Where Are CJRB Knives Made? Inside Artisan’s Yangjiang Factory [2026]

How does a CJRB Pyrite deliver a button lock, smooth action, and solid fit and finish for around $40? Much of the answer comes down to where it’s manufactured and the production expertise behind its parent company, Artisan Cutlery.

CJRB knives are made in Yangjiang, Guangdong Province, China, at the same manufacturing facility used by Artisan Cutlery. Launched in 2019 as Artisan’s budget-focused knife brand, CJRB benefits from an established OEM manufacturing operation dating back to 2004. The two brands share manufacturing resources while targeting different price points and customer needs.

CJRB Knives: Quick Facts

Where are CJRB knives made?

CJRB knives are manufactured in Yangjiang, Guangdong Province, China, at the same facility that produces Artisan Cutlery knives. Both brands share manufacturing resources, production expertise, and quality control processes, although they serve different price segments.

Yangjiang has a long history of knife manufacturing and is home to an established network of blade steel suppliers, machining specialists, and component manufacturers. This gives brands like CJRB access to specialized production capabilities without having to develop every manufacturing process independently.

How Are CJRB Knives Manufactured?

CJRB benefits from the machining and production capabilities associated with Artisan’s established manufacturing operation. Key equipment and processes include:

• CNC machining: Produces precisely shaped components, including blades, handles, and internal parts, to specified dimensions.
• Wire EDM: Enables accurate cutting of complex metal profiles and components where tight tolerances are required.
• Laser engraving: Adds logos, model markings, and other identifying details to knife components.
• Assembly and quality control: Includes checking blade alignment, lock engagement, pivot action, and overall fit and finish.

From a manufacturer’s perspective, the advantage of these capabilities is repeatability. Consistent machining and assembly processes help reduce variation between individual knives, particularly when producing larger quantities.

Why Does CJRB Share a Factory with Artisan Cutlery?

Sharing manufacturing infrastructure allows CJRB to benefit from equipment, technical expertise, and established production systems without bearing the cost of a separate manufacturing operation.

The brands differentiate their products primarily through blade steel selections, handle materials, design features, and finishing requirements. Artisan generally targets a higher price segment, while CJRB focuses on more accessible everyday carry knives.

At Kegani, we understand why this factory-brand model appeals to knife businesses. An established OEM manufacturing operation can support multiple product tiers while using common production resources and quality control procedures.

However, sharing a factory doesn’t automatically guarantee identical quality. Material specifications, acceptable tolerances, inspection requirements, and finishing standards still determine how consistently each model performs.

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This list of active OEM knife manufacturers is your go-to resource!

Who Makes CJRB Knives?

CJRB knives are made by Artisan Cutlery, a US-based knife company that operates its own manufacturing facility in Yangjiang, China. CJRB was introduced in 2019 as Artisan’s budget-focused sister brand, offering affordable everyday carry knives backed by an established manufacturing operation.

Unlike brands that rely entirely on third-party factories, Artisan has a direct relationship with its Yangjiang production facility. CJRB and Artisan share manufacturing resources and production expertise, allowing both brands to serve different market segments.

How Did CJRB Get Started?

CJRB’s history begins well before the brand itself was launched.

Year	Milestone
2004	Yangjiang factory established for OEM knife manufacturing, according to Artisan Cutlery
2018	Artisan Cutlery launched as a US-based knife brand working directly with its Chinese manufacturing facility
2019	CJRB introduced as Artisan’s more affordable sister brand
2025	CJRB expanded its proprietary steel offerings with AR-SFII

The distinction between these dates matters. Artisan’s factory dates back to 2004, but the Artisan Cutlery brand was founded in 2018, followed by CJRB in 2019.

Is CJRB an American Company?

CJRB is a Chinese-manufactured knife brand owned by the US-based Artisan Cutlery business.

Its American corporate entity, ARTISANCUTLERY INC, is located in Chino Hills, California, where the company maintains its US business and customer service presence. Knife manufacturing takes place in Yangjiang, Guangdong Province.

For buyers, this means CJRB combines a US business presence with Chinese manufacturing. Its California address should not be mistaken for a US production facility.

What Does CJRB Stand For?

There is no officially confirmed expansion of the name CJRB published by Artisan Cutlery.

Within the knife community, CJRB is commonly interpreted as “China Jiang Ren Blade.” The Chinese term jiang ren (匠人) translates to “craftsman” or “artisan,” which would make the name consistent with its parent brand’s identity.

