Artisan Cutlery Eagle Review: M390 Titanium Frame Lock Folding Knife

The Eagle at a Glance

The Artisan Cutlery Eagle (ATZ-1816G) is a full-size frame lock flipper from the brand's premium G line, pairing a curved 3.63-inch blade with a blue titanium handle inlaid with carbon fiber. It closes to a compact 5 inches, with an extended tang, a lanyard hole, and a deep-carry-friendly pocket clip. The Eagle ships in a metal tin with a black nylon zippered storage case, which collectors of the brand will recognize as Artisan's premium packaging treatment.

Blue titanium and carbon fiber textures capture the Eagle's premium handle build.

Two Premium Steel Options

The G-series Eagle is offered with a choice of two blade steels, which is the first decision you will make:

• M390 — Bohler's high-alloy powder metallurgy stainless steel, known for exceptional edge retention and high wear resistance. A strong choice for a daily driver that stays sharp a long time.
• S35VN — Crucible's well-balanced stainless steel with vanadium additions for toughness. Easier to sharpen than M390 while still holding an edge well.

Both variants share the same frame lock construction, flipper deployment, and blue titanium handle with carbon fiber inlay, so the steel choice is really about your sharpening habits and cutting style.

Build and Handling

The titanium frame lock is a classic premium construction: light, strong, and corrosion resistant. The carbon fiber inlay adds visual contrast and a subtle texture difference at the grip. The curved blade profile gives the Eagle a distinct silhouette in the lineup and provides a generous belly for slicing. The extended tang is a practical touch, giving your index finger a positive stop and opening up a comfortable pinch grip.

Eagle Pricing and Lineup Position

At the time of writing, the M390 Eagle is listed at $236.99 and the S35VN version at $199.49. That places it in the upper tier of Artisan's catalog, alongside models like the Eterno and Hornet, while the value-oriented ATZ-1816P variant — a D2 blade with G10 handles and a liner lock at around $48.95 — makes the Eagle silhouette accessible at a very different price point.

Who Is the Eagle For?

The Eagle suits carriers who want a larger, statement-making folder with premium materials and are willing to pay for the M390 edge-holding advantage. If you prefer to keep costs down and do not mind a bit more sharpening, the S35VN version delivers most of the experience for less. See the full details on the Eagle M390 product page, or compare the S35VN Eagle if edge retention is less of a priority than sharpening ease.