Artisan Cutlery Cleo Review: S90V Copper Button Lock

Designed by Johan Jordaan, the Artisan Cutlery Cleo 1871G-CO is a small folder with a heavyweight material list. A CPM S90V wharncliffe blade, a solid copper handle, and a smooth button lock come together in a 5.91-inch package that disappears in the pocket — and then gets noticed every time it comes out.

Copper gives the Cleo a warm, distinctive look that develops a unique patina with age.

Artisan Cutlery Cleo specs at a glance

S90V: the super-steel blade

CPM S90V is one of the highest-wear-resistance stainless steels in production, and Artisan hardens it to HRC 60-62 on the Cleo. The trade-off is the usual one for super steels: the edge lasts a very long time between sharpenings, but it takes a little more patience to sharpen when it finally needs it. We broke down the full properties in our S90V steel explainer. On a compact wharncliffe profile, that long-lasting edge means the Cleo stays razor-capable through weeks of light everyday duty.

Copper handle: weight, warmth, and patina

Copper is a material that rewards carrying. It is dense, so the Cleo carries its 3.8 ounces with a reassuring heft despite its size, and it warms to the hand quickly. Over time the bright finish develops a natural patina that makes every Cleo unique — if you want to keep yours bright, or embrace the aged look, our copper and brass handle care guide covers both paths.

Button lock in a compact package

The button lock is one of the most ambidextrous mechanisms around: press the button and the blade drops free, with no liner to reach for and no handedness involved. On a small knife like the Cleo it makes one-hand open and close genuinely effortless. And with a 2.52-inch blade, the Cleo sits comfortably in carry-friendly territory — worth knowing if your state or city has blade-length limits, which we map out in our knife legality by state guide.

Copper vs titanium Cleo

The 1871G Cleo is also available with a titanium handle for carriers who want the same S90V wharncliffe blade in a lighter, scratch-hiding package. The copper version costs $139.99 and is the pick for anyone who wants the material statement; the titanium version is the pick for weight-conscious minimalists.

Who is the Cleo for?

• Office and gentleman carriers who want premium materials in a pocket-friendly size
• Collectors of copper-handled knives and natural patina
• Button lock fans who want an ambidextrous, easy one-hand close
• Anyone in a blade-length-restricted jurisdiction who still wants a super steel

Explore the full Artisan Cutlery folding knife collection for more premium EDC folders built for reliable everyday carry.