The Schaub Artifex knob collection brings authentic pewter aesthetics to cabinet hardware through Britannium construction — a tin-based alloy that’s naturally lead-free. Unlike standard zinc hardware with pewter plating that can chip or wear, these knobs develop a living finish that gets better with age.
Two size options cover most cabinet applications. Both use the same Britannium material and living finish approach, but differ in scale and projection.
Britannium Material Sets These Apart
The Britannium material offers a more authentic pewter/silver look compared to standard brass or zinc with pewter plating. Britannium is naturally lead-free (tin-based alloy). This isn’t marketing fluff. Tin-based alloys have been used for centuries in fine pewter because they develop character through oxidation that plated finishes can’t match.
Living finishes should be handled carefully to avoid uneven initial oxidation. Translation: these knobs will change over time. That’s the point. No finish warranty for ‘Living Finishes’ (Natural/Dark Pewter). Schaub doesn’t apologize for this — they lean into it. A living finish means each knob develops its own patina based on use patterns and environment.
For Montana homes where rustic and farmhouse styles dominate, this natural aging fits perfectly. The knobs won’t look factory-fresh after five years. They’ll look better.
Size and Specification Breakdown
| Specification | Series 131 | Series 132 |
|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 1-1/2 in (38 mm) | 1-1/8 in (28.6 mm) |
| Projection | 1-3/8 in (35 mm) or 1-1/2 in (38 mm) | 1-1/4 in (31.8 mm) |
| Base Diameter | 5/8 in (16 mm) | 5/8 in (15.9 mm) |
| Screw Thread | 8-32 or M4 (Metric) | M4 (Metric) |
| Material | Britannium (Tin-based alloy) | Britannium |
Series 131 serves as the standard cabinet knob — chunky enough to grab easily with cold or gloved hands. The dual projection options (1-3/8” or 1-1/2”) let contractors match existing hardware profiles during renovations.
Series 132 scales down for upper cabinets, bathroom vanities, or anywhere a more delicate profile works better. The metric-only threading on the 132 series suggests European cabinet compatibility.
Both series include mounting hardware. Standard single-hole through-mounting. Included (usually M4 or 8-32 machine screws).
Living Finish Reality Check
Hand-tighten only — power tools create heat that can cause uneven oxidation patterns on initial installation. This matters because living finishes should be handled carefully to avoid uneven initial oxidation.
The no-warranty policy on living finishes isn’t a cop-out. It’s honest. These knobs will tarnish, develop spots, and show use patterns. Some areas will stay bright where hands touch frequently. Others will darken. That’s living finish behavior, not a defect.
Pairs well with Rustic, Farmhouse, Industrial, and Transitional decor. All styles where perfection isn’t the goal. The knobs work because they age naturally alongside reclaimed wood, weathered metal, and other materials that show their history.
Real-World Performance
4.9/5 stars (based on 103 reviews from CabinetParts.com). Excellent quality and heavy feel. Accurate representation of finish. Heavy matters in cabinet hardware. Lightweight knobs feel cheap and break at the worst times. Britannium delivers heft without the lead content of traditional pewter alloys.
Compatible with Artifex cup pulls and standard pulls. This lets contractors maintain consistent material and finish across an entire kitchen without mixing alloy types.
Limited Lifetime Warranty (Defects in material and workmanship). Note this covers mechanical function, not finish. The knob won’t break, but it will age.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do Artifex knobs work with standard cabinet doors?
Standard cabinet hole patterns. Any cabinet drilled for standard knobs accepts these. No special prep required.
Q: What’s the actual difference between Series 131 and 132?
Size and projection. Series 131 measures 1-1/2” diameter with longer projection options. Series 132 scales down to 1-1/8” diameter with shorter 1-1/4” projection. Pick 131 for main cabinets, 132 for uppers or smaller doors.
Q: How do these compare to regular pewter-finish knobs?
Britannium material offers a more authentic pewter/silver look compared to standard brass or zinc with pewter plating. Plated knobs show brass or zinc when the coating chips. Britannium goes all the way through.
Q: Will these knobs match existing pewter hardware?
Initially, maybe. Over time, no. Living finishes develop their own patina based on use and environment. That’s the point — each piece becomes unique.
Q: Are these safe for kitchen use?
Britannium is naturally lead-free (tin-based alloy). California Proposition 65 warning is present on product packaging, but that warning appears on nearly everything sold in California.
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