Civivi Cogent: initial impressions.

[craytab]

Just got this thing in the mail yesterday. I've been waiting since it was announced they'd be making true button lock flipper. Button locks are so rare in comparison with the ample availability of all other types of locks from large manufacturers, IE, framelocks, liner locks, and more framelocks! This button lock is done really well. Free swinging blade with a familiarity a kin to the axis lock and compression lock.

Blade steel is more than adequate for a daily user. Size is actually smaller in person than I was expecting. It does feel heavier than it looks though. I think it's on the thicker side. Clip is okay but could be much better (see below). The blade is super slicey, which I think Civivi is known for.

Some pics:

And for size, here is the cogent with a Pacific Salt 2 (basically and Endura size):

And a couple of issues. First, that blade tip can touch your finger pretty easy. I guess I'd rather have it this way than shorter though. I'd say just increase the handle a couple mm but if we are increasing the handle we might as well just make a 4" version

Next is the clip. I've got issues with clips that come on a lot of these newer over seas produced budget to mid tier knives. Many just don't fit the knife. Often, they feel too thick in the hand like the clip is too tall off the handle. The Cogent feels no different. One thing I'd like to see on these mid budget knives is to mill the clip screw area to make the clip and screws flush with the handle. If they want to keep up improvements, to get more dollars out of pockets, that would be a next level move. I think that if on the Cogent, the clip was flush with the handle, it would be just a bit more comfortable in hand. And the pocket clip goose head sticks up twice as far as on the Spyderco Endura clip, makes the clip stand out more in your palm.

So, besides those couple minor things, this knife is a home run. For now any way, we'll have to see after a good amount of use. At the cost of around $70, you get more than the some of the parts, which are pretty good on their own (14c28n, milled liners, ceramic bearing, G10). You also get a good lock that you don't see very often. When well executed, the button lock is a treat to use. The Cogent is executed well!

 

[DocJD]

I don't have any button locks .

Never even handled one IIRC .

So , it's flipper opening and button is just for closing ? Or can you use the button to ease opening like an axis type ?

 

[craytab]

I don't have any button locks .

Never even handled one IIRC .

So , it's flipper opening and button is just for closing ? Or can you use the button to ease opening like an axis type ?

So yes, it is a flipper opening and button closing. That said, you can fling it open using the button, just like and axis lock. In fact, the previous button lock from civivi was button lock only, no flipper or other opening method, and you had to push the button lock to release the blade. I'm glad they went with a standard button lock on this (like you see with the very popular Pro-Tech Malibu). I've had a few button flippers and this one is the best executed. At this price there is no reason not to give one a try!

 

[GCG199]

Good review.

I have one of the black blade and handle versions on the way.

 

[DocJD]

So yes, it is a flipper opening and button closing. That said, you can fling it open using the button, just like and axis lock. In fact, the previous button lock from civivi was button lock only, no flipper or other opening method, and you had to push the button lock to release the blade. I'm glad they went with a standard button lock on this (like you see with the very popular Pro-Tech Malibu). I've had a few button flippers and this one is the best executed. At this price there is no reason not to give one a try!

Thanks !

Yeah , that's pretty cool .

I might need to try one of these types .

 

[AdamFuzzyballs]

Thanks for the review, I was on the fence between this one and the blacked out Perf. This one is a looker, but I went ahead and grabbed the Perf- due to my love of a smith and Wesson “paraframe” I used to own. And I tend to like all metal over g10 nowadays. This one might have just made the next up list though!

 

[craytab]

Thanks for the review, I was on the fence between this one and the blacked out Perf. This one is a looker, but I went ahead and grabbed the Perf- due to my love of a smith and Wesson “paraframe” I used to own. And I tend to like all metal over g10 nowadays. This one might have just made the next up list though!

The blade on that one is a looker!

 

[craytab]

 

[celticrogues]

I picked one of these up in all black recently and I like it even more than I thought I would. Probably the best flipping action of any knife that I own or have tried. Detent is strong enough that I can’t shake the blade out, but flips smoothly and swiftly every time.

 

[craytab]

I picked one of these up in all black recently and I like it even more than I thought I would. Probably the best flipping action of any knife that I own or have tried. Detent is strong enough that I can’t shake the blade out, but flips smoothly and swiftly every time.

The detent is great. Much better than on something like an Axis lock, better than liner/frame locks, but not as good as a Spyderco lock back.

 

[DangerZone98]

Great review and pics! My local shop doesn’t have that model (yet) unfortunately. Impressed with the blade to handle ratio.

I just got a Praxis and it’s a great EDC knife. Thinking of getting an Elementum or Baklash next.

 

[GCG199]

It is a nice knife.

