Review Lionsteel Skinny

 

-  Sleek and elegant knife with Italian finesse

Lionsteel Skinny, as the model is aptly named, was released in 2024. I've had it for quite a while now and can reveal that it quickly became and still is a favorite knife. The format is really well-suited for everyday use, making it an excellent EDC knife.

It's also pleasing to note that it's visually appealing and, as is customary with knives from this brand, it incorporates numerous technically advanced solutions. All seasoned with excellent materials. Ingredients that are a good foundation for a tasty dish. Now it remains to be seen whether that is true.

Lionsteel Skinny

Skinny is another example of a successful collaboration between the designer Pensato, also known as Molletta, and the Italian Lionsteel. There are two things that point to it having achieved some success. One is that it is still in the catalog, and the other is that it is available in no less than eleven different variants at this point.

The external dimensions are, of course, the same for all the knives, and so is the excellent blade steel. But the handles can be available in three variants of titanium or aluminum. A common procedure from Lionsteel when it comes to their integral knives. In addition, the blades can be available with or without a black coating in some cases, which increases the number of combinations.

If you are going to have a black blade, black and red are a pretty striking combination.

Short version: Lionsteel Skinny is the result of another collaboration between the Italian brand and one of their most sought-after designers, Molletta. A very successful one!

Blade

The blade shape of the Skinny is simple and straightforward, but still has some interesting details. It is a drop point that is 84 mm long and 20 mm high. Fairly traditional proportions that give a harmonious blade. The thickness is 3.5 mm. Nothing spectacular so far.

The details I mentioned are three. First, there is a distinct swedge/false edge, which is less visible on this blackened blade. Then you have two oblong depressions, one on each side. However, they are not only cosmetic but also fulfill a practical function. More on that later. The third detail is, of course, that the blade is blackened. Lionsteel calls this tone "oldblack". The marking is small and discreet. On the presentation side, you can read Lionsteel/Italy/Magnacut, and on the other side, it says Molletta.

The blackened blade is made of Magnacut-steel

The blackness hides an excellent blade steel that has also become a bit of the latest trend in the folding knife world. Of course, I'm talking about CPM Magnacut.

The steel has several eminent properties, and above all, it is the combination of them that makes it good. It is extremely rust-resistant while maintaining its sharpness very well, and it is also quite tough. Here, the stainless property is also reinforced by the black coating. But it is best known for keeping a good edge for an extremely long time. But it is assumed that it has been hardened correctly, in this case, to very high HRC degrees. Rumor has it that it is 63 HRC in this case. Lionsteel has apparently succeeded in this, as this knife just keeps cutting. 

The marking is discreet but reveals who designed the knife.

Once put to work, it is a competent blade. The tip is both strong and makes holes where it should. It is also easy to put some power behind the cuts with the Skinny as the knife, despite being light, feels strong and solid.

But then it was cutting anything other than plastic cans, pieces of wood, and cardboard. And that is where the rating is mixed. The sturdy, or rather quite obtuse edge, is certainly durable, but not optimal for everything.

Skinny is not at its best in the kitchen, but can still be used there if necessary.. 

. 

Cutting wood, hard plastic, and the like is nice. Approaching thinner fabrics and other, more detailed work doesn't feel as fun. The same can be said for things like fruit, vegetables, and other foods, not least root vegetables like potatoes and carrots. Now this is by no means a kitchen knife, but it happens that you go camping or that Skinny happens to be the backup knife you take with you when the business at work is moved to a croft over the summer. Or it happened to me on a few occasions.

In general, the blade works well. This is especially noticeable when I started on a larger amount of fairly dirty rope that needed to be processed. Nylon rope with sand particles wears down an edge. But the Magnacut blade holds up quite well there. Also, cardboard can be easily cut. So overall, the knife performs well. 

Handle

Given the name, the handle of this knife is very slim. In pure numbers, this means a length of 111 mm, a thickness of around 12 mm, and a height of 20 mm at most because the handle is shaped.

