The Artisan Cutlery Centauri is a front flipper designed by Ray Laconico, one of the most respected names in modern minimalist knife design. It pairs a satin S35VN drop point blade with a slim, ergonomic handle offered in titanium and carbon fiber or olive drab micarta and titanium, all wrapped around a frame lock and ceramic ball bearing pivot. This review breaks down the Centauri's specifications, its front flipper action, and who it suits best.
Carbon fiber and titanium texture — the Centauri pairs S35VN with premium handle materials.
Design and Designer: A Ray Laconico Collaboration
Ray Laconico is known for clean, functional lines, and the Centauri follows that philosophy closely. Artisan's own description compares its overall profile to the Jens Anso Solo: a simple, highly versatile shape with surprisingly sophisticated ergonomics that stays comfortable across different grips, even under hard use. The slim handle slides in and out of the pocket easily, while a jimping-cut thumb ramp and a hidden lanyard post add everyday usability.
Centauri Specifications
| Spec | Centauri ATZ-1839G |
|---|---|
| Blade Length | 3.46'' (88 mm) |
| Blade Thickness | 0.13'' (3.2 mm) |
| Blade Finish / Grind | Satin / Flat |
| Blade Steel | S35VN |
| Blade Style | Drop Point |
| Overall Length | 8.15'' (207 mm) |
| Closed Length | 4.69'' (119 mm) |
| Handle Material | Titanium + Carbon Fiber, or Micarta + Titanium |
| Clip Material | Titanium |
| Pivot Assembly | Ceramic Ball Bearing |
| Weight | 3.7 oz (105 g) |
| Lock Type | Frame Lock |
| Price | $199.99 |
Front Flipper Deployment
Instead of a conventional flipper tab hanging off the spine, the Centauri uses a front flipper: a small tab at the top of the blade that you push with your index finger to roll the blade out of the handle. Once you learn the motion it is fast and deliberate, and it keeps the knife's profile cleaner than a rear flipper would. The ceramic ball bearing pivot keeps the S35VN blade moving smoothly through the entire opening stroke.
Handle Options: Carbon Fiber vs ODG Micarta
The Centauri ships in two configurations at the same price:
- Carbon Fiber (1839G-MCF): titanium frame with a carbon fiber show-side scale — light, stiff, and premium in feel.
- ODG Micarta (1839G-ODG): olive drab micarta over titanium — grippier, warmer in hand, and more forgiving in the pocket.
Blade Performance
The drop point blade pairs a sharp, precise tip for puncturing with a modest belly for slicing. S35VN is a premium powder stainless that balances edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance — a proven everyday-carry steel. The flat grind keeps the blade thin behind the edge for good slicing geometry.
Who Should Carry the Centauri
- Front flipper fans who want a different opening ritual than a standard tab.
- Ray Laconico collectors adding a production collaboration to the rotation.
- EDC carriers who want a slim, light 3.5-inch-class folder in premium materials.
Verdict
The Centauri is a quietly sophisticated folder: a thoughtful Laconico design, genuine premium materials, and a smooth front flipper action at a fair price. It is a refreshing alternative to the rear-flipper norm, and it shows how well Artisan Cutlery executes designer collaborations. For more on the designer's style, see our guide to Ray Laconico knife designs at Artisan Cutlery, and for the broader category, folding knives have a long history worth knowing.
Explore the Artisan Cutlery collection for premium EDC folders built for reliable everyday carry.
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