Artisan Cutlery Xcellerator Review: S90V & AR-RPM9 Full Size

The Artisan Cutlery Xcellerator is a full-size EDC folder with a fast, point-forward drop point blade — and it is sold in two very different configurations. The ATZ-1860G pairs CPM S90V with a titanium frame lock, while the ATZ-1860P pairs AR-RPM9 with micarta and a liner lock. Same silhouette, different philosophy: here is how they compare.

Same 3.86-inch drop point, two builds: S90V titanium or AR-RPM9 micarta.

Full-Size Xcellerator at a Glance

Both full-size versions share identical dimensions: a 3.86-inch (98mm) drop point blade, 0.15-inch (3.7mm) stock, flat grind, and an overall length of 8.86 inches (225mm) with a 5-inch (127mm) closed length. Both weigh in at 170g (6oz) and both run on ceramic ball bearings. The split comes in the steel, the handle, the lock, and the price.

Variant Comparison: ATZ-1860G vs ATZ-1860P

CPM S90V Titanium (ATZ-1860G)

The premium Xcellerator uses CPM S90V — a powder metallurgy steel from Crucible Industries that is among the highest-carbide stainless steels used in production knives, known for exceptional edge retention. Here it is hardened to HRC 59-61 with a stonewashed flat grind, wrapped in a TC4 titanium handle with a titanium clip and a frame lock. At $199.99 (compare at $266.66), it is aimed at users who prioritize holding an edge over everything else.

AR-RPM9 Micarta (ATZ-1860P)

The value Xcellerator swaps the super steel for AR-RPM9 — a powder metallurgy stainless that Artisan uses across its mid-range lineup — and the titanium handle for micarta, a resin-stabilized fabric composite that grips well in the hand. The lock drops to a liner lock, but the ceramic bearings and the 3.86-inch blade geometry stay identical. It is available in stone wash or black PVD blade finishes and sells at $98.24 (compare at $130.99), making it roughly half the price of the S90V version.

How It Compares to the Mini Xcellerator

Artisan also sells a Mini Xcellerator with a 3.23-inch CPM S90V blade and a 4.25-inch closed length in a titanium frame lock build. The full-size version reviewed here adds over half an inch of blade (3.86in vs 3.23in) and a longer handle, which translates into more reach and leverage — the choice between them is really about pocket space versus cutting capacity.

Final Thoughts

The Xcellerator lineup is a clean demonstration of how much steel and handle choice matter. The S90V titanium version is a long-edge-retention machine for hard use and collectors, while the AR-RPM9 micarta version delivers the same knife experience at a friendlier price. If you want the Xcellerator profile, decide first whether you are buying edge retention or value — then pick the variant that matches.

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