Who would be happy only Civivi or similar knife?

[anthony cheeseboro]

I have owned four Civivi knives, and I still have two. My Exarch and Elementum are as well made as most any knife I have owned that was $300 or less. They are just made out of less expensive components in a cheaper labor country. I love titanium and the latest super steel as much as anyone, but I honestly get tired of running after the latest and greatest blade steel. I like titanium, but I can live with a knife that is 3oz. instead of 1.9oz. D2 is fine with me, we all know of very expensive factory and custom knives that have used D2. The bottom line is that I would be very happy if I only had knives the quality of Civvi or CJRB for the rest of my life because they cut well, D2 is reasonably easy to keep stain free, and these knives are just as fun to fidget with any Spyderco Compression lock or Benchmade (or Hogue) Axis lock, or a Zero Tolerance or We (big money Civvi) flipper. I am not dumping my more expensive knives, but my wonder steel/titanium/carbon fiber knives are not better knives, they are just made from more expensive components.

 

[Shorttime]

I think the elephant in the room is idealogical. China is the country where the counterfeits come from, and China has a terrible record when it comes to their people in general.

I wonder how much better we are here in the States, but I don't want to get too political.

Here among the largest assembly of knife enthusiasts on the internet, concepts like "truth" and "concensus" can get very tangled. So while Civvivi, WE, QSP, Kizer, and all, may not follow the popular stereotype of counterfeit knives made with oppresssed labor, there is going to be a long period of debate, before they are able to step out from under those stereotypes.

Full disclosure, I have a QSP, I like it very much, and country of origin is not a big deal, to me.

 

[BMCGear]

No, I wouldn't be. I've always been impressed with what Civivi offers at the price point but it's never enough to make me keep one. I'd actually prefer them to stick with 9cr over D2 personally but there's just something missing with them.

 

[Hackenslash]

Ummm, haven’t WE, CIVIVI, Bestech, Kizer and Reate already passed the litmus test of legitimacy? I’m confused by the OP.

Most who oppose these new import brands do so for personal/political reasons. Rational folks don’t debate the quality or design integrity of these brands.

The personal/political objections are no less valid, simply not based on the quality or design of the knife.

I guess I’m confused by the question.

Also by the lack of paragraphs.

 

[gazz98]

I don't own any Ti or carbon fiber knives. Too slick. I prefer G10 or micarta. Even FRN is fine.
I don't chase super steels. I don't own any Cruwear, 3v, M4, S100v, s90v, m390, etc.

I don't own a CIVIVI, Bestech, CJRB, Artisan, etc folder and I don't plan on buying one. It isn't about country of origin, I just have other brands I'd rather buy.

If you took away all my knives and left me with my 3 Rat 1s in D2 ($40 or less). I would be just fine. I don't need an expensive knife. I rarely spend over $100 on a knife anyways.

 

[anthony cheeseboro]

Ummm, haven’t WE, CIVIVI, Bestech, Kizer and Reate already passed the litmus test of legitimacy? I’m confused by the OP.

Most who oppose these new import brands do so for personal/political reasons. Rational folks don’t debate the quality or design integrity of these brands.

The personal/political objections are no less valid, simply not based on the quality or design of the knife.

I guess I’m confused by the question.

Also by the lack of paragraphs.

I am sure the topic as been discussed a million times, but not by me. I don’t post here like I used to. I just felt like saying how much I love Civvi knives. While I am at it, I love Kershaw too. I am a Spyderco and a Benchmade fan, but for those who can legally own autos, there are no better American deals for knives than the Kershaw Launch series. I love Protech (a great company that does not get caught up in blade steel wars,) but a Launch 11 or the Launch 1 are good as it gets and only around $100.

As for paragraphs, I no longer write for a grade, nor am I paid to write for Bladeforums. Pardon me, if the structure of my first post was not up to your standards.

 

[Detroit1980]

I have owned four Civivi knives, and I still have two. My Exarch and Elementum are as well made as most any knife I have owned that was $300 or less. They are just made out of less expensive components in a cheaper labor country. I love titanium and the latest super steel as much as anyone, but I honestly get tired of running after the latest and greatest blade steel. I like titanium, but I can live with a knife that is 3oz. instead of 1.9oz. D2 is fine with me, we all know of very expensive factory and custom knives that have used D2. The bottom line is that I would be very happy if I only had knives the quality of Civvi or CJRB for the rest of my life because they cut well, D2 is reasonably easy to keep stain free, and these knives are just as fun to fidget with any Spyderco Compression lock or Benchmade (or Hogue) Axis lock, or a Zero Tolerance or We (big money Civvi) flipper. I am not dumping my more expensive knives, but my wonder steel/titanium/carbon fiber knives are not better knives, they are just made from more expensive components.

I recommend you try out the Civivi McKenna. It is my favorite front flipper out of any front flipper I've handled, which includes the Civivi Exarch, Kizer Feist, Artisan Centauri, Real Steel Rokot, Isham Abstruse and the new Kizer Apus. I still really like the Kizer Apus and Artisan Centauri but I like the action and design better on the Civivi McKenna and it's super sharp and slicey. It is on the smaller side so that may be a deal breaker for you though.

