Top 5 CIVIVI Pocket Knives Review
Pocket knives are some of the most reliable tools made for daily use. Knife enthusiasts agree that having a smaller blade on your person that offers reliable functionality when cutting or chopping is convenient. And some of the best performers in the current market are the handy and functional CIVIVI pocket knives!
For years We Knife CO. Ltd. (WE) has been a leading manufacturer of EDC blades in the U.S. In 2018, they introduced the CIVIVI knife series. The new line became hugely successful due to the added utilities, functionalities, and affordability.
This article looks at some of the best CIVIVI pocket knives, ranging from EDC to outdoor functionality.
CIVIVI Ki-V Plus Front Flipper Knife Carbon Fiber Overlay on G10 Handle (2.52" Nitro-V Blade)
Description
The CIVIVI Ki-V knife is one of the best EDC utility blades on the market. The knife was designed for tactical use; however, it still stands out for regular work in the woods or around the house.
The front flipper design gives the knife a unique feel you will not find in most pocket knives. Ki-V Plus's sleek handle also adds to the knife's menacing appearance while providing better ergonomics for cutting.
CIVIVI Ki-V Plus Specifications
Overall Length: 6.10" / 155mm
Width: 0.89" / 22.6mm
Overall Height: 0.61" / 15.4mm
Blade Length: 2.52" / 64.1mm
Closed Length: 3.69" / 93.7mm
Blade Thickness: 0.1" / 2.6mm
Handle Thickness: 0.46" / 11.6mm
Knife Weight: 2.13oz / 60.4g
Blade Material: Nitro-V
Blade Hardness: 58-60HRC
Blade Grind: Flat
Blade Finish: Stonewashed
Blade Color: Black, Grey
Blade Type: Reverse Tanto
Handle Material: G10 only, or Twill Carbon Fiber Overlay on Black G10.
Handle Color: Black, Ivory
Liner Material: Stainless Steel
Liner Color/Finish: Black
Pocket Clip: Tip-Up, Right Carry
Clip Material: Stainless Steel
Screws Material: Stainless Steel
Pivot Assembly: Caged Ceramic Ball Bearing
Locking Mechanism: Nested Liner Lock
CIVIVI Ki-V Plus Features
Mechanism
The Ki-V Plus uses a nested liner lock for blade deployment. The blade also has a ramp that gives you enough traction to your thumb or index finger when engaging the blade.
Blade
- Length
This knife has one of the shortest blades in the CIVIVI pocket knife lineup. The 2.52-inch blade gives better control, making it ideal for slicing and peeling.
- Durability
The Ki-V Plus blade is made from Nitro-V high-quality martensitic stainless steel. The steel is enriched with Vanadium and Nitrogen, making it a stronger alloy with exceptional performance. The Ki-V's blade is highly hardened and corrosion-resistant.
- Finish
The Ki-V Plus blades have a stonewashed finish, giving the blade an old feel. However, the major advantage of the stonewashed finish is the added blade's resistance to staining and scratching.
- Type
The reverse tanto blade on this CIVIVI gives it more steel at the tip than other knives. The extra steel makes the blade perfect for piercing through tough material. Furthermore, the chiseled blade shape also gives the knife more tactical functionality.
Handle
- Durability
The Ki-V's handle is made from G10 sheets. The sheets are composites of epoxy and glass mats that are heated and bonded under pressure. G10 sheets offer excellent protection from corrosion and impacts on the knife.
- Lightweight
In addition, the G10 handle ensures that the knife is not as heavy, weighing around 2.13oz. The Ki-V's weight is considerably lighter than other pocket knives like SOCOM Elite.
CIVIVI Chevalier Flipper and Button Lock Knife G10 Handle (3.46" 14C28N Blade)
Description
The Chevalier is one of the top-tier automatic blades from the CIVIVI lineup. The knife owes its success to its predecessors, the Congent, Conspirator, and Altus.
One thing that makes the Chevalier unique is that it is the only button lock pocket knife from the line with a Sheepsfoot blade style.
