artisan cutlery review

Artisan Cutlery Shark Review: D2, S35VN & Damascus EDC

Artisan Cutlery Shark Review: D2, S35VN & Damascus EDC

The Artisan Cutlery Shark is a lean, drop-point folding knife built around speed and piercing ability — and it comes in enough variants to fit almost any budget. From a $35 D2 workhorse to a $187 Damascus titanium frame lock, the Shark family covers the full EDC spectrum. Here is how each version compares.

Artisan Cutlery Shark Review: D2, S35VN & Damascus EDC

One lean drop-point design, five variants: D2 G10 up to Damascus titanium.

The Shark Design at a Glance

Every full-size Shark shares the same core: a 3.94-inch (100mm) drop point blade in a flat grind, riding on ceramic ball bearings with a stainless steel or titanium clip. What changes between variants is the blade steel, handle material, and locking system — which is exactly what lets you pick a price point without changing the feel of the knife.

Shark Variant Comparison

Variant Steel Handle Lock Weight Price
ATZ-1707P D2 G10 Liner lock 4.23oz / 120g $35.00–$48.95
ATZ-1707P Micarta D2 Micarta Liner lock 4.23oz / 120g $59.99
ATZ-1707G S35VN TC4 Titanium Frame lock 3.88oz / 110g $187.49
ATZ-1707GD Damascus TC4 Titanium Frame lock 3.88oz / 110g $187.49
ATZ-1707PS (compact) D2 G10 Liner lock 2.46oz / 70g $44.99

D2 G10 Shark (ATZ-1707P): Budget Performance

The entry point of the family pairs a D2 blade hardened to HRC 59-61 with a G10 handle and a liner lock. It is a full-size 3.94-inch folder at 4.23 ounces, with a stonewashed flat-ground blade that shrugs off scratches from hard use. Camouflage, black, and orange variants sit at $48.95, while the green version is often available at $35.00 — outstanding value for a full-size D2 knife on ceramic bearings.

S35VN Titanium Shark (ATZ-1707G): The Premium Upgrade

Step up to the ATZ-1707G and the Shark becomes a titanium frame lock. The satin-finished S35VN blade keeps the same 3.94-inch drop point geometry at HRC 59-61, but the TC4 titanium handle drops the weight to 3.88 ounces and adds a matching titanium pocket clip. Offered in blue, gray, rose, and mint green at $187.49, this is the version that turns the Shark from a utility knife into a carry piece.

Damascus Titanium Shark (ATZ-1707GD)

For collectors, the ATZ-1707GD replaces the S35VN blade with a Damascus blade hardened to HRC 60-62, keeping the satin finish and the titanium frame lock construction. At $187.49 with the same 3.88-ounce profile, it delivers the visual character of pattern-welded steel without changing the ergonomics that make the Shark easy to carry.

Compact Shark (ATZ-1707PS)

The ATZ-1707PS shrinks the design to a 3.2-inch (80mm) D2 drop point with a 3.93-inch closed length and just 2.46 ounces — a genuinely light, office-friendly version of the same blade shape. At $44.99 in orange, black, green, or camouflage, it is an easy way to test the Shark ergonomics before committing to the premium titanium versions.

Who Should Buy the Shark?

The Shark family makes sense if you like a slim, point-forward drop point with a fast ceramic-bearing action. Budget carriers get a real D2 folder under $50; premium buyers get a titanium frame lock with a choice of S35VN or Damascus; and anyone who wants the same design in a lighter package gets the compact PS. The only real decision is how much you want to spend — the core design stays the same across the range.


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

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