Opinions needed. (Spartan Blades Difensa)

[corey4]

Return the s45vn and buy the magnacut because that is what you wanted and desired. Pride of ownership in this case is greater than steel performance.

 

[Steely_Gunz]

I have SHF in both steels, and like others have said, I don't think you will be disappointed in either.
I got my last one in Magnacut to figure out what all the hubbub was about. It's a great steel, but I don't think I would let it sway me on a knife.

The Difensa is a great design. I have nearly picked one up at my LKS a couple times as it comes with the Kydex sheath, which I like. It's in the older steel, but really the only thing stopping me is that I have had more important things to buy.

Truth be told, in my use, I can't tell much of a difference between S35vn, s45vn, or Magnacut. All are excellent knife steels.

 

[Alberta Ed]

Choosing between the super steels available today is kind of like trying to decide between Ferrari, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, McLaren, Porsche, Roma, Maserati, and Bugatti (and don't forget the Corvette). Best to have one of each.

 

[bryantburnsred]

You will not use your $800 knife in a way that requires a super steel.

Because it is an $800 knife.

I plan on using it. It was 450 but point taken. And I'd agree in most peoples case. But everything I've bought so far when it comes to knife/camping/outdoors I've used.

 

[bryantburnsred]

Choosing between the super steels available today is kind of like trying to decide between Ferrari, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, McLaren, Porsche, Roma, Maserati, and Bugatti (and don't forget the Corvette). Best to have one of each.

I dig the analogy. To continue the analogy, I'm a Ford guy that saved up a minute to buy my McLaren.

 

[bryantburnsred]

I think that if I was in the OP’s position I would keep the S45VN and use it. I would be analyzing the design features of the knife to see if its really to my liking and meets my wants and needs. As many have said, both steels are of high quality and performance, so the actual design, ergos and geometry matter most. If I like it, then I might buy a second in Magnacut.

I love the answer. And thank you for the opinion. I will say as far as the ergos, design, etc has been great so far. I can't explain it, I'm sure it's Harsey's genius, but I've never held a bigger knife that melts into my hand like the Difensa. I'm leaning towards keeping it, because after some debate. I don't believe there is anything that I can throw at this knife that it can't handle. And I suppose if it 's good enough for Canadian Special Forces, it's more than enough for me.

 

[bryantburnsred]

I have SHF in both steels, and like others have said, I don't think you will be disappointed in either.
I got my last one in Magnacut to figure out what all the hubbub was about. It's a great steel, but I don't think I would let it sway me on a knife.

The Difensa is a great design. I have nearly picked one up at my LKS a couple times as it comes with the Kydex sheath, which I like. It's in the older steel, but really the only thing stopping me is that I have had more important things to buy.

Truth be told, in my use, I can't tell much of a difference between S35vn, s45vn, or Magnacut. All are excellent knife steels.

Thanks for the response brother. Especially since you have hands on experience with the blade. I'm leaning towards keeping it. Reasoning is, if its good enough for Canadian SoF its good enough for me. Appreciate you.

 

[bryantburnsred]

Keep the S45VN and visit the magical place that is the exchange. Possibility of regrets obliterated, wallet remains in tact.

Is the exchange on here?

 

[Steely_Gunz]

Is the exchange on here?

Check out the rules page.

Here's the Individual Exchange.

 

[LostCause]

Not my knife, only you can decide if it's worth it to you.

However if I was in your shoes - I'd keep the S45VN and call it a day.

 

[bryantburnsred]

I have SHF in both steels, and like others have said, I don't think you will be disappointed in either.
I got my last one in Magnacut to figure out what all the hubbub was about. It's a great steel, but I don't think I would let it sway me on a knife.

The Difensa is a great design. I have nearly picked one up at my LKS a couple times as it comes with the Kydex sheath, which I like. It's in the older steel, but really the only thing stopping me is that I have had more important things to buy.

Truth be told, in my use, I can't tell much of a difference between S35vn, s45vn, or Magnacut. All are excellent knife steels.

