I picked up the Talos a few months ago and I completely agree, the blade is a bit wedgey. I really wished they went with a thinner blade. I don't understand why have a survival knife thick blade on a very light EDC platform? With a thin blade the Talos would give the bugout a run for its money. One thing about Spartan blades, they have excellent customer support. My Talos came in with a bit of an up and down blade play, I contacted them and sent them the knife they then sent me a brand new one free of defect and refunded my the shipping cost.
Nice review. Really like the competitive options for the Spartan Astor and the Astor itself. Was wondering what a knife review video was going to look like on the road. Picnic table or pickup truck tailgate doesn't really matter as long as the review stays with the same format.
Really great review. I'm on the fence with these. Started thinking about a CRK or Spartan. This model lets me get into Spartan without spending an arm and a leg. ✌️
These knives are awesome IMO! I love mine! William Harsey and Les George are two of my favorite designers so its awesome to get there designs and this steel at this price point!
I'm not gonna lie... I am starting to think seriously about that Astor. Les George designs are always tempting. Same as Todd Rexford, Ray Laconico, Sal Glesser, Rafał Brzeski from Brr knives, Poltergeist, Ostap Hel, Moletta, Jens Anso, Jesper Voxanes, Andrew Demko, Dimitry Sinkevich, Rick Hinderer, Osborne, Pena, Chaves and many more :)
Thanks for the review, Aaron. For the money, I don't see it, which is the issue with Spartan Blades overall, in my view. I love the XHP, but a Spyderco Chaparral has the same steel, better ergos, slightly lower weight, WAY thinner blade, is SUPER slicey, and comes in at $95. slightly smaller blade, so there's that. But to me, better in virtually every way, but $20 CHEAPER. Forego the steel and you have the Cold Steel Air Lite selling for $55 on Amazon. Same issue with the larger one. For the price they are asking, you can get your favorite - Spyderco Manix 2 Lightweight in SPY27. Lighter, better ergos, fidget-friendly, super useful. If you want something beefier, Cold Steel Recon 1 in S35VN runs under $100. Spartan makes nice knives, but they get priced out for me.
I just wanted to thank you for adding the competitive options. I loved that you showed a USA made option for the same money. Im going to get online and buy the Hogue. All the knife review channels need to take notice of this and inform of us options. Thank you again and God Bless
I never use a liner lock for any real work. The simple fact is liner locks are a failure waiting to happen. Believe what you want. As a mechanic and iron worker I've had to liner locks fail. I personally carry a lockback or spyderco para2 lock is better but if you value your fingers and you really use your knife why risk failure. Mine happened not doing anything the knife wasn't designed for the blade just got hit on the backside an the knife folded on my fingers.
Just ordered the Astor, since I have XXL hands. Great review! Thanks! Can you review the Spartan Pallas Button lock? Thanks so much! Love your reviews!
u must check out the tops nata it is a beast. also please review these 2 overbuilt knives the benchmade claymore and medford usmc raider. keep the great content up.
You just expect him to buy an $800 knife to review it? Has he ever reviewed a Medford? It doesn't matter what you buy from Medford... They are bad ass and will do anything you need them to plus some.
I don't really see CTS-XHP used too often, heard because the steel is pricy and chews up the machine when grinding it If the astor had a 154cm id actually prefer it
hey Aaron! I wanted to let you know that I finally picked up the RUIKE based on your recommendation. it has become my favorite EDC blade. it has replace my cryo-that I carried for many years. for the price and what you get I have to consider the RUIKE a Kershaw killer!
Thanks, brother. Nice thorough review, particularly while on the road. Gave a lot more info than I expected. Appreciate you showing other blades as competitive options. So, what is the Mrs carrying? I’m looking for a good blade for my wife. She’s 5’1” and has small hands, but she’s very strong. Thoughts?
I like big knives period! If is Cold steel, Buck or Sog with nice quality steel even better!! Dont give a shit about high price! U get what u pay for. Thanks for the review.
Generally, if it's not a lock back blade, I won't buy it and that would no doubt stand in regard to these two knives. What I wish Cold Steel would make is a clip point version of the 4 Max Scout. I'm amazed that you can get the 4 Max Scout on Amazon for close to 75 bucks now.