However, this remains an unofficial interpretation rather than a verified explanation from Artisan.

You may also notice model identification codes such as J1904 and J1925 associated with CJRB knives. These J-prefix codes help distinguish products within the brand’s catalog, although Artisan has not publicly explained the complete numbering convention.

From our perspective as a Yangjiang knife manufacturer, CJRB’s development illustrates how an established OEM factory can build its own consumer brands using existing production capabilities, supplier relationships, and manufacturing knowledge.

What Steel Does CJRB Use?

CJRB primarily uses AR-RPM9, AR-SFII, and D2 blade steels, with 12C27, S35VN, and S90V available on selected models. These steels cover different priorities, from corrosion resistance and everyday cutting to higher hardness and wear resistance.

As knife manufacturers, we always recommend looking beyond the steel name. Heat treatment, blade geometry, and manufacturing consistency have a significant influence on how a knife actually performs.

AR-RPM9: CJRB’s Signature Spray-Form Steel

AR-RPM9 is CJRB’s proprietary stainless blade steel, used across popular models such as the Pyrite, Ekko, Scoria, and Gobi.

One important detail deserves clarification: AR-RPM9 is frequently described online as a powder metallurgy steel, but independent metallurgical analysis indicates it is produced using a spray-form process.

Chemically, AR-RPM9 is essentially 9Cr18MoV stainless steel with a small cobalt addition.

Element	Published Composition
Carbon (C)	0.90%
Chromium (Cr)	18.00%
Molybdenum (Mo)	1.00%
Manganese (Mn)	0.45%
Vanadium (V)	0.10%
Cobalt (Co)	0.30%
Silicon (Si)	0.20–0.80%
Nickel (Ni)	Less than 0.40%

Spray-form processing can produce a finer carbide structure than conventional casting, potentially improving toughness. However, it does not provide all the microstructural advantages associated with powder metallurgy.

Thomas estimated AR-RPM9’s toughness at approximately 8–12 ft-lbs, compared with around 6 ft-lbs for 440C at 59 HRC. This is an estimate based on comparable steel-processing research, rather than a direct toughness measurement of AR-RPM9.

Its expected edge retention, hardness, and corrosion resistance remain broadly comparable to 9Cr18MoV and conventional 440C steel.

Our assessment: AR-RPM9 is a practical choice for everyday carry. Its corrosion resistance and manageable sharpening requirements are useful for general-purpose cutting, although buyers should not expect premium powder metallurgy performance simply because the steel has a proprietary name.

AR-SFII: CJRB’s Second-Generation Steel

CJRB introduced AR-SFII in January 2025 as its second-generation proprietary spray-form steel.

The steel debuted on models including the Bowie Pyrite, Prado, and Hectare, with a specified hardness range of 60–62 HRC.

That hardness range is notable because it indicates an emphasis on wear resistance and edge stability, provided the blade receives appropriate heat treatment.

However, hardness alone cannot establish whether AR-SFII offers better edge retention or toughness than AR-RPM9. Those properties also depend on composition, carbide structure, and blade geometry.

From a manufacturing perspective, a higher hardness specification also requires careful process control. Inconsistent heat treatment can produce noticeable differences in cutting performance even between blades made from the same steel.

Our assessment: AR-SFII represents an interesting development in CJRB’s steel lineup. Its higher specified hardness may appeal to buyers seeking longer edge life, but independent comparative testing is needed before drawing firm performance conclusions.

D2, 12C27, S90V, and S35VN Variants

CJRB also uses established blade steels across its product range, allowing buyers to prioritize different performance characteristics.

Blade Steel	CJRB Models	Main Advantage	Key Trade-Off
D2	Feldspar, Centros, Doubletap	Good abrasive wear resistance	Lower corrosion resistance
12C27	Selected Ria variants	Corrosion resistance and ease of sharpening	Moderate wear resistance
S35VN	Ria exclusive, limited Centros	Balanced toughness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance	Higher material cost
S90V	Galactic Pyrite, select Maximal and Pyrite variants	High abrasive wear resistance	More demanding sharpening

D2 remains a useful choice for buyers who prioritize wear resistance and are comfortable maintaining a semi-stainless blade. For humid environments or frequent exposure to moisture, AR-RPM9 and 12C27 are generally more convenient options.

