The Artisan Cutlery Tortoise 1884G is one of the newest models in the lineup, and it comes from designer Dusty Rhodes with a simple brief: pack a huge blade into a compact handle. The result is a titanium frame lock with a 3.7-inch wharncliffe blade that closes into a 5.04-inch handle, in purple or grey titanium at $199.99. This review covers the design, the specs, and who should buy it.
The Tortoise's signature ratio: a 3.7-inch wharncliffe blade folded into a 5.04-inch closed length on ceramic bearings.
Design and Designer
Rhodes explains the Tortoise's origin in the product description: at Blade Show Texas he found himself drawn to the oversized titanium frame locks on display, and set out to design one himself, something 'big and beefy', while keeping his signature twist of a huge blade in a small handle. Once the profile was set, he thought it looked like a turtle, and the name stuck. That philosophy shows in the proportions: a blade-heavy silhouette that carries smaller than its cutting length suggests.
Big Blade, Compact Handle
The defining feature of the Tortoise is the ratio between blade and handle. A 3.7-inch wharncliffe blade rides in a 5.04-inch closed length, which keeps the knife pocket-friendly while offering serious cutting edge. The wharncliffe profile gives a straight edge that excels at slicing and detail work, and the flat grind keeps the geometry simple and strong.
Specifications
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | Tortoise 1884G |
| Blade steel | S35VN (HRC 60-62) |
| Blade style | Wharncliffe, flat grind |
| Blade finish | Stone wash |
| Blade length | 3.7 inches (94 mm) |
| Blade thickness | 0.15 inch (3.7 mm) |
| Handle material | Titanium |
| Lock type | Frame lock |
| Pivot assembly | Ceramic ball bearing |
| Overall length | 8.74 inches (222 mm) |
| Closed length | 5.04 inches (128 mm) |
| Weight | 5.61 oz (159 g) |
| Pocket clip | Titanium |
| Price | $199.99 |
S35VN Steel and Titanium Build
The blade is CPM S35VN, a premium stainless steel from Crucible Industries known for a strong balance of edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance at everyday sharpening-friendly hardness. The handle is solid titanium, which keeps the 3.7-inch blade package at 5.61 ounces and gives the knife a rigid, premium feel in hand. The frame lock uses the titanium handle itself as the locking bar, a configuration prized for strength and simplicity.
Action and Lockup
Deployment runs on a ceramic ball bearing pivot, which Artisan pairs with the titanium frame lock for snappy opening and solid lockup. The stone-washed blade finish hides wear well, and the titanium pocket clip keeps the carry profile slim. With the big wharncliffe blade and bearing pivot, the Tortoise opens fast and locks with authority.
Purple vs Grey Titanium
The Tortoise ships in two colorways, both at $199.99: an anodized purple titanium handle and a grey titanium handle (1884G-BK). The two finishes are otherwise identical in spec, so the choice comes down to whether you want the eye-catching purple anodizing or the more understated grey.
Who Is the Tortoise For?
The Tortoise is for carriers who want maximum cutting edge in a compact package. The wharncliffe blade suits tradespeople and anyone who does a lot of straight slicing, while the titanium frame lock construction appeals to collectors who value premium materials and designer collaborations. If you like big-blade folders that disappear in the pocket, the Tortoise is one of the most distinctive current options in the Artisan lineup.
See the Tortoise and other recent releases in the Artisan Cutlery new arrivals, or explore the full Artisan Cutlery catalog for premium folders built for reliable everyday carry.
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