Civivi knives?

[RetiredGuns]

Want to wait until Valentine's day to give this to my Wife, but anxious as she has been using a Spyderco Bug on a keychain at work for years! This is a great little knife and a heck of a fidgeteer! I just grabbed one in OD green for myself.
The build is quite impressive. The centering, ease of opening, closing and fit & finish is on par with any knife anywhere near this price.

 

[Ron Texas]

It's probably fair to say results vary with the model.

 

[Monofletch]

Civivi’s are great budget knives. The Praxis is the BEST! I believe it was their very first offering.

 

[Chronovore]

I've had a large number of Civivi knives. I still have a bunch in extended rotation. I've taken apart and inspected dozens of them and I've modified a few. Overall, they tend to be very good. Issues are relatively rare and they have warranty support.

Being a fan of budget knives over time, Civivi was something of a game changer. It's not that there weren't other good budget knives coming out of China at the time. It's that to an appreciable extent, Civivi spearheaded a sort of Renaissance in Chinese budget knives. They hit the scene with higher quality for the dollar, raised the bar, sparked competition, and helped to overcome a lot of negative perceptions.

Here is a video of some carefully controlled cut-testing and a discussion of 9Cr18MoV involving a couple of Civivi's debut models from 2018. Both the Civivi Naja and the Real Steel Receptor here are mine. The Receptor is a great design by Ostap Hel and nicely executed. It has awesome ergonomics and a sheath that is still excellent by today's standards. However, the difference in heat treatment is obvious. The 9Cr18MoV on the Receptor is okay, offering reasonable performance both for the money and for the time. Versus the best 8Cr13MoV, it's a solid step up. On the Civivi though, it's another solid step up from there. Civivi's 9Cr18MoV was not only an easy competitor for Spyderco's VG-10, it was catching the heels of super steels with less than stellar heat treatments.

 

[TripleB67]

Curios; what's the deal with no love appearently for Civivi knives? They seem to be a well built knife[have two so far].

As someone just coming back to finding a new EDC after years with the combo of the Spyderco Dragonfly2 and Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight, I've been doing a ton of research* recently trying to find my new EDC.

As others have mentioned here, Civivi, from everything I've read/watched during my hours of research, has really gotten a lot of praise (and not a lot of criticism) - especially in terms of quality for the money. Really the only negatives I've heard are they have a lot of different models coming out often which leads to some confusion on the models - really the only Civivi models I had heard of were the Elementum, Baby Banter, Praxis. Otherwise it seems like a huge number of people love them, especially compared to other knives around their price point.

And to be honest, my next EDC will probably be a Civivi with a damascus (always wanted a knife with damascus) blade: Elementum 2, Mini Shakan, or Faeger.

What led me to these models is I was wanting a quality knife, under $100, under 3 inch blade, looked good, had a button lock, had a rear flipper, and also allowed me to fidget with it. All three meet all of these criteria. The Mini Shakan and Faeger have many ways to open the knife: flipper, thumb studs, or with the button lock, which seems to allow for a lot of fidgeting. The Elementum 2 is missing the thumb studs, but it looks so good it's in the running as well.

Although it keeps trying to pull me in, I'm not going to allow the WE Banter 1 or 2 get on the list of my possible new EDC list

My apologies for rambling - I'm sure others before me have mentioned all of this already but I thought I'd add my 2 cents.

TripleB67

*I learned that I should do a thorough search before posting multiple questions is what led me to this post from several months ago

 

[Chronovore]

As someone just coming back to finding a new EDC after years with the combo of the Spyderco Dragonfly2 and Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight, I've been doing a ton of research* recently trying to find my new EDC.

As others have mentioned here, Civivi, from everything I've read/watched during my hours of research, has really gotten a lot of praise (and not a lot of criticism) - especially in terms of quality for the money. Really the only negatives I've heard are they have a lot of different models coming out often which leads to some confusion on the models - really the only Civivi models I had heard of were the Elementum, Baby Banter, Praxis. Otherwise it seems like a huge number of people love them, especially compared to other knives around their price point.

And to be honest, my next EDC will probably be a Civivi with a damascus (always wanted a knife with damascus) blade: Elementum 2, Mini Shakan, or Faeger.

What led me to these models is I was wanting a quality knife, under $100, under 3 inch blade, looked good, had a button lock, had a rear flipper, and also allowed me to fidget with it. All three meet all of these criteria. The Mini Shakan and Faeger have many ways to open the knife: flipper, thumb studs, or with the button lock, which seems to allow for a lot of fidgeting. The Elementum 2 is missing the thumb studs, but it looks so good it's in the running as well.

