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    • CJRB

     CJRB Knives: Premium EDC Performance at Accessible Prices — Built by the Team Behind Artisan Cutlery

    CJRB was launched in 2019 by the team at Artisan Cutlery with a single clear purpose: to build the knife that serious EDC buyers actually want at a price that removes every excuse not to carry one. Made in the same facility as Artisan Cutlery's higher-end production — the same CNC equipment, the same skilled technicians, the same manufacturing standards — CJRB proves that premium doesn't have to mean expensive. The brand's flagship innovation is AR-RPM9, a proprietary powder steel developed by Artisan Cutlery that delivers corrosion resistance, edge retention, and toughness well beyond what its price point suggests. Alongside D2, S35VN, M390, and S90V in premium tiers, CJRB covers every level of the EDC market with consistent quality. Designer collaborations with Ray Laconico, Dylan Mallery, Dustin Rhodes, and others bring world-class knife geometry to sub-$50 and sub-$100 price points. Knifeworks carries the full CJRB lineup with fast shipping from Columbia, Louisiana.

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    Artisan Cutlery's Same Factory CJRB knives are made in the same facility as Artisan Cutlery's premium models — same CNC equipment, same skilled technicians, same quality control. The difference is price, not standard.
    ⚗️
    AR-RPM9 — Artisan's Proprietary Steel AR-RPM9 is a powder steel developed exclusively by Artisan Cutlery — fine grain structure, strong corrosion resistance, excellent edge retention, and easy to sharpen. Premium performance at accessible prices.
    ✏️
    World-Class Designers at Every Price Ray Laconico, Dylan Mallery, Dustin Rhodes, and others bring their signature geometry to CJRB — the same designers whose work appears in knives costing 2–3x more.
    Fast Shipping & Lifetime Warranty Most orders ship same or next business day from Columbia, Louisiana. Every CJRB knife backed by a limited lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.

    The Complete CJRB Buyer's Guide (2026)

    Everything you need to choose the right CJRB — from the Artisan Cutlery origin story and why same-factory means something, to the AR-RPM9 steel explained, the full model lineup, lock type guide, designer collaboration roster, and a use-case quick reference. Click any topic to expand.

    The CJRB Story: How Artisan Cutlery Built a Premium Brand at Accessible Prices+

    Artisan Cutlery was founded in 2018 with a clear ambition: build knives at the premium production level that the industry's best custom makers would respect, but at prices that serious collectors and EDC enthusiasts could actually afford. By 2019, the brand had proven the model. The next question was: how do we bring those same standards to a price point that's accessible to everyone — not just the collector community?

    The answer was CJRB. Not a separate factory or a cut-rate manufacturing partner — the same facility, the same CNC equipment, the same skilled technicians who build Artisan Cutlery's premium models. What changed: materials were value-engineered for accessibility, with the development of AR-RPM9 as a proprietary steel that delivers real powder-steel performance at a production-friendly cost. The result is a brand where knives that would cost $80–$150 at a competitor sell for $30–$60, and knives that feel $150+ can be had for under $80.

