- small knife with an exclusive feeling
The other day I reviewed a knife belonging to the smaller category. But that knife was of a different kind, a "modern traditional", a slip joint fixed with modern materials. The knife presented in this review belongs to a completely different category, a shrunken version of a larger knife. It is now a very common procedure among knife manufacturers. Sometimes they even go so far as to release a larger version of an existing model. This is what Civivi actually did in this case when they first released Elementum. It then came in several versions and after a while in an edition with a different type of lock, a "button lock". That knife was also larger than the original. They thus reversed the order.
But then it was time for a Mini Elementum to see the light of day. This is the knife I intend to present here.
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| Civivi C18062Q-1 Mini Elementum |
Another discussion is what is meant by terms such as "mini" and "micro" respectively. The language use or rather the practice differs between different manufacturers. There is a difference between what Medford and Cold Steel mean when they talk about "mini" and when others do it to exemplify. But then you can also drop knives under the epithet "micro". Cold Steel, for example, has done this in a couple of cases, and then the designation was applicable.*
The reason why I mention that example is that I have seen a number of reactions, including on Instagram where it is pointed out that this knife, Mini Elementum, is significantly smaller than they first thought.
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| A small but very stylish knife from Civivi |
Twitter version: Civivi Mini Elementum, a well-built and stylish knife where the "mini" part should be emphasized with all that entails!
Blade
The blade shape is of course recognizable from the original. However, the format has shrunk. In concrete terms, this means a blade length of 4.6 cm. The height of the blade is 1.4 cm and the thickness is a modest 2.2 mm. The proportions are thus left and it gives a very elegant and harmonious blade.
Stylistic it's a drop point that pulls in the spear point direction with its almost symmetrical shape. As usual, the Civivi is extremely sparse with text and logos. If you have very good eyesight, you can find the blade steel written on the ricasso, near the handle on the locking side. That's the only marking.
The blade finish must be emphasized as it is part of the whole knife's theme and is one of the reasons why the price is not the lowest. In this case, Civivi has chosen to have a fairly coarse longitudinal satin that is done by hand! It is not common for knives outside the custom scene, although quite a number of knife manufacturers still have people involved in, for example, grinding.
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| The gray knife blade has a hand-sharpened, rather rough finish, which harmonizes well with the rest of the knife |
In addition to the look, it is precisely the sharpening that is really good with this blade. It cuts really well, surprisingly well even. There are several reasons. To begin with, the edge is really good and sharp. And besides proper craftmanship, this is due to a nice hollow grind. This means that the blade is thin behind the edge. In addition, the stock thickness is only just over two millimeters, to begin with.
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| The steel found in the blade is Swedish, 14C28N from Sandvik |
Then the steel should not be forgotten. Despite the diminutive format, they have chosen to go for Sandvik's 14C28N, which is in my opinion very good steel in the middle class. It keeps the sharpness well, but above all, it is easy to sharpen and takes an edge quickly. In addition, it is quite stainless.
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| Batoning may not be Mini Elementum's forte, but for small tasks it is good |
For wood splitting, this knife may not be the ultimate. But for all the small tasks of everyday life, it is very good. Then I can think that it, like most knives in this class, is a little too small in that they almost require you to carry more than one knife to cover all needs. As a staunch knife nerd, I have nothing to object to that particular bit, but for others, it can be a bit impractical. The blade length but also the handle size still sets certain limits for what is practical.
But within that context, this knife is excellent. Solid construction, good steel, and even better geometry mean that this small blade cuts excellently. Strings, thin ropes, tape, cardboard, package opening, and other material are no problem.
Handle
The handle and the whole knife feel surprisingly solid and give an impression of weight. This is perhaps not so strange as the knife is actually quite heavy in relative terms. In actual numbers, of course, it is not. It weighs just over 40 grams. The weight stems from the fact that this is an all-metal knife. The lockside is made of steel and the presentation side is in this case made of brass.
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| The presentation side is made of brass |
The construction, like the other design language, is very frugal. The two sides are held together by the adjustable pivot screw and a screw in the rear end of the handle which is pulled from the lock side straight into the presentation side. A procedure that works when the material is not soft titanium. The screw sizes are T8 and T6, respectively.
The screws are as usual on Civivi knives very nice. The smaller one has a flat head hidden in the side of the knife. The pivot screw has the usual C-logo and is D-shaped, which makes it easy to adjust or disassemble.
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| The construction is like many frame locks open in the back |
Mini Elementum is open in the back and there is a nicely shaped hourglass-shaped spacer. A lanyard hole has also been created at the rear end. It's almost a must in this case. Partly because the knife is small and needs to be fished out of the depths of pockets, but also because the knife is also intended as a keychain knife. It even comes with one in the box! A nice detail that has been made to make it work better is that the handle is thinner at the lanyard hole so that a lanyard or ring does not protrude unnecessarily.
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| As the flipper tab, which also acts as a finger guard, steals some space, there is room for two fingers |
It also means that the knife can not be held in more grip than with the thumb on the blade back if you want to try to apply some force. In addition, you can also place an index finger on the blade or use a pinch grip and cut sideways.
Opening and Lock
Mini Elementum is a small knife and it is equipped with a flipper tab. I have come across knives before that have tried that combination with less successful results. Here, however, it works excellently. Much due to the fact that Civivi is known for having impeccable precision in manufacturing. This also applies to this knife. It entails a flipper that is well balanced in size and placement. It also has a pair of much-needed grooves for better grip for the index finger.
