Information Contact: B.R. Hughes at (903) 838-0134 for more information or email [email protected]
Registration Fee: Pre-Register and pay the $55 Registration fee Online in the Store or contact Cindy Sheely, ABS Store Manager at [email protected] or (419) 832-0400
Demonstrators: Kevin Cashen, Master Smith – Michigan –Classic European Quillon Daggers– Advanced Heat Treating Concepts– A Systematic Approach to Steel Selection
J. R. Cook, Master Smith – Arkansas –Acid Engraving Techniques – Cutting Competition Judge
Mike Williams, Master Smith – Oklahoma–Cutting Competion Judge – Handles and Guards Techniques – ABS Judging Standards for Master Smith and Journeyman Smith
BR Hughes, Founder – Texas– ABS Judging Standards for Master Smith and Journeyman Smith
Dr. James Batson, Master Smith – Alabama– Bowie Knives
The Poros by Spartan Blades is a great feeling folder. The flipper design is spot-on for hand placement.
Company co-founders Curtis Iovito and Mark Carey are excellent to work with and built Spartan from scratch. Both are retired from Special Forces and have a lot of pride in workmanship. The Poros is their field-grade-version linerlock. It might not have the fancy material and looks but the performance is top shelf.
Poros Light Cutting Duties
Initial slicing of 20-pound copy paper was excellent. The Poros was very smooth and aggressive. The blade shape really helped slicing paper, especially when I employed a roll cut. The flat-ground blade sliced straight with no curling of the paper.
The 154CM stainless steel blade was exceptionally aggressive in the 8-ounce leather slice.
The Poros easily devoured single-walled cardboard. As with the copy paper, the blade sliced it both forcefully and effortlessly, resulting in nice, straight cuts. The slices were extremely quick with no resistance felt.
The folder was quite aggressive again in the 8-ounce leather slice. It was very easy to control the thickness of the skiving—I just needed to move my fingers faster. I had two fingernail nicks after the skiving. The edge remained sharp.
Poros Medium Cutting Duties
It was time to do a fire stick. The flat grind produced excellent curlicues. It sliced the wood incredibly fast and I had to slow down for more control to keep the curlicues on the stick. The handle was comfortable while making the deeper cuts. It was awfully simple to whittle with the knife.
The flat grind produced excellent curlicues. It sliced the wood awfully fast and the author had to slow down for more control to keep the curlicues on the stick.
For the next exercise I used 1-inch manila rope. The Poros crunched to 197 cuts before I ran out of rope. The edge was still good. The handle was very comfortable during heavy use. There were no issues with the blade lock. Nicely done, Spartan.
Poros Heavy Cutting Duties
I split kindling into smaller pieces to check lockup by doing baton work. There continued to be no issues with lockup or edge retention. The knife can handle a beating for sure. It’s not that I recommend baton work with a folder but if you have to it can be done with the Poros.
The author split kindling into smaller pieces to check lockup via some baton work. There were no issues with lockup or edge retention.
To push the knife a bit further, I grabbed my trusty whitetail deer antler. After 30 hard whacks on it, the edge was still sharp with no rolling or chips, indicating spot-on heat treatment.
The last test was back to the copy paper slice. The Poros continued cutting smoothly and my arm was tired. Outstanding job, guys!
Final Cut
The Poros folder is worthy of riding in anyone’s pocket. It’s well designed, sharp and easy on—and comfortable in—the hand. I really don’t know what I’d change on this one, though I would love to see an A-2 tool steel version.
Poros Specs Maker: Spartan Blades Knife type: Flipper folder Blade length: 3 7/8” Blade steel: 154CM stainless Rockwell hardness: 58-60 HRC Blade finish: Black PVD Handle: Carbon-fiber-patterned G-10 Lock: Linerlock Closed length: 5 1/8” Country of origin: USA MSRP: $190
See which factory knives took home the coveted hardware from the BLADE Show Texas Factory Knife Awards.
The BLADE Show Texas, held March 7-8 at the Fort Worth Convention Center, saw an intense factory knife competition. With an excellent turnout of competitors and a high-level of execution on the knives, it was most definitely a showcase of the top-tier production knives at the show.
With such an impressive lineup, the three-judge panel faced a tough challenge in determining which blade best represented each of the seven categories. In short, competition was hot. With the dust settled, here are the winners who claimed top honors, including Best in Show.
Best In Show & Best Imported Knife: Poikilo VK Zen
What The Judges Had To Say: “It’s a well thought out knife in both design and function.”
Best American Made Knife: Dauntless Manufacturing Clifft
What The Judges Had To Say: “The details and craftsmanship in [the Clifft], you don’t expect to see that in a factory knife.”
Best EDC Knife: Dauntless Manufacturing Moss
What The Judges Had To Say: “It’s the entire package. The company has an attention to detail and the knife has one of the best sheathes [we’ve] seen.”
Best Fixed Blade: QSP Viper
What The Judges Had To Say: “It comes with an excellent and functional sheath. It’s ergonomics and carriablity come together to create a complete package.”
Best Folder Knife: Pro-Tech/Vero Engineering Synapse Auto
What The Judges Had To Say: It won, “Because it’s badass!”
Best Of The Rest: Vero Engineering Vortex TI Maintenance Kit
What The Judges Had To Say: “Far too many bit drivers have thin handles. This one is made to fit the hand and torque down on.”
The 2012 American Bladesmith Society’s all forged blade EXPO is the premier show for hand forged blades. From utility blades, to the finest forged and crafted art knives, the ABS EXPO has something for everyone. The show is held in San Antonio, Texas, the home of the Alamo.
See some of the world’s finest forged knives showcased in a unique and informative format for the enjoyment of the forged blade collector/enthusiast by American Bladesmith Society Mastersmiths and Journeyman Smiths.
Location: Sheraton Gunter San Antonio 205 East Houston Street San Antonio, TX 78205 (888) 999-2089 www.gunterhotel.com
For more Information Contact: Harvey Dean (512) 446-3111 or email [email protected]
![Spartan Blades Poros Review [Tested]](https://blademag.com/wp-content/uploads/Poros-2-768x511.jpg "Spartan Blades Poros Review [Tested]")