CIVIVI Chevalier Specifications
Overall Length: 7.87" / 200mm
Width: 1.25" / 31.7mm
Overall Height: 0.75" / 19mm
Blade Length: 3.46" / 88mm
Closed Length: 4.41" / 112mm
Blade Thickness: 0.12" / 3.0mm
Handle Thickness: 0.52" / 13.2mm
Weight: 3.47oz / 98.4g
Blade Material: 14C28N
Blade Hardness: 58-60HRC
Blade Grind: Flat
Blade Finish: Stonewashed, Damascus
Handle Material: Cuibourtia Wood, Micarta, G10
Liner Material: Stainless Steel
Liner Color/Finish: Black
Pocket Clip: Tip-Up, L/R
Clip Material: Stainless Steel
Screws Material: Stainless Steel
Pivot Assembly: Caged Ceramic Ball Bearing
Locking Mechanism: Button Lock
CIVIVI Chevalier Features
Mechanism
The button lock is one of the most impressive features of the Chevalier. The lock has a spring that delivers enough tension for the instant blade release. While blade deployment is effortless, the button's resistance requires you to apply just the right amount of pressure. This feature prevents accidental opening.
Blade
- Length
Unlike the Ki-V Plus, the Chevalier has a longer blade of about 3.46 inches. The longer blade gives users more functionalities. In addition, the knife has cleaner slices than shorter blades.
- Durability
The blade is made of heavy-duty 14C28N stainless steel produced in Sweden. The blade is pressure-embroidered chrome steel, which improves the blade's performance, making it resistant to wear and corrosion.
- Finish
The stonewashed finish is pretty standard on most CIVIVI, giving them a lovely old and abrasive look. On the other hand, the black Damascus finish offers a unique change to your EDC pocket knife. The water-pattern surface creates a nice contrast on the blade, giving it a dynamic personality.
- Style
As stated earlier, the Chevalier has a unique Sheepsfoot blade style that distinguishes it from other CIVIVI button locks. In short, the blade's shape resembles the hoof of a sheep. This blade style ensures you get cleaner cuts, especially when working on flat surfaces. One disadvantage is the rounded tip, which is unsuitable for piercing material.
Handle
- Durability
The G10 and Micarta handles are considered the best option if you want a knife that will last longer. Unlike the Cuibourtia wood handle, the other handle varieties offer better protection from impact, corrosion, and heat.
Micarta is made from composites of canvas, carbon fiber, paper, fiberglass, linen, and other thermoplastic fibers.
- Lightweight
The Chevalier is lightweight, making it ideal for carrying around. Additionally, the lightweight nature of the handle is ideal for EDC beginners.
- Grip
Though the handles have the same ergonomic design, the best grip comes from the Micarta and G10 handle. The Micarta and G10 handle texture offer considerable traction and reduced slippage.
The wooden polish on the Cuibourtia handle makes it harder to hold the knife, especially with wet or sweaty palms.
CIVIVI Baby Banter Thumb Stud Knife G10 Handle (2.34" Nitro-V Blade)
Description
The Baby Banter is another excellent addition to the CIVIVI collection. The knife's small size should not fool you. It offers the same level of functionality as its predecessor, the CIVIVI Banter.
The blade is made from high-quality stainless steel, which adds to its durability.
CIVIVI Baby Banter Specifications
Overall Length: 5.46" / 138.7mm
Width: 1.02'' / 25.9mm
Overall Height: 0.58'' / 14.8mm
Blade Length: 2.34" / 59.4mm
Closed Length: 3.12" / 79.3mm
Blade Thickness: 0.09" / 2.3mm
Handle Thickness: 0.41” / 10.3mm
Weight: 1.99oz / 56.48g
Blade Material: Nitro-V
Blade Hardness: 58-60HRC
Blade Grind: Flat
Blade Finish: Black and Grey Stonewashed
Handle Material: G10
Handle Colors: Purple, Black, Blue, Green, Red
Liner Material: Stainless Steel
Liner Color/Finish: Black
Pocket Clip: Tip-Up, R/L
Clip Material: Stainless Steel
Screws Material: Stainless Steel
Thumb Stud Material: 6AL4V Titanium
Pivot Assembly: Caged Ceramic Ball Bearing
Locking Mechanism: Nested Liner Lock
CIVIVI Baby Banter Features
Mechanism
Much like the Chevalier and the Banter, the Baby Banter also uses a nested liner lock mechanism for engaging and disengaging the blade. The knife also has a titanium thumb stud on the blade, which allows for easier blade release and control.