    • 2018: Artisan Cutlery founded — premium production knives with world-class designer collaborations
    • 2019: CJRB launched — same factory, same team, accessible prices without compromising manufacturing standards
    • 2020–2022: Pyrite family launches and becomes one of the fastest-growing EDC knife lines in the budget market
    • 2022–present: Designer roster expands — Ray Laconico, Dylan Mallery, Dustin Rhodes, Swaggs, and others bring custom-level geometry to CJRB production prices
    • Today: Over 30 active models across pocket, tactical, collector, and kitchen categories — AR-RPM9 steel appearing across most of the lineup
    CJRB vs. Artisan Cutlery — What's the Actual Difference? Same factory. Same manufacturing team. The differences: CJRB uses more accessible materials (AR-RPM9 vs. premium imported steels, G10 vs. titanium, liner locks vs. titanium frame locks) to hit lower price points. Artisan Cutlery uses premium and exotic materials at higher prices. If you want the best materials the factory can produce: buy Artisan. If you want the best knife the factory can build for under $50–$80: buy CJRB.
    CJRB Series Comparison: Pyrite, Gobi, Feldspar, Tundra, Lanky & More+
    Model / Series Blade Steel (std) Lock Type Blade Shape Best For Approx. Price
    Pyrite AR-RPM9 Button Lock Drop point The flagship — best-selling CJRB, smooth deployment, all-around EDC $40–$55
    Mini Pyrite AR-RPM9 / S90V Button Lock Drop point Compact Pyrite for smaller pockets — same action, reduced footprint $35–$50
    Pyrite-Light AR-RPM9 Button Lock Drop point Ultralight FRN Pyrite — featherweight carry without sacrificing the button lock $30–$40
    Gobi AR-RPM9 / D2 Liner Lock Trailing point Full-size workhorse — sweeping belly, G10 scales, flipper deployment $40–$55
    Feldspar AR-RPM9 Frame Lock / Top Frame Lock Drop point Sleek aluminum frame lock — refined aesthetics, smooth flipper action $45–$60
    Tundra D2 / S35VN Liner Lock + locking pin Drop point / tanto Overbuilt tactical — extra safety locking pin, D2 or S35VN, hard-use capable $55–$80
    Lanky AR-RPM9 / S90V Liner Lock Wharncliffe Ultra-slim aluminum handle — 1.36 oz, ceramic bearing pivot, minimalist carry $35–$55
    Maileah AR-RPM9 / M390 Liner Lock Wharncliffe Compact front flipper (Swaggs design) — deep carry, urban EDC, 2.39" blade $40–$75
    Ekko (Ray Laconico) AR-RPM9 Liner Lock / Button Lock Wharncliffe / sheepsfoot Designer collab — Laconico's sleek ergonomics, front flipper + thumb hole $45–$60
    Prado (Ray Laconico) AR-RPM9 Crossbar Lock Clip point Dress-carry collab — wood or G10 handles, 3.76" blade, under 3.5 oz $45–$60
    Crag AR-RPM9 Liner Lock Sheepsfoot / cleaver Work EDC — tall flat grind, aggressive belly for controlled draw cuts $40–$55
    First CJRB? Start with the Pyrite. The Pyrite is CJRB's best-selling model for good reason — buttery smooth button lock, AR-RPM9 steel, drop point blade, and a price that removes every barrier to entry. It is the knife that made CJRB a household name in the budget EDC space. Start here and you will understand immediately what makes this brand different.
    AR-RPM9 Steel Explained: Artisan Cutlery's Proprietary Powder Steel+

    AR-RPM9 is a powder steel developed exclusively by Artisan Cutlery — it does not exist anywhere else. It was created to give CJRB knives genuine powder-steel performance at a price point where most brands are still using basic stainless or entry-level tool steels.

    What makes it different from budget steels: AR-RPM9 uses a spray-form powder metallurgy process that keeps the grain structure exceptionally fine. Fine grain means better toughness, more consistent hardness across the blade, and improved edge retention compared to conventionally produced steels at the same price. It is not a rebranded 8Cr13MoV or an AUS-6 equivalent — it is a genuinely engineered alloy.

    How it performs:

    • Corrosion resistance: Strong — chromium content keeps rust away under normal use and light moisture exposure
    • Edge retention: Better than most steels at this price — significantly outperforms 8Cr13MoV and AUS-8 class alternatives
    • Sharpening ease: Easy — responds well to basic whetstones, ceramic rods, and pull-through sharpeners
    • Toughness: Good — the fine grain structure improves chip resistance versus comparable conventional steels
    AR-RPM9 vs. D2 vs. S35VN — Which CJRB Steel Should You Choose? AR-RPM9 is the best all-around choice for most CJRB buyers — excellent corrosion resistance, good edge retention, easy to sharpen, and available on virtually every model. D2 (Tundra, Gobi variants) offers better edge retention at the cost of some corrosion resistance and harder sharpening — ideal for dry environments where you prioritize an edge that lasts. S35VN and M390 appear in premium CJRB variants and deliver top-tier performance at a price step up — worth it for buyers who want the best materials the brand offers.
    CJRB Steel Guide: AR-RPM9, D2, S35VN, M390, S90V & Damascus+
    Steel Found On Edge Retention Toughness Corrosion Resistance Best For
    AR-RPM9 Pyrite family, Gobi, Feldspar, Lanky, Maileah, Ekko, most models ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆ The CJRB standard — best all-around choice, proprietary powder steel, excellent value
    D2 Tool Steel Tundra, Gobi D2 variants ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★☆☆ Hard-use and tactical — superior wear resistance, semi-stainless, best for dry environments
    CPM-S35VN Tundra S35VN, select premium variants ★★★★☆ ★★★★★ ★★★★☆ Premium performance tier — best toughness/edge retention balance in the CJRB lineup
    M390 Maileah M390, select collector variants ★★★★★ ★★★☆☆ ★★★★★ Maximum edge retention with excellent corrosion resistance — collector and enthusiast tier
    CPM-S90V Lanky S90V, Mini Pyrite S90V, Kickstarter exclusives ★★★★★ ★★★☆☆ ★★★★★ Extreme edge retention — collector tier; requires CBN or diamond sharpening equipment
    Damascus Select Kickstarter and limited Artisan/CJRB collabs ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆ ★★☆☆☆ Collector aesthetics — exceptional appearance, requires oiling, limited availability
    Lock Type Guide: Button Lock, Liner Lock, Frame Lock, Crossbar Lock & More+

