Honestly, if you have a left-over spartan nylon sheath--the general large/normal version--you have wonderful options in that as well, or the ability to transfer it from kit to kit.
I've been hyped for the Spartan Harsey Fighter ever since it was announced last year, I'm glad it seems to live up to expectations. Can't wait to see your next video comparing it to other combat/utility knives.
the military doesn't issue the KA-BAR utility. My issued blade was the Gerber LMF Infantry II and I would take that over the KA-BAR any day. I agree there should be new issued blades, but I personally wouldn't choose either of these.
After purchasing & sampling the handle on the Nessmuk version, I just ordered the fighter as well. I'm a "Southpaw", & I usually don't purchase knives that I can't convert to Southpaw. I like this sheath design.
Ive served in France and Italy for 17 years..In France I had a black handle kabar personally bought in a px on a mission.. Later they supplied us with glock 78 knives... In Italy extrema ratio fulcrum excellent military knife but heavy and bulky.. After extrema ratio Contac C more compact and portable on plate carrier excellent for general use and as close combat
I love my KaBars. How they sharpen with 180 grit to a razor is still beyond my understanding. I use belts to sharpen all my blades, but I usually go to 600-800 then strop.
I can’t believe you took off a scale and showed us the bare naked blade I’ve been into making my own scales and usually have to do a bit or more searching to find an image Thank you I’m sold I’m ordering one up I’ll strip the coating give it the ferric chloride and stone wash treatment then some stabilized maple burl it’ll be a beauty
I really like the nesmuk ,the fighter is also nice , its hard to choose ,kind of like which child you love more . Thnx for the video and the giveaway and good luck to the winner 😊
Just received the fighter based on this review. Could not agree more: this knife is amazing! Perfect design for a combat knife. No frills with the exception of the fuller which may actually be functional to achieve the perfect balance. Grip is perfect. Blade shape is excellent for nearly everything though it definitely leans towards fighting given the slicyness and ice pick tip. Extremely surprised at how well it feathers. Excellent spiritual successor and brings the USMC fighting knife into the 20th century. Guys, if you love the USMC for its history and looks but are disappointed in its performance vs modern knives the Harsey Fighter is the answer full stop.
Awesome review! I’m honestly stoked for your review of the new work sharp. I didn’t jump on the first limited release and figured I would catch your review and grab one at blade show in June!
Hi Aaron ! A simple question about the Spartan Hersey : what do you personally think it about replacing the Velcro and just mount a Tec Loc to attach it as M.o.l.l.e system or wear it little higher on the belt? Would be better ? Thanks for answering!!
Outstanding blade,Will definitely have to pick one up,Have the Cold Steel SRK too in CPM 3V and it’s awesome also,Been looking for a good backup blade though and now I have found it 👍
Eafengrow has a fixed blade out called EF128, HRC 60-62 $60 pricetag. It has DC53 steel, not sure what that is, but theres not many videos on youtube of it. You should check it out, looks like another knife worth investigating 👍 Edit: So it looks like DC53 is supposed to be tougher than D2, not as chippy while being a harder steel I guess. If its any good, I'd like to see how it does vs the fighter from this video.
There is no official "US Military" fighting knife. The USMC does not even issue the Ka-Bar anymore. If you even get a knife issued it will be a bayonet, but that is rare as well. The individual soldier will be in charge of getting a knife to carry themselves IF his unit even allows them to.
Hello Aaron. I like the Nessmuk style, but only if purely Nessmuk. I don't think of it as a fighter and this version of it is really unappealing and weird looking. In this case, the fighter all the way. Thanks for a fun and interesting review.
The Spartan looks like a more functional tool than the Ka-Bar. That Spartan sheath look sweet. The Ka-Bar is a GREAT throwing knife. 😲How do I know? 😒I ain't sayin'. Now the Hogue EX-F01 (7" & 5"), designed by Allen Elishewitz, USMC is a great combat/survival tool. Please review.
Aaron have you watched the review of the Cold Steel Leatherneck SF knife from Dutch Bushcraft Knives YT channel? You may find it interesting, I was suprised how well it performed!
