Considering picking up a Civivi Altus, but am getting turned off by some of the negative reviews and videos on Amazon. Seems that some buyers have experienced issues with the button lock on the Altus. Anyone have experience with the Altus or other Civivi button lock knives?
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Experience with Civivi button lock knives?
- Thread starter Calier
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I generally don't trust Amazon or their reviews, especially for knives. I've seen two negative reviews on Knifecenter, one didn't like the quality of the wood handle of the altus, the other did have button lock issues. The person with the button lock issue posted on BladeHQ, Amazon, and a few other places. I wouldn't worry too much, all the other reviews were very positive. There are always going to be lemons in production knives, but I have 3 Civivi's myself and they are all excellent.
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- Jul 25, 2014
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I’ve bought the Altus…twice!! It’s a great button lock, as is the Kizer button lock. I don’t know why some people feel the need to attack them…perhaps dropped on their head as a child?
Anyway, I have no doubts about the Altus lock. The Altus is one of my favorite, budget knives.
Anyway, I have no doubts about the Altus lock. The Altus is one of my favorite, budget knives.
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I don't have the altus but I do have a sencut sachse(made by civivi) and it's a fine budget knife.
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I have had a button lock jam on a cheap knife, but never on the two Civivis I have.
Chronovore
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- Aug 29, 2019
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My experiences are generally positive. People often talk about "lock stick" with the Civivi button locks but it's not the same animal as in a liner or frame lock. Pressing the button builds a little pressure and breaks to disengage the lock. It's not extreme and I don't think it's a big deal. However, I don't know how that will change over time with long-term use. My EDC rotation has gotten stupidly large. 
Overall, my Kizer button locks feel a little better in use than my Civivi button locks. It wouldn't stop me from trying a design I like from Civivi.
AFAIK, WE has some degree of stateside warranty service. I know Zelrick was their main guy doing that, at least a year or two ago. (Zelrick used to be fairly well known for doing knife and gear videos.) Being an amateur tinkerer myself, I've just requested parts as needed and they've been great about sending me stuff. (Kizer is good about that too but does not have stateside warranty service.)
Overall, my Kizer button locks feel a little better in use than my Civivi button locks. It wouldn't stop me from trying a design I like from Civivi.
AFAIK, WE has some degree of stateside warranty service. I know Zelrick was their main guy doing that, at least a year or two ago. (Zelrick used to be fairly well known for doing knife and gear videos.) Being an amateur tinkerer myself, I've just requested parts as needed and they've been great about sending me stuff. (Kizer is good about that too but does not have stateside warranty service.)