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| Mini Elementum is a lesson in how to make an extremely small flipper tab that is still effective |
In addition, the Civivis has tuned the resistance of the detent ball to perfection. It gives a very fast blade when activating the flipper tab. Incidentally, this can be done both by pulling the finger backward or pressing downwards, which feels most comfortable for the user. The blade can even be opened with some pressure on the lock bar. Something that is sometimes inevitable on small knives as there is not much to grip around. However, it is better if you remember not to rest on the lock bar when the knife is to be opened.
Another contributing factor besides geometry and resistance is the ball bearings this knife has been fitted with. Yes, actually. Very small ball bearings can be added.
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| A steel frame lock for safety |
The lock is a steel frame lock. On this knife, it is very well done. It locks securely, as in every time the knife is opened as well as solid. That is, the blade has no appreciable lateral play or moves in height when it is open. The locking arm also does not slide if you press on the back of the blade. On my copy, about sixty percent of the lock bar rests against the blade. But given the nature of the tasks, this knife will face, I have no worries that the lock will not last the life of the knife.
To Carry
Apparently, Mini Elementum has no clip. It simply could not fit. It is not possible to make one in this size and still get it functional. The advantage of not having a clip is that it allows for a more symmetrical look. In normal cases, it also usually gives better ergonomics, but in the case of such small knives, it is almost the opposite. They can help fill out the hand.
In this case, you have to content yourself with putting the knife deep in a pocket or attaching it to a bunch of keys. The latter is not for me as I do not want a whole lump stuck to my knife when it is to be used or forced to take it off when it is relevant. Both effectively counteract the idea of having a one-handed knife by the way.
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| Here is the reason why the knife is so easy to carry. It should be noted that the original Elementum is not a big knife either |
As I said, the weight is 40 g. Nothing that feels in a pocket and especially not when it is distributed on just under six and a half centimeters. Rather, it has a tendency to disappear. For example, I have dropped it both in the infinite depths of a sofa and in the car when I sat down and had trousers with slightly shallower pockets. Something to think about.
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| A lanyard hole may be needed. It is nicely done with edges that are thinner at the back |
Therefore, this is probably one of the few knives I am considering putting a lanyard on. Mostly to prevent it from being dropped. Then it may be needed to find it faster when it is to be used.
To Conclude
Initially, I mentioned the term "mini" versus "micro" and this is where I end up in my final review of the Civivi Mini Elementum. Perhaps "micro" would have been a more appropriate epithet. Especially as the original Elementum is not a big knife at all. In fact, I read a couple of stories via Instagram about people who expressed a disappointment so great that they returned the knife. This is based on the fact that they felt cheated by pictures compared to how the knife looked in reality.
You may want to consider reading the description again before pressing the buy button. But it is a general problem with internet shopping, that you lack the opportunity to see and touch the products. Therefore, it feels like I have a certain responsibility in that regard. To convey impressions so that other buyers possibly get a bit more solid foundation to stand on.
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| Mini Elementum is a good EDC knife as it hardly attracts any attention even in a lunchroom |
The fact that Civivi has invested in the small blade means that, despite the discreet format, it still cuts well. As good as a blade of this size can do, I would probably say. Good steel has been given an efficient hollow grind and the entire length of the blade has been used to achieve as long an edge as possible. They have also used good steel that has been treated well in everything from hardening to sharpening.
Brass is a material I used to avoid like nothing else. Not because it's not pretty, because it is! But because it's heavy it's not an element I want to add to a pocket knife. In such a small knife, however, it mostly gives a feeling of being sturdy and it of course gives a certain look. Especially when it got a hand-sanded finish as in this case. One thing can not be ignored, Civivi Mini Elementum is a really good-looking knife! If you do not think so, you will probably have to see an optician as soon as possible. The lines are harmonious and this is enhanced by how the finish on both the handle and the blade is done. A really successful combination.
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| Civivi Mini Elementum is an extremely attractive little thing |
However, the question is whether it is enough? A knife with a striking appearance, in fine materials and which maintains a very high manufacturing standard should be enough to render top marks. But then there is the question of format and what impact it has on performance.
I think that is where the crux is. Mini Elementum plays with your mind a little. Because it is so similar to the original, it gives the impression of being even more capable than it is. The same is true when you hold it. It actually cuts well and feels very solid. But only in relation to the fact that it is a "two-finger knife". This, of course, limits the tasks that the knife can be used for.
So the question that remains is whether this is a gimmick or a serious knife? Actually, I think that question could have been avoided if it had instead been named "Micro Elementum" and thus perhaps toned down expectations a bit. Some presentations I've seen online lean towards that direction. They call it "keychain knife"**. A smart addition to the advertising.
But the price remains even in that case and the MSRP from Civivi's is $50, which in Europe will be about 50€ in retail price. Therefore, I see this knife partly as a must for those who collect Civivis but perhaps more importantly, as an excellent gift! It is both stylish, luxurious, and small enough not to scare a non-knife fan. That makes it a great gift in my eyes.
Specification:
Length Open: 110 mm
Length Folded: 63,5 mm
Weight: 40 g
Blade Length: 46,5 mm
Blade Thickness: 2,2 mm
Blade Steel: Sandvik 14C28N, 58-60 HRC
Handle: Brass
Lock: Frame lock
Produced by: Civivi, made in China
/ J
* One knife I immediately think of is Cold Steel Micro Recon. With a blade of five centimeters, it is in the same size class as the Civivi Mini Elementum.
** For example, Dutch Knivesandtools.com does so.
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