@@gideonstactical I am. but in aome of the videos i coukld have sworn you said 10" blade length. Websites say 6.whatever, and an overall of 11.something lol. Just curious. It seems like there is only one size, so i could have misheard the details. I really appreciate the reply bud!!!!
just ordered a spartan damysus based on an older video of your. Even with the sheath failing it looked great. Now these look even better 😄but i guess knives-people are never happy with just 1 knife
I bought the fighter. Seems like a good blade. I would've like the finger guard to be slightly more pronounced to really stop your hand from sliding up towards the blade. In a fighting/military situation you're hand could be muddy, oily or wet.
Thank you great review. I am with you or do you like the fighter better than the nesmuck. And over the original K bar, I do like the fact that it is a full tang not a stick tang.
Kabar is hard to beat on a strong combat knife. I cant get my kabar knives to hair cutting sharpness. Iam starting to wonder if a combat knive really needs to be that sharp to do its job. That Sparton sure looks cool.
Looks like a lot of competition for the give-away. The new combat blade looks promising! Good looking and like the saber grind. I have no idea where the “TH-cam home page is for instructions to enter giveaway.
The KaBar USMC Fighting Knife is Awesome to Look At , But is Really a P.O.S. , I owned 2 and one tiny hit on that handle will practically bent the Knife in Half , when it first happened I couldn't believe it
What is a real test for you? I care way more about how a vehicle drives down the road vs. how many times I can drive it into a wall before the it stops running. 🤣
The actual USMC KABAR that everyone knows and praises was, and still is JUNK. It's only saving grace was it was cheap enough for Privates to buy, break, and buy again. Area J, Fort Bragg's training area, is littered with tons of broken kabar blades. I'm sure the new Spartan-Kabar is much more durable; but personally, I'd go with the Spartan Difensa for my military blade; naturally, few Privates can afford one of those. Which means y'all need to go all out and get promoted. But this Harsey from the Bronze line is a good cheaper alternative. One gripe!!!! Stop calling the kabar in this video, the "original" when it isn't....... we're all not stupid🤨
I like the design of the Spartan much better then original, more durable for other tasks, great balance and increased blade thickness, also.a better ergo grip instead of round, would've liked to see about 1/2" more length for the fighting function thou...great review as usual, very informative
Thank you for another great review. Both look like great knives. Since I still have my issued knife from my time in Vietnam I would be interested in the Nesmuk more than the fighter. I really like the handle scales. I'm sure they feel awesome.
Both seem really good, however I think the Nessmuk blade fits more of what I usually do. My last “KaBar” was the BK18 Harpoon and I REALLY enjoy that one.
PLEASE KAY-BAR UPGRADE YOUR DAMN STEEL ACROSS YOUR ENTIRE LINE ITS TIME KABAR. 14C28 Would Be a great upgrade stainless. It also has toughness that punches well above its class when heatreated well.
If you liked the product of Ka-bar/Spartan Blades fighter you should have a look at T.Kell Knives "Mercenary" knife. I would use that in any deployment.
Both are good looking knives that fit different Purposes, I do agree that Kabar does a good job with their 1095, easy to maintain and lots tough for my purposes. Comparing a clip point and a nessmuk is like comparing a Scandi to a hollow grind both have their benefits and weaknesses just depends on what's more important to you. Thanks for the great vid and keep making sharp things fun and enjoyable
Ka-Bar never used 1095 steel. The steel they use is the 50100b which hasa completely different recipe,compared to 1095.It falls between 1095 and O1 closer to O1 but wiith better toughness than both.You can notice the difference when sharpening,it takes a bit more time to get it sharp,compared to 1095 blade of the same hrc. 1095 cro van,is not a steel name.It's all about marketing..People wouldn't buy a steel,that isn't common, as the cheaper 1095 is,so they improvised!! Thank God they did,it's a better steel than 1095!