The material used is aluminum, and there is an inlay of Micarta on the presentation side. You may want to choose the titanium version if you don't like small marks on the aluminum handle. It simply patinas over time.

The handle has a Micarta inlay

But what distinguishes this handle the most is, of course, that it is an "integral", that is, that the handle is cut from a single piece of material, aluminum in this case. There are both advantages and disadvantages to this procedure. Theoretically, it should be stronger, but above all, it is a neat way to solve it. The disadvantage is, of course, that there are some manufacturing technical details to solve. Like how to fit ball bearings and locks into a laser-cut lump of metal, for example. This usually contributes to the price. 

This is what Lionsteel achieves with their SOLID technology, a handle made from a single piece of material, aluminum in this case.

In the hand, the knife feels pretty much like it looks. Slim and smooth, but also a bit thin and slippery. It's not something I use as an outdoor knife exactly. But the name reveals those properties quite clearly. For that reason, you don't need an extreme grip either. It's well thought out. I hate it when you combine grips from commando knives with small pocket knives. They are often hopelessly difficult to get in and out of pockets.

That's not where Skinny is. It's easy to carry, but in the hand it's still quite comfortable, and the finger guard and the beak at the back provide enough support. Despite its slim shape, Skinny is also large enough for even my hand to fit.

For being thin, the Skinny is comfortable in the hand. This is especially true for the saber grip.

The simple shape makes all grips work. But I like to use the Skinny best with a classic saber grip. Thumb on top and all fingers around the handle. In that grip, my little finger also ends up against the depression where the lanyard hole is found. It anchors the knife better.

In a hammer grip, the knife feels a bit too thin for my taste, but this is compensated for by the fact that with a guiding index finger on the back, it feels like a precision instrument. So the effect of having such a slim knife is that certain features are emphasized at the expense of others. The positive thing, however, is that the small clip mostly stays out of the way and does not cause any discomfort.

Opening and Lock

Skinny is one of those knives that can be opened in a couple of different ways. The most obvious is the rather discreet flipper tab. Then, of course, you can open the knife with two hands as part of the blade is visible and can be gripped. This process is especially easy, as the indentations on the blade I mentioned above help to improve the grip.

So much so that you can actually fold out the blade by pressing your thumb against it if you wish.

Here you can see the small flipper, which can also be removed.

To make the Skinny usable even in parts of the world where quick release is not allowed to be combined with locks (read Germany), you can remove the flipper tab itself. Lionsteel calls the technology REF - Removable Flippertab. You simply take a T6 key and remove it if you wish. In addition to making the knife legal in more jurisdictions, it makes the knife both more streamlined in the pocket and, in my opinion, also a little nicer!

When it is in place, it is a pretty good flipper function for Lionsteel. It is rarely their best area otherwise. But here you get a fairly snappy action, but only if the tab is pulled back. Pressing it does not help at all. The fact that the blade gets fairly good speed can be attributed to the use of IKBS ball bearings.

The lock bar is quite roughly cut. I have a lock bar insert combined with an overtravel stop.

The lock is exemplary

Combining Solid technology/integral handle with materials like aluminum poses challenges that must be solved. One is, of course, the same as with frame locks in titanium, and that is that the contact surface between the blade and the lock bar wears out. This is fixed with a combined lock bar insert and overtravel stop. The latter is also needed to avoid accidentally destroying the lock.

Because that's where another subtlety comes into play. It doesn't really work with just any type of aluminum. You need an alloy that flexes enough for the lock to work without suffering from metal fatigue. A technique that Lionsteel has mastered by now.

The lock function is excellent. The lock engages every time the knife is opened, regardless of how it happens. There is no movement in the blade, and it is relatively easy to release. I write relatively because it is a thin knife, which means that even though there is a recess on the opposite side to reach the lock bar, you can sometimes slip.

To Carry

The consequences of the design choices made for this knife are that it is eminently pocketable. It simply doesn't get much better than the Skinny in that regard. Especially not if the flipper is removed.

The explanations for this are found on several levels.

