6 Brand New CIVIVI 2022 Pocket Knives
Pocket knives are versatile tools that everyone can use. If you are an avid adventurer, then a pocket knife will allow you to do anything from wood carving, butchering small game, gutting and fileting small fish, and more.
But pocket knives are not just for the outdoors people because these handy tools can be used when slicing fruit, opening envelopes and packages, and cutting twine. Additionally, they are ideal for emergencies.
So, if you are still not a pocketknife owner in 2022, reconsider joining the club because it could be the accessory you have been missing this whole time. But where to start?
Our advice for your first or 10th pocket knife will always be the same– stick to a recognized brand. Some companies excel at fashioning good-quality pocket knives ideal for beginners and pros.
One such company is CIVIVI. CIVIVI knives are some of the highest quality budget folding knives in the market. The brand is dedicated to quality by relying on high-quality materials, evident in their consistent finishes.
They offer a great overall experience to generic brands and other recognized companies. Best of all, they just unveiled a series of 2022 pocket knives–your next knife could be here!
The information below reviews six brand-new CIVIVI knives. It will help you determine which of the tools is best for your unique needs. But first, a quick look at what you should be looking for in a pocket knife.
Characteristics Of A Good Pocket Knife
Blade
The blade is perhaps the most important feature of a pocket knife. Additionally, you need to consider multiple aspects of a blade when selecting a pocket knife, starting with the material.
Pocket knives usually have steel blades. There are multiple types of steel used in pocket knives today. They are ranked according to five fundamental properties– hardness, toughness, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and edge retention. The steel receives an HRC score based on these properties.
That said, it is important to note that determining the best steel for your knife is not about maximizing the above properties. In fact, finding the best one is a trade-off. The ideal one is balancing strength with hardness or toughness. The ideal score for an everyday pocket knife is 57-59 HRC.
Choosing between a serrated or plain edge is another key aspect. The plain edge offers a variety of uses around the home and outdoors. It is easier to sharpen but loses its edge faster.
On the other hand, a serrated edge does not offer as much flexibility in use but is ideal for tough tasks such as cutting fibers. Because it has multiple small edges, it does not lose its edge quickly. However, this also makes it hard to sharpen. The best of both worlds would be a knife with both edges.
Pocketknife blades also come in a variety of styles. The styles serve various purposes, so picking one should align with your ideal uses. Some of the most common include:
- Drop Point. Best for skinning and piercing.
- Clip Point. Ideal for everyday needs such as piercing and slicing
- Spear Point. Suitable for piercing and some levels of slicing.
- Sheepsfoot Blade. It is suitable for whittling and emergencies. It is also the best one for people who are clumsy with knives.
- Tanto Point. Easier to pierce tougher materials and make push cuts.
- Wharncliffe Blade. Perfect for carving wood and cutting. It is an all-around blade.
Size/Weight
When browsing pocket knives, you will come across various blade sizes, often ranging from 2 inches to 7.5 inches. The size of the blade can affect the overall weight of a pocket knife.
Small blades are under 2.75 inches and are often legal to use everywhere. Additionally, they are less burdensome to carry. Unfortunately, they do not offer varied strength and versatility due to their size.
Medium blades go from 2.75 to 4 inches. They are small enough for mobility but large enough to give you access to a wide range of tasks. The only disadvantage is the legality issues of carrying this blade size in some states.
Anything over four inches is a large blade. They are more intimidating and thus ideal for a wide range of uses, including self-defense. However, they are harder to carry in terms of discreteness and weight. Additionally, there is an issue with law requirements.
Handle
The handle of a pocketknife matters. A good quality grip ensures that it does not slip out of your hand. Additionally, it is important to perform tasks correctly to pose no danger to yourself. Suitable handle materials should feel comfortable in hand, pose no irritation, and maintain grip even when wet.
The most common handle materials include:
- Wood. Strong aesthetic appeal, suitable grip.
- G10. Water resistant, strong, lightweight, and has a good grip.
- Titanium. Corrosion-resistant, durable, and lightweight.
- Stainless steel. Heavy but corrosion-resistant and durable. However, it does not offer the best grip.
- Rubber. It offers a nice grip but is less durable than other synthetic materials.
Locking Mechanism
The locking mechanism is the function that keeps the blade open, thus preventing it from snapping down to your fingers accidentally. There are several locking mechanisms you will find on pocket knives.
- Frame lock. It uses the handle to assist in folding the knife. The lock is in the liner inward, and the tip engages the bottom of the blade. Applying pressure to the frame releases it. Then when open, the pressure on the lock forces it to snap open across the blade.
- Lockback. It works with a locking arm that sits along the handle spine. It is molded with a hook that fits into the notch on the back of the blade. Tension drags the hook from the rear spring into the notch, thus locking the knife.