I like it so much that I'm on wait lists to get the Damascus version of the Mckenna. For now I just have the black G-10 model with D2 steel. I honestly don't think I've ever been as satisfied with any other knife as the Mckenna because I think it's unbeatable for the price when comparing it to the competition. It's also 1 of the more expensive Civivi knives out there but I'm pretty sure it's only because of the Isham design and it's definitely 1 of his best designs if not the best in my opinion.

 

[Hackenslash]

I am sure the topic as been discussed a million times, but not by me. I don’t post here like I used to. I just felt like saying how much I love Civvi knives. While I am at it, I love Kershaw too. I am a Spyderco and a Benchmade fan, but for those who can legally own autos, there are no better American deals for knives than the Kershaw Launch series. I love Protech (a great company that does not get caught up in blade steel wars,) but a Launch 11 or the Launch 1 are good as it gets and only around $100.

As for paragraphs, I no longer write for a grade, nor am I paid to write for Bladeforums. Pardon me, if the structure of my first post was not up to your standards.

So...just to be clear...you’re saying you love CIVIVI knives and will only write legibly when paid to do so? Throw us a bone here, only trying to figure out how to respond.

Anyway, I agree concerning CIVIVI. I find them to be the best value in budget brands. I have several but still enjoy my Sebenza. Great value only goes so far.

 

[Detroit1980]

I am sure the topic as been discussed a million times, but not by me. I don’t post here like I used to. I just felt like saying how much I love Civvi knives. While I am at it, I love Kershaw too. I am a Spyderco and a Benchmade fan, but for those who can legally own autos, there are no better American deals for knives than the Kershaw Launch series. I love Protech (a great company that does not get caught up in blade steel wars,) but a Launch 11 or the Launch 1 are good as it gets and only around $100.

As for paragraphs, I no longer write for a grade, nor am I paid to write for Bladeforums. Pardon me, if the structure of my first post was not up to your standards.

I completely agree with you on Kershaw autos too. You just can't beat the price for the quality and materials you get and I love that they are American made. I love Protech too but it's just a bummer that the only Protech you can get for a comparable price is the Sprint which is still a great deal, especially because of the S35VN steel but I just wish they could get the prices slightly lower. I'm willing to pay more for S35VN steel but the problem is a lot of Protechs are still using 154cm steel which is a step down from Kershaws CPM-154 that they use on all of their autos.

Spyderco and Benchmade have became less and less appealing to me because Spyderco keeps raising their prices and I feel that companies like Hogue are making Benchmade seem inferior. Even Sog has stepped up their game and could also be a serious threat to Benchmade in the near future.

 

[Sonnydaze]

I have owned four Civivi knives, these knives are just as fun to fidget with any Spyderco Compression lock.... I am not dumping my more expensive knives, but my wonder steel/titanium/carbon fiber knives are not better knives, they are just made from more expensive components.

I question the OP's opinion..."these knives are just as fun to fidget with any Spyderco Compression lock..."
Also, IMO, my wonder steel/titanium/carbon fiber knives are better knives...

Hackenslash mirrored my reasons in part..... Most who oppose these new import brands do so for personal/political reasons. I've owned one Steel Will; it was a decent knife...I sold it.. reference recent Hong Kong activities... Tiananmen square (1989).
p.s. Like Hackenslash, I love my Regular Sebbie...

 

[MBG]

I could be content with it, but it wouldn't necessarily make me happy.

If your question is solely focused on the level of quality that Civivi puts out, I could be happy with that. I just wouldn't want to be locked into pivot bearings, flippers, or their design ques.

In my mind, I would still be able to have some kind of middle ground between a Spyderco Tenacious and PM2. I could be happy with that.

 

[Detroit1980]

Also, IMO, my wonder steel/titanium/carbon fiber knives are better knives...

How are they "better?" Function, looks or both? I think many could argue that G-10 is the overall best material for grip and function. Even the cheaper FRN and plastic that Benchmade and Spyderco use have proven to be better performing knives for grip, function and ergonomics when compared to Titanium and Carbon Fiber.

Most knives that I've handled with Titanium and Carbon Fiber have been more slick and harder to grip. I guess if you're just going for looks and safe queens Titanium and Carbon Fiber will always win but it really depends on user preference and budget and just what someone is willing to spend. I think plenty of people just get tired of spending hundreds and thousands of dollars on brands that keep raising their prices and pumping out higher end materials that people feel unnecessary to fit their needs or wants.

 

[BJ987]

I just got back into knives after 15 years. That long ago, there was no Civivi (or at least I didn't know about them). I saved up money (was in my teens) to upgrade from no-name cheapies from the flea market to grab a couple SOG, Kershaw, Spyderco, and Benchmade knives--because word on the street was you had to pay at least 100 bucks for a decent knife. When I came back I was amazed at how much has changed. After learning about CIVIVI I grabbed two (Baklash, Vexer) and learned the hype was real.

