The Artisan Cutlery S90V & Titanium Collection
Artisan Cutlery has built a reputation for delivering premium materials at surprisingly accessible prices, and nowhere is that more evident than in their S90V titanium folding knife lineup. CPM S90V is a high-end powder metallurgy steel known for exceptional edge retention and wear resistance — it holds an edge significantly longer than S35VN or even M390. Combine that with lightweight, corrosion-resistant titanium handles, and you get a knife that performs at the level of customs and mid-techs without the four-figure price tag.
In this guide, we're breaking down every current Artisan Cutlery model built around S90V blades and titanium handles — from the compact Cleo to the full-size Satyr and the sophisticated Fragarach. Whether you're looking for your first premium folder or adding to an existing collection, there's an Artisan S90V model waiting for you.
Why S90V + Titanium?
CPM S90V contains high levels of vanadium carbides (around 9%), giving it roughly 2x the edge retention of S30V and about 30% more than M390. The trade-off is that it's harder to sharpen, but for most EDC users, that means fewer sharpenings between touch-ups. Artisan pairs this steel with Grade 5 titanium (Ti-6Al-4V) handles — the same material used in aerospace and medical implants — for a combination that's simultaneously lightweight, strong, and corrosion-proof.
The S90V Titanium Lineup
Artisan Cutlery Satyr
The Satyr is Artisan's showcase S90V titanium folder, available in multiple finish configurations. It features a slim frame lock design with a 3.5-inch S90V blade and full titanium handle. At $199.99, it delivers remarkable fit and finish for the price point.
Available variants:
- Satyr ATZ-1852G-GY (ID 439) — Gray titanium handle, stonewash S90V blade
- Satyr ATZ-1852G-BGY (ID 503) — Blue-gray titanium, black PVD S90V
- Satyr 1852G-ODG (ID 508) — OD green Micarta inlay + titanium, S90V blade
- Satyr 1852G-BBO (ID 528) — Bronze PVD titanium, S90V blade
- Satyr 1852T-AR (ID 565) — Entry-level variant with AR-RPM9 blade at $89.99
The Satyr's slim profile makes it an excellent office-friendly EDC that disappears in the pocket but opens confidently when needed.
Artisan Cutlery Fragarach
Inspired by Celtic mythology ("the answerer"), the Fragarach is a frame lock thumb hole knife with artistic machining on the titanium handle. It's one of Artisan's most visually distinctive models, available in an impressive range of titanium and fat carbon configurations.
Notable variants:
- Fragarach ATZ-1879G (ID 169) — Standard S90V, titanium handle, $199.99
- Fragarach 1879G-BBK (ID 627) — Black PVD S90V blade, black titanium + fat carbon handle
- Fragarach 1879G-BDM (ID 654) — Black PVD S90V, black titanium with dark matter fat carbon
- Fragarach 1879G-DM (ID 655) — Sand polish S90V, titanium with fat carbon
Artisan Cutlery Weyden
The Weyden (ATZ-1859G) is a clean, modern frame lock with an S90V blade and titanium handle at $199.99. The gold flake carbon fiber variant (ID 536) adds visual flair without adding weight. The Weyden's understated design language makes it a great choice for collectors who appreciate clean lines and premium materials.
Artisan Cutlery Revel
Available in both button lock and frame lock configurations, the Revel (1867G) is the most mechanically diverse model in Artisan's S90V lineup. The standard titanium frame lock version (ID 530) is $199.90, while the button lock FRN variant (ID 584) brings S90V performance to an accessible $89.99.
Artisan Cutlery Xcellerator & Mini Xcellerator
The Xcellerator (ATZ-1860G) features CPM S90V steel with a full titanium handle and a robust $199.99 price point. For those who prefer a smaller carry, the Mini Xcellerator (ATZ-1860GS) at $189.99 delivers the same premium materials in a more compact package.
