While many of the most recognized knife companies have been around for decades, there are a few relative newcomers to the market you should definitely keep your eye on. CIVIVI is one of those brands to keep on your radar, as they manage to impress by delivering some great designs and material choices to a much more affordable price point for the average consumer year after year. With 2021 underway they’ve announced their lineup for the year, with a few standouts for the EDC crowd. In this quick round-up we’re highlighting their kiridashi-inspired collaboration utility knife, one of their first frame lock options, and a new and improved version of a crowd-favorite EDC knife.
Ki-V
While CIVIVI is no slouch when it comes to their original designs, they also do an excellent job of collaborating with custom knife makers to bring unique designs to their production knives. From Ostap Hel comes the Ki-V, a kiridashi-inspired folding utility knife. It boasts no lock in its stainless steel frame, making it a no-fuss option for quick cutting tasks and precision work that doesn’t require much force, like opening boxes. For added convenience it deploys via a flipper tab or with two hands to overcome its double detent. The kiridashi blade features 9Cr18MoV steel, 1.5“ of usable cutting edge, and some jimping on the spine for your index finger. For something so compact and convenient to carry for general use, it fortunately comes with a deep pocket clip to keep it close by as well.
Perf
2021 ushers in CIVIVI’s first ever frame lock offerings, with the Perf sporting one in its skeletonized handle. Strategic cutouts in the stainless steel handle retain rigidity and durability for general use while cutting weight down for comfortable pocket carry at about 2.8 ounces. Its 3.1“, flat ground drop point blade promises excellent slicing performance and all-around EDC use, while its Nitro-V steel offers high hardness and some corrosion resistance. Fans of simple designs, flipper deployment, and frame locks should look forward to the upcoming Perf from CIVIVI.
Elementum Button Lock
Fans of CIVIVI should be excited for the newest member in the crowd-favorite Elementum family. This bigger brother to the original flipper Elementum boasts a Button Lock mechanism, letting it lock in both closed and open positions. This also allows the knife to deploy without any flipper tabs or thumb studs, resulting in an even cleaner aesthetic to an already minimal design. crowd favorite with new lock mechanism. The Elementum Button Lock also measures in slightly longer in the 14C28N steel blade at 3.5“, delivering even more usable cutting edge and a more presence in the hand. Other features to look forward to include a deep-carry clip and multiple options for blade finish and handle material.
