Every knife series has a gimmick, and the Gambit's is a great one: six pieces named after chessmen, from the G10 Pawn to the King's Gambit, all sharing one Ray Laconico design and all carrying premium S90V steel. But the Gambit is more than a themed collection. It is the first Artisan Cutlery model with interchangeable inlays, and its linear, slightly wider blade marks a deliberate departure from Laconico's usual slender silhouettes. Here is a full look at every piece of the series.
The Gambit's interchangeable inlay system is an Artisan Cutlery first.
Design and Philosophy
Ray Laconico describes the Gambit as an answer to the question every knife user asks at some point: if you could only have one knife, what would it be? The design favors a linear shape and a slightly wider blade than his recent work. The result feels small in the pocket but deceptively large when deployed — a mid-sized knife that works like a full-sized tool.
The mechanical centerpiece is the interchangeable inlay system. For the first time in Artisan Cutlery history, the handle inlays can be swapped, letting owners change the look of the knife to match their style. It is a clever idea on a knife that is already built around a strong, simple platform.
The Six Pieces of the Gambit Series
Every version shares the same core: a 3.5-inch (89 mm) flat-ground drop-point blade in S90V at HRC 60-62, a titanium frame lock, ceramic ball bearing pivot, and an overall length of 8 inches (203 mm) with a 4.49-inch (114 mm) closed length. The differences are in the dress:
| Piece | Price | Handle configuration | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| G10 Pawn | $192.00 | Gray titanium with black G10 inlay | 85 g / 3.0 oz |
| Blasted Bishop | $214.00 | Grey titanium, bead-blasted look | 99 g / 3.49 oz |
| Black Knight | $214.00 | Black titanium with carbon fiber inlay; black PVD blade | 84 g / 2.96 oz |
| Rugged Rook | $214.00 | Grey titanium with OD green micarta inlay | 83 g / 2.93 oz |
| Queen's Gambit | $321.00 | Gray titanium with titanium damascus inlay | 95 g / 3.35 oz |
| King's Gambit | $749.00 | Full titanium damascus handle; mirror-polished blade | 99 g / 3.49 oz |
Blade and Steel
All six pieces carry S90V — one of the highest-edge-retention stainless steels in production, made by Crucible Industries. Heat-treated to HRC 60-62, the 0.13-inch (3.2 mm) flat-ground drop point is a practical all-rounder: enough belly for slicing, a sturdy tip for piercing, and an edge that stays sharp a long time between touch-ups. Finishes range from sand polish to black PVD coating to the King's Gambit's mirror polish.
Action and Lockup
The Gambit runs on a ceramic ball bearing pivot paired with a frame lock. The titanium frame lock offers a strong, simple lockup with a comfortable disengagement, and the bearing pivot delivers the smooth, controlled action that Laconico designs are known for. With the titanium handle scales and micarta or carbon fiber inlays on the mid-tier pieces, the Gambit carries the premium feel you expect at this price level.
Who Should Buy the Gambit?
- Collectors — the chess-piece naming and tiered pricing make the series genuinely collectible, and the interchangeable inlays add a customization angle no other Artisan model offers.
- S90V fans — this is one of the most accessible ways into a full S90V folder with a top-shelf heat treat.
- Ray Laconico followers — a distinctly different Laconico shape from his usual slim profiles.
- Gift buyers — the themed naming makes the Gambit easy to wrap and explain.
The Gambit is a confident opening move: a familiar designer, a proven steel, and a genuinely new idea in interchangeable inlays. For the price of the Pawn, you get the full experience; for the price of the King, you get a showpiece.
See the full chessboard — explore the Artisan Cutlery folding knife collection for premium EDC folders built for reliable everyday carry.
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