The clip is small but works well. The screw allows you to change sides if desired.

Basically, you have a slim and thin knife that takes up little space physically. Then it is made with a technology and a shape that means that there is nothing that can get in the way. Since the knife also lacks thumb studs and other things that can get stuck, such interference is also removed.

In addition, it can be added that the manufacturing technology, in combination with the material choices that follow it, gives a very low weight. Skinny weighs no more than 73 grams! A figure that was, incidentally, a few grams less on my scale.

This much, or rather little, of Skinny, is visible when carried in a pocket

When these features are combined with a small, simple, and well-functioning deep ride clip, success is a fact. It is also removable using the included tools.

The size of the ramp and a well-balanced tension in the clip, combined with the smooth surface underneath, make it very easy to both pull and put away the Skinny.

To Conclude

As is often the case with Lionsteel's folding knives, or at least those in the "Solid" series, there is a lot of hi-tech and know-how baked into the knife. In Skinny, you can find that very technology, which is Lionsteel's method for manufacturing integral handles in titanium and aluminum. They are also pretty much alone in the latter. There is also REF, which stands for their removable flipper tab. In addition, there are IKBS ball bearings, and the materials in the blade and handle are not ashamed of themselves either. A solid little package, in other words.

Lionsteel Skinny is an excellent EDC knife, accompanied by another favorite from the same company and designer, the TM1. Also, an integral made of Micarta

I also want to give a thumbs up for the design. Molletta's design is recognizable with soft curves and a sweeping, substantial belly on the blade. Although the last detail is, of course, smaller on such a slim blade.

Speaking of blades, Lionsteel has somewhat returned to an old sin. They have forgotten how to make a knife that cuts really well. All the prerequisites are there, but they have neglected them. The blade could have been three millimeters instead of 3.5, considering how small the knife is. This is not a hunting or outdoor knife. Then the grinding bevel is only seventeen millimeters, but what is really a problem is that it ends with 0.6 mm of material behind the fairly steep edge. So even though the knife came sharp and is easy to maintain, it does not cut as well as it could.

The question is whether it is the material that the manufacturer does not trust or whether it is the end user. Magnacut could probably do with half that thickness and still be strong enough. In return, you would get a less steep edge angle, et voilá, a knife that cuts like a laser.

For this reason, despite its name, Skinny is more of an EDC knife that is better suited for cutting twine and rope than slicing carrots or plucking a skewer out of your hand. It is a good everyday companion but is clearly geared towards more robust tasks.

An excellent partner in all weathers. Here on an early spring day in March

That said, I would highly recommend the Lionsteel Skinny as a really good EDC knife. It does everything you would expect from one with flying colors. It's also nice to look at and comes with a lot of fun technology if you appreciate that kind of thing. The price for this version is around 200 euros at the moment. 

Lionsteel 

Specifications:

Length Overall: 200 mm

Length Folded: 111 mm

Weight: 72 g (weighed by me, stated 73g)

Blade Length: 84 mm

Blade Thickness: 3,5 mm

Blade Steel: CPM Magnacut

Handle Material: Aluminium, integral, Micarta inlay

Lock: Frame Lock

Produced by: Lionsteel, Made in Italy

/ J - not as skinny as his knife

#knivesandbikes #aliaspostmortem #knivigtvarre 

Review Civivi Starflare

  

-  anything but modest

It was no wonder that I fell for this model. The lines feel familiar and have been seen on some knives over the years. First up was a rather unusual model from Klötzli designed by Wimpff. Des Horn was clearly inspired by it when he designed a similar knife for Spyderco that bears his name. It's a knife I have and in addition, there is an even smaller knife on the same theme from SRM in my collection.

This knife from Civivi called Starflare keeps the same tone so to speak. This means a slim Wharncliffe blade which is more or less mirrored by the shape of the handle, which thus becomes drop-shaped.

The result is visually striking. The question is, however, how is this knife as a tool?

