CJRB and Artisan Cutlery Knives Coming Soon in 2025: A Deep Dive
We’re excited to share the latest innovations from CJRB and Artisan Cutlery, unveiled at SHOT Show 2025. Many of these knives are still in the prototype stage, so if you want an early look behind the curtain at these knives as they evolve ahead of their official release, read on. From groundbreaking collaborations to reimagined classics, there’s something here for every knife enthusiast and every budget.
David C. Andersen‘s First Folding Knife Collaboration – The Maximal
We might be a little biased, but the highlight of CJRB’s new releases is undoubtably the Maximal, David C. Andersen‘s first foray into folding knife design. So, how did this project come to life, and what makes it special?
First Impressions
First impressions are overwhelmingly positive, especially when you know the philosophy behind the design. The Maximal was conceived as a universal knife recommendation. It’s meant to suit any user, regardless of hand size. In David’s words, “I literally designed it to be my default knife recommendation.” Between the thoughtful ergonomics and thoughtfully designed blade shape, we think its going to deliver perfect EDC capabilities for the masses.
Key Features & Benefits
What are the standout features of the Maximal?
- Action: The crossbar lock boasts a satisfyingly snappy action, making it a joy to use.
- Carry: The knife’s profile ensures comfortable everyday carry.
- Blade: The versatile sub-3-inch blade handles a multitude of tasks without feeling cumbersome.
- Crossbar Lock: Upgraded, heavier springs provide a stronger self-close. This makes accidental openings less likely. There’s also a more pronounced detent than you typically find in crossbar locks.
All this comes at an impressive price point of $49.99. The blade is crafted from AR-RPM9 steel. These are in stock now, as well as a KnifeCenter-exclusive version with upgraded carbon fiber handles and premium SF2 steel!
New from Dustin Rhodes: The Nanner
First Impressions
Next up is the Nanner, a fresh design from Dustin Rhodes. With its curvaceous silhouette, the banana theme is obvious, and really driven home by this example’s black-and-yellow color scheme. This gives it a playful, humorous vibe. An all-black version is also in the works for those who prefer a more subdued look.
The Nanner features an upswept blade, and the blade geometry makes it potentially useful as a food prep knife. We can comfortably grip it in several ways, which is always a plus. The aggressive blade shape and thin top also lends itself to tactical applications. The angled crossbar lock is strong and easy to use, and the front flipper placement contributes to its unique feel.
Future Adjustments
This one is still in the prototype stage, and CJRB is considering a slight size increase (around a quarter inch). This may better accommodate larger hands and provide a more substantial grip.
Overall Impression
Beneath its whimsical exterior, the Nanner is a functional tool. It’s fun, but ultimately practical for everyday tasks.
The Recoil Lock Reimagined: The Bolt
The Bolt represents a streamlined update to the original Recoil Lock design. How does it improve upon its predecessors?
First Impressions
The big news here is the redesigned Recoil Lock. It has been refined and improved in every way for greater usability and more deployment options. In hand, it feels a bit like a combination of a Crossbar lock and a Dorsal lock. Powered by omega springs, the lock functions in a familiar way but also offers a unique alternative.
Aesthetics & Ergonomics
The Bolt boasts a simple, clean design. It is lightweight and easy to carry. The blade has clean lines and a slicey geometry. And the frag pattern on the handle provides enhanced grip.
Refinements & Future Improvements
Planned improvements include:
- More jimping and texturing on the release
- Widening the sharpening choil
- Exploring the potential for a finger choil
We’re excited to see where this one ends up. The Bolt should be fidget-friendly, functional, and priced competitively.
A Gentleman’s Folder with a Twist: Name TBD
This unnamed design evokes the feel somewhere between a bushcraft knife, a traditional Barlow, and a gentleman’s knife. What sets it apart?
Design Inspiration
In terms of style and simplicity, it shares similarities with the CJRB Ria. It also has a similar gentlemanly vibe. The spear point and Barlow-inspired aesthetics add to its refined appearance.