    CJRB offers more lock type variety than almost any other brand in their price range — understanding the differences helps you choose the right mechanism for your carry style.

    Lock Type Found On How It Works Strengths Best For
    Button Lock Pyrite family, Boxer Push button on spine releases blade; spring-loaded engagement Satisfying deployment snap, strong lockup, easy one-handed close EDC enthusiasts who want a premium feel at an accessible price — the Pyrite's signature action
    Liner Lock Gobi, Lanky, Maileah, most folders Spring steel liner flexes to engage blade tang; press liner to close Lightweight, proven, widely familiar First-time buyers, slim profiles, general EDC
    Frame Lock Feldspar, select models Handle frame itself acts as lockbar — no separate liner needed Strong, slim profile, premium feel Buyers who want a refined, slim-carry folder with a secure lock
    Top Frame Lock Feldspar Top Frame variants Frame lock on top of handle — prevents accidental disengagement from grip pressure Improved safety over standard frame lock, ergonomic close Users who carry hard and want extra lock security
    Crossbar Lock Prado (Laconico), Nanner (Rhodes) Horizontal bar engages blade notch; squeeze bar to close Strong, ambidextrous, distinct deployment feel Buyers who want something different from liner/frame — very secure engagement
    Liner Lock + Locking Pin (Tundra)

    CJRB Knives — Frequently Asked Questions

    Expert answers from the team at Knifeworks — your source for the full CJRB lineup including the Pyrite family, Gobi, Feldspar, Tundra, designer collabs, and premium steel variants.

    What is CJRB and how does it relate to Artisan Cutlery?+

    CJRB is a sub-brand of Artisan Cutlery, launched in 2019 to bring Artisan's manufacturing quality to more accessible price points. Every CJRB knife is made in the same facility as Artisan Cutlery's higher-end production models — the same CNC equipment, the same skilled technicians, the same quality control standards. What changes between the two brands: materials. CJRB uses value-engineered materials (primarily their proprietary AR-RPM9 steel, G10, and aluminum handles) to achieve prices under $50–$80 without outsourcing production or compromising manufacturing standards.

    What is AR-RPM9 steel and is it actually good?+

    AR-RPM9 is a proprietary powder steel developed by Artisan Cutlery — it doesn't exist under this name from any other steel producer. It uses a spray-form powder metallurgy process that keeps grain structure exceptionally fine, improving toughness and consistency versus conventional steels at the same price tier. The result is corrosion resistance, edge retention, and sharpening ease that significantly outperforms the 8Cr13MoV and AUS-8 class steels typically found in this price range. It is genuinely good steel — not a rebrand of a commodity alloy. For most EDC uses, AR-RPM9 on a CJRB knife delivers more performance per dollar than nearly anything else available at the same price point.

    Where are CJRB knives made?+

    CJRB knives are made in China, in the same factory as Artisan Cutlery's premium models. The facility was established in 2004 and spent years as an OEM manufacturer for major cutlery brands before Artisan Cutlery was founded on its foundation. CJRB is transparent about this — they do not claim domestic manufacture. What they do claim is that Chinese manufacture in their specific facility, to their specific standards and quality control, produces a knife that dramatically outperforms what most buyers expect from the price point. The knives consistently validate that claim.