Civivi Starflare

The Starflare is an example of a fairly trendy knife in certain areas. The lock construction is one of them. The handle material, on the other hand, comes and goes in terms of popularity. Civivi holds the flag high in this regard and usually has aluminum in some models in the catalog, even if G10 and Micarta dominate the market at the moment.

The blade is also in tune with the times. Certainly, the type is old but has been rediscovered in recent years when quite a few knives aimed at "EDC" or everyday use as we say have that shape.

But in this case, after all, the design is the big selling point. Similar functions and materials are also found in other Civivi models. Looks don't.

A blade and a look that doesn't apologize

Short version: Civivi Starflare, a knife with a striking exterior that is matched by corresponding features. It cuts well and is comfortable in the hand. As a bonus, the handling is second to none.

Blade

Actually, you could say that the appearance of this knife is based on the shape of the blade. That is for the simple reason that the handle is a mirror of it. What we have here is, as I said, an interpretation of a traditional Wharncliffe. Here I don't even need to use the suffix "modified", because it is not. Here, as it should be, there is a dead-straight edge with no obstruction in the shape of even the slightest of belly. It then meets a blade spine that starts to slope down early. They meet in a, in this case, needle-sharp point.

The shape of the blade has been underlined by a design element that is recognizable from Spyderco Des Horn in the form of grooves that continue from the handle out onto the blade or if it is possible the other way around.

The blade shape is an archetype of a Wharncliffe

It can be said straight away that the Starflare is not a tiny knife. The blade measures close to eight and a half centimeters, 84mm in length, and is 28mm high at the base. The thickness, however, is a modest 3 mm. Through a high flat grind, it gives a blade that measures only 0.3 behind the edge. 

Civivi has learned this by now. Once upon a time, they built knives in the same tradition that their luxury brand WE began. That is, with very thick blades that do not cut well at all. They have gone from that to now being among the best on the market. Model after model is released that cuts terribly well.

Starflare is no exception. The pictures show that the tip is needle-sharp. This of course means that it penetrates excellently but also that it can be sensitive. No prying with this tip or it will break.

The straight edge ends in a needlepoint. Both equally sharp

But as an EDC knife, that needlepoint is a good asset both when it comes to punching holes in plastic packaging and various small jobs where you need to fiddle with something sharp.

Starflare cuts like nobody's business. I've been looking into the blade geometry and if you add a sharp edge to the mix, you get an excellent result. This knife is really competent, especially for the material this type of knife might encounter. Unfortunately, plastic in all forms belongs to that category, but also tape, cardboard, thinner cable ties, nylon straps, and similar packaging materials.

But some food handling has also been included in the tests. This is not something that I personally think should be done with folding knives. But for some strange reason, those who are fond of nice folding knives seem to have an aversion to having equally fancy knives in the kitchen. Therefore, I include that aspect.

And if you now want to use the Starflare as an improvised paring knife or petty for fruit and vegetables, it is relatively good for that. I write "relatively" because a Wharncliffe blade is abysmal against flat surfaces. In those cases, only the tip is used and it wears down, which means that the entire knife has to be maintained more frequently.

Speaking of wear, the blade is made of Nitro-V. It keeps the sharpness well, but not extremely so I've noticed. The good in that context is that the edge and the steel respond well to being stropped.

It doesn't very easy so no spots on the blade and no other problems have arisen during the test period. 

Handle

As previously mentioned, aluminum is used for the handle. The construction is apparently simple as they took two solid pieces of 4 mm each and connected them at two points beside the pivot screw. The back is open and there are two spacers along with the two stop pins for the blade that was used.

The handle is large enough for a solid four-finger grip and there is the possibility to sneak closer to the blade as desired

But it is not the material that is striking, but a couple of other things. One is, of course, the color. This one is really bright lime green. If you don't like the color, the knife is available in an equally shiny fire truck red color. For the more modest user, the knife is also available in black and grey.

In addition to the color, some distinctive design elements in the form of a large circle around the pivot screw/Civivi logo and the stars marked through the lines in the handle are also visible.