S35VN and S90V introduce premium powder metallurgy steels into selected CJRB models. S35VN provides a balanced combination of properties, while S90V emphasizes wear resistance through its high vanadium carbide content.

These premium variants also demonstrate how CJRB has expanded beyond its original entry-level positioning.

For buyers comparing steels, we recommend considering the intended cutting tasks, corrosion exposure, sharpening requirements, and actual heat treatment before paying extra for a premium grade. A well-executed blade in a conventional steel can be more practical than an expensive steel poorly matched to its intended use.

CJRB Models and Where Each Is Made

All CJRB knife models are manufactured in Yangjiang, Guangdong, China, at Artisan Cutlery’s manufacturing facility. Whether you’re buying an entry-level Feldspar, the popular Pyrite, or a premium S90V edition, the manufacturing origin remains the same.

What changes between models is the blade steel, locking mechanism, handle material, and level of finishing.

CJRB has also expanded considerably since its 2019 launch. Alongside established models like the Gobi and Centros, its 2025–2026 lineup includes the Lanky, Pyrite-Light, Latitude, Mega Maximal, and Mutt.

Popular CJRB Knife Models Compared

The table below covers representative configurations. Some models are available in multiple steels, handle materials, and locking mechanisms, so specifications can vary by SKU.

CJRB Model	Blade Steel	Lock Type	Product Tier
Pyrite / Pyrite-Alt / Mini Pyrite	AR-RPM9; S90V limited editions	Button lock	Everyday EDC / premium variants
Pyrite-Light	AR-RPM9; select S90V variants	Button lock	Entry-level EDC
Feldspar	D2, AR-RPM9; S35VN special editions	Liner lock	Entry-level / upgraded
Crag	D2, AR-RPM9	Liner lock; Recoil Lock variants	Entry-level / midrange
Gobi	AR-RPM9, D2; premium variants	Liner lock; frame lock variants	Everyday EDC / premium
Maximal	AR-RPM9, AR-SFII, S90V	Crossbar lock	Midrange / premium
Ria	AR-RPM9, 12C27, S35VN	Liner lock	Slim EDC / premium
Centros	D2; S35VN limited editions	Liner lock	Entry-level / premium
Tigris	AR-RPM9	Liner lock	Everyday EDC
Ekko	AR-RPM9	Button lock	Midrange EDC
Shale	AR-RPM9	Crossbar lock	Everyday EDC
Lanky	AR-RPM9; S90V variants	Liner lock	Slim EDC / premium
Latitude	AR-RPM9; S35VN variant	Top liner lock	Midrange / premium
Mega Maximal	AR-RPM9	Crossbar lock	Full-size EDC
Mutt	AR-RPM9	Fixed blade, no folding lock	Outdoor / utility

Product tiers describe relative positioning rather than official CJRB classifications. Check the individual model number before purchasing, particularly for limited editions.

Which CJRB Model Should You Choose?

For most buyers, the Pyrite is a sensible starting point. Its button lock, practical blade geometry, and AR-RPM9 steel make it suitable for typical everyday cutting tasks.

However, other models are worth considering depending on your priorities:

• Budget-conscious buyers: The Pyrite-Light offers a more affordable entry point with lightweight FRN handles.
• Traditional folding-knife users: The Feldspar and Ria provide familiar liner-lock designs.
• Larger hands: The Mega Maximal offers a longer handle and 3.43-inch blade, compared with the standard Maximal’s 2.95-inch blade.
• Slim-pocket carry: The Lanky uses a narrow handle and relatively thin blade stock, making it particularly suited to everyday slicing.
• Premium-material enthusiasts: Select Pyrite and Maximal variants offer S90V steel and upgraded handle materials.
• Fixed-blade users: The Mutt offers an alternative to CJRB’s predominantly folding-knife lineup.

If you’re unfamiliar with the differences between button, liner, and crossbar mechanisms, our guide to knife lock types explains how each works and what to consider.

What Do These Models Tell Us About CJRB’s Manufacturing?

From our perspective as a Yangjiang knife manufacturer, one interesting aspect of CJRB’s lineup is how the company develops multiple product tiers around established manufacturing capabilities.

The Maximal family is a useful example. CJRB offers the standard model in AR-RPM9, an upgraded AR-SFII configuration, and a premium S90V version with titanium handles.