Now my collection mostly consists of Spyderco and Cold Steel (not interested in paying over $300 for a folding knife, so not into customs or "higher-end" productions). I've said on this forum before and I'll say again I'm astounded at the difference in quality (or lack thereof ) among CIVIVIs and Spydercos, CS, BM, etc. If I didn't know anything about the brands or steels, and someone had handed me a Civivi Vexer, a Spyderco PM2, and a CS Recon 1 and told me all three were $200 knives I'd believe it in a second (says something about Cold Steel since the Recon 1 is a $100 knife ).

The only thing I wish CIVIVI would do next is make either their own version of a compression-type, rod/ball, etc. lock. I only have one big CIVIVI (Vexer) and everything about that knife says med-hard use to me except the lock. It's substantially bigger in every way than the Baklash but the liner lock stock is the same thickness. Feels "weak" for the knife. As I said, I only have one big CIVIVI, but from pictures online I wouldn't be surprised if they use the same exact design and stock on all their liner-locks. Even a decent frame-lock would be an interesting upgrade to me. Idk... maybe I just don't like liner-locks..

With all that being said, I end up using my CIVIVIs more for tasks than my more expensive knives. Not specifically because I deem them more useful, tough, comfortable or whatever, but just because I know they are cheaper and I don't wanna mess up my more expensive ones.

 

[Sonnydaze]

to Detroit 1980...
Yes, carbon fiber CAN be slippery depending upon surface treatment, and G10 offers a good grip, although a rough G10 will tear up your Levis.
I prefer plain titanium slabs in my CRK's. Function...with my Sebbie...nothing else is as smooth.
CRK works well for me...and, of course, we know that much of this is subjective...

 

[Shorttime]

I was the one who brought ethics into this, not Mr. Cheeseboro. I felt like that was where we were going to go, anyway.

Maybe not?

Well, with the can of worms opened, I just wanted to be sure it was clear who was wielding the can opener....

 

[Detroit1980]

With all that being said, I end up using my CIVIVIs more for tasks than my more expensive knives. Not specifically because I deem them more useful, tough, comfortable or whatever, but just because I know they are cheaper and I don't wanna mess up my more expensive ones.

This is exactly why Civivi has had and will continue to have a big impact on the market. They make great quality knives that you can feel comfortable to use because you can just buy another if it breaks without thinking twice. You can easily have multiple of the same knife for a backup without breaking the bank too.

 

[Detroit1980]

to Detroit 1980...
Yes, carbon fiber CAN be slippery depending upon surface treatment, and G10 offers a good grip, although a rough G10 will tear up your Levis.
I prefer plain titanium slabs in my CRK's. Function...with my Sebbie...nothing else is as smooth.
CRK works well for me...and, of course, we know that much of this is subjective...

I can't speak for a CRK because that's way out my price range for what I'm willing to spend but it's nice to see people truly happy with them. That really is the main goal when it comes to this hobby is to just try and be happy and appreciate what you have and figure out what works best for you.

 

[Detroit1980]

Ummm, haven’t WE, CIVIVI, Bestech, Kizer and Reate already passed the litmus test of legitimacy? I’m confused by the OP.

Most who oppose these new import brands do so for personal/political reasons. Rational folks don’t debate the quality or design integrity of these brands.

The personal/political objections are no less valid, simply not based on the quality or design of the knife.

I guess I’m confused by the question.

Also by the lack of paragraphs.

I hope you realize that this is just another classic example of you being harsh on the OP. Was it really even necessary for you to post in here? No offense. I just hope you realize.

 

[Sonnydaze]

I was the one who brought ethics into this, not Mr. Cheeseboro. I felt like that was where we were going to go, anyway.
Well, with the can of worms opened, I just wanted to be sure it was clear who was wielding the can opener....

You have earned the high honor, sir...

 

[anthony cheeseboro]

So...just to be clear...you’re saying you love CIVIVI knives and will only write legibly when paid to do so? Throw us a bone here, only trying to figure out how to respond.

Anyway, I agree concerning CIVIVI. I find them to be the best value in budget brands. I have several but still enjoy my Sebenza. Great value only goes so far.

I am here to talk knives, not trade insults. If you want to talk knives, fine. I have no use for people who get off on insulting people behind the screens of their devices. If you honestly had difficulty understanding my first post, it was not because I did not write clearly. I will say no more about that subject.

As for expensive knives, I am a strong believer in diminishing returns. I owned maybe four Chris Reeve knives, and they are a great company that truly stands behind their products. If a person chooses to spend Sebenza money, go for it. They are great knives that certainly hold their value. If having a quality cutting tool is the only goal, I would say buy three Paramilitary 2’s, open one and leave the rest boxed until you wear out each successive knife. If I had done this at about 45, I would probably be just finishing off knife one. The next two would probably last until I was put in the old folks’ home and all really sharp things were taken away from me.