Spartan Blades Harsey Fighter just landed in my Wishlist. Thanks for the detailed video. I like the Nessmuk but would purchase from another manufacturer. The Jimping on the handle caught my eye. The shape of the handle is the dealmaker for me.
as a former us marine and conflict vet their are far too many quality fixed blade combat knives out there that are far superior to the old reliable K'bar when i was a young grunt ( mos 03/11) i read the book = Helmut for my pillow a WW-2' island hopping classic and their was a marine raider who bitched and really disliked his k'bar and his father sent him a bowie , the raiders commit about it only being good for opening ammo cans stayed in my head realistically i knew that i could work with the k'bar , but down the bop ( walk ) i knew that id get my own blade and after airborne sch and when i made e-4' and went 2'd anglico i got my own blade
The new one lacks utility compared to the old one. (old design handle allows to act as hammer and has room for storage) Also why call it Spartan ? It has zero design influence from the kopis. They should give it a belly if they want to call it Spartan.
It’s a great knife but I prefer something a little bigger. Just imagine in a fight and I swing something like bigger and a bit heavier trying cut off fingers or even trying to nick the artery in the wrist. Maybe the same design like this but a bit heavier and bigger almost like a kukri.
Two things they forgot to do to this knife to make it appealing to the US Military: paint it coyote brown, and plaster the Sig logo all over it
Hahhaha
Lmao
The Spartan Fighter is the way to go. It comes complete with good handle scales and good sheath without having to upgrade anything.
Honestly, if you have a left-over spartan nylon sheath--the general large/normal version--you have wonderful options in that as well, or the ability to transfer it from kit to kit.
Looks like a helluva design and helluva deal
I've been hyped for the Spartan Harsey Fighter ever since it was announced last year, I'm glad it seems to live up to expectations. Can't wait to see your next video comparing it to other combat/utility knives.
The fighter with the sheath lock is a great combination. And it's full tang. Nice knife.
the military doesn't issue the KA-BAR utility. My issued blade was the Gerber LMF Infantry II and I would take that over the KA-BAR any day. I agree there should be new issued blades, but I personally wouldn't choose either of these.
I agree the fighter is slick good balance in the hand too. I also agree on the nessmuk I have several traditional versions and I'll stick with those.
Can’t wait to get my hands on the new Spartan/Harsey fighter and test it out myself
After purchasing & sampling the handle on the Nessmuk version, I just ordered the fighter as well. I'm a "Southpaw", & I usually don't purchase knives that I can't convert to Southpaw. I like this sheath design.
I like the pointy one. Will check it out but I have a BK7. Looks interesting. Would like to see a heavy duty destruction test.
I agree: for me... "The Fighter!" Bring it on! You do a "Very Comprehensive" job in your review! Thank You, J
I appreciate that!
I love the fighting spirit in the Fighter! This is the David Fighter vs the Goliah BK7!!!
Ive served in France and Italy for 17 years..In France I had a black handle kabar personally bought in a px on a mission.. Later they supplied us with glock 78 knives... In Italy extrema ratio fulcrum excellent military knife but heavy and bulky.. After extrema ratio Contac C more compact and portable on plate carrier excellent for general use and as close combat
I had to order the fighter. I’m missing something like this in my collection. Glad you put it through the ringer
I love my KaBars. How they sharpen with 180 grit to a razor is still beyond my understanding. I use belts to sharpen all my blades, but I usually go to 600-800 then strop.
I wish the fighter was a 5 inch blade. Better for a belt knife as I prefer 4-5. I feel 6 inch is a bit much maybe?
These knives are beautiful, I loved my kabar Jaroz collabs, I've been really excited for the spartan blades collab
America doesn't need a new combat knife, it has the Mk2.
I can’t believe you took off a scale and showed us the bare naked blade I’ve been into making my own scales and usually have to do a bit or more searching to find an image
Thank you I’m sold I’m ordering one up I’ll strip the coating give it the ferric chloride and stone wash treatment then some stabilized maple burl it’ll be a beauty
Glad I could help!
A great collaboration created 2 great knives. Thanks for the run-down!!
Thanks for watching CB!
Your format nowadays is highly polished and professional 👍
Thanks much, really appreciate that working hard on video quality now!
