It is well known by now that Civivi is a generally competent company that knows what it is doing. They are going from strength to strength regarding precision in every stage of manufacturing. The edges are sharp, whereas the edges and corners of the handle are not. The locks are smooth and easy to operate, and the knives often snap open with impressive speed. Overall, the technical aspects tend to be of a very high standard.
The criticism sometimes leveled at Civivi operates on a different level—namely, that new models are released too frequently. Sure, I understand part of that criticism, but you aren't obliged to buy them all, and there is no denying that it increases the chances of finding a favorite that suits you perfectly. However, for that to happen, the design still needs to be appealing or stand out in some way; otherwise, there is a risk of it getting lost in the crowd. In this particular configuration, this model managed to stand out enough to make me take a second look. Then, of course, there is another factor at play—one that regular readers of the blog can probably guess.
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| Civivi Over Yonder |
As mentioned, the model is called "Over Yonder," and the reason I had high expectations is, of course, that I own—and have previously reviewed—its little brother, the "Yonder." Naturally, both knives were designed by Zac Whitmore, though in this instance, it might look a bit like simply printing out the original sketch and stretching it! Jokes aside, however, scaling existing models up or down isn't that simple. Finger grooves might no longer fit, a clip that didn't cause hotspots suddenly does, and so on—certain factors have to be taken into account.
The Over Yonder measures just over nineteen centimeters—specifically 191.2 mm, according to the website. I usually round off figures, but this means, roughly speaking, that it is a little over two centimeters longer than the original. The question I aim to answer is whether that extra bit makes a difference. The blade length has increased to 85 mm, yet the thickness remains an exemplary 2.2 mm. That is thin for a modern folding knife. Combine that with the thin grinds Civivi typically employs these days, and it is clear that this knife will cut exceptionally well. The blade steel is a capable budget option: the widely used 14C28N. For those unfamiliar with my writing, I should mention that this is one of my favorite steels among the more basic varieties. The blade features a flat grind and a satin finish, with a shape best described as a Spey Point. It is also worth noting that the blade is approximately three centimeters tall, which creates a well-balanced look.
The handle is the standout feature of this particular model. As is typical with Civivi, there are other options available, but I wanted something a bit more "flashy," so I was drawn to this material—G10 combined with aluminum foil. The effect is reminiscent of the shimmer found in genuine abalone or mother-of-pearl. Above all, it wasn't black. There’s nothing wrong with black, of course, but I already own quite a few knives like that.
On the new Over Yonder, the handle measures 106 mm in length, 11.6 mm in thickness, and a maximum of 25 mm in height. The differences compared to the smaller model aren't huge, but they transform it from a small EDC knife into one that leans more towards the medium-sized category. The result is a knife that sits better in the hand and feels more suited to slightly heavier tasks. At the same time, given its profile and thin blade, it isn't a heavy-duty workhorse; the weight reflects this too, coming in at just 87 g.
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| Over Yonder is what I believe will be another hit for Civivi |
The blade deploys via thumb studs, and the locking mechanism is Civivi’s version of a cross-bar lock. The action—whether deploying the blade, the feel of the lockup, or the experience of closing it—maintains the brand's customary top-tier quality. If you have never tried a knife from this company, this is a great place to start. However, I am getting ahead of myself; I will save the final verdict for the full review. That said, much of the tactile experience comes down to well-designed and well-positioned ambidextrous thumb studs, combined with a lock that has just the right tension—its omega springs are finely tuned to provide a satisfying snap upon opening. It is also worth noting that the blade rides on ceramic ball bearings and that, naturally, alternative opening methods are available for those who prefer them. These include a "flick" with the index finger and, notably, disengaging the lock bar, which also secures the blade in the closed position.
There is no doubt that this is a highly capable knife, well-suited to a wide range of tasks. Then there is the design. I like it because the proportions feel harmonious; it has a look that is both practical and stylish, while the handle material adds a little something extra.
For me, this knife was a "no-brainer"—it was an easy decision to go for it. That was largely because I liked the original model but felt it was a bit too small. We’ll see if I still feel the same way later on.
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