Sometimes, you just need a sharp edge. I think a lot of gun and gear guys get fixated on the “perfect” EDC knife. But the fact is that most of the time, we just need something sharp to open up packages or cut some tape. That being the case, something like the CIVIVI Elementum Utility Knife might just be what we actually need.
The Elementum Folding Utility Knife Details
The CIVIVI Elementum Utility Knife follows the same basic lines as the company’s regular Elementum folder. It’s a popular EDC knife, and has a comfortable handle. It comes with a reversible, deep carry pocket clip, so it carries just like your favorite folder.
The “blade” has a set of dual thumb studs, as well as a flipper for ambidextrous opening. It pivots open smoothly, is easy to open, and locks via a convenient button lock mechanism. I put blade in quotes because this is where the utility knife part kicks in.
The blade portion of the Utility Knife is actually a carrier for a common, disposable, and replaceable utility knife blade. You swap blades by removing a Torx screw with a T8 bit. The beauty of this is that you never have to worry about sharpening your knife. If it gets dull, flip the blade around to the sharp side. When that side gets dull, just swap out the blade for a new one.
Utility knife blades are extremely cheap. In addition to the common plain-edge blades, you can also get serrated or partially serrated blades as well. So you can switch up the blades to fit the task at hand.
The other nice thing about using cheap replaceable blades is that you don’t have to worry about messing up the blade. Have you ever pulled out your expensive EDC knife and hesitated to use it on something because you didn’t want to screw up the edge? Or refused to loan it to someone because you didn’t trust what they’d use the knife for?
With The CIVIVI Elementum Utility Knife, those things matter a lot less. If the blade gets dinged up, or gummed up, or even broken, just swap it out for a new one.
An Affordable EDC Alternative
The Folding Utility Knife comes nicely boxed with a padded, zippered case. You also get three spare blades, and a spare blade retention screw, just in case you lose the one it comes with. Some additional swag includes a CIVIVI sticker and a cleaning cloth. MSRP is $50.00, but it tends to sell for a bit less at various online retailers. You get a choice of Blue, Green, Black, or Gray handles.
For something that gives you the ability to always have a sharp blade that you aren’t afraid to use, that’s a pretty good deal. Especially when you factor in the fact that the build quality is better than most of the hardware store folding utility knives out there.
Plus, the CIVIVI is actually a size you won’t mind carrying. In fact, it’s small enough that you can keep carrying your regular EDC knife for more serious tasks and still keep a CIVIVI Elementum Utility Knife handy for the ugly chores.
CIVIVI Elementum Utility Knife Specs:
Overall Length | 5.91″ |
Width | 1.19″ |
Overall Height(Include Clip) | 0.64″ |
Blade Length | 2.26″ |
Closed Length | 3.65″ |
Blade Holder Thickness | 0.12″ |
Blade Thickness | 0.02″ |
Handle Thickness | 0.47″ |
Knife Weight | 2.3oz |
Blade Holder Material | Stainless Steel |
Blade Holder Color/Finish | Stonewashed |
Blade Material | 6Cr13 |
Blade Finish | Plain, With 3Pcs Extra Blades & 1Pc Screw |
Handle Material | Aluminum |
Handle Color/Finish | Black, Blue, Green, or Gray |
Pocket Clip | Tip-Up, L/R |
Clip Material | Stainless Steel |
Screws / Thumb Stud Material | Stainless Steel |
Pivot Assembly | Caged Ceramic Ball Bearing |
Locking Mechanism | Button Lock |
MSRP | $50.00 |
For more information on the Elementum Utility Knife or other products, check out CIVIVI.com.
Read the full article here