It is smaller than I was expecting.

The blade-to-handle ratio is well done.

Great color choices too.

I like the way they do the low-carry pocket clips.

They do have a 3-inch version coming out soon.

 

[Ramonade]

I have terrible lock stick when using the flipper to open it. It lets the button and plunge lock go way too high, making me push super hard to unlock the knife...

 

[celticrogues]

I have terrible lock stick when using the flipper to open it. It lets the button and plunge lock go way too high, making me push super hard to unlock the knife...

Mine doesn’t exhibit that at all. May be worth contacting Civivi or returning to the dealer.

 

[Atomic Inc]

Good review and I second the clip comments. Wish it was recessed as well

Great slicer and the price point is spot on

 

[craytab]

I have terrible lock stick when using the flipper to open it. It lets the button and plunge lock go way too high, making me push super hard to unlock the knife...

Yep, that doesn't sound right. I'd be sending that back.

 

[Ramonade]

Mine doesn’t exhibit that at all. May be worth contacting Civivi or returning to the dealer.

Yep, that doesn't sound right. I'd be sending that back.

I'll try to contact the dealer, it's an out of stock version and for my first Civivi I'd like it to be a "good" sample.

 

[Starwolf]

I have two of these now. The micarta is super smooth and works perfectly. I recently got an all black partial serrated model and the button would stick especially if you flipped the knife open quickly. (Hard push on the flipper) I returned it for an exchange of the same model and the replacement is great. Super smooth button operation although not as drop shut as the micarta. I'm hoping a few days of fidgeting will get it to the same level of smooth closing. I'm glad my first (micarta) was so awesome or I might not have been excited when I got the second one. All is good now though!

 

[craytab]

I'd rather not be seeing these reports of a few sticky button locks. I realize a few lemons are the name of the game in large scale manufacturing but still....

I had sort of been avoiding the flood of inexpensive quality Chinese produced folders from the big recent upstart brands (WE, artisan, kizer, etc.). I don't need any more knives. I have my collection down to a level that makes me the most happy and it is all users. So if I go and buy a bunch of quality value conscience import knives, they will have a hard time getting into the rotation. Selecting a few to scratch the itch isn't so wasteful, right?

I bought a CJRB but there was crack in the scale near where you unlock the liner. Returned. I also bought the fixed blade Silax from CJRB. It works really well as intended but the scales are not flush with the tang in a spot which bugs me, doesn't impact function though. Bought the Elementum fixed blade and there was so much grit in the sheath that it required a wash, not just an air blast.

At least in my experience, as compared to similarly priced competitors, a high level of fit/finish and or Quality control is not quite there with these big name value imports. In many cases, they do have the competition beat on materials though. I've got a little over month of use on the Silax in AR-RPM9 and so far, I have enjoyed using that steel. So I think as long as you are willing to risk a return or two, these value Chinese knives from bigger brands can be a fun and interesting purchase, especially for a guy like me who seemingly has all the knives he needs.

Certainly is a great time to be a knife nut!

 

[Chronovore]

Nice review.

People knock WE/Civivi for putting this type of clip on tons of models. I'm okay seeing it standard because it works well with my pockets. It doesn't give me much of a hot spot on most models. The flush-fitting screws are great. I'm okay with not having the scales recessed because often, I see that coming at the cost of having an empty recess or fill plate on the show side.

BTW, did you notice that the Cogent has a similar blade shape to the WE Snick, Civivi Relic, and Sencut Snap? (One of the in-house designers at WE has been on a kick lately.) Already having those gave me cause to wait for future button-lock releases. I might give the Altus a try.

I bought a CJRB but there was crack in the scale near where you unlock the liner. Returned. I also bought the fixed blade Silax from CJRB. It works really well as intended but the scales are not flush with the tang in a spot which bugs me, doesn't impact function though.

I've had similar experiences with CJRB. Their QC just isn't on par with Civivi, Kizer, etc.

The scales on my Silax didn't line up properly with the tang either. They also had some rough edges. I improved the situation via sanding and now it's an okay knife. I thought it was strange that they sell the Silax as a neck knife with cord instead of a belt clip. It's the same size as some kitchen knives!

I was also disappointed in the AR-RPM9. They made a big deal about it leading up to release. Then it just turned out to be a PM version of 9Cr18Mov. I like 9Cr18Mov as a budget steel but is this a significant improvement? It supposedly gains a little on toughness and corrosion resistance. I haven't noticed and I haven't seen those things tested. The edge retention doesn't seem to offer much versus ordinary 9Cr18Mov. What's worse is that regular 9Cr18Mov with a good heat treatment from WE still smoked it in cut testing.