    What is the best CJRB knife for everyday carry?+

    The Pyrite is the most defensible first answer for most buyers — button lock, AR-RPM9 drop point blade, excellent deployment feel, under $50. It is CJRB's best-selling model and the knife that established the brand's reputation. For ultralight carry, the Lanky (1.36 oz aluminum handle) or Pyrite-Light (FRN handle) are the right choices. For a full-size workhorse with more belly, the Gobi with its trailing point blade is excellent. For a refined, slimmer carry, the Feldspar's frame lock and clean aluminum handle are the step up.

    How does CJRB compare to Civivi and other budget brands?+

    CJRB and Civivi (WE Knife's sub-brand) are direct competitors — both are premium Chinese production brands targeting the $30–$80 EDC space with quality well above their price. The key differences: CJRB's AR-RPM9 is a proprietary powder steel, while Civivi relies more on 9Cr18MoV (a solid but conventional stainless). CJRB leans heavily into button locks and their distinct deployment feel across the Pyrite family; Civivi tends toward liner locks and ball-bearing flipper action. Both are excellent. CJRB's manufacturing connection to Artisan Cutlery gives their higher tiers access to premium steels (S35VN, M390, S90V) that genuinely compete with knives at twice the price.

    Does CJRB do Kickstarter campaigns and special releases?+

    Yes — CJRB and Artisan Cutlery have run multiple Kickstarter campaigns for special editions and new model launches, often featuring premium steels (S90V across all tiers), exotic handle materials (vintage copper scales, contoured titanium, titanium Damascus inlays), and configurations not available in standard production. These campaigns have successfully funded models including expanded Pyrite variants and premium Lanky configurations. Knifeworks carries standard production CJRB; for Kickstarter exclusives, sign up for CJRB's email list directly at cjrb.net.

    How do I maintain my CJRB knife?+

    CJRB knives are low-maintenance by design. Apply a light coat of oil to the blade before storage, especially after wet use — AR-RPM9 is corrosion resistant but not impervious to prolonged moisture exposure. Apply a drop of pivot oil to the bearing or pivot periodically to maintain smooth action. Sharpen at 20–22° per side using a whetstone, ceramic rod, or pull-through sharpener — AR-RPM9 responds well to standard equipment. If a D2 steel model develops surface spotting, a light application of oil and a wipe with a soft cloth resolves it. Do not disassemble unless necessary — doing so voids the warranty.

    What is CJRB's warranty policy?+

    CJRB and Artisan Cutlery offer a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner covering defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the product. If a covered defect is identified, CJRB will repair or replace the product with an equivalent model. To submit a warranty claim, email service@artisancutlery.net with a description of the issue, the model name and number, clear photos of the knife and defect, and your full name and shipping address. You will receive a return merchandise authorization before shipping. See the full warranty section below.

    ️ CJRB Limited Lifetime Warranty — What You Need to Know

    CJRB (under Artisan Cutlery, Inc.) warrants every knife to the original owner to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the product. If a covered defect is found, CJRB will repair or replace the knife with an equivalent model, or a model of comparable value if the original is no longer available.

    What's Covered: Defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. Repair or replacement at CJRB's discretion.

    What's NOT Covered: Misuse (throwing, prying, using as a chisel) · Abuse or intentional damage · Broken tips from improper use · Chipped edges from improper sharpening · Rust from neglect or improper maintenance · Broken, lost, or bent metal clips · Modifications from original state · Disassembly · Repairs performed by anyone other than CJRB

    How to Submit a Warranty Claim: Email service@artisancutlery.net with:

    • A description of the issue
    • The product model name and number
    • Clear photos of the knife and specific defect
    • Your full name and current shipping address

    CJRB will issue a return merchandise authorization (RMA) — do not ship the knife without first receiving your RMA number. If the returned knife's issue is not due to a material or manufacturing defect, it will not qualify for warranty work. You may opt to have the knife returned at your expense or explore non-warranty repair options.

    Full warranty details at cjrb.net/pages/warranty. The warranty applies to the original owner only and is non-transferable.

    Artisan Cutlery · Same Factory · Accessible Prices

    Premium EDC. Genuine Performance. No Excuses Left Not to Carry One.

    Browse the full CJRB lineup at Knifeworks — from the Pyrite button lock that built the brand, to the Tundra for hard-use tactical carry, to Ray Laconico's Ekko and Prado for buyers who want world-class design geometry at an accessible price. AR-RPM9 steel, real powder metallurgy, real designer collaborations, real quality control. Fast shipping from Columbia, Louisiana.

    Shop All CJRB Knives →