This approach allows a manufacturer to serve different customer budgets while retaining common design features and production expertise.

However, even models within the same family can require different machining, heat-treatment, and finishing processes. Premium materials also introduce additional inspection requirements and manufacturing costs.

For anyone considering their own private label or OEM knife line, CJRB demonstrates how a broader product range can develop from established designs, controlled specifications, and carefully selected material upgrades.

The takeaway for retail buyers is straightforward: you don’t need to purchase CJRB’s most expensive model to benefit from its established manufacturing operation. Choose the blade steel, size, and locking mechanism that best match how you’ll actually use the knife.

Are CJRB Knives Good Quality?

Yes, CJRB knives offer impressive value in the 30-60 price range, particularly for everyday carry (EDC). Models like the Pyrite and Feldspar offer smooth action, practical blade steels, and fit and finish that compete well with more expensive folding knives.

Much of this comes from CJRB’s relationship with Artisan Cutlery. Both brands benefit from the same established Yangjiang manufacturing operation, although individual models have different materials, specifications, and finishing requirements.

What Does CJRB Do Well?

CJRB has built its reputation around several manufacturing and design strengths:

• Smooth blade action: Many models use ceramic ball-bearing pivots, allowing the blade to open smoothly with relatively little resistance.
• Comfortable handle finishing: Chamfered edges help eliminate uncomfortable sharp corners, while materials such as G10, micarta, and FRN provide different combinations of grip, weight, and durability.
• Consistent fit and finish: Clean machining, generally well-centered blades, and properly fitted components are recurring positives in reviews.
• Practical blade steels: AR-RPM9 offers good corrosion resistance and manageable sharpening, while D2 and premium steel variants accommodate different cutting priorities.
• Accessible locking mechanisms: CJRB offers button, liner, and crossbar locks across its lineup, giving buyers several options without requiring a premium budget.

Where Do CJRB Knives Fall Short?

CJRB’s pricing comes with some compromises, and buyers should understand them before purchasing.

• Occasional pivot grit: Some owners report gritty or inconsistent action straight out of the box. Cleaning and properly lubricating the pivot may resolve minor issues, although persistent problems warrant warranty support.
• Lock break-in: Certain button-lock and crossbar-lock models can feel stiff initially. The action may improve with normal use, but unreliable lock engagement should never be dismissed as a break-in issue.
• Limited premium steel options: Most mainstream CJRB models use AR-RPM9 or D2. Buyers seeking higher wear resistance or specific premium steels may need to consider limited editions or competing brands.
• Everyday-use limitations: CJRB’s folding knives are primarily designed for controlled cutting tasks. Prying, twisting under heavy loads, or using the blade as a striking tool can damage the tip, pivot, or locking mechanism.

These limitations don’t make CJRB unreliable. They reflect the importance of choosing a knife suited to its intended use and inspecting individual products rather than assuming every unit performs identically.

Manufacturer’s Note: Does Sharing a Factory Improve Quality?

From our perspective as a knife manufacturer in Yangjiang, sharing production infrastructure can improve manufacturing consistency, but it doesn’t automatically mean two brands have identical quality standards.

A factory producing both budget and premium knives can use established machining equipment, trained operators, and common inspection procedures across multiple product lines.

However, the final result still depends on each model’s specifications.

For example, a premium knife may require tighter cosmetic tolerances, additional finishing operations, or more extensive inspection than an entry-level model. Heat-treatment consistency, blade centering, and lock engagement also need to be verified regardless of price.

CJRB’s advantage is access to an established manufacturing operation without having to support an entirely separate production facility.

Our verdict: CJRB is a strong choice for buyers who want a dependable everyday carry knife without spending $100 or more. The Pyrite and Feldspar are especially practical starting points, provided their size, blade steel, and locking mechanisms match your needs.

How Does CJRB Compare to Other Knife Brands?

CJRB competes most directly with Civivi, Kizer, and QSP in the affordable everyday carry (EDC) knife market. Its biggest selling points are accessible pricing, practical blade steels, and manufacturing experience shared with Artisan Cutlery.

However, brands like Benchmade and Buck appeal to different buyers, particularly those who prioritize American manufacturing, established warranties, or premium blade materials.

CJRB vs. Civivi, Kizer, Benchmade, Buck, and QSP

Here’s how these brands compare in terms of manufacturing origin, blade steels, pricing, and market positioning.

