CIVIVI Elementum Liner Lock Knife Dark Green Micarta (2.9" Satin D2)

The Elementum has been such a great surprise. This knife came pretty damn perfect out of the box. The blade was centered, edges on the handle and spines were nicely smooth and the detent was solid. The only modification I made was a drop or two of reel oil and the action became snappier and smooth. Also, the micarta looks different than pictured here. It is less OD green and more of dark forest green. I got this knife mainly for the micarta handles and to see if the hype was real. The handles are smooth with just enough texture to keep it interesting. It feels likes very finely sound wood before a sealing treatment. The action is also easily the best of the knives I own, and that includes the Ferrum Forge Mini-Archbishop. I can't believe they did all this in $50.

Did I NEED a new knife? Well, no. But I got suckered by the awesome reviews... But, it's as good as they say! Snappy action out of the box, perfect EDC size for me, and the micarta scales are velvety and grippy. (Saw some with the brown claim they were slick...but my dark green certainly isn't). I think CIVIVI is pushing the envelope on EDC knives, and some of the big brands are going to have to step up their game. Fantastic knife, zippered case, micro fiber cloth. Sure, some of this it may seem like fluff, but it's extra value...on a $50 knife! And for those, (like me), who might be turned off by the word "green", this knife does match the picture above, where it isn't REALLY green, but more of a gray with a green tinge. Classy looking.

Over the past year, I’ve tried to learn more about knives, and knife culture. I devote time each week to watching the video offerings from BladeHQ; I take time to explore how the knives are made, the history of the companies, and how they can find a place in my daily carry. When it comes to my friends and colleagues, I am constantly seeking for gifts, and the properly selected knife can be their lifelong companion. In my knife journey, I have heard the praise lauded onto the Civivi Elementum, and knew that at some point, I would need to experience the knife. The Civivi Elementum is not what I expected from a knife, and that is what makes it great. This was my first time feeling the texture of micarta, and I absolutely loved the velvet softness of the material! This was my first time with a “flipper” knife that had ball-bearings to control the opening action, and with one flick, I understood the smooth and confident movement! When I went to close the knife, with my thumb crossing the path of the blade to move the liner lock, the blade gracefully collapsed into the handle. It was beautiful to experience! However, it also made me mindful that I have to be very careful, before I injure myself with the closing action, since the blade closes without any pause. Keep your finger clear! This knife requires your attention, and intention, to wield, even casually. It was such a “Wow” moment, to finally hold this hallowed knife in my hand. I felt like I’d “made it,” because this was my first foray out of my knife comfort zone, and it left nothing to be desired. The Elementum was a good-sized, adept, discrete knife; it doesn’t draw attention to itself, it simply goes to work, completes its tasks, and returns home. Go get one, you will love it! Find the version that calls to you. Know that all the hype is true, and that it's going to be an enthralling experience that brings a smile to your face, every time you hold it in your hand!

I used this knife as a donor for my s35vn version. Some notes: - this version has the micarta scales, which imo are better than the G10 scales on the s35vn version (more grip, while having a more premium feel). -the micarta gets a nice darker patina over time. All micarta isn't created equal, and this micarta is good. It has more fiber than all other micarta knives i have. - I like the s35vn version's thinner blade stock more. That version is "slicier" than this version without being too delicate. -Yes, you can swap the scales if you had two knives. -Considering this is a D2 blade, you'll likely want to get some EDCi to avoid corrosion. Overall, if you can't wait for the s35vn variant, this is a good knife. Things to consider with both versions: - The action is amazing on both, but it could be intimidating for some people. My girlfriend, for instance, gets weirded out when I'm flicking it. You can two-hand open if needed, but no other way to easily open with one hand. -The micarta is plenty grippy for me. -The lock bar gimping is a little too aggressive for me and I had to hit it with a dremel to smooth it out. I want my knife to be fidget worthy and this gimping was causing too much thumb pain. Not an issue if you don't fidget with your knives, but who doesn't? Not a deal breaker, but something to consider. -The pivot screw is held in place by a small notch in the scale itself (so it doesn't rotate when you loosen/tighten it). Most knives have a groove in the pivot collar itself. DO NOT over tighten this pivot, or you can crack the little notch on the scale. I think this is a poor design for maintenance. And yes, I've cracked one...