- Joined
- Sep 10, 2002
- Messages
- 485
I attended Blade West today. I went there with the intent of purchasing a few, specific blades. After finding out that neither one was going to make an appearance, I realized that I would have to purchase something else so as not to leave empty-handed.
I made the rounds several times, admiring several customs, a few utility knives, and one or two kitchen knives. None were blades that I couldn't live without.
At the far end was a table set up by Spartan Blades, a company I had never heard of (it was their first show). The materials were top-notch ( S30V and micarta ), the blade fit my hand like a glove, and I just couldn't seem to put one of their models down. After talking with Mark and Curtis I purchased an Ares in flat dark earth with green micarta. It is my opinion that these guys have hit this one out of the park.
I have not put this blade to use yet, but I know I will soon. The attention to detail is superb. The balance point is on the first choil for neutral weighting. The cross-hatched micarta scales are very well finished on the face and the ends. They are set in a few thousandths from the full length tang which itself is cut (think a reverse radius) from the middle of the second choil, all the way around the tang, just past the thumb ramp. The jimping on the ramp is large and deep; the last bit of it actually goes in to the point of the thumb ramp for a very sure grip, but is not so sharp it will cut your thumb. The swedge runs the length of the spine and mirrors the saber edge bevel.
When choking up, the grip that looks to be on smaller side still fills the hand and offers assurance of control. The downward angle of the blade I think contributes to this.
Here are a few photos of the Ares.
I made the rounds several times, admiring several customs, a few utility knives, and one or two kitchen knives. None were blades that I couldn't live without.
At the far end was a table set up by Spartan Blades, a company I had never heard of (it was their first show). The materials were top-notch ( S30V and micarta ), the blade fit my hand like a glove, and I just couldn't seem to put one of their models down. After talking with Mark and Curtis I purchased an Ares in flat dark earth with green micarta. It is my opinion that these guys have hit this one out of the park.
I have not put this blade to use yet, but I know I will soon. The attention to detail is superb. The balance point is on the first choil for neutral weighting. The cross-hatched micarta scales are very well finished on the face and the ends. They are set in a few thousandths from the full length tang which itself is cut (think a reverse radius) from the middle of the second choil, all the way around the tang, just past the thumb ramp. The jimping on the ramp is large and deep; the last bit of it actually goes in to the point of the thumb ramp for a very sure grip, but is not so sharp it will cut your thumb. The swedge runs the length of the spine and mirrors the saber edge bevel.
When choking up, the grip that looks to be on smaller side still fills the hand and offers assurance of control. The downward angle of the blade I think contributes to this.
Here are a few photos of the Ares.