Knife Brand	Manufacturing Origin	Common Blade Steels	Approx. Price Range	Market Position
CJRB	Yangjiang, China	AR-RPM9, D2, AR-SFII; select S90V	30-60	Affordable EDC folders with modern locks
Civivi	China, manufactured by WE Knife	Nitro-V, 14C28N, D2	40-100	Affordable EDC knives emphasizing action and finishing
Kizer	China	154CM, Nitro-V, S35VN	50-150+	Broad lineup spanning budget and premium EDC
Benchmade	USA, primarily Oregon	S30V, S90V, MagnaCut	150-300+	Premium American-made EDC and outdoor knives
Buck	USA and select overseas facilities	420HC, S35VN, other model-specific steels	30-150+	Traditional hunting, utility, and outdoor knives
QSP	China	D2, 14C28N, S35VN	25-100+	Value-oriented EDC with varied materials and designs

Prices are approximate retail ranges for representative models, not fixed brand-wide limits. Premium editions and special releases may cost considerably more.

CJRB vs. Civivi: Which Is Better?

Civivi is probably CJRB’s closest competitor, particularly for buyers looking for a folding EDC knife under $70.

Both brands come from established Chinese knife manufacturers. CJRB is backed by Artisan Cutlery, while Civivi operates under WE Knife.

Civivi has developed a strong reputation for smooth deployment, consistent finishing, and accessible steels such as Nitro-V and 14C28N. CJRB competes with models like the Pyrite, which combines AR-RPM9 steel with a button-lock mechanism at a relatively low price.

We wouldn’t recommend choosing between them based on manufacturing country or brand reputation alone.

If you prefer Nitro-V or 14C28N, Civivi may offer more suitable options. If you like the Pyrite’s button lock, dimensions, and price, CJRB makes a compelling alternative.

CJRB vs. Kizer: Which Offers Better Value?

Kizer generally offers a broader selection of midrange and premium folding knives, including models with 154CM, S35VN, and more elaborate handle construction.

CJRB focuses more heavily on affordability, although its limited-edition models increasingly overlap with higher price tiers.

For someone purchasing a first EDC knife, a $40 CJRB may be sufficient. Kizer becomes particularly interesting when you want a specific designer collaboration, upgraded materials, or features unavailable in CJRB’s lineup.

CJRB vs. Benchmade and Buck

Benchmade and Buck serve somewhat different audiences.

Benchmade emphasizes American manufacturing, premium materials, and proprietary locking systems such as the AXIS lock. Its significantly higher pricing reflects a different combination of labor costs, production requirements, and brand positioning.

Buck is known for traditional hunting and utility knives, including longstanding designs like the 110 Folding Hunter. Some models are made in the USA, while others are sourced internationally, so country of origin should be checked individually.

CJRB is generally the more accessible option for modern pocket knives, while Benchmade and Buck may be better suited to buyers with specific preferences for American-made products or traditional designs.

CJRB vs. QSP: Which Budget Brand Wins?

CJRB and QSP occupy similar price segments, making individual specifications especially important.

QSP offers models using D2, 14C28N, and other steels, while CJRB relies heavily on its proprietary AR-RPM9 across mainstream products.

Both manufacturers offer lightweight handles, modern designs, and practical folding mechanisms. A buyer comparing a QSP Penguin with a CJRB Pyrite, for example, should consider blade shape, lock preference, grip comfort, and maintenance requirements.

Our Verdict: Which Brand Should You Choose?

From our perspective as a Yangjiang knife manufacturer, manufacturing consistency matters more than the brand name printed on the blade.

A well-made folding knife needs appropriate heat treatment, accurate machining, secure lock engagement, and reliable assembly. These requirements apply whether a knife costs $40 or $200.

CJRB is particularly competitive for buyers prioritizing value and modern EDC features. Civivi and QSP are strong alternatives in similar price ranges, while Kizer, Benchmade, and Buck offer different advantages depending on materials, design preferences, and manufacturing origin.

For most buyers, we’d recommend comparing two or three specific models within the same budget rather than assuming one brand is universally better.

Why Yangjiang? China’s Knife Capital

Yangjiang, Guangdong Province, is China’s largest knife and scissors manufacturing hub, accounting for roughly 70% of national production and 85% of export volume. It’s also home to CJRB, Artisan Cutlery, and several other internationally recognized knife manufacturers.

