The Artisan Cutlery Bombardier ATZ-1812G is a mid-size folding knife with an aggressive design language and the specs to back it up. Chambered in CPM S35VN with a satin-finished tanto blade and a titanium handle, it sits at the premium end of Artisan Cutlery's lineup and delivers a blend of cutting geometry, smooth action, and pocket presence that stands out in a crowded EDC field.
Aggressive tanto geometry meets premium materials in the Bombardier.
Bombardier Specs at a Glance
Artisan lists the Bombardier with a compact, hard-use profile. The key specifications from the manufacturer are:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | ATZ-1812G |
| Blade Length | 3.54 in (90 mm) |
| Blade Steel | S35VN |
| Blade Hardness | HRC 60-62 |
| Blade Style | Tanto |
| Blade Finish | Satin |
| Blade Thickness | 0.15 in (3.8 mm) |
| Overall Length | 5.12 in (130 mm) |
| Handle Material | Titanium |
| Clip Material | Titanium |
| Pivot Assembly | Ceramic ball bearing |
| Weight | 5.82 oz (165 g) |
| Lock Type | Liner lock |
The Tanto Blade: Built for Aggressive Cutting
The Bombardier's 3.54-inch tanto blade uses the classic two-bevel geometry: a straight main edge that transitions into a sharper, angled tip section. This is a shape that excels at piercing and push cuts, and the flat grind keeps the blade relatively slice-capable compared to some thicker hollow-ground tantos. The satin finish is clean and low-maintenance, and the S35VN steel at HRC 60-62 gives a strong balance of edge retention and toughness.
- Piercing tip: the tanto's reinforced tip is ideal for puncturing tough materials.
- Flat grind: a thinner cross-section than many tactical tantos, which improves slicing.
- S35VN: a premium powder steel known for a solid mix of edge holding, toughness, and corrosion resistance.
Handle and Ergonomics
The titanium handle is milled with texturing to keep the grip locked in during hard use, and the contoured scales sit comfortably in the hand despite the knife's compact closed length. A titanium pocket clip keeps carry weight down, and the whole package lands at 5.82 oz — substantial enough to feel solid without anchoring your pocket.
Action and Lockup
The Bombardier deploys through a flipper tab riding on ceramic ball bearings, which Artisan pairs with a steel liner lock. The result is a fast, satisfying opening action with a positive lockup. For buyers who want an aggressive folder that opens quickly and locks up securely, this combination delivers.
Who Should Carry the Bombardier?
This knife suits EDC users who favor a tactical look, value piercing capability, and want premium materials without going to a full frame-lock flagship. It also pairs well with the broader Artisan Cutlery collection, where you can compare it against other titanium folders in the folding knives collection.
Titanium's combination of strength and light weight is one reason premium folders use it so widely — the material is well documented on Wikipedia.
Final Verdict
The Artisan Cutlery Bombardier is a distinctive mid-size EDC: an aggressive tanto, premium S35VN steel, a titanium handle, and smooth bearing action in a package that stays under 6 oz. If your carry philosophy leans tactical with a quality materials budget, it is worth a serious look.
Find your ideal everyday carry configuration — explore the Artisan Cutlery catalog for premium folding knives built for reliable everyday carry.
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