The Artisan Cutlery Great White is a Gavko-designed folding knife that brings custom-maker styling to a production S35VN titanium package. With a satin tanto blade, a full titanium handle, a frame lock, and ceramic ball bearing pivot, it is one of the more aggressive-looking folders in the Artisan lineup. This review covers its design origins, full specifications, and who the Great White suits.
Angular tanto geometry meets titanium — the Great White is a Gavko design for Artisan Cutlery.
Design by Gavko: A Custom Maker's Tanto
The Great White is credited to Gavko Knives, the custom shop known for bold, angular designs. That influence is immediately visible in the tanto blade and the knife's aggressive overall silhouette. It is a distinctive look that stands out from the drop point and clip point folders that dominate most production lineups, and it gives the knife a genuine custom feel.
Great White Specifications
| Spec | Great White ATZ-1841G |
|---|---|
| Blade Length | 3.79'' (96.17 mm) |
| Blade Thickness | 0.15'' (3.8 mm) |
| Blade Finish / Grind | Satin / Flat |
| Blade Steel | S35VN |
| Blade Hardness | HRC 59-61 |
| Blade Style | Tanto |
| Overall Length | 8.45'' (214.64 mm) |
| Closed Length | 4.66'' (118.47 mm) |
| Handle Material | Titanium |
| Clip Material | Titanium |
| Pivot Assembly | Ceramic Ball Bearing |
| Weight | 115 g (4.06 oz) |
| Lock Type | Frame Lock |
| Price | $199.99 |
The Tanto Blade
The tanto blade shape offers a very strong tip geometry, originally inspired by traditional Japanese knives and adapted into a modern American folding knife staple. The Great White's 3.79-inch S35VN tanto is finished in satin with a flat grind, and Artisan lists the steel at HRC 59-61. The straight edge section slices well, while the reinforced tip excels at piercing tasks.
Handle and Ergonomics
The handle is a full titanium construction with a titanium pocket clip, keeping the knife light at just over four ounces despite its 8.45-inch overall length. The frame lock engages the thick 0.15-inch blade stock, and the ceramic ball bearing pivot supports a smooth opening action. The dark, uniform titanium finish gives the Great White a serious, low-key look that matches its name.
Carry and Pocket Presence
At 4.06 ounces with a 3.79-inch blade, the Great White sits at the larger end of everyday carry, more suited to a jacket pocket or a belt-side pocket than a lightweight dress carry. It is built for carriers who want a full-size folder with real presence and a distinctive tanto profile.
Who Should Carry the Great White
- Tanto fans who want a production knife with a custom-maker design pedigree.
- Collectors following Gavko's collaborations with Artisan Cutlery.
- EDC carriers who prefer full-size, heavier-built folders with strong tip geometry.
Verdict
The Great White is a bold, well-made folder that translates Gavko's custom aesthetic into an accessible S35VN titanium package. The tanto blade, frame lock, and ceramic bearings give it serious performance credentials, and its price is competitive for a full-titanium designer collaboration. If you want a knife with character and a strong tip, the Great White delivers.
Browse the Artisan Cutlery folding knife collection for premium EDC folders built for reliable everyday carry.
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