Since you've experienced all 3 I have a question. I'm sure its just my paranoia. I got the knife online from Smoky Mountain Knife Works, which from all intents and purposes seems like a legit website and in-store place. My question is, after reading more about the Difensa, it seems to be a regularly counterfeited blade, is there anyway to know for sure?

The box seems legit, even has a 2022 Spartan Blades Catalog, the blade is gorgeous and the handles are sturdy and not hollow at all. Only thing was the knife came fairly dull. Enough so I can put my finger on the blade with pressure and run it all along the edge. Like I said Im probably being paranoid though, but if you have an opinion I'd be happy to hear.

 

[Triton]

Since you've experienced all 3 I have a question. I'm sure its just my paranoia. I got the knife online from Smoky Mountain Knife Works, which from all intents and purposes seems like a legit website and in-store place. My question is, after reading more about the Difensa, it seems to be a regularly counterfeited blade, is there anyway to know for sure?

The box seems legit, even has a 2022 Spartan Blades Catalog, the blade is gorgeous and the handles are sturdy and not hollow at all. Only thing was the knife came fairly dull. Enough so I can put my finger on the blade with pressure and run it all along the edge. Like I said Im probably being paranoid though, but if you have an opinion I'd be happy to hear.

I think it's extremely unlikely that you purchased a counterfeit knife from smkw, they are a legitimate long standing dealer.

 

[bryantburnsred]

I think it's extremely unlikely that you purchased a counterfeit knife from smkw, they are a legitimate long standing dealer.

I'm definitely leaning that way. I think it's kinda cool that it was made in 2022 (assuming this because of the 2022 catalog the came in the box) knowing its birth year and whatnot lol. Thanks for the response. IF this were to be counterfeit, it's the most convincing I've seen. But like you said, its HIGHLY unlikely.

 

[Ikhnaton]

Will respond to the rest of you gents after work tomorrow. Thanks again for all of the input. This is my first post on here and you guys seem awesome. Might have to stick around a while and learn.

Do stick around, this forum is a great place and source of knowledge - and full of enablers you'll definitely enjoy reading through the threads, welcome to BF

 

[Steely_Gunz]

I'm definitely leaning that way. I think it's kinda cool that it was made in 2022 (assuming this because of the 2022 catalog the came in the box) knowing its birth year and whatnot lol. Thanks for the response. IF this were to be counterfeit, it's the most convincing I've seen. But like you said, its HIGHLY unlikely.

I think Triton is spot on. SMKW is both a huge entity and the real deal. One of the few big online retailers that has their inventory available to purchase at a massive brick and mortar store. If you are ever down that way in TN, I suggest taking an hour or two and seeing it for yourself...then walk across the street and get a nice factory direct cast iron skillet from the Lodge outlet

I have noticed that some Spartan blades stay in inventory longer than others but don't seem to lose their value or are discounted. My LKS is quite small but they rotate stock quickly. That said, they have a few 2022 models in house that I would love to take home as funds allow. Spartan blades can be addictive if you get into their SHF line. Full size, 3.25" versions, colors, engraved, etc. However, I think you are really going to dig your knife, and my experience with their customer service has been aces.

I don't think you made a bad buy regarding both the brand and the outfit. Enjoy

 

[bryantburnsred]

I think Triton is spot on. SMKW is both a huge entity and the real deal. One of the few big online retailers that has their inventory available to purchase at a massive brick and mortar store. If you are ever down that way in TN, I suggest taking an hour or two and seeing it for yourself...then walk across the street and get a nice factory direct cast iron skillet from the Lodge outlet

I have noticed that some Spartan blades stay in inventory longer than others but don't seem to lose their value or are discounted. My LKS is quite small but they rotate stock quickly. That said, they have a few 2022 models in house that I would love to take home as funds allow. Spartan blades can be addictive if you get into their SHF line. Full size, 3.25" versions, colors, engraved, etc. However, I think you are really going to dig your knife, and my experience with their customer service has been aces.

I don't think you made a bad buy regarding both the brand and the outfit. Enjoy

Thanks man. Definitely no longer worried about it now. Did more research on SMKW after I made my post and felt a lot better about the purchase and decided on just keeping the S45VN. I don't think anything I throw at the knife will be even close to what the Canadian Special Forces throw at it.