Review: Spartan Blades – Damysus

Introduction

Another knife review: The Spartan Blades Damysus! As some of you might know, I wrote two articles about the new “Silver Line” by Spartan Blades, having the chance to look at them closely for some time now. As a result, I was able to provide already one about the new product line in general and one looking at the Spartan Blades Machai specifically.

In this review I want to focus on the Damysus, which was designed as a general purpose field and combat  knife for military and civilian users.

So let’s start with an overview and the specs as always, before we go into more detail.

The Spartan Blades Damysus

Overview

Named after the fastest of all giants in Greek mythology, the Damysus is intended primarily as an all around field and combat knife. Having a total length of 27 cm, it is made of Ka-Bar’s 1095 CroVan steel and is equipped with textured micarta handles.

Similar to the other knives of the “Silver Line”, the sheath is injection molded and locks the blade in with a secondary retention. It is not only PALS compatible, but also features an attachment panel with belt loops.

Specs

• Steel: 1095 CroVan
• Handle: Micarta
• Total length: 27 cm
• Blade length: 14 cm
• Handle length: 13 cm
• Blade thickness: 4,8 cm

The Spartan Blades Damysus

Blade of the Damysus

As with all fixed blades of Spartan Blades, the Damysus is a full tang design. It features a drop-point blade with a flat grind and provides a light choil to give the user the option to move into a forward grip for finer work. This in combination with the jimping on the thumb rest provides several options for gripping the knife. But more on that later.

The Spartan Blade Damysus with its Drop-Point blade

The blade of the Damysus is coated with Ka-Bar’s epoxy powder coating, just like the other “Silver Line” knives I have mentioned so far. Of course it is not as resistant as Spartan Blades’ DLC coating, but it does a very decent job to protect the blade from corrosion and prevents any reflections.

Jimping on top of the thumb rest, laser markings on the blade

As with all knives of Spartan Blades, you will find the logo of the company, information on the steel and the USA made note lasered on the blade.

Handle of the Damysus

The tang of the Spartan Blades Damysus is not skeletonized, contrary to the gold line of their knives. As a result the whole knife feels a bit heavier and heftier, which in this case is actually a nice thing, because it gives you a feeling of security. Additionally, the balancing point lies perfectly at the groove for the index finger.

Overall look at the blade and handle of the Damysus

The handle scales are made of textured micarta and feature a very grippy feeling. Similar to the Machai, they are attached by two hex head screws on each side, which attach to a socket between them.

Close up on the hex head screw and index finger choil

At the butt of the knife you will find the obligatory lanyard hole, which comes in handy especially when using the knife as a chopping tool. What is different however is the fact that it is smaller in size, allowing only one strand of paracord.

The scales feature a very flat profile just as with most of the knives of Spartan Blades. As a result it is not bulky when carried on a vest, rig and/or belt. The groove for the index finger is comfortably fitted and works perfectly in tandem with the jimping (or better said) the thumb-rest on top.

Flat profile and textured scales

Fencing grip

Sheath of the Spartan Blades Damysus

When it comes to the sheath, I can actually repeat myself for the third time now, since I mentioned it in previous reviews. It is injection molded and you can tell that a lot of thought has been put into its concept.

The Damysus inside the sheath

The push button of the secondary retention is immediately noticeable and it resembles that extra piece of security which you might know from certain gun holsters.

Push button retention (I)

Push button retention (II)

The Damysus secures with two (!) solid clicks into that retention. As a result the general play of the knife within the sheath is minimal.

Bakcside of the sheath

Another aspect mentioned several times now is the versatility with regards to attachment options. The panel on the sheath features two belt loops, which can be opened by push buttons. Since these loops are attached by grommets, you can use the available holes to lace a shock cord through them, if you decide you need additional safety to secure the handle.

Belt loops

Said panel is attached by 4 screws, bringing us to the various slits and grommets on the sheath. These allow not only a variety of mounting options using paracord, or zip ties, but also Malice Clips, Tek Loks, MOLLE Clips etc.

Draining hole

Neat little detail: the Spartan Blades Logo can be found on the sheath as well.

Manufacture

In previous reviews I already mentioned the excellent quality. This comes to no surprise, having in mind the background of these two high profile companies and their reputation for excellent quality. The Damysus is no exception and is manufactured in a clean and diligent fashion.

Excellent quality of manufacture

As already mentioned: The only thing setting the “Silver Line” apart from other Spartan Blades fixed blades is the powder coating. In this regard personal tastes will differ. But as I already mentioned: being a Ka-Bar fan myself, the combination of both worlds has its own unique feel to it.

The sheath is thought through as mentioned before, despite the fact that injection molded sheaths always have a bit of a cheaper feel to it. It is well made however, and features no sharp edges or burrs. Just like with the sheath of the Machai, I am curious how long the springs in the push button will hold up.

In Use

The Damysus proved to be a loyal and worthy companion during many hikes. It not only performed as an excellent chopping tool but also when finer work was needed. With that being said, it is always good to equip the knife with a paracord loop. That way you can not only secure it better into your hand, but also grip the handle a little bit further back to enhance the chopping abilities.

The Damysus in use

Thumb sized hazelnut branches are no issue to chop with 1-2 strikes. Thicker dried wood like beech is manageable as well, but not as well as with the Machai, which obviously profits from its recurve. Finer work is just as easy. The choil allows for a decent forward grip and the blade provides just as good cutting abilities as with the chopping.

The Silver Line of Spartan Blades: Damysus, Alala and the Machai (l.t.r)

The tip of the blade also proved to be quite strong. Stabbing and drilling into a tree trunk with both vertical and horizontal prying left no noticeable marks or damages to it.

Just like with other Spartan Blades knives the slim handle did not get uncomfortable after some time of use. The handle is always comfortable to grip and even longer chopping was doable (wearing gloves however!).

The Damysus (top) in comparison with the Horkos (bottom)

Edge retention is obviously not comparable with that of S35VN, which Spartan Blades is using for the “Gold Line” knives. After my trips, the edge still had a working sharpness, but was not slicing paper as you can expect from other steels. But this is the trade off with an easy to maintain steel like 1095CroVan. Accordingly, the edge was quickly restored and back to its sharpness which you know from carbon steels.

Reverse grip

Adding to that: while the coating is still holding, you can witness noticeable marks on it, after some heavier use – something KA-BAR users will be quite familiar with.

Conclusion

Coming to an end, it is time to put some concluding remarks to this article. I already mentioned in previous reviews, that Spartan Blades is offering a more affordable option for their users with the “Silver Line”.

The Damysus managed to fill these expectations of a more affordable knife that still has the same level of quality you are used from both Spartan Blades and KA-BAR. It is a perfect example of a successful cooperation.

Just like the Machai, the Damysus held up to everything I threw at it. It might not be as gorgeous as the Machai, even looking a bit inconspicuous. But it certainly grows on you after a while, especially because of its hefty and reliable feel and its practicality in the wild.

With that being said, I hope I was able to give you a decent impression of the knife. Many thanks to Spartan Blades for making this review possible, and as always:

Thank you for reading!

Take care!