The handle is made from two well-rounded 4 mm thick pieces of aluminum

The aluminum sides are softly shaped and even though the sides are flat, they are so finely rounded that they feel arched. It gives a soft feeling against the hand in general and against the index finger in particular when it has found its natural place in the recess intended for this purpose.

A handle that is comfortable in the hand with one small exception

The length means that even a rather large hand can fit all the fingers. The soft shapes also make it easy to change grips when needed. It is also possible to sneak forward with an index finger on or in front of the rounded front part of the handle when or if needed.

The only fly in the ointment I will come back to. In general, this is a well-functioning handle as long as you stay away from heavier work. But the blade is not suitable for that either. The handle is too slippery and spool-shaped for that type of adventure.

Opening and Lock

In all simplicity, it can be said that the Starflare is one of the fastest knives to open you can find. It is something of an achievement as knives with this type of lock lack a detent ball. Here, it is the locking mechanism that is responsible for the resistance that holds the blade in place in the retracted position.

In this case, Civivi has tuned it so well that the blade comes out with lightning speed as soon as you use the double-sided thumb studs. It certainly applies if you use your index finger on the back of the blade as well. It is possible to open the knife slowly, but then you have to break the resistance first and then continue the movement.

The double-sided thumb studs are quite small but work extremely well

In fact, the knife is so easy to open that when you want to close it, you have to turn it on its side in order not to get full speed on the blade as it has a tendency to bounce out again if you don't have absolute timing with the lock. The blade runs on fine ceramic ball bearings and that explains part of the performance.

The second partial explanation is, of course, that the knife has a button lock or "plunge lock"* as it is also called. 

This is what a plunge/button lock looks like in the locked position. The thicker part of the bolt seen on the right rests against the top of the blade base. When the lock is deactivated, that part is pushed into the side of the handle and releases the blade. The tension in the bolt is provided by a very small spring inside the thicker part

For most people, the lock type needs no explanation at this point. But for those who don't know, it can be said that it consists of a concentric locking bolt that is spring-loaded. When the lock is activated, the thicker part of the bolt falls into place above the blade base.

On this knife, it is performed far beyond expectations. By that, I mean that everything works and makes it perfect. The lock is easy to use, it locks every time and it is easy to release. It's also reasonably strong and in this case tuned to perfection. This is the basis for the excellent action of the knife. 

To Carry

Streamlined like a seal is one way to describe this handle. A shape that is also enhanced by the well-rounded edges. It is a good basis for a knife that should be easy to carry in a pocket. The smooth aluminum surface does not impair the conditions.

This is one of Civivi's standard clips and the shape of the handle makes it stick out very far

The length is closer to twelve centimeters, 11.7 cm and it is certainly not small. Especially not as the thickness is 11.9 mm. Good for comfort and ergonomics but slightly worse in the pocket as it increases the volume. But on the other hand, this handle is, as I said, drop-shaped, which concretely reduces it. But that means that the Starflare is not among the thinnest of pocket knives. But the weight is just under one hundred grams, which makes it easier to carry.

If you combine the features, you get a knife that doesn't feel noticeable in your pocket unless your pockets are tight. Then the thickness is felt. The Starflare is also easy to pull and tuck away due to the smooth sides and a clip that works well in that area.

The clip allows most of the knife to be hidden in the pocket

A few more things can be said about the clip. One is that it is one of Civivi/Sencut's generic models and is found on more knives. Another is that it works reasonably well in this case. The tension is good and the attachment is solid. The clip is held in place with two T6-screws placed in tandem. The rest of the screws on the handle are consistently T8s. The screw heads are flat but the clip is not recessed in the side. Despite that, it doesn't move sideways and there is enough space underneath. The same can be said about the ramp which is decent.

One problem, however, is that the tip of the clip points outwards. On the Starflare it usually hides in the middle of the hand where it is not in the way as much as otherwise. 

It's worse with the back end of the clip. Since it is of a deep ride character and is also found on an almost drop-shaped handle, it almost sticks out of the handle sides. This means that it forms a sharp edge that rests against the hand in an uncomfortable way. No problems with fast light cuts, but it feels when you are closing the hand with more force. This applies to both hammer and saber grips.