@@demo2952 anything that's pointier than the drop point they make it in. They should make several style blades. I have the drop point and love it. It's my edc, but I'd like a clip point too.
I had a friend give me a Recon in XHP. It needed new washers and a thumb stud. I fixed the washers and went to Spartan Blades to pick up a thumb stud. The owner took us on a tour of the shop, put a thumb stud in the Recon, and offered to sharpen it for free. I was so impressed by him being such a good guy I bought an Astor and my cousin got a Talos.
I have a Cold Steel Broken Skull in CTSHXP, and my is it a good steel. HOWEVER, almost impossible for me to sharpen, haha! Takes over an hour to put a decent edge on it using my worksharp system.
Do you have a wprksharp with the diamond stones? That's what I use. Makes it so I am able 2 sharpen significantly faster. And also I would recommend stropping more regularly so you don't have 2 sharpen. Just a thought. I am not super experienced and don't have time 2 sharpen all the time so I strop when I notice the edge isn't super sharp anymore. Really helps .
I was always under the impression that Taiwanese made were better O/A quality than the Chinese ones . I like both of them, but the Harsey wins. I've been a fan of his work since discovering him years ago and have never been able to afford a Spartan or custom. Good review, i think my minds been changed though, the Harsey did not perform well and if i get the urge, I'll get one he designed for one of the different Italian companies. ✌🙏
Save your money and pick up a better blade….I received one so dull it could not cut cheese. Really. The lock up appears to be about 45 percent…OK. READ. To be fair..I took the knife apart and cleaned, lubed. Smooth and a pleasure to use. Catch this in Amazon before they are gone.
Ordered both exactly same color handles n I didn’t think I like a talos but kinda reminds me of my grizzly ridge but a bit smaller but overall I thought I wasn’t gonna like it but I do a lot but I understand the complaint tho the astor is just a beast love it completely
A liner lock on a beefy blade reminds me of bird legs on a body builder....as for competitive options, there are dozens of knives in that price range I would consider much better than these...I'll pass on the Spartans
these budget spartans are trash.. from build to material.. trash.. look at the quality and quality control civivi and cjrb puts out.. keep it USA or get a real OEM.
What materials are trash on these? CTS-XHP is a great steel, handles are G10. Pocket clip isn't titanium, and neither are the liners, but for that price that's usually not what you see in folders anyway. Sooooo, what's trash? Also who is the OEM?
It’s always the same,,why don’t you actually use the knife and come back 1 year later when is your only option to have or carry on yourself…When in need I can use butter 🧈 knife and sharpen it on any stone I find,,This expensive Shyt doesn’t interest me at all,,it’s nice to see but pumping out videos just for show….Nahhh,, I understand this channel is just show and tell…
Knifeworks has the Astor in green for $90 dollars. The Talos is $78. A great buy considering the materials used in these blades.
Who that is a great price
I picked up the Talos a few months ago and I completely agree, the blade is a bit wedgey. I really wished they went with a thinner blade. I don't understand why have a survival knife thick blade on a very light EDC platform? With a thin blade the Talos would give the bugout a run for its money. One thing about Spartan blades, they have excellent customer support. My Talos came in with a bit of an up and down blade play, I contacted them and sent them the knife they then sent me a brand new one free of defect and refunded my the shipping cost.
Besides a thinner blade stock, i wish the Talos came in at 7.5" overall with a 3.5" blade and a 4" handle. That would have made a big difference imo.
Nice review. Really like the competitive options for the Spartan Astor and the Astor itself. Was wondering what a knife review video was going to look like on the road. Picnic table or pickup truck tailgate doesn't really matter as long as the review stays with the same format.
Right on thanks for the support and glad you enjoyed this one.
Really great review. I'm on the fence with these. Started thinking about a CRK or Spartan. This model lets me get into Spartan without spending an arm and a leg. ✌️
These knives are awesome IMO! I love mine! William Harsey and Les George are two of my favorite designers so its awesome to get there designs and this steel at this price point!
Glad to hear you like them.
You can see the Harsey DNA in the large knife it’s basically the Gerber Big Rock in a folder .
The larger knife is a Les George design
Love the Les George. Once it breaks in especially.i have 3 more premium spartans and this knife is still a go 2 for me.