Artisan Cutlery Io
The Io (ATZ-1872G) is named after Jupiter's moon — a fitting name for a knife that orbits the premium tier without breaking orbit around affordability. At $199.99 with S90V and titanium, it embodies Artisan's philosophy of accessible premium.
Artisan Cutlery Cleo
The Cleo (ATZ-1871G) is the most affordable entry point into Artisan's S90V titanium lineup at just $149.99. With CPM S90V steel, a titanium handle, and compact dimensions, it's the ideal introduction to premium materials without the premium anxiety. Also available in copper handle (ID 594) at $139.99.
Artisan Cutlery Baskin & Ornis
Both the Baskin (1853G) and Ornis (1865G) are full-size S90V titanium frame locks at $199.99. These models showcase Artisan's evolving design language with distinct handle contours and clip positions.
Artisan Cutlery Banjaara & Prime
The Banjaara (1868G, $199.99) and Prime (1866G, $199.99) represent Artisan's exploration of mixed materials — the Banjaara pairs S90V with titanium, while the Prime adds Micarta inlays to the titanium frame. Both started as prototypes and made it into full production due to popular demand.
Artisan Cutlery Holm
The Holm (1875) is one of the most versatile S90V models, available in four handle configurations:
- Full titanium + fat carbon (ID 561, Holiday Exclusive, $199.99)
- Full titanium (ID 567, $198.99)
- Steel + Micarta (ID 570, $109.99) — most affordable S90V option
- Copper + Wood (ID 571, $149.99) — unique materials pairing
Artisan Cutlery Crusoe
For those who want the ultimate, the Crusoe (ATZ-1869G, $199.99-$609) offers S90V with either a standard titanium handle ($199.99) or a titanium Damascus handle ($609) — the latter being a true collector's piece with handcrafted layered construction.
S90V Steel Performance
CPM S90V typically measures 60-62 HRC, offering:
- Edge retention: 2-3x longer than 14C28N or Nitro-V
- Corrosion resistance: Excellent — comparable to S35VN
- Toughness: Moderate — best suited for EDC cutting tasks, not hard use or prying
- Sharpening: Requires diamond abrasives; ceramic stones work but slowly
Price Tiers
| Tier | Price | Models |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | $89.99 | Revel Button Lock FRN (584) |
| Budget Premium | $109.99-$149.99 | Holm Steel/Micarta (570), Cleo (551, 594) |
| Standard Premium | $189.99-$199.99 | Satyr, Fragarach, Weyden, Revel, Xcellerator, Io, Baskin, Ornis, Banjaara, Prime, Holm Ti, Crusoe (Ti) |
| Collector | $399.75-$645 | Crusoe (Ti Damascus), Arion (damascus variants) |
Which One Should You Choose?
- Best value: Artisan Cutlery Cleo (ID 551) at $149.99 — full CPM S90V, titanium handle, compact EDC
- Best all-rounder: Artisan Cutlery Satyr (ID 439) at $199.99 — proven design, multiple finish options
- Best visually striking: Artisan Cutlery Fragarach (ID 169) — Celtic-inspired machining, available with fat carbon inlays
- Most affordable S90V: Artisan Cutlery Holm steel/Micarta (ID 570) at $109.99
- Best for collectors: Artisan Cutlery Crusoe with titanium Damascus handle (ID 541)
- Best compact: Artisan Cutlery Mini Xcellerator (ID 518) at $189.99
Final Thoughts
Artisan Cutlery's S90V titanium lineup proves that premium materials don't have to mean premium prices. With models starting at $89.99 and the sweet spot around $199.99, these knives offer CPM S90V performance — usually reserved for $300+ custom and mid-tech knives — at a fraction of the cost. Whether you choose the clean lines of the Weyden, the artistic machining of the Fragarach, or the everyday versatility of the Satyr, you're getting serious steel in a titanium package that will last for years.
Prices and availability checked July 2026. Visit each product page for the latest information.