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ponagathos
512
Sep 7, 2018
Yes, I noticed Artisan Cutlery's prices jump way up when using S35VN. I have a couple of their D2 blades and they are very nice but I can not wrap my head around the the hundred dollar plus jump in price(for the same model) for the steel upgrade.
Kavik
5531
Sep 7, 2018
ponagathosIn those cases, wouldn't that be a combination of young from D2 to S35VN as well as going from a G10 handle to titanium though? $100 doesn't seem tooo outrageous But this one is like a $150 jump from their G10/D2 prices
They do jump like $50 to go from S35VN to M390 in the same handles though
ponagathos
512
Sep 7, 2018
KavikNot really. If you look at the Shark model for example. MSRP is $69.99 for D2 and G10, then jumps to $149.99 with S35VN and Carbon fiber and finally $249.99 with a titanium handle with CF inlay. Now, I understand there is a jump in materials and complexity here but Jeez.
As Gunnersmate2 mentions, it does not seem like a deal at all in comparison to some of the other knives we have seen here recently. I mean I got an upgraded Crux here for $149.99 and the milling on the handle is incredible and much more complex than this knife. The Kizer Quicksilver and textured titanium were less complex handles but both less than $100.
This Artisan knife just does not compare well.
Kavik
5531
Sep 7, 2018
ponagathosI'm not disagreeing with you at all, just wanted to point out that the difference in your original comment was about more than just blade material :)
And I was looking at actual prices, not hyper inflated msrp. They seem to be extra terrible about setting unrealistic MSRPs 🙄 No retailer will ever sell them at those prices, it's an artificial value...there's a term for it, but it escapes me at the moment.
The shark you mention, assuming we're looking at the 4" version, on white mountain knives for example, can be had for: $50 in g10/d2, not $70 $100 in s35vn/cf, not $150 $175 in s35vn/ti/cf, not $250 Meaning the MSRP is artificially inflated by 40-50%
The real retail prices aren't unreachable for the materials (again, if they're on par with brands like Kizer, WE, Bestech, etc), though they are still a little high in my personal opinion, especially for a relative newcomer.
Artisan also offers a 3" version of the shark that sells on that same site for $155....so let's assume they price their s35vn at $20/inch. Then this knife, at 3.5" could be assumed to retail around $165 by comparison (I know, not an axact science, just spitballing here), making a decent group buy price somewhere in the $130-150 range (10-20% discount)
With the shorter blade length, despite the more intricate milling, i just can't imagine we'll see this going for that much more than the larger Shark once other places start carrying it
P. S. there's also no mention here of whether this one comes with the tin and pouch...so knock off another $15 if not (which is MORE then fair I think, considering they regularly knock off that much or more for a pouch only)
P. P. S. At $125 (similar to comparable Kizer/Bestech drops) I'd make this my first test of their products At $140 I'd strongly consider. Above $150 for a group buy price? Hard pass.
glennac
1363
Sep 7, 2018
KavikAnyone know if the less expensive D2 version is still available?
UPDATE: Oh, maybe I'm misreading the comments above. There may never have been a D2 version.
ponagathos
512
Sep 7, 2018
KavikAgreed. I actually like the looks of the Shark much more than this knife anyway.
I am very happy with the D2 blade @ $50. You might want to check it out if you are interested in Artisan.
Kavik
5531
Sep 7, 2018
ponagathosStill looking for one that really excites me...but the shark isn't it for me
Kavik
5531
Sep 7, 2018
glennacHard to say, we still haven't located this ti version anywhere even. A G10 version may pop up later
greyworlder
77
Sep 11, 2018
KavikAccording to their site, there is an S35VN version Immortal and an M390 version, but no D2. This is a relatively new knife, released this year. So I don't think there has been one yet, but there could be a D2 version in the future. Also, I think I finally did find one of theirs I'm excited about. The Classic model (the ATZ-1802 family) looks really good to me. It is a bit heavier than I'd like, and I don't just LOVE the handle at first glance, but I love the blade shape, and I don't own anything quite like it. Also haven't had a good liner lock knife in awhile. Once I have the money and find them somewhere other than directly from the AC site I think I'm going to have to check one out.
Kavik
5531
Sep 11, 2018
greyworlderLike this one here? https://whitemountainknives.com/artisan-cutlery-classic-linerlock-knife-black-g10-handle-plain-d2-edge-1802p-bkf/ 47 bucks and change shipped with coupon code LTK 😉 Black, green, or orange, all in stock for the same price
Not sure I feel the same way about it as you do though
SMKW has more pics https://www.smkw.com/artisan-knife-classic-green-g10-flat-atz1802pgnf Those scales look soooo gappy to me, like between the scale and the bolster area And I don't like the border of the liner sticking out, it's such an angular piece.... But to each their own in the esthetics part
Edit: just went through the manufacturer's site... I think for now the only things catching my eye are the Osprey and the Shark But if I'm being honest with myself, I don't really have a ton of use for 4" blades
greyworlder
77
Sep 11, 2018
KavikI mostly like to carry 3.5 to 3.75 inch blades, but I can go to 4 depending on the knife. That size range is what fits my grip best usually. Should've checked that site first, they usually have the Artisan Cutlery stuff I'm checking out lol. I'll probably end up spending a bit too much money and getting this damasteel version though.
https://www.smkw.com/artisan-knife-classic-black-g10
Like I said, I don't love the handle, which is why I don't have anything like it lol. There's just something about the overall effect that makes it work for me on that particular configuration. I'm also experiencing an unprecedented (for me) desire to add a lanyard, which is why the extended liner thing doesn't bother me as much. I'll sit on it awhile though, because I'm saving up for a big purchase right now, so my mind may change as I revisit it over the next few months.
Kavik
5531
Sep 11, 2018
greyworlderYeah, the damasteel version almost looked good enough to look at lol Best of luck, whatever you decide 👍