The Marlin (ATZ-1895G) is the newest limited prototype in the Artisan Cutlery lineup, designed by Henning Marxen. It pairs a 3.47-inch S35VN drop-point blade with a full titanium frame lock and a substantial 143 g (5 oz) build — a premium, heavy-duty folder with a solid, reassuring heft.
The Marlin's flat-ground S35VN drop point with a stonewash and sand-polish finish.
Henning Marxen Design: A Premium Prototype
The Marlin is a limited-edition prototype release, and it shows in the details: a 0.15-inch (3.8 mm) blade stock, a stonewash-and-sand-polish finish, and a full titanium handle with a matching clip. The design is clean and purposeful — no gimmicks, just a large drop point in a rock-solid frame lock. At 8.19 inches (208 mm) overall, it is a full-size folder that fills the hand, while the flat grind keeps the thick stock cutting efficiently.
Blade and Steel: S35VN Drop Point
The 3.47-inch (88 mm) blade is S35VN, heat-treated to HRC 60-62. S35VN is Crucible Industries' premium stainless powder steel — an evolution of S30V that adds niobium for better toughness while keeping strong edge retention and a friendlier sharpening response. Knife Steel Nerds' S35VN breakdown covers why it has become the default premium steel for production folders. The drop-point blade shape combines a strong tip with a generous belly, which is why it remains the most versatile everyday profile in the industry.
Titanium Handle, Frame Lock, Ceramic Bearings
Like the rest of Artisan's premium line, the Marlin runs on ceramic ball bearings with a full titanium handle and clip, and a frame lock machined from the handle scale itself. It is a pocket knife with real presence: at 5 oz it is noticeably more substantial than the featherweight end of Artisan's titanium lineup — the Io, for example, weighs just 84.4 g. That heft is part of the Marlin's appeal for carriers who want a knife that feels like a solid tool in the hand.
Marlin Specs at a Glance
| Specification | Marlin ATZ-1895G |
|---|---|
| Blade length | 3.47 in (88 mm) |
| Blade steel | S35VN, HRC 60-62 |
| Blade style | Drop point |
| Blade grind | Flat |
| Blade finish | Stonewash / sand polish |
| Blade thickness | 0.15 in (3.8 mm) |
| Handle material | Titanium |
| Clip | Titanium |
| Lock type | Frame lock |
| Pivot | Ceramic ball bearings |
| Overall length | 8.19 in (208 mm) |
| Closed length | 4.7 in (120 mm) |
| Weight | 143 g (5 oz) |
| Price | $266.65 |
Prototype Status and Collector Appeal
Limited prototype releases occupy a special place in knife collecting: they capture a designer's idea at its freshest, before the compromises of mass production. The Marlin's limited-edition prototype status, combined with the Henning Marxen name, makes it a natural target for collectors who want something few others will carry. Prototype runs are limited by nature, so pieces like this tend to move quickly when they appear.
Verdict
The Marlin is a premium, full-size titanium folder that asks to be carried hard. If you want a substantial S35VN frame lock with a designer name attached and the cachet of a limited prototype release, it is one of the most distinctive knives Artisan has shipped this year.
- Premium S35VN at HRC 60-62 with a versatile drop-point profile
- Substantial 5 oz titanium frame lock with real hand-filling presence
- Limited prototype release with strong collector appeal
- Flat grind keeps the thick 0.15-inch blade stock cutting well
Things to know before you buy:
- At $266.65 it is one of the pricier releases in the Artisan lineup
- 5 oz is no featherweight — this is a knife you notice in the pocket
- As a limited prototype, availability will be far tighter than standard production models
Find your ideal everyday carry configuration — explore the Artisan Cutlery folding knife collection or see the Marlin product page for premium EDC folders built for reliable everyday carry.
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