Blade
- Length
The Baby Banter also has a shorter blade of about 2.34 inches. The shorter blade gives users better knife control when light cutting or peeling. In addition, the smaller blade makes the Baby Banter ideal for EDC.
- Durability
Another similarity between the Baby Banter with the Ki-V Plus is the Nitro-V steel blade. The high-duty steel increases the blade's corrosion resistance. In addition, the steel alloy can also withstand higher pressures on the blade, making it more tolerable to impacts like falls or scratches.
- Style
The Baby Banter is the ideal choice for enthusiasts who like drop-point blades. The blade tip is ideal for detailed work like cutting and slicing any material. The blade style also gives the knife plenty of cutting edge to work with.
- Grind
The flat grind on the Baby Banter allows for easier slicing and cutting. In addition, the grind gives the blade a relatively thin edge, making it ideal for cutting.
Handle
- Durability
The pressurized epoxy resin G10 sheets are ideal for cushioning the handle from light impacts and dents. In addition, the sheets are also resistant to corrosion and wear.
- Grip
Though the Baby Banter is tiny, the handle provides enough surface to hold the knife without issues. The handle is ergonomically designed to fit perfectly in the palms providing a better grip.
Furthermore, it has a considerably rough grain texture, offering better traction even when your hands are wet.
- Lanyard Hole
Knife enthusiasts who like showing off their pocket knives can take advantage of the Baby Banter's lanyard hole. The lanyard hole gives you more carrying options while on the go.
CIVIVI Praxis Flipper Knife G10 Handle (3.75" 9Cr18MoV Blade)
Description
The CIVIVI Praxis Flipper Knife is one of WE's top sellers. The knife has a sleek tactical design that many blade enthusiasts will love.
This CIVIVI's cutting edge provides excellent utility for slicing through any material without applying too much pressure. The blade is adequately balanced, improving the stability of the knife when unfolding and cutting.
In addition, the Praxis is pretty affordable, making it the ideal button lock flipper knife for EDC.
CIVIVI Praxis Specifications
Overall Length: 8.45" / 214mm
Blade Length: 3.75" / 95mm
Closed Length: 4.7" / 119mm
Blade Thickness: 0.12" / 3mm
Handle Thickness: 0.51" / 13mm
Weight: 4.42oz / 125.4g
Blade Material: 9Cr18MoV
Blade Hardness: 57-59HRC
Blade Grind: Flat
Blade Finish: Stonewashed
Handle Material: G10
Back Spacer Material: G10
Liner Material: Stainless Steel
Liner Color/Finish: Black
Pocket Clip: Tip-Up, L/R
Clip Material: Stainless Steel
Screws Material: Stainless Steel
Pivot Assembly: Caged Ceramic Ball Bearing
Locking Mechanism: Liner Lock
CIVIVI Praxis Features
Mechanism
The Praxis uses a liner lock for convenient release of the blade. The side spring bar inside the handle provides enough tension for the hefty deployment of the knife when needed.
The liner bar also provides a good grip on the blade, preventing it from accidentally closing when slicing or peeling.
Blade
- Length
Like the CIVIVI Chevalier, the Praxis has a longer blade of about 3.75 inches. The longer blade is ideal for precise slicing and cutting while camping.
- Durability
The CIVIVI Praxis's blade is made from high-quality Chinese 9Cr18MoV steel. The stainless steel has enriched chromium and carbon, making the blade tougher. Likewise, the blade is resistant to corrosion and wear.
- Finish
The CIVIVI Praxis blade comes with a stonewashed finish. The finish enhances the knife's beauty as grains on the blade pop out. In addition, the stonewashed blade reduces staining and scratching, which can affect the overall look of the knife.