Although it keeps trying to pull me in, I'm not going to allow the WE Banter 1 or 2 get on the list of my possible new EDC list

My apologies for rambling - I'm sure others before me have mentioned all of this already but I thought I'd add my 2 cents.

TripleB67

*I learned that I should do a thorough search before posting multiple questions is what led me to this post from several months ago

No worries about rambling. A lot of recent Civivi models rock studs and a flipper at the same time, which I don't like. That's personal though.

My favorite recent Civivi from a design and ergonomic perspective was the Navo, designed by Ostap Hel. There is a Damascus version but I went with wood. You can see it here.

CIVIVI Navo Flipper Knife Guibourtia Wood Handle (3.25" Satin Finished Nitro-V Blade) C25015B-1

Specifications: Model Number: C25015B-1Model Name: Navo Overall Length: 7.68" / 195mmWidth: 1.15" / 29.2mmOverall Height (Include Clip): 0.68" / 17.3mmBlade Length: 3.25" / 82.6mmClosed Length: 4.43" / 112.4mmBlade Thickness: 0.1" / 2.6mmHandle Thickness: 0.5" / 12.6mmKnife Weight: 2.96oz / 84g...

www.civivi.com

Be sure to check out Kizer and Kubey. They are probably my favorite manufacturers and have tons of great models under $100. The easiest way to search currently available models is to use their websites and organize the list of models by newest. Even if out of stock there, more recent models can usually be tracked down.

 

[BoCen]

I don't care what anyone says, We/Civivi are untouchable in terms of production fit and finish. These things are simply flawless in centering, edge geometry and overall construction every-single-time. I've seen plenty of higher end brands in production knives with crazy issues out of the box. You get none of that nonsense with these We/Civivi productions. They're always laser precise.

 

[Sharp & Fiery]

Couple things. I don’t know why everyone is so impressed that they are centered. They are on bearings. You don’t need “precision machining” to have a knife blade on bearings centered. Swap those bearings to washers and see if it’s still centered. No joke.

Civivi was the best thing WE could have done for their business and profits.
We used to be able to get the higher end WE’s for current Civivi prices. But WE brought out Civivi (cheaper materials and budget quality), which skyrocketed the better made WE’s into ridiculous prices.

I’m not a fan of Civivi. They get janky quickly if you actually used them. My nephews have all managed to make theirs janky.

Buy a high quality knife and use it like a budget knife. You’ll be surprised!

 

[Maximumbob54]

I should confess to having an Elementum addiction. I've given probably close to a dozen of them away by now. I have several of the liner locking versions and both styles of button locking and just recently added their new crossbar lock model. Even suckered into the We Ti/20CV framelock version. My only complaint with one was corrected with some blue thread lock and it's still good now. They do a great hollow grind and they have all come with great edges. Can't speak for the whole line but the Elementum seems to be able to take a moderate user beating and come out unscathed. But the price creep in all the brands is surely for real. If I could as for a new version it would be for something better edge holding but still budget friendly like one with a 154CM blade over D2 (rusts) or Nitro-V (dulls to fast). I wouldn't even mind a 9cr version. Their Wharncliffe blade is AMAZINGLY well done...

 

[BoCen]

But WE brought out Civivi (cheaper materials and budget quality), which skyrocketed the better made WE’s into ridiculous prices.

Prices in general are getting out of control these days, where a Large Sebenza is already at $650. I feel We is all over the place with their prices, some make more sense than other. I personally don't necessarily like the design of the GTC Solid, but then again, it is a well produced integral for "just" $450.

 

[Maximumbob54]

where a Large Sebenza is already at $650

CRK is my current tap out on high end pricing which I know for some here may as well be chump money. But I'll support CRK for the simple reason alone that they support me taking MY knife I bought from them and maintaining it. They even encourage it with the tools and videos. Compare that to the attitude you get from various other brands even some that I favor and struggle to continue to enjoy.

 

[TripleB67]

Buy a high quality knife and use it like a budget knife. You’ll be surprised!

Currently I'm not willing to spend over $100 to get what I want (flipper, button lock, thumb studs, damascus, under 3") - but someday I hope to purchase a high quality knife.

So, what, in your opinion, should I look for to make sure I purchase a "high quality knife?" Blade steel, handle materials, other materials, company/manufacturer, grind, etc?

And I'm asking this as a serious question because someday I hope to actually purchase a very high quality knife.

TripleB67

 

[Sharp & Fiery]

Currently I'm not willing to spend over $100 to get what I want (flipper, button lock, thumb studs, damascus, under 3") - but someday I hope to purchase a high quality knife.

So, what, in your opinion, should I look for to make sure I purchase a "high quality knife?" Blade steel, handle materials, other materials, company/manufacturer, grind, etc?