The city earned the official title “China’s Capital of Knives and Scissors” in 2001, reflecting its longstanding specialization in blade manufacturing.

For buyers, the advantage goes beyond lower production costs. Yangjiang has an established supply chain covering blade steels, CNC machining, heat treatment, handle production, assembly, and quality inspection.

How Large Is Yangjiang’s Knife Industry?

Yangjiang’s manufacturing scale helps explain why brands such as CJRB can offer sophisticated folding knives at competitive prices.

Industry Metric	Reported Figure	Source
Share of China’s knife and scissors production	Approximately 70%	Jiangcheng District Commerce Bureau, January 2023
Share of China’s knife and scissors exports	Approximately 85%	Jiangcheng District Commerce Bureau, January 2023
Industry chain value	Over RMB 55 billion (approximately US$7.9 billion)	2025 industry reporting
Registered knife-related business entities	More than 8,500	Yangjiang municipal government, October 2026
Manufacturing enterprises	More than 2,000	October 2025 industry reporting
Industry employment	Nearly 200,000 workers	Yangjiang municipal government, October 2026
Official recognition	China’s Capital of Knives and Scissors, 2001	Industry historical records

These figures refer to China’s knife and scissors industry, not global production. The 8,500 business entities include manufacturers and supporting businesses; they should not be interpreted as 8,500 factories. Other reports place Yangjiang’s production share closer to 75%.

Why Do International Knife Brands Manufacture Here?

Yangjiang’s biggest advantage is its concentration of specialized suppliers and manufacturing capabilities.

A knife manufacturer can source blade materials, precision-machined components, handle scales, packaging, and finishing services from businesses operating within the same industrial cluster.

This creates several practical advantages:

• Lower sourcing costs: Nearby suppliers reduce transportation requirements and make component procurement more efficient.
• Specialized manufacturing expertise: Factories can access experienced machinists, heat-treatment providers, and finishing specialists.
• Faster problem resolution: Components that fail inspection can often be reworked or replaced locally, reducing unnecessary shipping delays.
• Flexible production options: Brands can source stock designs, modify existing platforms, or develop fully customized OEM knives.
• Established quality-control services: Local testing and inspection providers support steel verification, hardness testing, and dimensional checks.

As knife manufacturers operating in Yangjiang, we see the value of this ecosystem in how production is organized. A company developing a new folding knife may need several specialized processes, and coordinating them becomes easier when the relevant suppliers are concentrated geographically.

However, geographic proximity doesn’t guarantee reliable quality. Factories still need documented specifications, incoming-material inspection, and consistent production controls.

Which Western Knife Brands Use Yangjiang OEM Factories?

Yangjiang’s manufacturing expertise also supports knife brands serving North American and European markets.

For example, Reate Knives operates as an OEM manufacturer and has produced knives for brands and collaborations associated with The James Brand, Peña X-Series, and Chaves.

WE Knife is another established Chinese manufacturer with OEM capabilities. It also operates its own consumer brands, Civivi and Sencut, serving different price segments.

These arrangements show how the region supports two common business models: manufacturing knives for outside brands and producing knives under a factory’s own brand names.

CJRB follows the second approach. Its parent company, Artisan Cutlery, developed a manufacturing operation that originally served OEM customers before launching its own knife brands.

For readers interested in other production partners, our guide to China knife manufacturers covers the broader sourcing landscape.

CJRB Warranty and Customer Service

CJRB offers a limited lifetime warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship for the original knife owner. If a qualifying defect is confirmed, Artisan Cutlery may repair the knife or replace it with an equivalent model.

The warranty applies to manufacturing defects rather than damage caused by everyday wear, improper maintenance, or misuse.

What Does CJRB’s Warranty Cover?

However, several exclusions are worth understanding before purchasing.

Covered Issues	Not Covered
Confirmed manufacturing defects	Damage from throwing, prying, or other misuse
Defective materials	Broken blade tips caused by improper use
Workmanship-related defects	Chipped edges and improper sharpening
Eligible repairs or equivalent replacements	Rust caused by neglect
	Broken, lost, or bent pocket clips
	Unauthorized repairs or modifications

CJRB also states that repairs performed by third parties or modifications to the original knife can void warranty coverage.

From a manufacturer’s perspective, these restrictions are understandable. Folding knives are designed around specific cutting loads, pivot tolerances, and locking mechanisms. Using a blade for prying or applying excessive lateral pressure can damage components even when the knife was manufactured correctly.

