Enjoy Total Control with the Clandestina Knife

Bud Thomas
6 Min Read

There are very few knives out there that can appear simplistic, yet house countless subtle attributes. The Harsey Clandestina knife, by Spartan Blades, is one such knife. This tactical, fixed-blade beauty is the pinnacle of covert operational needs. Its stylish, yet battle-hardened design exudes a no-nonsense, get-the-job-done attitude. I had the pleasure of testing the Clandestina and was wowed from the get-go, and it’s my guess you will be too.

Incredible First Impression

The Clandestina arrived to me in a simple, pop-the-top-off box, wrapped in protective bubble wrap. As I unraveled the protective layers, it was apparent this was not a low-grade, ordinary knife.

The combined weight of the sheath and knife was unexpectedly heavy. Though this isn’t a definitive gauge of excellence, more often than not, a heavier unit equates to greater performance. The sheath was ultra-detailed, while the Clandestina itself was nothing short of a work of artistic and practical craftsmanship.

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The Clandestina In-Hand

It’s difficult to describe in words just how well the handle of this knife conformed to my hand the moment I gripped it. Each of my fingers found their intended locations instantly on the Canvas Micarta, camo-patterned handle. Simultaneously, my thumb fell right into place in the thumb ramp.

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Due to its symmetrical handle design, no matter how I picked up the Clandestina, my fingers found their homes immediately. Additionally, the weight of the knife was nicely distributed across the entire unit.

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The Clandestina’s Durable Backbone

The Clandestina is not only about what you see and feel, but also its underlying composition. It’s composed of CPM MagnaCut steel, exhibiting an ultra-sharp, flat-ground edge. It offers full tang construction with a prominent spear-point tip and Canvas Micarta camo-patterned handle.

The metal-to-Micarta transition at its handle is incredibly smooth and melds into each other flawlessly. Twin brass rivets hold the handle in place, while included cordage offers a six-inch tether at the handle base.

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Primed for Puncturing

Being that the Clandestina is tactical-centric and exhibits a spear point tip, it’s no surprise that it excels at puncturing. However, the point of the blade is not the only contributor to its piercing power, as its handle provides the stability and sturdiness for success.

I tested this one-two punch on a piece of quarter-inch wood, and it was no contest. The board didn’t resist as the blade disappeared within the material. I “rapid-fired” additional strikes, using a reverse grip, and the Clandestina’s tactical properties were evident. I have no doubt that having this knife by my side in a fight would be highly advantageous.

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Ultimate Cutting Control

Circling back to my in-hand feeling with the Clandestina knife. That control and grip was the same I felt as I applied my cuts through a thick woven safety belt. The blade control was phenomenal. The weight of the knife, coupled with my hand control and blade sharpness, was the perfect combination to sever the material cleanly and effortlessly.

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The nearly half-a-foot of blade surface was more than sufficient to maximize efficiency and avoid the back-and-forth that shorter blades often cause when cutting. Overall, like its puncturing power, the Clandestina’s cutting prowess was flawless and highly effective.

Didn’t Skimp on the Sheath

While some companies go all out with their knife and neglect the sheath that holds it, Spartan Blades does not do this with the Clandestina knife. The accompanying Kydex sheath is a true complement to the knife, rather than just an expected afterthought. The sheath offers numerous tactical benefits.

First, it’s highly durable. Kydex is ultra-strong and retains its initial form and knife-fitting shape through most temperature extremes. The knife “clicked” into place and didn’t shift, rattle, or give the slightest indication that it would slip out unexpectedly. Ten grommet holes were available for cordage attachment, while the large mouth twin belt loops would certainly fit over even the thickest tactical belts out there.

It Was No Surprise

Many times I have to go through all my testing to rate the knife. Not so with the Clandestina knife. After my initial observations, I knew this blade would perform in all categories, and it truly did. Nowhere did it fall below an A-tier grade, and for good reason; it was designed and constructed so well by expert craftsmen.

It ranges in price from $370.00 to $405.00, depending upon blade, handle color, and type of sheath you prefer. It’s well worth every dime to secure one for yourself. This knife is not a tool, but rather a precision tactical blade that can tackle anything you throw at it.

Clandestina Knife Specs

Blade Steel CPM MagnaCut
Blade Length 5.50 inches
Blade Grind Flat ground
Overall Length 10.1875 inches
Sheath Material Black Kydex
Handle Material Canvas Micarta Camo
MSRP $405.00

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