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By Alex 'BladeRunner' Stone, Knife Enthusiast & Reviewer
Alright, let's talk about a knife that's been turning heads and raising eyebrows: the Artisan Cutlery Tortoise. You know, that moment when you see a knife online, and it just looks different? That was me with this one. Designed by Dusty Rhodes, this folder isn't trying to be sleek or minimalist. It's beefy. It's chunky. It's got this oversized vibe that, honestly, I was a little skeptical about at first. But hey, I'm always up for a good test. So, is this 'turtle-inspired' frame lock a clever design or just a gimmick? After putting it through its paces, I can tell you it's a lot more than just good looks.
First Impressions: More Than Just a Pretty (or Beefy) Face
When I first got my hands on the Tortoise, the grey titanium handle immediately felt solid. Like, really solid. And that S35VN blade? It came razor sharp right out of the box. No surprise there, but always a good sign. The whole idea behind it, apparently, was to pack a large blade into a relatively small handle, mimicking a turtle's profile. Sounds cool on paper, but how does that translate to real-world carry and use? Let's get into the nitty-gritty.
Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Blade Steel | S35VN |
| Blade Length | 3.7 inches |
| Blade Shape | Wharncliffe |
| Handle Material | Grey Titanium |
| Lock Type | Frame Lock |
| Designer | Dusty Rhodes |
| Price | $199.99 |
| Weight | 5.61oz (159g) |
What I Liked (Pros) & What Gave Me Pause (Cons)
Pros:
- Offers durability: This knife feels like a tank. The titanium handle and robust construction mean it can handle a lot. I accidentally dropped it from about waist height onto a concrete garage floor once, and it didn't even flinch. No dings, no blade play, nothing. That's reassuring.
- Ensures sharpness: The S35VN steel holds an edge like a champ. Right out of the box, it was shaving sharp. After cutting through a bunch of stuff - think rope, thick plastic, and even breaking down 20 cardboard boxes - it still sliced through paper without snagging. A quick strop and it was back to hair-popping sharp.
- Provides secure grip: The way Dusty designed this handle, even though it's compact for its blade size, it fills your hand surprisingly well. The slight contouring and the texture of the titanium gave me a really confident grip, even when my hands were a bit sweaty during some outdoor tasks.
- Compact design (for its blade): This is where the 'Tortoise' name really comes into play. You get a genuinely useful 3.7-inch blade, but the handle tucks it away efficiently. It doesn't feel like you're carrying a huge knife, which is a neat trick.
Cons:
- High price point: Look, $199.99 isn't chump change. For someone just getting into EDC, that might seem steep. But here's the thing: you're paying for S35VN steel, which is premium, and a solid titanium handle with a frame lock. Compared to other knives with similar materials and build quality, it's actually pretty competitive. It's an investment, not just a purchase.
My Real-World Experience: Cutting Through the Hype
I've carried the Artisan Cutlery Tortoise daily for about a month now, and it's seen its share of action. My usual routine involves opening packages, cutting zip ties, breaking down boxes, and, occasionally, prepping some food for lunch on the go. The wharncliffe blade shape, often seen as more utilitarian, was fantastic for these tasks. That straight edge just digs in and slices clean.
The frame lock on this thing is rock solid. There's zero blade play, which gives me a lot of confidence when I'm putting some pressure on the blade. Flipping it open is smooth thanks to the ceramic ball bearings; a quick flick of the thumb stud, and it locks into place with a satisfying thwack.
One thing I noticed, which is part of its 'compact' design, is that the handle is a bit shorter than what you might expect for a blade of this length. For my medium-sized hands, it was perfect for a full four-finger grip. If you have really large hands, you might find your pinky just barely hanging on, but it wasn't an issue for me.
I used this knife to cut through about 15 feet of thick nylon rope for a camping trip, and the S35VN blade just chewed through it. No kidding. After that, I still used it to open up a few MRE bags without any noticeable dulling. That's the kind of performance you expect when you drop this kind of cash on a knife.
Is it an ideal tactical knife? Probably not its primary design, but it could definitely hold its own in a pinch. For everyday utility, though, it excels. It's one of those knives that you grab when you know you're going to use your knife.
FAQs About the Artisan Cutlery Tortoise
- Q: Is the Artisan Cutlery Tortoise good for everyday carry (EDC)?
- A: Absolutely. While it's a robust knife, its unique 'turtle-inspired' design means it carries surprisingly well for its blade length. It's got the premium materials and build quality to handle daily tasks and then some.
- Q: How does the S35VN blade steel perform?
- A: S35VN is a premium stainless steel known for excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance, and reasonable toughness. In my testing, it held a keen edge through numerous cutting tasks and was relatively easy to maintain with a ceramic rod or strop.
- Q: What makes the frame lock mechanism secure?
- A: The frame lock uses a portion of the handle frame (in this case, titanium) to wedge against the blade's tang, preventing it from closing. It's a very strong and reliable locking mechanism, common on high-end folding knives, and on the Tortoise, it feels incredibly solid with no blade play.
- Q: Is the price justified for this knife?
- A: For $199.99, you're getting top-tier materials like S35VN blade steel and a full titanium handle, combined with a robust frame lock and a unique, functional design by Dusty Rhodes. In the world of premium EDC knives, this price point is very competitive for what you're receiving in terms of quality, durability, and performance.
So, there you have it. The Artisan Cutlery Tortoise isn't just another pretty face in the crowded knife market. It's a seriously capable tool, built tough with premium materials, and designed with real use in mind. If you're looking for a robust EDC folder that's a bit out of the ordinary but performs like a champ, this one's definitely worth a closer look. You won't regret it.