- Liner Lock. It is the most common and works with one liner section angled toward the knife's inside. The user has to manually move the liner to the side away from the blade bottom to disengage.
Accessories
While accessories should not be the primary consideration of a good pocket knife, there are perks to added features. Some knives come with pouches, lubricants, oils, sharpening tools, etc. If you can find a knife with these accessories that also fulfill the abovementioned, it would be the ideal choice.
Additionally, it can be a small accessory. Even something as simple as a lanyard hole makes the knife easier to transport. So you can actively look for accessories, but if the knife meets all the requirements above, you can buy these items separately.
CIVIVI 2022 Pocket Knives Review
CIVIVI has 6 impressive pocket knives from 2022. We will walk through the main features of each knife, stating its advantages, weaknesses, and best uses so you can determine which is ideal for your collection.
CIVIVI Baby Banter Thumb Stud Knife G10 Handle (2.34" Nitro-V Blade)
This small pocket knife from 2022 is ideal for new users. The blade material is Nitro-V and has a red painted finish. It is a tough knife with 58-60HRC and a plain edge. The handle material is stainless steel with G10 with a black or red finish.
This specific Baby Banter has a pocket clip for tip-up left or right carry. The clip is made from stainless steel with similar-materials screws and a caged ceramic ball bearing. The knife's locking mechanism is a Nested Frame Lock. In addition, it weighs 1.99oz.
Notable Strengths
The size of the blade is ideal for new users and minimalists. It is small and lightweight, making it ideal for new carriers. It is also worth noting that the G10 handle is among the best in the market. It is lightweight and offers excellent grip.
The Nitro-V steel scores 58-60 HRC. So, the knife promises to retain sharpness and is easy to sharpen. This HRC is consistent with other good-quality pocket knives such as Spyderco and Buck.
The CIVIVI Baby Banter has a nested liner lock similar to its counterpart, the CIVIVI Elementum Folding Pocket Knife. Liner locks are suitable for beginners and pros because they are safe, and you can close the knife with one hand.
Shortcomings
The unfortunate problem with liner locks is that they are prone to wear. Additionally, because of the small blade, this knife limits use, so it is not ideal for outdoor adventurers.
Verdict
The vivid colors and small build make the CIVIVI baby Banter an ideal tool for everyday users who are new at carrying– the liner lock and small frame make it ideal for new users because of the safety appeal. In addition, it is quite affordable. However, it is not suitable for outdoor adventure so if you need something that does more, keep looking below.
CIVIVI Cachet Flipper Knife Stainless Steel Handle With G10 Inlay (3.48" 14C28N Blade)
This flipper stainless steel knife is slightly larger than the Baby Banter, with a blade length of 3.48 inches. The blade material is 14C28N with a hardness of 57-59 HRC. The flat grind perfectly complements the black stonewashed finish. It is also a clip-point blade.
The handle material is stainless steel with a G10 inlay. The handle has a beautiful black and red finish. You will also find a stainless steel pocket clip on the handle that allows tip-up left or right carry.
Notable Strengths
The blade of the Cachet Flipper Knife is the most notable advantage. For starters, its length falls right in the sweet spot of blades. It is a minimum-sized blade that allows lightweight carrying with a wide range of uses. It is ideal for outdoor and indoor uses.
Additionally, the steel falls right in the ideal HRC score promising to maintain sharpening. The steel is also easy to sharpen, which is an advantage considering it is a plain edge.
Shortcomings
While the handle of the Cachet Flipper Knife is aesthetically appealing, it may not hold up against wet weather. Stainless steel, while durable, is slippery when wet, and the G10 inlays can only do so much. Stainless steel handles are also heavy.
Additionally, the price is a little steep considering competitors like the Spyderco Tenacious Folding Knife 3-3/8" Satin Plain Blade with a full G10 handle retail cheaper. Additionally, stonewashed blades tend to be more prone to corrosion.
Verdict
The CIVIVI Cachet Flipper Knife is ideal for everyday carry and outdoor adventure. So beginners and enthusiasts can appreciate it. The price is generally higher, but it promises long-lasting durability. Additionally, it is fit for those willing to sludge for an additional aesthetic appeal– something the knife does effortlessly.
CIVIVI Clavi Front Flipper Knife G10 Handle (3.06" Nitro-V Blade)
The CIVIVI Clavi Front Flipper is a sleek knife designed by Ostap Hel for the extraordinary adventurer. Some qualities that stand out include a blade made from Nitro-V with a hardness level of 58-60HRC. It is a Wharncliffe blade with a flat grind and black stonewash finish that often appears on Spyderco knives.
