Knives ARTIFACT Forged Carbon Handle Axis Lock Pocket Knife with Sandvik 14C28N Blade

[Color: Purple, Color: Purple]
DEFCON has done it again with another absolutely beautiful knife. The forged carbon fiber handle on this ARTIFACT is stunning and gives the knife a unique, premium appearance that really stands out.The grip and overall feel in the hand are excellent. It feels comfortable, secure, and very well balanced. The blade also has the excellent locking action I’ve come to expect from DEFCON—smooth, solid, and confidence inspiring.The combination of the forged carbon handle, purple accents, and excellent fit and finish makes this a really impressive knife. Another fantastic DEFCON knife and a great addition to my collection.

[Color: Black]
This knife delivers solid performance at a price point that undercuts most competitors, though it does sacrifice some heft in the process. The blade holds an edge well and the axis lock engages reliably, but the thinner profile takes adjustment if you're accustomed to beefier pocket knives. The carbon handle feels substantial enough and resists wear, making it a legitimate EDC option rather than a compromise purchase.Best for budget-conscious users who prioritize portability over a substantial in-hand feel, or anyone wanting a capable blade without the premium price tag of heftier alternatives.

[Color: Torquise, Color: Torquise]
This has quickly become one of my favorite pocket knives. From the moment I opened it, it was obvious this is a step above many of the folding knives I've purchased on Amazon.The action is incredibly smooth. The caged bearing pivot and Axis-style lock make opening and closing the knife effortless, and the lock engages positively every time. It's genuinely satisfying to fidget with.I also really like the turquoise forged carbon handle. In a world full of black pocket knives, it stands out just enough without being flashy. It's a subtle bit of personality that makes the knife easy to spot and gives it a premium look.The Sandvik blade came with a good edge and has handled everyday cutting tasks without issue. The knife is also surprisingly lightweight for how solid it feels. I have not attempted to sharpen it yet.One thing to be aware of is that mine arrived heavily coated in protective oil. That's not necessarily a bad thing, especially for preventing corrosion during shipping, but you'll probably want to spend a few minutes wiping it down and cleaning it before carrying it.Overall, I'm very impressed. Between the smooth action, comfortable lock, premium materials, and distinctive handle color, this is one of the better values I've found in a mid-priced everyday carry knife.

[Color: Red]
This DEFCON Artifact feels like a very easy knife to carry every day. The 3. I really like the brushed finish because it looks clean without being too flashy. The forged carbon handle is the big visual draw here, and the red version has a unique pattern that makes each side look a little different. At 2. 10 oz, it almost disappears in the pocket, and the 4 inch handle still gives me enough grip without feeling bulky. The axis lock is smooth, the caged bearing pivot makes one handed opening easy, and the lockup on mine feels solid. The right hand tip up clip works fine, though left handed users may find the carry setup less ideal. My main caution is the forged carbon handle, since the included warning about cracking or chipping if dropped on a hard surface is worth taking seriously.

[Color: Black, Color: Black]
I have carried a pocket knife of one kind or another since I was a Boy Scout (a long time ago). For me, it is a handy tool that can be useful for a plethora of things, from opening a letter to cutting a rope. In my cowboy days, most of us carried a knife of some kind and it typically got a lot of use. I don’t collect them and only own about half a dozen I’ve acquired across a lifetime (and two of those were gifts). But I have lots of experience using and caring for knives.This appears to me to be an excellent knife. The Sanvik 14C28N steel originated in Sweden in 2008 and was specifically formulated for knives. It has quite a good reputation for use in mid-range knives and is known for at least three characteristics: 1.) It has a good hardness rating of about 58-59, which means it is tough. 2.) With about a 14% injection of chromium and nitrogen, it is very resistant to corrosion. 3.) It is a fine-grained steel that will take a very sharp edge.It is user friendly, easily opened with one hand (just release and flick) and just as easily closed. I very much like that characteristic in a knife for EDC (Every Day Carry). It is a light weight knife, at least compared to others I own. Much of that is no doubt attributable to the Carbon handle. For me, it feels a little on the light side but overall feels good in the hand and is reasonably well balanced. I like the pocket clip, positioned for “deep carry” so it is out of the way and out of sight. I will put a lanyard on it to make it more readily accessible.In total, I would say this is a good knife, well crafted from good materials and holds a VERY SHARP edge. I find it comfortable to use and (as a bonus) I think it looks cool! For a good knife, the price is competitive but certainly not cheap.I recommend it!

[Color: Black, Color: Black]
I’ve purchased a few Defcon knives in the past and I’ve always been impressed with the quality and value. The Artifact is no exception. The Sandvik 14C28N blade arrived razor sharp and has held its edge well through everyday tasks like opening boxes, cutting rope, and general utility work. The forged carbon fiber handle looks incredible in person. The blade is easy to maintain, has excellent corrosion resistance, and strikes a great balance between toughness and edge retention.The Axis-style crossbar lock is smooth, secure, and easy to operate with either hand. Blade deployment is fast and satisfying, and lockup is rock solid with no blade play. The action only gets smoother with use.One of my favorite things about this knife is how lightweight it is. Despite the premium materials, it practically disappears in your pocket, and the deep-carry clip keeps it comfortable all day.This is an outstanding everyday carry knife that signals value well above its price point. If you’re looking for a lightweight EDC with premium materials, excellent action, and dependable blade steel, the Defcon Artifact is an easy recommendation. I’d buy it again without hesitation.

[Color: Black/Green, Color: Black/Green]
I cannot really say whether this is a good value for the money, but I can say it is a very good knife. I have accumulated quite a collection over the years. I own some excellent knives that only cost $15–20, and I have also owned some disappointing ones that cost well over $50. This one definitely falls into the better-made category.The very first thing I noticed when I picked it up was the weight. For its size, it is the lightest knife I have ever held. If you imagine the weight of just the blade, that is about what the entire knife feels like. The handle is incredibly lightweight. I honestly think the hardware in the handle weighs more than the handle itself.Everything on the knife operates very smoothly. Pull down on the locking lever and flick the blade open, and it swings freely without the aid of a spring. It locks open securely and stays open with the locking mechanism. The blade has no noticeable side-to-side play or wobble, which is always a good sign.The pocket clip is securely attached and has worked well for me. I have been carrying this knife for the last three days, and I have not had any issues. The blade arrived reasonably sharp from the factory. It could benefit from a final touch-up, but it is certainly sharp enough to use right out of the box.I also like the design of the handle. Another nice feature is that the knife is assembled with screws instead of rivets. If anything ever works loose, you should be able to tighten it back up or apply a little thread locker. A couple of the screws appear to use uncommon driver bits, so if they ever do loosen, you may need the proper bit or replace them with standard Torx screws.Only time will tell how well everything holds up after carrying and using it every day, but so far I have been very impressed. It is lightweight, well built, operates smoothly, and has been a pleasure to carry.