The Artisan Cutlery Zumwalt (ATZ-1808G) is a study in angles: a geometric, faceted design built around a 3.78-inch M390 drop point, a titanium frame lock handle, and a ceramic ball bearing flip action. At $224.99 for the M390 version, it sits near the top of Artisan's titanium frame lock tier. This review covers the Zumwalt's specifications, its M390 steel, and how the different variants — M390, S35VN and a D2 G10 edition — compare.
Faceted geometry inspired by the Zumwalt's angular design
Artisan Cutlery Zumwalt specs at a glance
All figures below come from Artisan Cutlery's official product specification block for the ATZ-1808G (M390 version).
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Blade length | 3.78 in / 96 mm |
| Blade thickness | 0.15 in / 3.73 mm |
| Blade steel | M390 |
| Blade hardness | HRC 60-62 |
| Blade style | Drop point |
| Blade finish | Satin / sand polish |
| Blade grind | Flat |
| Overall length | 8.90 in / 226 mm |
| Closed length | 5.12 in / 130 mm |
| Handle material | Titanium |
| Lock type | Frame lock |
| Clip material | Titanium |
| Price | $224.99 (M390: Blue, Grey, Rose, Mint Green) |
M390: the super-steel core
M390 is a powder-metallurgy martensitic stainless steel produced by Böhler Edelstahl, an Austrian speciality steelmaker with a long history in tool steels. Its high chromium content, supported by a high carbon load and additions of molybdenum, vanadium and tungsten, puts it among the top-tier EDC steels for edge retention and corrosion resistance. In the folding knife world it has a reputation as one of the most wear-resistant stainless steels available, which is why it anchors so many premium production knives.
The Zumwalt's M390 blade is heat-treated to HRC 60-62, a range that plays to the steel's strengths: excellent edge holding between sharpenings and strong corrosion resistance for pocket carry. The trade-off is the familiar one for super steels — when the edge eventually dulls, it takes more time on the stones than a softer steel would — but for most users the long stretches between sharpening sessions more than make up for it.
Design and ergonomics
Artisan describes the Zumwalt as having a geometric design and angularly contoured handle that fits the hand well. The faceted titanium scales give the knife a distinctive, architectural look, and the flat-ground drop point contrasts with the handle geometry. The flip action runs on ceramic ball bearings, which Artisan notes deploys flawlessly, and the reversible stainless pocket clip is set up for tip-up carry.
At 8.90 inches overall with a 3.78-inch blade, the Zumwalt is a full-size folder. It is a knife that fills the hand and presents a confident cutting profile, suited to carriers who prefer a substantial blade for heavier daily tasks rather than a small, discreet folder.
M390 vs S35VN vs D2: three Zumwalt tiers
The Zumwalt name covers three distinct configurations, which makes it one of Artisan's more flexible model families:
- Zumwalt M390 titanium ($224.99) — 3.78 in M390 at HRC 60-62, titanium handle, frame lock, titanium clip. The flagship version reviewed here.
- Zumwalt S35VN titanium ($187.49) — same titanium frame lock platform with S35VN steel, available in the same four handle colors.
- Zumwalt D2 G10 ($55.29) — a 3.94 in D2 drop point with a contoured G10 handle, liner lock and stainless clip: the budget entry to the family.
The D2 G10 version swaps the frame lock for a liner lock and the titanium for G10, dropping the weight and the price dramatically while keeping the same geometric design language. Between the two titanium versions, the M390 model buys you the highest edge-retention steel Artisan offers on this platform, while the S35VN version delivers the same build at a lower price with a steel that sharpens a little more easily.
Verdict
The Artisan Cutlery Zumwalt is a confident, full-size folder that pairs one of the best production steels in the world with a solid titanium frame lock and distinctive angular styling. The M390 version is aimed at carriers who want maximum edge retention and corrosion resistance and are happy to pay for it; the S35VN and D2 G10 variants spread the same design across lower price points. If you want a statement folder that also performs, the Zumwalt delivers.
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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