Thoughts about the Spartan

S

spydutch

Joined
Jul 4, 2005
Messages
978
Greetings you all:)

Don´t know if it´s wasted money, but I, big time alox hardcore fan, just ordered the most basic/classic SAK: the Spartan.

Just wanted to own a classic Victorinox.

I was dubbing between a Champ or back up alox Bantam.

Champ too costly at the moment and my current alox Bantam will probably outlast me.

Suddenly I remembered how handy the Eco Spartan was I got from a company gift.

Carried the knife for years as back up with my Spydie Delica 3/SE with the Spartan doing most of the cutting chores. :p

So what do you think of the Spartan?

I´m just curious if the regular cellidor Spartan is of better fit and finish than that eco line one?(had quite a bit of rubbing tools and some play)

I would very much like to know your opinion on this classic SAK

Thanks for reading:thumbup:
 
In the moment I own 5 Spartans, 2x red, 2x black, and one with RT-scales from the 2010 Road Show.

None of them has rubbing tools, F&F is excellent and with the mini-screwdriver in the corkskrew and the needle added you have a quite capable small package.

As to the Eco-Line, I just dont own any, the price difference ist so marginal here, no need to go cheap ;-)
(Switzerland is next door so to speak)
 
I got one of those new pin stripe Spartans and really like carrying it around. It has the basic package of tools that I use and by adding the small mini screwdriver to the corkscrew it also takes care of my eyeglasses too. I noticed the scales already had the hole for the straight pin so I added one and now am prepared for an emergency splinterectomy. Anyone else notice this where your scales are not "Plus" models but there is a hole for the straight pin anyway?

My spartan seems to have wonderful fit. I have not seen any rubbing of tools and there is little to no play at all that I notice. Its hard to go wrong with the Victorinox Spartan. I have a regular model no economy models around here that I know of.
 
I don't own a ecoline Spartan, but I've got several Spartans with the cellidor scales, in different colors. One of them, with red scales, is in my EDC rotation. I added a mini screw driver and a pin to it and now it's a very complete package of tools, but still very pocketable. An other one, with black scales looks really classy, almost a gentleman's SAK. The fit and finish of the Spartans is usually excellent - Victorinox quality.

The Spartan looks a lot like some of the old scout knives I own. For example the old Indonesian army knife and a German scout knife I wrote about in a different thread. The Spartan has the same classic setup of tools.

So you bought a great and classic SAK. :thumbup:
 
Nothing wrong with the Spartan, got one in my pocket now, it's a camo one I got for work as the camo scales don't show the scratches like the other colours. I usually carry the alox Soldier or a 108mm Solo but having so many SAK's I like to swap around a little..... It's only fair. :)
 
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The Spartan is a very good knife. I prefer to have a pair of scissors as I find them to be one of the most useful tools on the Vics. That Spartan will last many years and you won't get hurt buying one.
 
I just recently bought one and am enjoying it. Been rotating it off and on with the alox pioneer in red. I didn't pay much for it--how do you tell if it's ecoline or not?

Matt
 
As I understand it, the only difference between the eco-line and regular cellidor is that the cellidor models get an extra QA/QC check. They are functionally identical and only the scale materials are different.
 
Ultraman said:
As I understand it, the only difference between the eco-line and regular cellidor is that the cellidor models get an extra QA/QC check. They are functionally identical and only the scale materials are different.
Click to expand...

That's my understanding as well, so it's perhaps understandable that the OP's Eco Spartan had an issue or two.

As to the Spartan itself, for some reason I never quite got on with it. I'm far, far more likely to pocket a Sportsman or Tourist for the smaller size.

Still, it's the direct descendent of the original Officer's Knife and is due some respect. I even own two myself.:)
 
Thanks for the info. It just helped me put some batteries in my daughter's little night light stuffed animal toy thing that plays music for her as she falls asleep. Those battery covers with screws don't stand a chance against a SAK!

Matt
 
The Spartan I have was my Dad's - I inherited it about 25 years ago - he cut off the key ring and carved his initials in the scale - I've used it some and have never had a problem with f&f or it doing what was asked of it. bear in mind this is not a USMC Kabar! but still one heck of a knife.
Peace
Revvie
 
I have 2, both were used when I got them (one I found) and like you said they are basic.

but "basic" with SAK is like "lotta-stuff there" with others! lol

I put stay-glows (Glow in the Dark scales) on my keychain one and it's always with me.
A great SAK with so little and so much!

2zq6dmf.jpg
 
the retired eco spartan is the same as standard (spartan without keyring) with the exception of lack both tweezer and tootpick... but the tools and quality is exactly the same since its actually a standard/spartan with different scale handles...

the new eco line is also exactly like the standard spartan with all its features with the difference only in handle material, since the eco use durable nylon scales intead of shiny cellidor... the plus side is, its very2 strong and durable, more resistant to heat and chemical, but the downside is the shield logo only a hotstamp and will worn out in no time... function sake is no problem... only in cosmetic apperiance...

got so many spartans and tinkers in red, white , black, yellow, camo, trans bluue, trans red, silver tech, nylon and so on... and there are many doubles of the same model... so it show that spartan is one of my fav SAK...

its very2 affordable... you cant beat the price performance ratio of this quality SAK... just bought one-- wont break the bank and i bet you'll love it...
 
Gareth UK said:
That's my understanding as well, so it's perhaps understandable that the OP's Eco Spartan had an issue or two.

As to the Spartan itself, for some reason I never quite got on with it. I'm far, far more likely to pocket a Sportsman or Tourist for the smaller size.

Still, it's the direct descendent of the original Officer's Knife and is due some respect. I even own two myself.:)
Click to expand...



Same with you! i'm a true BIG FAN of 84mm models... small tinker, sportsman,tourist, or waiter got most of pocket time!...

once you pocket an 84mm models ... the 91mm would get less pocket time! hehehe... kidding... soldier alox wont go far from me...
 
It's the one that started it all , towards the end of , and shortly after WWII . It's still around for a reason .

Chris
 
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