Spartan Blades Hybris Voted Best New Tactical Fixed Blade 2017

Presented by: Work Sharp Knife & Tool Sharpeners

We are pleased to announce that the Spartan Blades Hybris is the KnifeNews Dealers’ Choice for Best New Tactical Fixed Blade 2017. Votes cast by dealers indicated that other great new blades in this category included the Böker Kwaiken Fixed Blade, CRKT Rakkasan, SOG Pillar, and TOPS Missile Strike.

Curtis Iovito and Mark Carey established Spartan Blades with the Ares, a stylish tactical fixed blade. A series of successful folders including the award-winning Harsey and Kranos followed. But even as they expanded their range, Spartan never abandoned their tactical fixed blade roots.

The Hybris marries ferocity with utility, blurring the line between weapon and tool. Iovito and Carey drew up a 5 ½-inch blade with a reverse tanto profile, made from a solid chunk of S35VN blade steel. Quirky blade shapes might not be the first that comes to mind for tactical applications, but that’s the genius of the Hybris. It’s able to perform the tactical essentials of slashing and piercing with its curved belly and raised tip. But a practical edge profile and giant forward finger choil makes finer, utility cutting chores a breeze.

Across all of their designs Spartan hews to simple, unadorned ergonomics and that’s the case on the Hybris as well. Its straightforward handle stays out of the way, and the crosshatched Micarta scales keep your grip in place no matter the job. The extended butt end functions both as a lanyard attachment point and an impact tool.

Since it opened its doors in 2008, Spartan fixed its eye on the user. “Knives with Intent” is their motto, and the Hybris showcases that use-oriented philosophy. The Hybris is the kind of knife a soldier or cop could rely on for virtually any cutting task. At the same time, it isn’t so specialized as to alienate the general outdoorsman, hunter, or weekend adventurer

“We are very honored to be selected for this award since it was decided on by knife dealers,” Curtis Iovito tells us. “Our dealers play such a critical role in what we do. At Spartan Blades, we see our dealers more as business partners and trusted friends than customers. The fact that combined knife dealers would select us in an industry full of good people is very humbling!”

Visit KnifeNews.com tomorrow to find out the winner of the KnifeNews Dealers’ Choice Award for Best New Outdoor Fixed Blade 2017 (See the nominees below).

NOMINEES FOR BEST NEW OUTDOOR FIXED BLADE 2017

Buck 101 Hunter: The iconic Buck 110 Folding Hunter finally received a fixed blade variant this year.

ESEE CL1: ESEE kicked off its Expat Knives series with this formidable cleaver-style outdoors knife.

Fox Knives TUR: The Maniago manufacturer’s perfect execution on a timeless Voxnaes fixed blade design really turned heads.

TOPS El Chete: Idaho-based TOPS’ El Chete is a massive hunk of steel that tapped into a primal urge for destruction.

AWARDS SCHEDULE

Best New Tactical Fixed Blade 2017 
WINNER: Spartan Blades Hybris

Best New Outdoor Fixed Blade 2017
WINNER: TOPS El Chete

Best New Multitool 2017
WINNER: SOG Baton Q2

Thursday, November 16: Best Knife Upgrade 2017
WINNER: Spyderco Maxamet Manix 2 Lightweight

Friday, November 17: Best New Automatic Knife 2017

Saturday, November 18: Best New High-End Knife 2017 (MSRP of $300 or more)

Sunday, November 19: Best New Value Folder 2017 (MSRP of $100 or less)

Monday, November 20: Best New Manual Folder 2017

Tuesday, November 21: Most Innovative New Knife 2017

Wednesday, November 22: Best Overall New for 2017 Lineup