If you have been living under a rock for the last decade or so, you might not be aware of the strides that Chinese knife companies have made. Knives by Kizer and WE Knife Co. have been rivaling the premium American brands for a while now. There are plenty of newer companies that are coming online each year, and one that has really separated itself from the pack is Artisan Cutlery. They are now ready to take a seat with as one of the Big 3 of Chinese knife companies. Thursday, August 22 is Day 83 of our 100 Knives in 100 Days Giveaway, and our drawing today is for an Artisan Zumwalt M390 titanium frame lock flipper.
We are in the home stretch of our Giveaway, but there are still some great knives coming up. There is this Artisan, a Hoffner, a Ruana, a WE, a whole bunch of more budget oriented folders, a handful of Condor Kepharts, some more Brownings, and the “most awesomest” knife in our Giveaway – A Custom knife by David Kurt. If you want to win these or other knives from our 100 Days Giveaway, you must Register for a free account, and leave a comment on our official contest thread (here) – Your single comment remains good as your entry for the duration of the contest.
The Artisan Zumwalt is available in several permutations at various price points including a D2 and G10 linerlock, a Carbon Fiber linerlock, and several colors of titanium frame lock – this one in green.
Specs: (from Artisan):
Blade Length: 3.78″(96mm)
Blade Thickness: 0.15″(3.73mm)
Blade Finish:saint/sand polish
Blade Grind:Flat
Blade Material: M390
Blade Hardness: HRC58-60
Blade Style:Drop Point
Overall Length: 8.90″(226mm)
Closed Length: 5.12″(130mm)
Handle Material: Titanium
Clip Material: Titanium
Pivot Assembly: Ceramic Ball Bearing
Weight:5.11oz / 145g
Lock Type: Frame Lock
Personal Observations:
In 3 words: I dig it.
In a world where titanium frame locks are fairly ubiquitous, a knife reviewer gets to handle quite a few of them. This one stands up against any I have had in my hand. The unassisted blade flips open with authority, gliding effortlessly on the ceramic pivot bearings. The lock holds the blade firmly, and there is no discernible blade wobble.
The ergonomics are not my favorite, with a few hot-spot areas along the bottom of the handle and locking frame. Not terrible, especially not for most common EDC tasks, but might become an issue if pressed into heavy-duty service. The knife is certainly stout enough, but depending on your comfort level you may or not mind. Or it might fit your hand better than it does mine. The flipper tab does provide a margin of safety on what is otherwise a fairly slick knife.
The pocket clip is reversible on the tip-up side only, with a contrasting filler block on the off side. There is a custom backspacer, with Artisan Cutlery proudly emblazoned upon it.
Outside Review:
There are several reviews of the G10 liner lock version in D2, but this is one of the few of the titanium frame lock.
We would like to thank Artisan Cutlery for providing the Zumwalt for us to give away today. I have really enjoyed handling so many new knives, even if I have to pass them along. This is among the nicest production pieces in our contest.
If you want to win this or other knives from our 100 Days Giveaway, you must Register for a free account, and leave a comment on our official contest thread (here) – Your single comment remains good as your entry for the duration of the contest.