I really like the nesmuk ,the fighter is also nice , its hard to choose ,kind of like which child you love more .
Thnx for the video and the giveaway and good luck to the winner 😊
Sweet blade! Good luck all!
Just received the fighter based on this review. Could not agree more: this knife is amazing! Perfect design for a combat knife. No frills with the exception of the fuller which may actually be functional to achieve the perfect balance. Grip is perfect. Blade shape is excellent for nearly everything though it definitely leans towards fighting given the slicyness and ice pick tip. Extremely surprised at how well it feathers. Excellent spiritual successor and brings the USMC fighting knife into the 20th century.
Guys, if you love the USMC for its history and looks but are disappointed in its performance vs modern knives the Harsey Fighter is the answer full stop.
It reminds me of Russian Kizlyar knives.
Nessmuk appears to be best for all round usage. Nice video. Thank you.
It’s interesting, I feel like the handle does really fit that blade shapes design.
How does the Harsey Fighter compare to the ZT006?? Obviously, the ZT has a higher end blade steel, but past that?
Enjoy watching your videos. Thanks for sharing your take on these knives.
Thanks so much!
Man, I sure hope this gets adopted. My military friends were not fans of the OG Ka Bar.
Thanks for the great content!
That is my understanding as well!
Spartan/Pineland recently released a Magnacut in the classic Kabar style. Looking for that brought me here.
Awesome review! I’m honestly stoked for your review of the new work sharp. I didn’t jump on the first limited release and figured I would catch your review and grab one at blade show in June!
Coming soon!
@@gideonstactical Any chance you will be at blade show this year in Atlanta?
There's a guy on TH-cam that ground down the hump on Nessmuk model to a drop point. Check it out.
Hi Aaron ! A simple question about the Spartan Hersey : what do you personally think it about replacing the Velcro and just mount a Tec Loc to attach it as M.o.l.l.e system or wear it little higher on the belt? Would be better ?
Thanks for answering!!
Possibly, and if you are will to modify it then go for it. In most situations and want low ride sheath.
@@gideonstactical Thank you! ❤️
Fantastic review, thanks!
Thanks so much for checking it out!
Outstanding blade,Will definitely have to pick one up,Have the Cold Steel SRK too in CPM 3V and it’s awesome also,Been looking for a good backup blade though and now I have found it 👍
Love that fighter model !!
Eafengrow has a fixed blade out called EF128, HRC 60-62 $60 pricetag. It has DC53 steel, not sure what that is, but theres not many videos on youtube of it.
You should check it out, looks like another knife worth investigating 👍
Edit: So it looks like DC53 is supposed to be tougher than D2, not as chippy while being a harder steel I guess.
If its any good, I'd like to see how it does vs the fighter from this video.
Good looking blades
There is no official "US Military" fighting knife. The USMC does not even issue the Ka-Bar anymore. If you even get a knife issued it will be a bayonet, but that is rare as well. The individual soldier will be in charge of getting a knife to carry themselves IF his unit even allows them to.
Great review as usual. I do prefer the spartan fighter. Thanks for all you do
Hello Aaron. I like the Nessmuk style, but only if purely Nessmuk. I don't think of it as a fighter and this version of it is really unappealing and weird looking. In this case, the fighter all the way. Thanks for a fun and interesting review.
Ya I am right there with you!
The Spartan would get my vote for a good field knife regardless of the climate.
The Spartan looks like a more functional tool than the Ka-Bar. That Spartan sheath look sweet. The Ka-Bar is a GREAT throwing knife. 😲How do I know? 😒I ain't sayin'.
Now the Hogue EX-F01 (7" & 5"), designed by Allen Elishewitz, USMC is a great combat/survival tool. Please review.
Aaron have you watched the review of the Cold Steel Leatherneck SF knife from Dutch Bushcraft Knives YT channel? You may find it interesting, I was suprised how well it performed!
I just saw it pop up may have to check it out.
Needs OD Green!
Love the fighter
alot of your videos are saying 10" blade for the Harsey fighter, but all the websites say 6.13". are there different blade length models?
Not that I’m aware of. Are you potentially looking at the total overall length?
