan to use this knife regularly. I believe in using my tools, and the Spartan Blades Harsey Folder is no exception. Thanks to the phosphor bronze washers, it has a smooth, almost hydraulic feel when flipped open. The blade is wickedly sharp, and the overall ergonomics are superb despite its chunkier build compared to the Sebenza 31.
To say I'm thrilled with this knife would be an understatement. It's one of the coolest knives I've ever owned, and I can't wait to see how it performs over time. I’ll carry it for a few months and plan to do a follow-up review to share my experiences and thoughts in more detail.