There’s something about the Artisan Cutlery CJRB Feldspar that has made it one of the most popular knives in that company’s lineup. Perhaps there are several things.

The CJRB Feldspar lacks the dramatic silhouette and styling of some of the brand’s other knives, notably the Tigris, Crag, and Maileah. But it is in this toned-down simplicity that the Feldspar has succeeded.

It has captured the heart of the knife community pretty succinctly, and here’s why.

Blade Steel

The Artisan Cutlery CJRB Feldspar is made in a few different configurations but the main version features a D2 blade with a flat grind.

For those of you unfamiliar with D2, it’s a tool steel in the budget class that outdoes budget performance at every level.

First, the chemistry. D2 steel contains 1.4-1.6% carbon, 11-13% chromium, 1% cobalt, 1.1% vanadium, .6% manganese, .7-1.2% molybdenum, and traces of silicon, copper, nickel, phosphorus, and sulfur.

With all that carbon (more than .5% more than 1095) it’s no surprise that D2 tool steel can take a wicked heat treatment and hold a viciously sharp edge. It gets a little help from cobalt, manganese, vanadium, and molybdenum, too, as these all increase toughness and wear resistance.

But it’s not so hard that it’s tough to manage. In fact, D2 steel gets great marks when it comes to resharpening. It’s about on the same level as 1095. Maybe it’s a little bit harder to resharpen, but it’s not bad.

Also, if you didn’t notice, 11-13% chromium is a whole boatload. This greatly increases the corrosion resistance of the blade. It will rust, but it’s definitely not something you can’t manage. Just be smart about how you use, and clean, the blade (and how you store it, for that matter).

With D2, you ultimately get the best of all worlds: toughness, corrosion resistance, and edge retention.

Why the Blade Profile Works

The Feldspar’s 3” blade can honestly only be described as nondescript. It’s also what can only be fairly called a “textbook drop point” with a flat grind and a stonewash finish (the flagship model, at least).

Plain as it is, everything about the generic drop-point blade is something that most “EDC practitioners” not only want to see, but can use.

The point is fine enough for carving and detail work without verging on fragility, as some clip points are. The belly is adequate for most slicing tasks, and is aided in no small part by the flat grind.

The blade is perfectly sized for most general tasks. It doesn’t necessarily excel at any one thing, but you could use it to open envelopes, prepare lunch, or carve a toothpick in camp. It can do all of these things with fair facility.

All in all, plain as the blade is, it’s the perfect size and shape for just about most everyday tasks.

Handle Scales and Ergonomics

Most Artisan Cutlery CJRB Feldspar models are made with G10 scales that are CNC machined and contoured and textured for superior grip and comfort.

Like the blade, there is something generic about the dimensions and style of the scales, but again, it works perfectly and the knife is very comfortable to hold.

In the hammer grip, saber grip, reverse grips and even the pinch grip, the knife feels well-balanced and responsive. That aids the utility of the knife.

The handles are well rounded, comfortable, and lack any sore, sharp, or hot spots. Also, there is a gentle swell at the rear which helps aid in grip and retention. While there’s no true choil, there’s a bit of a recess near the shoulder which reduces the chance of slipping.

All in all, like the blade steel and profile, the handle scales and dimensions are highly ergonomic.

Pivot Mechanism and Lock

Like many other CJRB knives, the Feldspar is made with the highest-quality materials that strike the perfect balance between high performance and price: the lock and, specifically, the pivot mechanism are due some fair credit here.

The liner lock itself is a fairly generic standard, but like other CJRB knives, the Feldspar features a caged ceramic ball-bearing that is silky smooth from day one. You don’t need to break it in, but rest assured, it only gets better from there.

Other nice features include a reversible, tip-up pocket clip and a lanyard hole in the scales, as well as dual thumb studs that improve the practicality of the platform.

Functionality at an Attractive Price Point

Overall, the CJRB Feldspar is a great knife, and at the price point, it’s fairly hard to beat. That’s probably its biggest selling point; it combines a lot of solid features and quality materials in a surprisingly affordable package.

Two Exclusive Artisan Cutlery CJRB Feldspar Models to Investigate

In addition to the standard Artisan Cutlery CJRB Feldspar models we sell here, we also offer a variety of additional models and variants, such as Feldspars with AR-RPM9 blades and carbon fiber scales.

But, likely, the two coolest Feldspar models we offer are White Mountain Knives exclusives. If you’re looking for a really cool Feldspar, check out one of our button-lock Feldspars, or even better, our exclusive carbon-handle framelock Feldspar with an M390 super-steel blade.

Check them out via the previous links and as always, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at WhiteMountainKnives@gmail.com.