To Conclude

Those of you who follow me on Instagram know that I'm a fan of the Spyderco Des Horn as it pops up there from time to time. From there, the step is not that far to this knife, although this one is significantly larger. It is actually more substantial than one might be led to believe.

Possibly the design could be a divider. It is very bold and this is emphasized by the color in this case. And in most cases, it can be added. Of course, Civivi Starflare is also available in all black or with a dark damask blade, but it is the bright colors that otherwise characterize the model. Bright red or, as here, lime green are examples of that.

The starting point is the round part made up of the Civivi logo with the associated gray aluminum collar around it. It acts as the center. The blade's distinctive lines have then been reflected in the shape of the handle. Therefore, it becomes drop-shaped. Then everything is emphasized with the fast-paced shooting stars with their lines that tie together the blade and handle.

It has a bit of an art deco design about it, a sense of movement even in stationary objects.

Starflare is an excellent EDC knife but is slightly larger than you might first think

But the Starflare isn't just a good-looking knife. It is actually quite practical as well. The handle feels soft and comfortable. There is a notable difference between rough G10 and soft aluminum in this regard. The blade is effective as long as it involves quick small cuts and all tasks that require a straight edge or a sharp point. Quite obviously, it's not a knife for heavier work, outdoor use, or things that require a stronger tip.

As usual, this knife is extremely well-built. In that area, Civivi is a champion. An example of that is the lock. Starflare is a fanfare for button locks. I don't think it gets much better than this. Not only is the function itself excellent but it is very easy to handle when it comes to disengaging. In addition, it is so well-tuned that the rest of the knife's action is extremely good as well. Especially since the thumb studs are correctly applied both in terms of placement and shape.

But also other quality markers such as sharp factory edge, centered blade, etc. are in place.

Civivi Starflare is a knife you get for looks. You get good functionality on the side

Starflare is therefore a knife I really appreciate! There are no practical objections here, apart from the small details I mentioned. Even so, I cannot recommend it unconditionally. As I said, it can't handle everything, but above all, it's a knife that stands out from the crowd, so it's not for those who want an anonymous knife.

Civivi has many knives that are similar to each other and several of them are good but few are as striking as this one.

Civivi Knives

Specification:

Length Overall: 200 mm

Length Folded:117 mm

Weight: 98 g

Blade Length: 84 mm

Blade Thickness: 3 mm

Blade Steel: Nitro-V

Handle: Aluminum

Lock: Button lock

Produced by: Civivi, made in China

/ J - appreciate practical design exercises

*My first contact with the lock type was on a Böker Speedlock I bought in the nineties.

#knivesandbikes #aliaspostmortem #knivigtvarre 

Review Civivi Qubit

 

- when attention to detail pays off

Once upon a time, there was a series here on the blog that I called "The Hunt for the Perfect Pocket Knife", or rather "Jakten på den perfekta fickkniven" since it was in Swedish. Anyway, if it had remained, this knife may have been the end of it all. 

Now the question of which is best is always subjective in some sense but in any case, this is a clear contender for the throne. The knife is as the title says the Civivi Qubit and I think it's the best thing they've done in this way so far.

Civivi Qubit

Like many knives from Civivi, this one can also be had in several versions, but actually, not as many as is sometimes the case. In addition to this design, which is called and lives up to the name "Bright Blue", there are also other happy colors such as green, red, and now actually pink! Yes, and a completely blacked-out version with both a black handle and a black blade. In addition, there is a luxury version with a blade in pattern-welded steel.

No matter what you choose, you get a knife that performs well in every aspect. Let me go through them!

The thin blade, which is even thinner behind the edge, is a good selling point

Short version: Civivi Qubit, a knife close to EDC perfection!

Blade

The heart of the knife is of course the blade. Without a competent blade, no good knife. A quintessential drop point is found here. In addition, a blade with very harmonious proportions, which also makes it pleasant to look at. Possibly with the exception of when the knife is in the closed position when a large "hook" is visible.

