Review: The Artis Opus ‘Duck’ – Have I Finally Found My Golden Goose?
Over the years, I’ve used a whole host of different painting handles, but to be honest, none of them have really worked for me. I usually use them for a while, but very soon they just seem to get in the way rather than helping. I understand the design theory, providing a stable platform, but they just don’t click. Usually, I just end up going back to using corks with minis pinned or blue-tacked in place; it’s cheap and it works. But, being a sucker for something new, I keep looking for that “golden goose” of handles.
While ordering some new brushes, I stumbled across a series of three handles from Artis Opus, known for their high end brushes and sleek aesthetics. I decided to put their medium handle, the Duck, to the test.
The Design: Ergonomics from Nature
The Duck trades the bulky plastic “claw” grips of other handles for a sleek, minimalist approach. The handle is modelled after a real bird egg. Artis Opus claims this isn’t a gimmick but an ergonomic choice designed to mimic how the human hand naturally rests when slightly closed. I have to say, I agree with the marketing on this one, it feels very natural in the hand.
Standing at 57mm tall and 46mm wide, the Duck is designed to be cupped in the palm. It fills my slightly smaller than average hand perfectly, providing a stable “anchor” that helps steady my brush hand. At 64g, it has a satisfying heft that makes it feel like high end equipment rather than a disposable plastic toy.
Features & Performance
The Duck follows a modular system that prioritises speed and flexibility.
The Good:
- The “Universal” Fit: If you only buy one handle from the range, I think this is it; it works for about 95% of standard infantry models (28mm to 40mm).
- Carpal Tunnel Relief: The “Egg” design is great for reducing the cramping and “claw hand” fatigue common with thinner, stick-like handles.
- Premium Presentation: Available in white or black, it looks stunning and could doubles as a nice display plinth for photography.
The Not-So-Good:
- Investment Cost: At roughly £17-£18, it is definitely a premium purchase for what it is.
- The “Metal Disc” Catch: The provided discs are ferrous metal, not magnets. If you use a magnetic carrying case, your minis won’t stick unless you swap the discs for actual neodymium magnets.
- Cork Wear: The cork can eventually compress or crumble over years of heavy use, though replacements are affordable.
The Verdict: Does it survive the hobby schedule?
The Artis Opus Duck is the “everyman” of the handles. It is significantly more comfortable than a standard Citadel handle for long sessions and offers precision that “grip-style” handles can’t match. It is the only handle that has found it’s way into my painting routine. I don’t think about using it I just use it out of habit, which is probably the best praise I can give to a product.
It’s an ideal choice for someone painting standard scale infantry, like Space Marines or Stormcast, who wants a professional tool that looks as good as it performs. As I always say, everything here is reviewed through the lens of a “big kid” who likes his toy soldiers. It won’t make you a Golden Demon winner, but it makes those three hours of painting on a Tuesday night much more enjoyable. And I’m a firm believer that when I’m enjoying my painting I’m actually a better painter. So
Rating: 4.5/5 – This might just be the ultimate “treat yourself” hobby purchase.
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What are you using to steady your minis? Are you a “cork and blue-tac” traditionalist, or have you made the jump to the Egg? Let me know in the comments below!
