Artisan Cutlery Andromeda 3.42” M390 & Titanium Handle pocket knife review - a classy carry option

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REVIEW – I’ve reviewed quite a few knives, with my last being the Vosteed Psyop, so when Artisan Cutlery, who I hadn’t reviewed yet, asked me to try out their new Andromeda, I was excited to give it a go. Let’s see how it performs.

⬇︎ Jump to summary (pros/cons)
Price: $249.99
Where to buy: Artisan Cutlery website

What is it?

The Artisan Cutlery Andromeda is a button lock manual folding knife with a 3.42” drop point blade in M390 steel and a 4.49” titanium handle with a lovely red carbon inlay. It’s sleek and classy and performs as good as it looks.

What’s included?

1 x Artisan Cutlery Andromeda in black PVD coating with red carbon inlay
1 x Tin case
1 x Soft case
1 x Velcro patch
1 x Cleaning cloth

Tech Specs

Model Number: 1856G-FCMV
Blade Length: 3.42″ (87mm)
Blade Thickness: 0.106″(2.7mm)
Blade Finish: Black PVD Coating
Blade Grind: Flat
Blade Material: M390
Blade Hardness: HRC 59-61
Blade Style: Drop point
Overall Length: 7.9″(201mm)
Closed Length: 4.49″(114mm)
Handle Material: Black titanium with a fat carbon inlay
Clip Material: Titanium
Pivot Assembly: Ceramic Ball Bearing
Lock Type: Button Lock
Weight: 95g/3.35oz
Country of Origin: China

Design and features

The Artisan Cutlery Andromeda is a collaboration effort between Artisan Cutlery and Ray Laconico whose custom folders sell for over $700 if you can even find one available. Ray has also collaborated with Vosteed Knives on their Vallhund, which we are very familiar with here at The Gadgeteer, although no one reviewed that specific knife. I myself just reviewed the Vosteed Marten and the Elmax bladed and titanium handled Psyop which is a collab with Tuffknives and happens to be very similar to the Andromeda on paper.

The Artisan Cutlery Andromeda is slightly different, though, and features a more aggressive profile and a sleeker drop point blade made of M390 steel, which is known for its excellent corrosion resistance and edge retention. Because of that, though, it can be a little harder to sharpen but will keep its edge longer. M390 is typically found on higher-end knives.

The Andromeda stands out with the organic lines and smooth profile that Laconico knives are known for, but with just a little twist. This knife features an inset button lock for smooth one-handed deployment using the button or dual-sided thumb studs and effortless closing with a light flick of the wrist.

The titanium handle is the star of the show, though, with a red carbon inlay on the face side. It is completely flush with the handle, which is perfectly shaped. For a 3.42” blade, the knife is incredibly light at only 3.35 oz. The pivots and other hardware are slightly raised but smooth, and with jimping on the top of the blade, it felt very secure in my hand, even with aggressive rope cuts.

The pocket clip is titanium as well and has hidden screws which add to the sleek look and clean lines.

There are six versions on the Andromeda ranging in price, so if carbon inlay isn’t your thing, there is a Micarta-handled version that is a lot cheaper at $128.55 or even a G10 version for $55.99. I also appreciate that they have a 15% military discount or even higher on select knives.

My only gripe isn’t directed at the knife but the soft case. When I opened the tin and pulled it out, the zipper was broken and completely fell apart before I even touched it. Since, to me, that doesn’t reflect on the quality of the knife, I didn’t make a big deal about it but wanted to mention that in case that’s important to you. It’s a shame because the soft case is nice. My other observation is that when I hold the knife and go to open it, I find myself wishing it had a flipper. The shape of the knife and just where it rests in my hand puts my forefinger right where a back flipper should be. The lack of a flipper opening doesn’t take away from the knife at all, but it would have made it even better in my books.

Final thoughts

The Artisan Cutlery Andromeda is an excellent collaboration knife with Ray Laconico and not only looks good but performs as well. I’m a big fan of top liner locks and button locks due to ease of use and fidget-ability. For some reason, the Andromeda just feels like it should have a flipper, and that would make it absolutely perfect in my book. As it sits, though, it is still an excellent and very distinguished-looking knife. A perfect gentleman’s folder for everyday carry duties.

What I like about the Artisan Cutlery Andromeda knife

Excellent style and quality materials
Super comfortable and easy to open

What needs to be improved?

Nothing

Price: $249.99
Where to buy: Artisan Cutlery website
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Artisan Cutlery. They did not have a final say on the review and did not preview the review before it was published.