The Artisan Cutlery Pangolin (ATZ-1826G) is one of the most visually distinctive folders in the brand's lineup, and it backs its futuristic looks with a capable S35VN blade and a full titanium frame lock. Named after the armored mammal and styled with scales that evoke the lines of a sci-fi starship, the Pangolin is a knife that takes center stage in any collection while remaining a practical everyday carry.
The Pangolin's layered titanium scale texture draws its name from the armored mammal.
Design and Build Quality
The Pangolin's defining feature is its handle. The titanium scales are machined with layered, overlapping plate textures that reference the pangolin's armor, giving the knife an eye-catching industrial look without adding grip-sacrificing slickness. The profile is angular and modern, and the handle is sized for a full four-finger grip despite the knife's moderate overall length.
Blade and Steel
The drop point blade is cut from CPM S35VN stainless steel, a powder metallurgy steel prized for its balanced combination of edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance. It arrives with a satin finish and a flat grind, making it easy to maintain and well suited to general-purpose cutting. The blade measures 3.74 inches (95 mm) with a 0.15-inch (3.8 mm) blade thickness and a hardness rating of HRC 59-61.
Dual Deployment: Flipper and Thumb Hole
One of the Pangolin's strongest selling points is its dual deployment system. Both a flipper tab and a thumb hole are built into the blade, so you can open the knife either by rolling the flipper or by thumbing the hole, depending on your preference or grip position. Both methods ride on a ceramic ball bearing pivot, which delivers smooth, consistent action right out of the box.
Lockup and Carry
The Pangolin uses a titanium frame lock with a steel lockbar insert for durable, secure lockup. At 5.11 oz (145 g) it has a reassuring weight that tells you the knife is built solidly, while the titanium pocket clip keeps it secure in the pocket. The knife closes to 5.12 inches (130 mm) and opens to 8.86 inches (225 mm) overall.
Artisan Cutlery Pangolin Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Blade Steel | CPM S35VN |
| Blade Length | 3.74 in (95 mm) |
| Blade Thickness | 0.15 in (3.8 mm) |
| Blade Hardness | HRC 59-61 |
| Blade Style | Drop Point, Satin Finish, Flat Grind |
| Overall Length | 8.86 in (225 mm) |
| Closed Length | 5.12 in (130 mm) |
| Handle Material | Titanium |
| Weight | 5.11 oz (145 g) |
| Pivot | Ceramic Ball Bearing |
| Lock Type | Frame Lock |
Who Is the Pangolin For?
The Pangolin suits collectors who want a distinctive, conversation-starting design, as well as everyday carriers who want a full-size S35VN folder with two ways to open it. It is a larger-feeling knife in hand than its closed length suggests, so it rewards users who prefer a substantial grip. If you are looking for a titanium frame lock with personality, the Pangolin delivers on both form and function.
Explore the Pangolin and the rest of the lineup in the Artisan Cutlery folding knife collection, built for reliable everyday carry.
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