Recommendation? Spartan Harsey, between CRK and Hinderer?

I think the Hinderer has better action than the SHF. On all other metrics, I'm choosing the SHF. I only have a large all black DLC and small PJ of the SHF, because I'm a southpaw and don't want to cover the art. I grabbed a lefty XM-18 and a more loved lefty Eklipse from Hinderer. They're really nice, but few of these get much pocket time compared to my top 3 being CRK, Koenig Arius, and Arno Bernard IMamba. I'd take a serious look at the Arno Bernard. It's like a slicier medium Sebenza that's infinitely more flickable.
 
I have a soft spot for SHFs and have had several in my collection. Down to my two favorites now (one for show, and one for go). I think their artwork is fantastic and they offer a lot of interesting combinations, hence I bought a lot, appreciated them for a while and then let them go.

I'll say that they aren't slicy as compared to most CRK folders and many Hinderers, as mentioned above. They are thicker stock and that's the point of them, to be great harder-use folders. They have thick handles and are big and heavy and built to withstand anything.

Are your CRKs with or without inlays? SHF is thicker than plain CRKs, and feels about the same thickness as inlayed CRKs (mind you that thickness is the entire handle on SHFs, not just in the middle bit like on inlayed CRK). Ergonomically for me (size large hands) SHF is very comfortable. The wide handles fill my hands nicely and are more comfortable to use than Sebenzas, Umnumzaans and Inkosis (other than the Inkosi with inlays, which feels different but roughtly even with the SHF comfort-wise, for me). SHF is a bit less refined though, so during a lot of use without gloves I can certainly feel the sharp gimping on the blade and handles biting into my hand.

As others have stated, Spartan also has amazing customer service. About on par with CRK but a much smaller outfit.
 
I have 2 large shfs. I dont particularly care for them, honestly, although i find em absolutely beautiful. I third the arno bernard recommendation, as its far and away my favorite knife out of whats listed, and i have them all (exceptnthe curtiss, which i never connected with, and moved on quickly. Lmk if you need comparison pics.
 
Quiet said:
I own, love, and carry multiple SHFs, and will just say: slicers they are not. They're essentially what you would get if CRK decided to make an XM24. SHFs are fantastic knives, and aren't known for any issues, to my knowledge.
Click to expand...

My thoughts exactly. They are tough as hell and cut just fine, but there is a lot of steel behind the edge. I really like mine, but I see it as a hammer that fit a lot of roles that don't require finesse. It's the knife I would pick if I had to choose a folder where slicey was way down the list below durable and reliable.
 
Steely_Gunz said:
My thoughts exactly. They are tough as hell and cut just fine, but there is a lot of steel behind the edge. I really like mine, but I see it as a hammer that fit a lot of roles that don't require finesse. It's the knife I would pick if I had to choose a folder where slicey was way down the list below durable and reliable.
Click to expand...
What a fantastic summary. Absolutely agree
 
LimpCroissant said:
It's a little bit smaller than a Large Sebenza (not much), but the Arno Bernard iMamba might be something you'd want to check out. It's on bearings (you can also get it on washers and with or without flipper) and if you get an inlay version it has a nice handle width to it. Not sure if the handle is thicker or thinner than a Large inlay Sebenza.
2YOm5hB.jpeg
Click to expand...

This is what I'd recommend too.

I bought my iMamba with PB washers but AB added a free set of Skiff ball bearings in the package. With washers it is now almost as smooth as it is with bearings though.
They also have a good variety of inlays to choose from, mammoth molar being the most exclusive.

Compared to my two Sebenza 21's and two 31's it feels - as many have said - like the flipper CRK never made.
Sizewise it falls in between a small and large Sebenza - imagine a medium sized Sebenza. It is also hollow grind.
It's a great knife.

IMG_20240330_235903_003.jpg
20240305_180200-01.jpeg
 
Last edited:
SuzukiGS750EZ said:
I think I’m after a Curtiss medium flipper slicer.
Click to expand...

Good choice. The medium is a decent size, snappy action, crisp detent break on most I’ve handled. The slicer is a hollow grind tip to choil - they live up to the name 👍.
 
luethge said:
The ZT 562 is the only Hinderer I kept. Minimal choil, decent edge out of the box and crisp action.. been going strong about 5 years now 👍
Click to expand...
I'm still digging the no choil slicer XM you sent my way 😁 I only like the minimal choil Hinderer designs, preferably with working finish.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top