The Artisan Cutlery Beest is a design by Dusty Rhodes that stands out in the catalog for one simple reason: brass. The 1878P-BR pairs a 3.65-inch AR-RPM9 blade with solid brass handle scales, creating a folder with real weight and presence. It is also one of the most distinctive deployment experiments in the lineup, combining a front flipper with a thumb hole on the same knife.
Front flipper deployment on the Beest brass folder
Front Flipper and Thumb Hole Hybrid
Most knives ask you to choose one opening method. The Beest gives you two. The front flipper tab sits at the top of the handle where it flicks open with a push from your index finger, while the thumb hole offers a more traditional opening for slower, deliberate draws. On the AR-RPM9 versions the blade wears a stone wash finish that hides wear well.
- Front flipper tab for index-finger deployment
- Thumb hole for thumb deployment
- Ceramic ball bearing pivot for a smooth, fast action
- Liner lock with a solid lockup
Beest Specifications
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Blade length | 3.65 in (92.6 mm) |
| Blade thickness | 0.13 in (3.2 mm) |
| Blade steel | AR-RPM9 (brass version) |
| Hardness | HRC 59-61 |
| Blade style | Drop point, flat ground, stone wash |
| Overall length | 8.02 in (203.6 mm) |
| Closed length | 4.37 in (111 mm) |
| Handle | Brass |
| Clip | Steel |
| Pivot | Ceramic ball bearing |
| Lock type | Liner lock |
| Weight | 150 g / 5.3 oz |
The Brass Handle
Brass gives the Beest a weight and warmth that aluminum and G10 cannot match. At 5.3 ounces it is a heavy folder — that is the point. The mass makes the blade feel planted in hand, and the material develops a natural patina over time that gives each knife its own character. If you prefer lighter carry, the Beest also ships in gold, purple, and red aluminum versions with black PVD or rose gold coated blades.
AR-RPM9 Performance
The brass Beest runs AR-RPM9, a powder-metallurgy stainless steel that Artisan uses across its mid-range lineup. At HRC 59-61 it holds a working edge well, sharpens easily, and resists corrosion far better than carbon steel. For a hard-use EDC blade that you do not want to baby, it is a sensible choice. The flat grind keeps the thick 0.13-inch stock cutting efficiently.
Who Is the Beest For?
The Beest is for carriers who want a knife with character: the feel of brass in the hand, a front flipper action to fidget with, and a robust blade that takes abuse. Its liner lock is one of the most proven mechanisms in knife history — see how it works in detail on Wikipedia's liner lock article — and the hybrid deployment makes it genuinely fun to use. If you want to see the full range of handle options, the Artisan Cutlery Beest brass version is the flagship configuration.
Final Thoughts
The Beest is proof that a production folder can still feel special. Brass scales, a front flipper, a thumb hole, and AR-RPM9 steel add up to a knife with personality — and a very satisfying action.
Browse the complete Artisan Cutlery lineup for premium EDC folders built for reliable everyday carry.
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