- Another in the line of competent knives from this brand!
Today's review is about this creation named Yonder. A knife that the designer calls medium-sized, even though I think it's small. In any case, it comes from Civivi and is a very nice knife in my opinion that covers most daily needs that require a sharp edge. I intend to talk here about why I appreciate it.
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| Civivi Yonder |
This knife was designed by Zac Whitmore in 2023, and according to the website, the idea was born during a time he spent in Montana. The experiences from there were chiseled out during a conversation with a good friend, and the result is here. In fact, the work itself, from idea to finished product, can be seen on the website.
The expression "Yondering" is, by the way, inspired by or comes from the author Louis L'Amour. It stands for starting a journey into the unknown, driven by an inner compass.
That many people like the knife is proven, not least by the fact that it won "Blade Best Buy" 2024. From me, it gets another award, the most inspired knife name 2024.
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| In addition to being practical, Yonder is also aesthetically pleasing in my eyes. The balance of proportions is the reason |
Short version: Civivi Yonder, an idea that was born in Montana and turned into a really good pocket knife that has been widely distributed around the world
Blade
Yonder actually has a rather odd blade type. This is an almost pure "Spey Point" blade. For those of you who don't know, it is a type of tip that is often found on classic American folding knives, like a Stockman for example. The type itself is, as the name suggests, for castrating animals. That is why the tip is there but is not so pronounced and, above all, is found low down in relation to the intended center line of the knife. You simply don't want to make a mistake when working with that type of task.
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| A rare sight on an EDC knife, a Spey blade |
On this knife, it was mostly chosen because it is also quite practical. You have a tip, as I said, even though it is not that distinct. But that also makes it stronger. Then the slightly curved edge makes Yonder have a belly, which makes all work that includes flat surfaces easier, whether it is a log in the forest, a plank,a workbench, or a cutting board. That is something I otherwise miss with completely straight edges, like on a Wharncliffe.
The steel choice fell on 14C28N hardened to the stated 57-59 HRC. It can be said to be somewhat soft. I have knives where the manufacturers have increased the hardness of that steel a few degrees, and my experience is that the steel can handle it without becoming brittle. The advantage is that the sharpness lasts longer. Yonder requires that you maintain it fairly often. But in return, the steel responds very quickly to being stropped and honed, so it is not a problem, but a little extra work.
The blade is 73 mm long and 25 mm high at most. The thickness is only 2.2 mm, which is a small finesse. Yonder does not have a full flat grind but rather a high saber grind, but when the material is so thin, the result is good. But they have not dared to fully trust the steel or perhaps the user, as the blade is 0.5-0.4 mm thick behind the edge. There, they could have picked a tenth more to achieve optimal results.
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| The blade steel is 14C28N, which in this version is blackened. The only marking is on the back with the Whitmore logo and the steel type written on the ricasso |
That said, the Yonder still cuts really damn well. Especially since the factory edge was very sharp as so often on Civivi, and the edge is easy to maintain.
But it is a fairly short blade, and as I said, I disagree with the designer that it is a medium-sized knife. This is even more noticeable in what is discussed under the next heading.
The result is that this is an excellent EDC knife for me. Easy to use, cuts well, and is generally smooth. This makes Yonder a very good spare knife at work, where I use it every day. Mainly for all kinds of packaging openings, whether plastic or cardboard, with or without tape.
A small stick can also be cut, and the basic shape itself does not shy away from slightly heavier tasks either. But if I have to use a little more force, such as cutting thicker rope or a piece of rubber or hard plastic, which was the case at some point during the test period, then Yonder is actually a little too small for me.
Anything goes, they say, but in this case, it simply won't be very comfortable. Something that also works extremely well is the tip. Not "remove-splinters-from fingers-thin" but drill-holes-in-things-strong. In addition, it is actually found in the center line of the knife, which makes it easy to control when you need to push.
Handle
It should be said right away that the handle on the Yonder is really good. Good, but a bit too small for me. In numbers, this means that the length is just under 95 mm, the thickness is 11.6 mm, and the height is 23.5 mm.
Now it is certainly possible to fold the index finger over the finger guard, but it then ends up dangerously close to the edge, so I prefer not to do that. But with the finger guard in mind, the available grip area behind it is shortened to 86 mm.
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| Micarta scales make the handle soft to the touch |
This makes Yonder a "three and a half finger knife" for me. The nicely rounded back end makes it easier to grip, especially with a saber grip, which is the most comfortable. Even a hammer grip works well, although the back end of the clip can be felt on both grips if you close your hand tightly. Otherwise, there is no problem.
Speaking of nicely rounded, all edges and corners are, just as they should be. These are areas where Civivi often excels, and that applies here too. The same can be said about the Micarta, which is nicely beveled. In fact, so much so that the sides feel 3D-shaped, which they are not.
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| The handle is open at the back and built around a very lightweight steel frame. |
The handle is traditionally built around a heavily relieved steel frame, which is here black to match the knife's color theme. On the outside are Micarta sides that appear green against a brown background, but can otherwise be mistaken for brown. They are very soft and comfortable, and get a nice patina over time.
