Spartan-Ronin Harsey Folder ''Gun Fighter'' Titanium, Stonewashed MagnaCut

Spartan-Ronin Harsey Folder Special Edition “Gun Fighter” Titanium, Stonewashed. The “Spartan Harsey Folder” or “SHF” is considered a masterpiece among tactical knives. Designed by knife-making legend Bill Harsey, it was produced in a limited edition. Winner of the American Made Knife of the Year 2016 award at the Blade Show knife fair in Atlanta.

In this version of the Spartan-Harsey Folder, the focus is not solely on utility or solely on collector’s details. The “Gun Fighter” Edition combines both worlds in a way that is very characteristic of the collaboration between Spartan Blades and Tu Lam. The base remains the large folder designed by William W. Harsey Jr., a design known for its durability, full-size grip, and decidedly utilitarian character. However, an artistic layer has been added to this proven platform—an engraved titanium frame featuring a motif inspired by Tu Lam in a samurai style.

The sturdy titanium handle is adorned with an artistic “Gun Fighter” engraving. Thanks to its contoured grip, the knife sits securely in the hand, ensuring precision during a variety of tasks. A robust frame lock mechanism guarantees safe use even in extreme conditions. Each piece is handcrafted in the USA, making it a valuable and sought-after item among both collectors and discerning users.

William W. “Bill” Harsey Jr., born in 1955 in western Oregon, comes from a family with deep-rooted forestry traditions that shaped his unwavering work ethic and passion for craftsmanship. After earning his bachelor’s degree from the University of Oregon in 1979, he devoted himself to the art of knife-making, harmoniously blending raw functionality with refined aesthetics in his designs. He has collaborated with such renowned figures as Colonel Rex Applegate and companies such as Gerber Legendary Blades, Chris Reeve Knives, and Spartan Blades. For them, he designed award-winning models, including the Applegate-Fairbairn Combat Folder and The Green Beret Knife. Harsey’s designs, distinguished by precision craftsmanship and a deep understanding of users’ needs, have earned widespread acclaim among both professionals and collectors worldwide.

Tu Lam is an American tactical instructor, former special operations operator, and knife designer who gained experience during his many years of service in elite military units. After ending his military career, he founded the brand Ronin Tactics, through which he trains law enforcement personnel and civilian users in tactics, mobility, and the practical use of equipment. The knives he designs are based on real-world operational experience, which is why they stand out for their high functionality, refined ergonomics, and reliability in harsh conditions. Designs bearing the Tu Lama name are highly regarded among tactical users, collectors, and those seeking knives with a practical, field-ready character.

Spartan Blades - in 2008, in a historic barn in Aberdeen, North Carolina, two retired non-commissioned officers of the U.S. Army Special Forces — Curtis Iovito and Mark Carey — combined over 40 years of military experience to found Spartan Blades, a company specializing in the production of top-quality knives designed for both military and civilian use. Each knife, reflecting their relentless pursuit of perfection, is meticulously designed and crafted from the finest materials, such as CPM MagnaCut steel and titanium. Through collaborations with renowned designers, including William W. Harsey Jr., Spartan Blades has won numerous industry awards, including the prestigious title “American Made Knife of the Year” for the Spartan-Harsey Folder in 2016. In 2019, following a merger with KA-BAR Knives, Spartan Blades expanded its manufacturing capabilities by introducing three product lines: Gold, Silver, and Bronze, tailored to diverse customer needs. Today, Spartan Blades remains synonymous with excellence in the world of knives, combining military precision with the highest level of craftsmanship.

CPM MagnaCut – a powder-metallurgical stainless steel manufactured using the Crucible® Particle Metallurgy (CPM) process and hardened to a range of 60.5–62.5 HRC. A high content of vanadium 4.0% (V), molybdenum 2.0% (Mo), and niobium 2.0% (Nb) guarantees precision and purity unmatched by more “conventional” steels.

Designed and developed specifically for blade production by Larrin Thomas, it meets all the requirements of knife enthusiasts. Thanks to CPM MagnaCut, we have succeeded in creating a steel that, like no other, combines the exceptional properties of knife steels. The result is a blade material that offers an extraordinary balance between wear resistance, strength, and corrosion resistance. Currently, there is no other steel on the global market that offers a comparable combination of excellent properties. This exceptional steel is manufactured in the American steel mills of Crucible® Industries.

Vacuum & Cryogenic - the steel undergoes a specialized heat treatment process comprising two key stages. Vacuum Heat Treatment involves hardening the steel in a vacuum environment, which minimizes oxidation and ensures more uniform metal properties. This process increases the steel’s strength and structural integrity. Double Deep Cryogenic Treatment: after heating, the steel is rapidly cooled to extremely low temperatures, often below -100°C (-148°F). This transformation converts residual austenite into martensite, significantly increasing hardness, wear resistance, and overall durability. Thanks to these advanced processes, the steel delivers exceptional performance, offering both razor-sharp edge retention and remarkable blade durability.

Blade - featuring a Spear Point profile, finished with a Stonewashed treatment that masks minor scratches caused by use. The pronounced spine extends the cutting edge length relative to the blade length. The substantial blade thickness, combined with a high flat grind, delivers excellent cutting performance coupled with high durability. Bronze washers assist in opening the blade using dual thumb studs on the blade. To maintain full control over the blade, the blade spine features upper jimping, a serrated thumb rest. The entire knife is secured with the proven and popular frame lock.

Handle - made of solid 6AL4V titanium, it features beveled edge on the covers, eliminating sharp points. The surface is adorned with an artistic “Gun Fighter” engraving. The open-backed construction, without a typical backspacer, is held together by titanium spacer sleeves, facilitating cleaning. The simple yet robust design guarantees many years of use. The edges of the handle feature jimping, improving grip security. The pivot pin is adorned with a designer screw, and all fasteners (screws, clip) are anodized in bronze. A reversible (right/left) titanium clip, decorated with an arrow motif, allows the knife to be carried in a tip-up position. Above the clip is a hole designed for threading a safety lanyard.

Technical data:

Product number: SF5 Custom RON
Product name: Spartan-Ronin Harsey Folder ‘'Gun Fighter’' Titanium, Stonewashed Elite Grade

Overall length: 229.0 mm / 9.0“
Blade length: 102.0 mm / 4.0”
Blade thickness: 4.0 mm / 0.16“
Handle length: 126.0 mm / 4.95”
Handle thickness: 13.7 mm / 0.54"
Weight: 167.0 g / 5.9 oz

Blade material: CPM MagnaCut
Blade hardness: N/A
Blade grind: Flat Grind
Blade finish: Stonewashed

Handle material: 6AL4V Titanium
Handle finish color: Gray
Backspacer material: 6AL4V Titanium
Backspacer color: Gray

Clip: Right / Left, Tip-up
Clip material: Titanium

Pivot mechanism: Bronze washers
Lock: Frame Lock
Opening method: Manual, dual thumb stud
Additional accessories: None

Designer: William W. Harsey Jr.
Brand: Spartan Blades
Manufacturer: Spartan Blades
Country of origin: USA

Prepared by: Sharg® company