Artisan Cutlery REVEL Review: The $45 Button Lock EDC Knife That Punches Way Above Its Weight

Disclaimer: This review contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Can a $45 Knife Really Deliver?

Let's be honest — when you see a folding knife priced at $44.99 with a button lock, 3.54-inch blade, and AR-RPM9 steel, your inner skeptic kicks in. How good can it actually be at that price point?

I've been carrying the Artisan Cutlery REVEL (model 1867P-MG) in Mint Green FRN for several weeks now, putting it through real daily carry use. And I have to say — it exceeded every expectation I had. This knife isn't just good "for the price." It's genuinely good, period.

First Impressions: Looks Like a Million Bucks

The Artisan Cutlery REVEL immediately impresses with its bold aesthetics. The Mint Green FRN handle is vibrant without being garish — it's a refreshing departure from the sea of black G10 knives out there. The stonewashed AR-RPM9 blade with its clip-point profile gives it a serious, work-ready look.

At 3.54 inches of blade and 8.07 inches overall, it's not a small knife. It's a full-sized folding knife that fills the hand nicely. The weight of 105 grams (about 3.7 ounces) feels substantial but not heavy — solid confidence without pocket drag.

Specifications at a Glance

The Button Lock: Smooth, Fun, and Reliable

Let's talk about the button lock mechanism, because it's the star of the show here. Button locks, traditionally found on premium knives like the Benchmade 9400 or Pro-Tech models, are something you don't often see at this price point.

The REVEL's button lock is executed surprisingly well. Press the button, and the blade drops free with a smooth, controlled action. Release the button, and it locks up with zero blade play — no side-to-side wiggle, no vertical movement. The ceramic ball bearing pivot makes deployment via the flipper tab incredibly smooth.

What's particularly impressive is that after weeks of flicking and fidgeting (and trust me, button locks are addictive to play with), the mechanism has remained just as crisp as day one. No loosening, no developing of blade play.

AR-RPM9 Steel: ArtisanCutlery's Secret Weapon

AR-RPM9 is ArtisanCutlery's proprietary spray-form stainless steel, and it's genuinely good. Think of it as a budget-friendly alternative to 9Cr or even entry-level S35VN. In my testing:

• Edge Retention: The stonewashed blade held a working edge through a week of daily tasks — opening packages, cutting rope, breaking down cardboard. It's not going to outperform S30V, but it's absolutely competitive with other budget steels like 8Cr13MoV or 14C28N.
• Sharpening: AR-RPM9 responds well to diamond stones and ceramic rods. It's not overly hard, so touch-ups are quick and easy.
• Corrosion Resistance: Being a stainless steel, it shrugged off moisture and humidity without issue. I carried it on a sweaty hike and saw zero rust.

At this price point, AR-RPM9 is a huge win. It outperforms the 8Cr13MoV and even D2 commonly found at similar prices.

Ergonomics and Daily Carry

The Mint Green FRN handle is textured with a subtle checkered pattern that provides solid grip without being abrasive. The handle shape is thoughtfully contoured with a gentle swell toward the rear that locks the knife into your hand during use. The clip point blade offers an excellent utility shape — the fine tip is great for detail work, while the belly handles slicing tasks with authority.

Pocket clip: deep-carry, tip-up, and reversible for left or right-hand carry. The tension is well-calibrated — secure enough that the knife won't fall out during activity, but smooth enough to clip on and off without tearing your pocket.

Value Proposition: $44.99 is a Steal

Originally priced at $59.99, the REVEL is currently available at $44.99 — that's a 25% discount. For what you get (button lock, AR-RPM9 steel, FRN handle, 3.54" clip point blade), this is exceptional value. Comparable button-lock knives from Benchmade or Kizer will cost you $100-$200.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Incredible value at $44.99 — button lock, premium steel, great design
• Smooth button lock action — crisp, reliable, and satisfying
• AR-RPM9 steel outperforms budget expectations — good edge retention and easy to sharpen
• Vibrant Mint Green FRN handle — stands out from the crowd
• Full-sized blade (3.54") — handles real work
• Reversible pocket clip — ambidextrous carry

Cons

• FRN handle feels slightly light vs titanium/micarta — but appropriate for the price
• Stonewash finish shows wear faster than satin — not a functional issue
• No thumb stud deployment — flipper tab only

FAQs

How does the AR-RPM9 steel perform compared to D2? AR-RPM9 offers better corrosion resistance than D2 while providing similar edge retention. It's also easier to sharpen than D2. For an EDC knife that might encounter moisture, AR-RPM9 is the better choice.

Is the button lock safe for everyday carry? Absolutely. The button lock engages with a strong spring that requires deliberate pressure to disengage. It won't accidentally unlock in your pocket. The lockup is rock-solid with no blade play.

Can the pocket clip be moved for left-hand carry? Yes! Unlike many budget knives, the REVEL's clip is fully reversible. Both left and right-handed users can carry comfortably.

Is this knife legal for daily carry? The 3.54-inch blade is under 4 inches — the legal limit in many states and jurisdictions. Always check your local knife laws, as limits vary.

How does the REVEL compare to the button lock knives from Kizer or CJRB? At $44.99, the REVEL competes directly with the CJRB Pyrite ($45-55) and Kizer's button lock budget options. The REVEL's FRN handle is lighter than the Pyrite's steel-frame version, and the AR-RPM9 steel is comparable to CJRB's AR-RPM9 or Kizer's 154CM offerings.

Final Verdict

The Artisan Cutlery REVEL is proof that you don't need to spend $150+ to get a high-quality EDC knife. The button lock is executed with surprising refinement, the AR-RPM9 steel delivers reliable performance, and the Mint Green aesthetic brings personality to your pocket.

At $44.99 (regularly $59.99), this is one of the best value propositions in the entire budget EDC category. If you're looking for your first button lock knife or just want an affordable everyday carry that doesn't cut corners, the REVEL is an easy recommendation.

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

Got the Artisan Cutlery REVEL? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!