Artisan Cutlery S Waistline Family Guide: S35VN, M390 & D2

The Artisan Cutlery S Waistline is a folding knife family built around one distinctive idea: a handle shaped like an hourglass. Named for the 'slim waistline' silhouette that inspired it, the S Waistline spans four versions and three blade steels, from a $52 budget G10 liner lock to a $224.99 titanium frame lock in M390. That range makes it one of the most versatile families in the Artisan Cutlery lineup — and a useful case study in how the same design language changes at different price points. This guide breaks down every S Waistline variant so you can pick the one that fits your carry.

The S Waistline family spans titanium frame locks and budget G10 liner locks on the same hourglass platform.

The S Waistline Design Story

The S Waistline takes its visual identity from a famous hourglass-shaped building, a landmark whose curved outline is often called a 'slim waistline'. Artisan translated that silhouette into a handle that curves inward through the middle of the grip. The result is a handle that molds into the palm while staying slim enough to sit comfortably in a pocket. The hourglass shape is not just a cosmetic flourish: the inward curve gives the fingers a natural purchase point, and the flared ends keep the hand from sliding forward or back during hard cuts. Every version of the S Waistline, regardless of price, shares this same ergonomic geometry.

S Waistline Family Lineup at a Glance

S Waistline S35VN Titanium: The Sweet Spot

The S35VN titanium version is the middle child of the family and arguably its best balance of performance and value. It pairs a 4.06-inch (103 mm) drop point blade in CPM S35VN — heat treated to HRC 60-62 — with a full titanium handle and a frame lock. The blade is satin finished with a flat grind and a thick 0.15-inch (3.8 mm) spine, giving it real cutting authority for a knife that still weighs only 3.7 ounces (106 g). S35VN is a powder metallurgy stainless that is widely respected in the EDC community for its combination of edge retention and toughness, which is why it shows up in so many premium production folders. The pivot runs on ceramic ball bearings, and the frame lock is the classic titanium lockup favored on modern high-end knives. Available in Rose, Blue, Grey, and Mint Green at $187.49.

S Waistline M390 Titanium: The Top Spec

If you want the most steel for your money, the M390 version is the flagship of the family. It takes the exact same titanium frame lock platform — same 4.06-inch drop point, same flat grind, same 3.7-ounce weight — and swaps the blade into M390, heat treated to HRC 60-62. M390 is a third-generation powder metallurgy stainless steel that is famous for exceptional edge retention and high corrosion resistance, and it is a frequent pick for collectors who want a premium blade that holds an edge through long stretches of use. At $224.99, the M390 S Waistline is priced as the top of the family, and it is offered in Black, Blue, Grey, Rose, and Mint Green. The only meaningful decision between the two titanium versions is whether the M390 upgrade is worth the extra $37.50 over S35VN — for many EDC users, the answer comes down to how often you are willing to sharpen.

S Waistline D2 G10: The Budget Entry

The most accessible S Waistline versions drop to a D2 blade and a G10 handle, with a liner lock instead of a frame lock. The G10 flat version costs $52.49 (Black, Orange, or Green) and the curved G10 version is $59.24 (Black). Both share the family's hourglass ergonomics, a 3.94-inch (100 mm) drop point blade in D2 (HRC 58-60 flat, 59-61 curve), a stonewashed finish, ceramic bearings, and a weight of about 3.7 ounces. D2 is a high-carbon tool steel that is a budget favorite for its solid edge retention and ease of maintenance, though it is less stainless than S35VN or M390. For a first Artisan knife, a gift, or a beater that you will actually use hard, the D2 G10 S Waistline delivers the same comfortable grip as the premium versions at roughly a quarter of the price.

Which S Waistline Should You Choose?

• Budget carry: the D2 G10 versions at $52.49-$59.24 give you the full S Waistline ergonomics and a capable D2 blade without the premium price tag.
• Best all-round value: the S35VN titanium frame lock at $187.49 balances a proven EDC steel, a full-titanium build, and a reasonable price.
• Maximum edge retention: the M390 titanium version at $224.99 is the steel snob's choice, with top-tier edge holding and corrosion resistance.
• Collector's angle: the hourglass design story and the choice of four-to-five colorways per version make the titanium models attractive to those who like to match their carry to their mood.

Fit, Feel, and Everyday Use

All four S Waistline versions ride on ceramic ball bearing pivots, which means the action stays smooth whether you are working the knife open one-handed or flipping it casually. The flat grind gives the blade good slicing geometry for boxes, rope, and food prep, and the drop point profile is one of the most practical blade shapes for general EDC tasks. The hourglass handle keeps the knife planted in your hand under pressure, and at around 3.7 ounces every version stays light enough for comfortable all-day carry. If you prefer a frame lock and titanium hardware, the S35VN or M390 models deliver the premium experience; if you want the same grip at a fraction of the cost, the G10 liner lock versions are an easy recommendation.

Find your ideal everyday carry configuration — explore the Artisan Cutlery folding knife collection for premium EDC folders built for reliable everyday carry.