Tomorrow is Independence Day in the U.S., and that means all sorts of celebrations and activities for most folks. This year it also means the release of the latest model from Artisan Cutlery, the Prime. This straightforward, high performance user from young knife maker and returning collaborator Johnathan Shaw.
Some high-end knives are made for collectors, others for work; the Prime seems aimed at the latter category. Its 3-inch modified sheepsfoot blade is well-sized and -shaped for day-to-day tasks. It’s made from S90V, a premium super steel that remains an imposing presence in the metallurgical world even after years of service and the advent of newer stuff. S90V’s edge retention is very high, and it is no slouch in terms of corrosion resistance either. In role here on the Prime, as an EDC steel, it should deliver many, many days of reliable performance before any extended maintenance is necessary.
This working blade folds into a handle that is, itself, geared to be as useful and low-maintenance as possible. The Prime’s unshowy profile gives users a neutral shape to work with, suitable for any number of different grips or needs. The show side scale is made from forest green canvas Micarta; the off-side scale is full titanium, with a fine ripple pattern milled into it. The Prime is a frame lock, with the expected steel interface piece applied to the top of the lock bar. A sculpted titanium pocket clip rounds out the premium package here; Artisan has the Prime’s weight listed at 3.25 oz.
This is the second collaboration between Shaw, who works under the shop name Triple Stripe Knives, and Artisan. Last fall, Artisan turned to Kickstarter to fund their first Shaw collaboration, the Boa. The Boa marked a semi-return to the knife world for Shaw, who previously shuttered his custom shop to pursue other aspects of life, including university and time in the Canadian Armed Forces. Shaw is still on hiatus, but in addition to the Prime he recently worked on a collaboration with fellow custom maker Ulysse Robert.
The Prime is dropping tomorrow, July 4th, at 7:30am Pacific/10:30am EST.
Knife in Featured Image: Artisan Cutlery Prime
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