@@gideonstactical I am. but in aome of the videos i coukld have sworn you said 10" blade length. Websites say 6.whatever, and an overall of 11.something lol. Just curious. It seems like there is only one size, so i could have misheard the details. I really appreciate the reply bud!!!!
just ordered a spartan damysus based on an older video of your. Even with the sheath failing it looked great. Now these look even better 😄but i guess knives-people are never happy with just 1 knife
Never just one!
I bought the fighter. Seems like a good blade. I would've like the finger guard to be slightly more pronounced to really stop your hand from sliding up towards the blade. In a fighting/military situation you're hand could be muddy, oily or wet.
I like them both. Another great review!
Damn, those pork ribs didn't stand a chance LOL!
Nice backyard.
Thank you 👍
What do you think of the Spartan Harsey Fighter vs the Difensa?
Haven’t used the Difensa yet so can’t speak to that.
Thank you great review. I am with you or do you like the fighter better than the nesmuck. And over the original K bar, I do like the fact that it is a full tang not a stick tang.
Totally!!
Kabar is hard to beat on a strong combat knife. I cant get my kabar knives to hair cutting sharpness. Iam starting to wonder if a combat knive really needs to be that sharp to do its job. That Sparton sure looks cool.
Muck about spreading peanut butter!
Cant wait to see the fighter compared to the turok
Apache Falcon v Spartan Harsey ?
Why not the Turok?❤️🔥
Looks like a lot of competition for the give-away. The new combat blade looks promising! Good looking and like the saber grind. I have no idea where the “TH-cam home page is for instructions to enter giveaway.
Head to my channel, and you will see the community tab. Click it and you will see the post. 👍
No hammer pommel = a "no" from me.
Did you watch the whole video I hammered in a stack easily.
Still waiting for the kukri.
Not sure if for everyone or just me, but the audio is out of sync with the video by a just a bit
I am sorry if that is happening, weird
The KaBar USMC Fighting Knife is Awesome to Look At , But is Really a P.O.S. , I owned 2 and one tiny hit on that handle will practically bent the Knife in Half , when it first happened I couldn't believe it
Hahaha that is kind the truth!!
Nice man cool vid
Thanks for watching!!
As a former Vietnam Marine Veteran, I prefer the Fighter! Spartan Blades is a great Co. I have several of their knives!
Nice knife, good vid
jam it in wood, smack handle with baseball bat = still failure of a design lol
Make it in a 7” blade and then I’ll buy one
I have never seen a real test of the knives you present on you channel. I can cut thin branches and paracord with a kitchen knife.
What is a real test for you? I care way more about how a vehicle drives down the road vs. how many times I can drive it into a wall before the it stops running. 🤣
@@gideonstactical I want to see what their limits are, a test of resistance. I want to see the difference between a $10 knife and a $200 knife.
Shouldn't a knife fighter have a hilt on it?
I said that too
I want
The actual USMC KABAR that everyone knows and praises was, and still is JUNK. It's only saving grace was it was cheap enough for Privates to buy, break, and buy again. Area J, Fort Bragg's training area, is littered with tons of broken kabar blades. I'm sure the new Spartan-Kabar is much more durable; but personally, I'd go with the Spartan Difensa for my military blade; naturally, few Privates can afford one of those. Which means y'all need to go all out and get promoted. But this Harsey from the Bronze line is a good cheaper alternative. One gripe!!!! Stop calling the kabar in this video, the "original" when it isn't....... we're all not stupid🤨
Military combat knife? You buy your own. Knives are not standard issue. If your using a knife in combat something has gone really wrong.
The pommel is too pointy, not a good field design.
Be nice if they have contest 4 some 4 Us XGI's TY Lotsa intel that proves point well TY It Kill's well
I think the Kabar just needs to be redesigned to be a full tang knife.
I like the design of the Spartan much better then original, more durable for other tasks, great balance and increased blade thickness, also.a better ergo grip instead of round, would've liked to see about 1/2" more length for the fighting function thou...great review as usual, very informative
Spartan does make a traditional Kabar style knife on or about $400.00 dollars.