I'm not gonna lie... I am starting to think seriously about that Astor. Les George designs are always tempting. Same as Todd Rexford, Ray Laconico, Sal Glesser, Rafał Brzeski from Brr knives, Poltergeist, Ostap Hel, Moletta, Jens Anso, Jesper Voxanes, Andrew Demko, Dimitry Sinkevich, Rick Hinderer, Osborne, Pena, Chaves and many more :)
I've got one. It's seriously a great knife for the price.
Thanks for the review, Aaron. For the money, I don't see it, which is the issue with Spartan Blades overall, in my view. I love the XHP, but a Spyderco Chaparral has the same steel, better ergos, slightly lower weight, WAY thinner blade, is SUPER slicey, and comes in at $95. slightly smaller blade, so there's that. But to me, better in virtually every way, but $20 CHEAPER. Forego the steel and you have the Cold Steel Air Lite selling for $55 on Amazon.
Same issue with the larger one. For the price they are asking, you can get your favorite - Spyderco Manix 2 Lightweight in SPY27. Lighter, better ergos, fidget-friendly, super useful. If you want something beefier, Cold Steel Recon 1 in S35VN runs under $100. Spartan makes nice knives, but they get priced out for me.
I just wanted to thank you for adding the competitive options. I loved that you showed a USA made option for the same money. Im going to get online and buy the Hogue. All the knife review channels need to take notice of this and inform of us options. Thank you again and God Bless
I love XHP. I'll have to check into the larger one.
I never use a liner lock for any real work. The simple fact is liner locks are a failure waiting to happen. Believe what you want. As a mechanic and iron worker I've had to liner locks fail.
I personally carry a lockback or spyderco para2 lock is better but if you value your fingers and you really use your knife why risk failure. Mine happened not doing anything the knife wasn't designed for the blade just got hit on the backside an the knife folded on my fingers.
Cool story bro
Brother, I pray you're okay. Thanks for that information!
Hope you and your family are having a great time. Oh! Not to bad of folders!
Just ordered the Astor, since I have XXL hands. Great review! Thanks! Can you review the Spartan Pallas Button lock? Thanks so much! Love your reviews!
You will love it. Sill one of my favorites.
Enjoy your weekend Aaron and thanks buddy
Thanks Eric!
u must check out the tops nata it is a beast. also please review these 2 overbuilt knives the benchmade claymore and medford usmc raider. keep the great content up.
You just expect him to buy an $800 knife to review it? Has he ever reviewed a Medford?
It doesn't matter what you buy from Medford... They are bad ass and will do anything you need them to plus some.
I don't really see CTS-XHP used too often, heard because the steel is pricy and chews up the machine when grinding it
If the astor had a 154cm id actually prefer it
The cts-xhp Taiwan made knives from high end brands I own are outstanding. Some of my favorite.
hey Aaron! I wanted to let you know that I finally picked up the RUIKE based on your recommendation. it has become my favorite EDC blade. it has replace my cryo-that I carried for many years. for the price and what you get I have to consider the RUIKE a Kershaw killer!
Thanks, brother. Nice thorough review, particularly while on the road. Gave a lot more info than I expected. Appreciate you showing other blades as competitive options. So, what is the Mrs carrying? I’m looking for a good blade for my wife. She’s 5’1” and has small hands, but she’s very strong. Thoughts?
I like big knives period! If is Cold steel, Buck or Sog with nice quality steel even better!! Dont give a shit about high price! U get what u pay for. Thanks for the review.
Generally, if it's not a lock back blade, I won't buy it and that would no doubt stand in regard to these two knives. What I wish Cold Steel would make is a clip point version of the 4 Max Scout. I'm amazed that you can get the 4 Max Scout on Amazon for close to 75 bucks now.
Tanto version!
@@demo2952 anything that's pointier than the drop point they make it in. They should make several style blades. I have the drop point and love it. It's my edc, but I'd like a clip point too.
jonnyboat2 smatchet!
Cold Steel wins again. FTW⚔️
Thanks for the video my Bladed Brother 👍 ⚔️ ✝️ 🇺🇲
The carbon fiber Astor is awesome, and easy on the oocket
I love the Astor
Can you check out the Cold Steel Black Bear Bowie
Personally at that price I’m going for USA made if I have the option. Still a nice looking blade though
The astor is running about 80 to 90 bucks now!