- Style
The drop point blade style on the Praxis gives it a softer look like tanto or Wharncliffe blades. However, the drop point offers more utility to the knife, especially when used for general tasks around the house. In addition, the blade's tip is strong, making it ideal for piercing through tough materials.
Handle
- Durability
The CIVIVI Praxis is also made from G10 material. The heavy-duty sheets offer superior protection against the handle's wear, peeling, or corrosion. In addition, the handle also has higher toughness, meaning it can tolerate light falls and impacts.
- Grip
The Praxis's handle is designed with ergonomics in mind. The G10 mats provide considerable traction to your palms when holding the knife.
- Lanyard Hole
In addition, the Praxis has a lanyard hole for attaching a loop or a strap.
CIVIVI Conspirator Flipper and Button Lock Knife Micarta Handle (3.48" Nitro-V Blade)
The CIVIVI Conspirator is a lightweight blade ideal for EDC. Though the knife has a non-tactical look, it has a stunning appearance that calls for attention every time it is pulled out.
Like the Chevalier, the Conspirator is another addition to CIVIVI automatic pocket knives. The knife is crafted to provide better utility and functionalities, whether you want to use it for slicing or cutting.
CIVIVI Conspirator Specifications
Overall Length: 8.11" / 206.0mm
Width: 1.44" / 36.5mm
Overall Height: 0.74" / 18.8mm
Blade Length: 3.48" / 88.3mm
Closed Length: 4.63" / 117.7mm
Blade Thickness: 0.12" / 3.0mm
Handle Thickness: 0.51" / 13.0mm
Weight: 3.82oz / 108.3g
Blade Material: Nitro-V
Blade Hardness: 59-61HRC
Blade Grind: Flat
Blade Finish: Stonewashed, Damascus
Blade Colors: Black, Grey
Handle Material: Micarta
Handle Colors: Black
Liner Material: Stainless Steel
Liner Color/Finish: Black, Green
Pocket Clip: Tip-Up, L/R
Clip Material: Stainless Steel
Screws Material: Stainless Steel
Pivot Assembly: Caged Ceramic Ball Bearing
Locking Mechanism: Button Lock
CIVIVI Conspirator Features
Mechanism
As previously stated, the Conspirator uses an automatic deployment system to engage the blade. The button lock provides a convenient and effortless way to release the knife.
The button lock has a powerful spring that spits the blade out of the handle without delay. However, pushing the button requires considerable pressure, preventing the knife from accidentally opening in the pocket.
Blade
- Length
Like the Chevalier, the Conspirator has a longer blade than the other CIVIVI blades on this list. The 3.48-inch blade makes the knife ideal for slicing or piercing without leaving rigid marks.
- Durability
This CIVIVI blade is made from Nitro-V steel. The steel is considered more homogeneous, making the blade corrosion-resistant while increasing its toughness. In addition, the blade's composition is more balanced, so no impurities weaken the steel.
- Finish
The Conspirator comes with two finish variations: stonewashed and Damascus.
The stonewashed finish is a good choice for people looking for a traditional blade appearance. Stonewashing protects the blade from scratches and staining. In addition, stonewashed blades are easier to maintain and do not lose their original look over time.
The Damascus finish, on the other hand, gives the blade a unique and superior touch. The water-flow patterns flowing on the blade give it a distinct color contrast that will earn admiration.
- Style
The drop-point blade style on the CIVIVI Conspirator gives users better tip control when slicing or piercing material. In addition, the tip also has more steel, making it sturdier. Ideally, the Conspirator is a good hunting knife.
- Grind
The flat grind on the Conspirator makes the blade sharper than pocket knives like the Gerber Applegate-Fairbairn. The flat grind on the blade also adds to the knife's durability.
Handle
- Durability
The Conspirator's handle is made from high-quality Micarta material. The handle is well-protected and does not rust, chip, or degrade over time. In addition, Micarta is also resistant to vibration and stress, making it more tolerable to light impacts.
- Lightweight
The fiberglass in the Micarta sheets plays a considerable role in reducing the weight of the handle while still maintaining its sturdiness. The handle is practically featherweight, and you will often forget you are carrying around a knife on your trip.
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