SPARTAN BLADES' NEW SILVER LINE TAKES THE GOLD

RUNNING THE ALALA AND MACHAI THROUGH THE GAUNTLET

- JIM COBB

To say that I’ve been a fan of Spartan Blades for a while would be like saying Bob Uecker is a casual fan of baseball. Whenever I’d come across Spartan’s products at SHOT Show or a knife store, I lusted after them with a passion. Their fit and finish, ergonomics—just everything about them—were absolutely spot on. Unfortunately, I could never coincide the purchase opportunity with budget availability. Every time I got close to having the funds set aside, something would come up.

When Spartan Blades announced a new line of budget-friendly knives, my interest wasn’t just piqued; I was on pins and needles, waiting for more information.

The Silver Line consists of three knives, each of them intended for a specific market or use. The Alala is Spartan’s fixed-blade EDC (everyday carry) model. The field knife is called the Damysus. Then, there’s the chopper, the Machai. All three are Spartan models through and through. But, rather than being produced in house, the company’s teamed with KA-BAR. Spartan is providing the designs, and KA-BAR is doing the “heavy lifting,” so to speak.

Spartan sent over the Alala and the Machai for review. Let’s take a look.

ALALA

In Ancient Greek, “Alala” means “war cry,” and that’s a pretty good designation. From the moment you pick it up, this knife is ready to ride into battle without faltering or hesitation ... even if the fight is just against a pile of cardboard boxes that need to be broken down.

Alala Specifications

• Overall length: 7.88 inches

• Blade length: 3.75 inches

• Blade thickness: 0.1875 inches

• Steel: 1095 Cro-Van

• Blade finish: Black powdercoat