Features & Intended Use
This knife would serve well as:
- An eating knife
- A camping knife
- An EDC option
It offers versatile functionality without being intimidating. The contoured handle scales enhance the comfort and aesthetics of the overall design, and future versions may feature both contoured and flat scales.
Refinements & Future Improvements
This one may have some major changes coming, as the design team is considering removing the secondary lock altogether, or possibly even swapping the button lock pictured here for a simpler liner lock. Stay tuned!
Classic Reimagined: The Sasaya
The Sasaya is a modern interpretation of the Chinese sheiling cutter. What makes this design so enduring?
Inspiration & Design
“Sasaya” is the culinary term for bamboo leaf, and is CJRB’s take on the iconic Taiwanese Shilin cutter pattern, which has a rich history that includes a famous Spyderco designed by Bob Lum that brought it to wider attention.
Features & Functionality
The Sasaya features:
- An elegant, simple, and functional leaf-shaped blade
- A smooth button lock
- An accessible thumb hole
- Thumb scallops on the bolster to facilitate a pinch grip
Blade Geometry
The unique angle of handle and blade facilitates easier piercing and tip work. Sharpening should be easy as well with a neat choil and simple, effective drop-point-like profile. As compared to other takes on the Shilin cutter, its narrower profile sets it apart.
The Long-Awaited: Large Pyrite Alt
The Large Pyrite Alt is a much-anticipated addition to the CJRB Pyrite lineup. What can we expect from this larger version of a beloved knife?
Features
Key features include:
- Texturing and faux inlays on the handle
- Full steel construction for a substantial weight
There’s considerable excitement surrounding this release, given the popularity of the original Pyrite and the limited availability of the large Pyrite up to this point. We look forward to this and many more potential future versions with different materials!
Artisan Cutlery Collaboration: The Butcherling by Task Knives
The Butcherling is Artisan Cutlery‘s first collaboration with Task Knives. It brings a unique, apocalyptic aesthetic to the Artisan Cutlery collection. What makes it stand out?
Design & Inspiration
Task Knives is known for the extreme proportions and unique “battle-worn” finish of their apocalypse-inspired tools. The name “Butcherling” means “little butcher” or “small butcher.”
Blade Design
The Butcherling features a complex triple compound grind:
- Hollow ground tip
- Flat ground section
- Saber ground main section
Each grind serves a specific purpose, from fine cutting to heavy-duty slicing.
Aesthetics & Materials
Made from solid titanium, the handle scales are milled to give them an intricate-looking layered effect. With some wear, it’s only going to look better; the more scratches, the merrier. The knife is designed to look increasingly “apocalyptic” with wear. Future versions may use multi-color G10 as well.
Overall Impression
Its cool, interesting, and eye-catching design for anyone who wants a big, bold folder built to survive anything.
New From Dylan Mallery: Name TBD
This knife is such an early prototype that it doesn’t yet have a name. Let’s call it TBD for now. It’s a design from Dylan Mallery, whose past collaborations with CJRB and Artisan Cutlery have been popular.
Design
The design has Dylan Mallery‘s signature elegant style, which looks rather nice in all-black as shown on the version we get to see. The blade-to-handle balance is quite impressive, with a surprising amount of edge for the folded size. Deployment is quick and easy via the hole in the blade or a neat front flipper.
Features
- Inset liner lock with titanium
- Hard-use blade on an elegant handle
- S35VN steel on the prototype
Overall
Dylan always brings cool designs to the table.
First Collaboration with Wayne’s Sharp World: The Fragarach
The Fragarach marks the first collaboration with knife enthusiast and YouTuber Wayne’s Sharp World. So, what does this partnership bring to the table?
Design & Features
The Fragarach is a “monster knife” with a large blade, but not in a particularly overbuilt way. It’s big, but all in the service of slicing efficiency and ergonomics, not sheer strength and size. The blade has a tall profile, and the handle has an inlaid design. The end-cut carbon fiber inlay material looks stunning.
Overall Impression
The Fragarach exudes character and visual appeal. We’re excited to see how people react when they get their hands on it.