The handle equally impresses with G10 for consistent grip even when wet. Additionally, it matches the blade in black with a stainless steel liner with a black finish. The pocket clip is stainless steel with tip-up left or right carry. It is also noted that the knife has a front flipper opener.
Notable Strengths
A Wharncliffe blade has the primary advantage of cutting with full power, all the way to the point. Additionally, its hardness does not make the blade brittle which can be an issue with the point of the blade. Luckily, we see no issues of chipping at the tip.
The handle is another prime advantage because G10 is woven fiberglass in an epoxy resin. It is, therefore, durable, with high strength levels. Additionally, it is dense, lightweight, and resistant to water. G10 is typical for underwater applications adding to the adventure qualities of the knife.
The CIVIVI Clavi Front Flipper also falls in the medium-sized blades categories making it an ideal everyday-use pocket knife. And finally, it is a pretty affordable knife.
Shortcomings
The primary shortcoming we can attribute to the Clavi Front Flipper is law requirement issues. The blade measures 3.06 inches which may be illegal in some states.
Additionally, the Front Flipper opening has a learning curve that may be inconvenient for new users.
Verdict
This knife is the best for users who have built up muscle memory using front flippers. Therefore, we would not recommend this knife to new carriers. But besides this, the knife is suitable for everyday adventures and everyday uses. It carries discreetly and is fit for modern minimalists.
CIVIVI Sinisys Flipper Knife Carbon Fiber Overlay On G10 With Stainless Steel Lock Side Handle (3.7" Damascus Blade)
The Mini Praxis Flipper sports a clip-point Damascus blade with a 58-60 HRC score and flat grind. The attractive black hand-rubbed blade finish is the crown of this knife.
However, the handle material is an exciting combination of will Carbon Fiber Overlay On Black G10. It shares similar characteristics to its counterparts above concerning the pocket clip. However, it notably has a frame lock mechanism.
Notable Strengths
Damascus steel is high-carbon steel that is lower in nickel and chromium. An excellent water-streaked appearance distinctly characterizes it. It happens because of the varying carbon levels.
Damascus steel needs to be cleaned, oiled, and lubricated, but the benefits outweigh the maintenance needs. It is exceptionally hard and long-lasting. Additionally, it effortlessly retains its sharpness. So the Damascus blade is a tremendous strength, like Valerian steel.
Additionally, the handle materials make this an excellent knife for grip in any condition. G10 and carbon fiber are some of the top choices for pocket knife handle materials.
Shortcomings
The length of the blade could pose issues with law requirements. Additionally, it does not jump out in terms of visuals.
Verdict
This knife offers excellent functionality and gives more versatility because of the blade length. Additionally, it has a strong blade resistant to corrosion with a favorable HRC. This is a good knife for everyday carry and casual outdoor uses.
CIVIVI Banneret Flipper Knife Stainless Steel Handle With G10 And Carbon Fiber Inlay (3.48" Damascus Blade)
The Banneret Flipper is a stainless steel knife with a drop-point Damascus blade with a flat grind. The blade also has a black hand-rubbed finish that improves the natural look of Damascus steel.
The knife's handle is stainless steel with G10 and carbon fiber inlay. The material comes in a subtle black finish. Additionally, it uses a frame lock mechanism.
Notable Strengths
The knife handle features materials that greatly improve grip. Stainless steel is durable, while the carbon fiber/G10 inlay improves grip in any condition.
Additionally, the strength of Damascus steel makes it ideal for outdoor uses. The length also gives you access to a variety of uses.
Shortcomings
The blade is seemingly close to being large and thus may pose legal issues. Additionally, it may feel bulky in the pocket, so if you are not used to carrying pocket knives, you may have a hard time.
Verdict
This blade is suitable for avid outdoor people, not casual users. It will overperform indoors, but there are better starter blades for new carriers.
CIVIVI Mini Praxis Flipper Knife G10 Handle (2.98" D2 Blade)
The Mini Praxis stays true to its name with a blade length of 2.98 inches and weighs 2.77oz. However, the small size has advantages, especially for new users.
The D2 blade has a hardness of 58-60 HRC with a flat grind and black stonewash finish. The drop point blade promises a variety of uses, including outdoor adventures.
The Mini Praxis has a G10 handle with an eye-catching dark green finish. The color looks remarkably appealing against the black stainless steel liner.
Notable Strengths
Considering the G10 handle plus the D2 steel, this knife is affordable. The handle material is strong and resistant to wear and water. Additionally, the blade length gives you access to more uses.
Shortcomings
Legal requirements are an issue for this blade length. Additionally, stonewashed blades tend to be more prone to corrosion.
Verdict
This is the ideal blade for you if you are transitioning from beginner blades to bigger ones. It may not have all the capabilities of adventure knives, but it will hold its own in casual applications.
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