And I'm asking this as a serious question because someday I hope to actually purchase a very high quality knife.

TripleB67

That’s a great question!

While my comment about purchasing one high quality folder was geared toward folks who purchase many budget folders so could therefore save the money for a knife that will last, there is something to be said about Civivi.

I’m definitely not calling the majority junk. Folks just need to be aware that if they purchase a Civivi for their one, be all do all, it will need to be replaced more frequently than a highly well made knife.

I could go on and on and on about how to find the right “high end knife,” but each person’s journey and needs are different.

I’ll just give two examples…

If you mainly cut string, tape, open boxes and blister packs, a Civivi will last a long while, even many many years.

If you are looking for a knife in your pocket that you will call on for anything and everything, then a quality made folder would be more beneficial. (All of the above chores plus zipties, whittling and tasks that are of that nature)

I can’t/won’t suggest another brand here in this thread. There are so many things to take into consideration depending on the knifes intended use. Handle material, ergonomics, blade steel, blade grind and thickness behind the edge (geometry), pivot system (bearings or washers), lock system and even pocket retention system (or belt sheath).

I have used many knives (budget quality and “high end”) in 18 years of construction. I went through many Benchmades, Spydercos, CRKT’s. I splurged on one of my first CRK’s and have never looked back for a work knife.

There are many companies who make top quality knives. I can’t tell you which one will be the best for you. It’s a wild journey…yet super fun!

 

[Maximumbob54]

Currently I'm not willing to spend over $100 to get what I want (flipper, button lock, thumb studs, damascus, under 3") - but someday I hope to purchase a high quality knife.

So, what, in your opinion, should I look for to make sure I purchase a "high quality knife?" Blade steel, handle materials, other materials, company/manufacturer, grind, etc?

And I'm asking this as a serious question because someday I hope to actually purchase a very high quality knife.

TripleB67

I can't resist butting in on this.

Right now is a great time to plunk down the cash on a Spyderco while darn near the whole lineup is on sale. If you go with their FRN in the Para3 line you can get some of the nicer steels for not too much over a hundred bucks each. I'm even seeing the CruCarta Para3 at $175ish and that's making me think about getting one.

If you're really willing to save up or sacrifice a credit card for a bit then choosing between a large or small Sebenza or Inkosi should bring pocket joy the rest of your life. Plain Ti scales or with inlays or get really fancy with some of their higher end versions. You would have to really be dumb with one to ever wear it out or break it. I just had to send my large Inkosi in for repair because I got ham handed with a pocket clip screw (my fault) and it's killing me not having it. But I know they will fix it right and get it back when they can.

Flipping, locks, blade steels, and blade lengths are all personal. I'm restricted in what I can carry at work so I don't often buy what I can't carry at work or it hardly ever gets carried. I'm not the biggest fan of damascus (pattern welding whatever) because I'd rather have amazing steel quality than pretty patterns. And when it comes down to it I prefer a grippy G10 to pretty much anything else including Ti. But that's me, I bet if you interviewed ten different members here you would get twenty different answers.

But I feel pretty confident recommending pretty much anything Spyderco or CRK as they both are next level steel heat treat and quality materials.

 

[Sharp & Fiery]

These days the Golden, CO made Spydies are the best, IMO. In my experience, their budget folders are right on par with Civivi. (Tenacious, Persistence and the like)

I’m a Golden made Spydie fan.

 

[EatingSarma]

That’s a great question!

While my comment about purchasing one high quality folder was geared toward folks who purchase many budget folders so could therefore save the money for a knife that will last, there is something to be said about Civivi.

I’m definitely not calling the majority junk. Folks just need to be aware that if they purchase a Civivi for their one, be all do all, it will need to be replaced more frequently than a highly well made knife.

I could go on and on and on about how to find the right “high end knife,” but each person’s journey and needs are different.

I’ll just give two examples…

If you mainly cut string, tape, open boxes and blister packs, a Civivi will last a long while, even many many years.

If you are looking for a knife in your pocket that you will call on for anything and everything, then a quality made folder would be more beneficial. (All of the above chores plus zipties, whittling and tasks that are of that nature)

I can’t/won’t suggest another brand here in this thread. There are so many things to take into consideration depending on the knifes intended use. Handle material, ergonomics, blade steel, blade grind and thickness behind the edge (geometry), pivot system (bearings or washers), lock system and even pocket retention system (or belt sheath).

I have used many knives (budget quality and “high end”) in 18 years of construction. I went through many Benchmades, Spydercos, CRKT’s. I splurged on one of my first CRK’s and have never looked back for a work knife.

There are many companies who make top quality knives. I can’t tell you which one will be the best for you. It’s a wild journey…yet super fun!