*_I'll take the Bill Harsey handle with the new ZT 0006 Blade in 3V, finished with the Spartan Classic Kydex!_* 😅🤣🤣
That would be amazing
Thank you for another great review. Both look like great knives. Since I still have my issued knife from my time in Vietnam I would be interested in the Nesmuk more than the fighter. I really like the handle scales. I'm sure they feel awesome.
Both seem really good, however I think the Nessmuk blade fits more of what I usually do. My last “KaBar” was the BK18 Harpoon and I REALLY enjoy that one.
That is a good one!
PLEASE KAY-BAR UPGRADE YOUR DAMN STEEL ACROSS YOUR ENTIRE LINE ITS TIME KABAR. 14C28 Would Be a great upgrade stainless. It also has toughness that punches well above its class when heatreated well.
Did you ever review Treeman knives ? The original military combat knives?
They haven’t gotten around
Nice knife and as always great review. Would love to see a Torture test. ✝🇺🇸✝
Fantastic review, the Harsey is an excellent choice for combat!!!😊
I think so too!
nice!
I'll stick with my K BAR.
Semper Fi!
That WWII KA-Bar knife, which I love, has "not" been a US military issued knife for a few decades now.
I have to say I love the work you do and videos you put out! I have purchased a few knives based on your reviews.. keep up the great work!
If you liked the product of Ka-bar/Spartan Blades fighter you should have a look at T.Kell Knives "Mercenary" knife. I would use that in any deployment.
Both are good looking knives that fit different Purposes, I do agree that Kabar does a good job with their 1095, easy to maintain and lots tough for my purposes. Comparing a clip point and a nessmuk is like comparing a Scandi to a hollow grind both have their benefits and weaknesses just depends on what's more important to you. Thanks for the great vid and keep making sharp things fun and enjoyable
Ka-Bar never used 1095 steel. The steel they use is the 50100b which hasa completely different recipe,compared to 1095.It falls between 1095 and O1 closer to O1 but wiith better toughness than both.You can notice the difference when sharpening,it takes a bit more time to get it sharp,compared to 1095 blade of the same hrc. 1095 cro van,is not a steel name.It's all about marketing..People wouldn't buy a steel,that isn't common, as the cheaper 1095 is,so they improvised!! Thank God they did,it's a better steel than 1095!
Spartan Blades Harsey Fighter just landed in my Wishlist. Thanks for the detailed video. I like the Nessmuk but would purchase from another manufacturer. The Jimping on the handle caught my eye. The shape of the handle is the dealmaker for me.
as a former us marine and conflict vet their are far too many quality fixed blade combat knives out there that are far superior to the old reliable K'bar when i was a young grunt
( mos 03/11) i read the book = Helmut for my pillow a WW-2' island hopping classic and their was a marine raider who bitched and really disliked his k'bar and his father sent him a bowie , the raiders commit about it only being good for opening ammo cans stayed in my head realistically i knew that i could work with the k'bar , but down the bop ( walk ) i knew that id get my own blade and after airborne sch and when i made e-4'
and went 2'd anglico
i got my own blade
I wish that KA-BAR would make some good tactical folding pocket knives. I think that the KA-BAR dozier 4062 Lockback pocket knife was kind of garbage.
Does the spartan fighter have the rattail handle like the Kabar? Does anyone know or is it full thicker
Im actually a fan of the nessbuk. The design connects with me. Its on my list of knives i want.
I would like to see the fighter vs the Zero Tolerance 0006 vs the Strongarm.. Great video.
The new one lacks utility compared to the old one. (old design handle allows to act as hammer and has room for storage)
Also why call it Spartan ? It has zero design influence from the kopis.
They should give it a belly if they want to call it Spartan.
The math adds up. The Spartan is "better". I'll keep my Ka-Bar Original instead.
It’s a great knife but I prefer something a little bigger. Just imagine in a fight and I swing something like bigger and a bit heavier trying cut off fingers or even trying to nick the artery in the wrist. Maybe the same design like this but a bit heavier and bigger almost like a kukri.