Does CJRB Accept Returns and Exchanges?

Yes. CJRB provides additional purchase protections alongside its limited lifetime warranty.

Policy	Coverage
14-day DOA guarantee	Protection for products that arrive defective or nonfunctional
30-day returns	Eligible purchases can be returned within 30 days
30-day exchanges	Replacement options for qualifying defective, damaged, or incorrect items
Limited lifetime warranty	Manufacturing defects affecting the original owner

The policy also lists a $5 return fee for US orders, while international customers are responsible for return shipping costs.

We recommend checking these conditions before ordering, particularly if you’re purchasing from outside the United States.

How Do You Make a CJRB Warranty Claim?

CJRB handles warranty requests through Artisan Cutlery’s customer support system.

The process is straightforward:

Artisan Cutlery’s US corporate entity, ARTISANCUTLERY INC, is based in Chino Hills, California.

However, its published California business address is explicitly not a return address. Customers should obtain the correct shipping instructions from support before sending anything.

Where Can You Buy Genuine CJRB Knives?

CJRB knives are available through the brand’s official store and established knife retailers.

Our recommendation: Buy through CJRB directly or a recognized retailer, and keep your purchase confirmation.

For limited-edition models, verify the exact blade steel, handle material, and model number before ordering. The same CJRB model family can include configurations with significantly different specifications and prices.

CJRB’s warranty is reassuring for buyers considering an affordable EDC knife, but proper use and routine maintenance remain essential for long-term reliability.

What CJRB’s Playbook Means for Your Knife Brand

CJRB demonstrates how an established OEM knife manufacturer can build its own consumer brand using existing production capabilities, supplier relationships, and quality control systems.

According to Artisan Cutlery, its Yangjiang factory began OEM production in 2004, before the Artisan brand launched in 2018 and CJRB followed in 2019.

That manufacturing background gave the company an established foundation for developing its own knife lines. Instead of building a new production operation for each brand, Artisan could use its existing infrastructure while differentiating products through blade steels, handle materials, design, and pricing.

For entrepreneurs planning a knife brand, there’s a practical lesson here: choosing an experienced manufacturing partner can reduce the complexity of product development, particularly when you’re working with limited capital or launching your first collection.

How Do You Choose an OEM Knife Manufacturer?

We recommend evaluating manufacturers based on their actual production capabilities, material sourcing practices, and quality control procedures.

What to Verify	What to Look For
Factory vs. trading company	Business license, factory address, production equipment, and willingness to arrange a factory inspection
Blade steel sourcing	Confirmed steel grades, material certificates, and documented sourcing arrangements
Quality control	Hardness testing, blade centering, lock engagement checks, and pre-shipment inspection
MOQ requirements	Written minimum order quantities by model, material, and customization level
Production lead time	Separate timelines for sampling, mass production, and shipping
Design protection	Clear ownership of drawings, tooling, and intellectual property

At Kegani, our manufacturing services typically accommodate MOQs of 100–500 units, depending on the product and customization requirements.

For a first custom OEM project, we generally plan around 18–22 weeks door to door, including approximately 2–4 weeks for prototyping, 45–75 days for mass production after sample approval and deposit, and 3–5 weeks for ocean freight and customs. Complex projects may take up to six months.

These are planning ranges rather than guaranteed schedules. Final quantities and production timelines need to be confirmed against the actual design and specifications.

Should You Start With Private Label or OEM?

If you’re launching your first knife collection, private label production may be the more practical starting point.

You can work with an established knife design and customize elements such as branding, finishes, and packaging. This generally requires less development work than creating an entirely new knife.

Full OEM manufacturing gives you greater control over blade geometry, locking mechanisms, handle construction, and other design details. However, it can also introduce tooling costs, more extensive sampling, and additional quality control requirements.

Our guide to private label knife manufacturers explains how these arrangements work, while our OEM knife manufacturing services cover fully customized projects.

From the factory floor: Steel verification and sample approval deserve particular attention before mass production. At Kegani, we help brands establish material specifications, review prototypes, and define quality requirements before committing to production. Start a conversation with our team to discuss your knife project.

Frequently Asked Questions

Selecting the right knife manufacturer and understanding product quality are crucial for knife sellers. Let’s explore some common questions about CJRB knives and knife manufacturing.