Artisan Cutlery
Artisan Cutlery handle scales
Artisan Cutlery is a premium Chinese knife brand renowned for high-end folding knives blending traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation
Founded in 2015 by Kevin Wu in Yangjiang, Guangdong—the "knife capital" of China—Artisan Cutlery emerged from Kevin's passion for custom knives and frustration with mass-produced blades lacking soul. Starting small, the company focused on collaborating with renowned designers and knifemakers worldwide to create limited-edition and production models
Key milestones:
- 2016: Debut of the Proponent (designed by Brian Nadeau) and early Small Archaeo models—quickly gaining attention for excellent fit/finish, premium steels (S35VN, M390), and unique titanium handles
- 2017–2018: Explosive growth with collaborations like Jeff Park, Ray Laconico, Gavko, and Koenig—establishing Artisan as a go-to for designer-inspired production knives at accessible prices
- 2019: Launch of the iconic Cutlass (Otis Elam design) and Small Archaeo series, solidifying reputation for smooth action, deep-carry clips, and artistic detailing
- 2020s: Expanded lines like Instinct, Provoke, Archetype, and Prodigy, plus titanium frame-locks and button locks—consistently praised for value, ergonomics, and quality control
Today, Artisan Cutlery stands out in the custom-production knife market—delivering mid-tech excellence, exotic materials (carbon fiber, Timascus, Damascus), and designer collaborations that rival much pricier brands
From Yangjiang workshop to global favorite, Artisan proves Chinese knife-making can achieve world-class artistry and performance