That about civivis needing to be replaced soon might not be that accurate. People usually replace knives waaay before they stop being functional as knives.

People usually won't do that with something like CRK tho, not because it's so perfect (it is a high quality knife), but because they paid a fortune for it. And despite that, some still keep rotating knives in their EDC...

I carried my Recon1 tanto for years, and it still has plenty of life left in it. But I lately ocassionally carry serrated K390 Endela of Matriarch... Not because Recon1 needs to be replaced, but because I want something different from time to time.

That is the thing, some people sometimes want something different.

To stay on topic, I think Civivi makes awesome quality for the price, but I also think that most people will buy Civivi either as entry into hobby or just as user, or as a gift.

Their designs are usually just fairly plain. And they usually use just "standard" mid range steels. They are good knives, just won't stand out in any way. And that's OK, they have their customer base and I respect that.

 

[TripleB67]

Right now is a great time to plunk down the cash on a Spyderco while darn near the whole lineup is on sale. If you go with their FRN in the Para3 line you can get some of the nicer steels for not too much over a hundred bucks each. I'm even seeing the CruCarta Para3 at $175ish and that's making me think about getting one.

If you're really willing to save up or sacrifice a credit card for a bit then choosing between a large or small Sebenza or Inkosi should bring pocket joy the rest of your life. Plain Ti scales or with inlays or get really fancy with some of their higher end versions. You would have to really be dumb with one to ever wear it out or break it. I just had to send my large Inkosi in for repair because I got ham handed with a pocket clip screw (my fault) and it's killing me not having it. But I know they will fix it right and get it back when they can.

I'm restricted in what I can carry at work so I don't often buy what I can't carry at work or it hardly ever gets carried. I'm not the biggest fan of damascus (pattern welding whatever) because I'd rather have amazing steel quality than pretty patterns. And when it comes down to it I prefer a grippy G10 to pretty much anything else including Ti. But that's me, I bet if you interviewed ten different members here you would get twenty different answers.

What's crazy is that my EDC for a long time has been a Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight CTS-BD1N blade - it's a great knife and it's done everything I've asked of it beautifully...but I want something different. Something different from the hole, something different from the compression lock, something different from the black knife with a black blade.

The Sebenza and Inkosi are beautiful knives and amazing quality from everything I've read. Thanks for the recommendation!

I'm a teacher (at least for another year or two - just finished my 35th year) so right now I can't carry anything at the office so that isn't something I have to worry about.

Thanks for everyone's fantastic and honest feedback - definitely what I need to hear!!!

TripleB67

 

[Sharp & Fiery]

That about civivis needing to be replaced soon might not be that accurate. People usually replace knives waaay before they stop being functional as knives.

People usually won't do that with something like CRK tho, not because it's so perfect (it is a high quality knife), but because they paid a fortune for it. And despite that, some still keep rotating knives in their EDC...

I carried my Recon1 tanto for years, and it still has plenty of life left in it. But I lately ocassionally carry serrated K390 Endela of Matriarch... Not because Recon1 needs to be replaced, but because I want something different from time to time.

That is the thing, some people sometimes want something different.

To stay on topic, I think Civivi makes awesome quality for the price, but I also think that most people will buy Civivi either as entry into hobby or just as user, or as a gift.

Their designs are usually just fairly plain. And they usually use just "standard" mid range steels. They are good knives, just won't stand out in any way. And that's OK, they have their customer base and I respect that.

If you use a Civivi in a construction environment, it won’t last a year. I’ll bet on it. They are light duty EDC carry for the urban fellows.

 

[Maximumbob54]

What's crazy is that my EDC for long times has been a Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight CTS-BD1N blade - it's a great knife and it's done everything I've asked of it beautifully...but I want something different. Something different from the hole, something different from the compression lock, something different from the black knife with a black blade.

The Sebenza and Inkosi are beautiful knives and amazing quality from everything I've read. Thanks for the recommendation!

I'm a teacher (at least for another year or two - just finished my 35th year) so right now I can't carry anything at the office so that isn't something I have to worry about.

Thanks for everyone's fantastic and honest feedback - definitely what I need to hear!!!

TripleB67

You already carry greatness!!!! I'm not even joking. But I totally get the desire for something new and different. I've felt the need to scratch that itch many times. Maybe a happy retirement to yourself Sebenza is in order???

Side note on the CRK, if you do get an inlay model... I think it's only the micarta versions that can get the spa treatments. Pretty sure if you get anything else they don't offer that for them. Might be wrong.

 

[Sharp & Fiery]

E EatingSarma

My post was based on the user who wants one knife to EDC for multiple types of tasks.

We all know that we are spoiled to have so many knives in our collections as to not have to carry one knife forever! We are blessed in that regard.