For that price Amazing!
man I wish I could get an XHP Recon 1. I love S35VN, but for that knife, the XHP just makes a lot of sense.
I had a friend give me a Recon in XHP. It needed new washers and a thumb stud. I fixed the washers and went to Spartan Blades to pick up a thumb stud. The owner took us on a tour of the shop, put a thumb stud in the Recon, and offered to sharpen it for free. I was so impressed by him being such a good guy I bought an Astor and my cousin got a Talos.
I have a Cold Steel Broken Skull in CTSHXP, and my is it a good steel. HOWEVER, almost impossible for me to sharpen, haha! Takes over an hour to put a decent edge on it using my worksharp system.
Do you have a wprksharp with the diamond stones? That's what I use. Makes it so I am able 2 sharpen significantly faster. And also I would recommend stropping more regularly so you don't have 2 sharpen. Just a thought. I am not super experienced and don't have time 2 sharpen all the time so I strop when I notice the edge isn't super sharp anymore. Really helps .
You know ZT did the exact same less George design in the ZT-0909 in S35VN which I was able to snag from blade HQ for $99 when they were discontinued
I was always under the impression that Taiwanese made were better O/A quality than the Chinese ones .
I like both of them, but the Harsey wins. I've been a fan of his work since discovering him years ago and have never been able to afford a Spartan or custom. Good review, i think my minds been changed though, the Harsey did not perform well and if i get the urge, I'll get one he designed for one of the different Italian companies. ✌🙏
That has been my experience.
Aaron how did you keep from cutting yourself with that CS Recon??
Cts-xhp great steel. It has hard to beat the Recon though.
Save your money and pick up a better blade….I received one so dull it could not cut cheese. Really. The lock up appears to be about 45 percent…OK. READ. To be fair..I took the knife apart and cleaned, lubed. Smooth and a pleasure to use. Catch this in Amazon before they are gone.
Ordered both exactly same color handles n I didn’t think I like a talos but kinda reminds me of my grizzly ridge but a bit smaller but overall I thought I wasn’t gonna like it but I do a lot but I understand the complaint tho the astor is just a beast love it completely
Nice that smaller one. Would love to own that. Perfect EDC.
With my volume, all the way up I can hardly hear you.
Nice review. I hope to save up for a USA made one, but the large one from Taiwan does look good design.
Lawman or astor in your opinion
Great question, both are excellent. I carry the Astor more 😁
@@gideonstactical ok brother ill buy both!!! Thanks for the reply!!
A liner lock on a beefy blade reminds me of bird legs on a body builder....as for competitive options, there are dozens of knives in that price range I would consider much better than these...I'll pass on the Spartans
Have you checked out the Ontario TAK 2? it looks nice but I haven't found a review for it.
I have one. Working on a video. The fit and finish is pretty rough. 😒
@@gideonstactical looking forward to it!
Cts xhp and now @ 100 bucks on white mountain. Cant beat that?
Great knives
these budget spartans are trash.. from build to material.. trash.. look at the quality and quality control civivi and cjrb puts out.. keep it USA or get a real OEM.
What materials are trash on these?
CTS-XHP is a great steel, handles are G10.
Pocket clip isn't titanium, and neither are the liners, but for that price that's usually not what you see in folders anyway. Sooooo, what's trash?
Also who is the OEM?
My Astor is a beast
How do you not know the designers and names of the knives your reviewing…. You’d think you would look that up before the video.
Tools…..
Was not a fan of the Astor, felt cheap and like a $30 Kabar folder. I may try a talos but too many better options out there
Interesting, it doesn’t feel cheap to me.
@@gideonstactical I got the carbon fiber laminate version. Probably why I had that feeling
Mine feels like a hard use to hell and back knife
The only area where these knives outperform a good $50 knife is all in the buyer's head...
😁👍
ROBUST!!
It’s always the same,,why don’t you actually use the knife and come back 1 year later when is your only option to have or carry on yourself…When in need I can use butter 🧈 knife and sharpen it on any stone I find,,This expensive Shyt doesn’t interest me at all,,it’s nice to see but pumping out videos just for show….Nahhh,, I understand this channel is just show and tell…