There’s a chapter in the new KNIVES 2016 book called “Some Class Tacts,” and it’s chock-full of color images of the finest handmade, high-end, dressed-up tactical folders in the world. Knifemaker Ken Onion uses the term “Genticals” for such knives (Gent’s Tacticals), but in this case, Class Tacts seemed to sum them up. Whatever you want to call them, whether “Sunday Go To Meetin'” knives, dress tacticals, Genticals or Class Tacts, today’s versions of tactical folders using high-end materials are gorgeous.
And it’s amazing how many different configurations can be made, different versions of dress tacticals. No wonder they remain so popular. It’s no trend, it’s a movement, and Class Tacts are here to stay.
Want to See More?
See them all in the brand-new KNIVES 2016 book, and enjoy!
The American Knife and Tool Institute (AKTI) is running an auction to raise awareness of their fight to remove legislation banning the carry of certain knives as well as clarifying knife laws around the country.
The auction will run from August 19-21 and is being sponsored by some of the biggest names in American knives. The sponsors include such brands as Buck, Benchmade, Cobratec, CRKT, and more.
You can learn more about the auction here as well as other ways you can support the Institute’s work.
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
There’s a chapter in the new KNIVES 2016 book called “Some Class Tacts,” and it’s chock-full of color images of the finest handmade, high-end, dressed-up tactical folders in the world. Knifemaker Ken Onion uses the term “Genticals” for such knives (Gent’s Tacticals), but in this case, Class Tacts seemed to sum them up. Whatever you want to call them, whether “Sunday Go To Meetin'” knives, dress tacticals, Genticals or Class Tacts, today’s versions of tactical folders using high-end materials are gorgeous.
See them all in the brand-new KNIVES 2016 book, and enjoy!![Spartan Blades Poros Review [Tested]](https://blademag.com/wp-content/uploads/Poros-2-768x511.jpg "Spartan Blades Poros Review [Tested]")