The sides are screwed from two sides through a spacer towards the back end, and another screw, which is also one of the two that hold the clip in place. In total, there are two points, in addition to the pivot screw. Interestingly, both screws are size T8. Small T6s are only found in the clip.
The pivot screw has the usual Civivi "C" on the screw head, and that side is also D-shaped, which means it won't start spinning if you want to disassemble your knife. If you do, you should be aware that this type of lock contains a couple of springs that are in tension. So don't do it out on a lawn!
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| The balance is very good, but for me, this is not a full-size knife; three and a half fingers can fit with some effort |
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| But the grips available are very comfortable! |
Opening and Lock
The Yonder is a joy to open and close. A small and light blade on ball bearings and a couple of very well-functioning opening methods are the reasons. Like all knives with well-made cross-bar locks, the blade can be opened and closed by pulling the lock bar. This releases the blade, and then a very small movement is enough to get the blade out. If too much force is used, the blade bounces.
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| The thumb studs are of a classic cut, and both sit where they should and work excellently. |
Despite that fun way to open the knife, Yonder is primarily intended to be opened with thumb studs. The shape is nothing extraordinary, but the function is excellent. You find them where they are supposed to be without having to "search" with your thumb. The studs are certainly quite close to the handle, which has no recess to facilitate access. But they stick out just enough so that they can still be reached.
Something Civivi has succeeded in is getting the resistance in the springs for the lock so that they not only perform that function well, but are also strong enough to act as a "detent". This is not only needed to hold the blade in place when the knife is closed, but also so that you get a good flick in the opening. Something that is certainly more important on a flipper-opening knife. But even here, that detail works excellently.
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| The blade is held in place with a nearly perfectly executed cross-bar lock |
Just as excellent is the lock. The blade is held in a very firm grip, and we are not talking about any play. Not even the small tendency that can often be felt up and down with this type of lock.
And the type is, as mentioned, a cross-bar lock. A lock that is based on a spring-loaded bolt being above the blade tang in the open position. The blade is clamped between it and a stop bolt that takes the force from the blade.
The lock is easily disengaged with either one or two fingers. It also works regardless of whether you do it on the left or right side. If there is any minus to be mentioned at all, it is that the locking bolt has a tendency to move a little sideways. It is nothing that affects the function, but there are knives where it is done better.
To Carry
Yonder is a real pocket knife. That means it's actually really good to carry as well as use. Smooth sides, no flipper, and a lack of large finger guards contribute to that impression.
Yes, that and the weight of course. Yonder weighs only 72 grams, which is light no matter what it's compared to.
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| The simple steel clip is small and black. |
The micarta also provides no resistance when a trouser fabric is between the handle side and the clip. The latter is one of Civivi's standard variants. A steel clip that is small and black. It is mounted in a recess in the handle side with two T6 screws in a tandem configuration. This ensures that the clip is stable.
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| Apart from the clip, the knife is almost invisible in your pocket. |
The clip is a deep carry type, and as you can see, not much of the knife is visible when it is in a pocket. Nothing at all, in fact. A slight bulge that could be a fold in the fabric is all that reveals the Yonder.
To Conclude
The stable of excellent pocket knives from Civivi is growing. Especially since they belong to those companies that produce plenty of new products. Both real ones and variants of existing models. But when Yonder came out a year ago, at least I became interested. It is not an extraordinary knife when it comes to either appearance or material. But it still has something special in my eyes.
I think it is so extremely well thought out. It is not a design group that sat and thought this out around a conference table. At least that is my feeling. One that is also reinforced when the knife is used both in everyday life, at work or out in the forest.
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| I see Yonder primarily as an excellent EDC knife. |
With that, I want to give credit to Zac Whitmore for the design and to Civivi for the execution. The latter is, as usual, incredibly good. Civivi has spoiled us with it, and it is extremely rare for a lemon to slip through their quality control.
Examples of this are the smooth action from the start, sharp factory edge, and softly ground edges and corners. A few elements add to the knife's well-built feel, and that is that time has been spent on lightening the frame, and that there is a cover plate for the groove that is currently not used to attach the clip.
Overall, Yonder is a good example of two things. Number one is good craftsmanship, where many details are well executed. Number two is how to translate a designer's vision into a production knife in a good way.
It has led to something very good. In fact, the combination of the neat format, that Yonder is easy to open and close, and that it cuts well has made it one of my wife's favorite knives to grab at home. That's a good rating since there is a lot to choose from.
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| Civivi Yonder is an excellent company for excursions, here at Linnés Råshult |
I personally see Yonder primarily as an EDC knife in the smaller format and perhaps not as an outdoor knife. It is enough for most things, but not for everything, and the handle is not very large. But for all the small tasks that need to be done, the Civivi Yonder is an excellent knife. One of several Civivi favorites.
Therefore, I have no problem recommending this knife to anyone looking for a solid everyday partner at an affordable price. It is currently available from 70€ and up, depending on which version you choose.
Specifications:
Length Overall: 168 mm
Length Closed: 95 mm
Weight: 72 g
Blade Length: 73 mm
Blade Thickness: 2,2 mm
Blade Steel: 14C28N, HRC 57-59
Handle: Micarta
Lock: Cross-bar Lock
Produced by: Civivi, made in China
/ J - just yondering
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