The length of the blade is 76 mm and the height is 29 mm. The finish is a glossy satin and as usual from this brand, texts and logotypes are conspicuous by its absence. The brand logo is found elsewhere and the steel type is certainly found on the ricasso but only if you have the eyesight of a hawk or are in possession of a magnifying glass. 

The blade has a recess that acts both as a place for a finger (forward finger choil) and which facilitates future sharpening (sharpening choil). It may possibly be objected that it is done with too little confidence. Is it one or the other, the size does not give a clear answer.

The back is not rounded but the edges are broken, which makes it feel soft. At the base of the blade spine, grooves are found for better traction. Like everything else on this knife, they are really good. They provide increased grip without tearing off the skin on the thumb or index finger.

A drop point with a low tip and very thin blade stock

The blade is made of Swedish Sandvik 14C28N-steel often used by Civivi. You can tell that they are starting to know how to harden and heat treat this material. It behaves very well as in that it stays sharp for a very long time for not being a super steel and as usual the steel is very resistant to rust. The specified degree of hardness is in the range of 58-60 HRC. Therein probably lies part of the secret.

What sets this blade apart, however, is neither the steel nor the look, but how thin it is. Here they have finally dared to trust the materials, as I usually put it*, resulting in a blade that is only 2.3 mm thick. It's not much and you have a completely flat ground blade. This results in a blade that measures 0.2-0.3 mm behind the edge. The factory edge is also nicely made, even, symmetrical, and not least sharp. I have only one objection to the blade geometry and that is that the edge is a bit too steep for my liking. It could well be flatter to be in line with the rest of the geometry.

Then it is enough to look at the tip to realize that it is sharp. Half a centimeter into the blade, the stock thickness is only about 0.7mm!

A sterile knife blade freed from all text and logos

When these measurements are translated into practical action, you get a knife that just cuts and cuts, and that in everything except maybe a grumpy birch. But this is not a camping knife but an EDC knife. This means that when it is presented in front of everyday materials such as thicker paper and cardboard, plastic packaging, string, and thinner rope and tape, it is not shy at all. On the contrary, it jumps right in with a good appetite. This is a true slicer!

The rather low tip facilitates what in English is called "utility cuts", those that are often performed with the tip and the outermost part of the blade. This is because the tip is found so far down, which means that you don't have to angle your wrist as much.

For short, Qubit is thoroughly enjoyable to work with. The blade glides through cardboard and the tip easily opens bulky packages.

Handle

Whether you like this handle or not has nothing to do with ergonomics as it is close to perfect but more your attitude towards a certain type of material in the handle. In this case, it is aluminum that has been anodized. The surface is not completely polished but has a slight texture, which gives it a chalky feel and thus a bit of friction.

The Qubit has a very soft rounded aluminum handle

The handle consists of two sides of aluminum that have not been lightened internally. It gives a very strong knife, while the weight is still very low. The sides are held together with two screws in addition to the pivot screw and are open in the back. The size of the screws is T8, even for the ones in the handle which is good. As usual with Civivi, the pivot screw has a small locking lug, which means it does not spin if you want to adjust it.

Possibly, I think the knife could be lightened, not because of the weight but to improve the balance. As it is, the balance point is found about one and a half centimeters or half an inch behind the pivot screw. A slightly lighter handle would have moved it closer to the pivot screw which I prefer.

Inside, you will find double bolts for blade stops along with an extra bolt aft to put a lanyard around if one is desired.

The sides are not milled out and the handle is open in the back. The two stop-pins are also visible here

The sides themselves are about four millimeters thick and the entire handle is 11.3 mm. The height varies from just under 2.3 cm to around 2.6 cm. It gives just enough to hold around for the knife to feel full in the hand given the overall size of the knife. Simply a good balance. Then the good feeling is enhanced by the fact that the edges are very softly rounded. Not just chamfered but properly rounded which requires more processing time. However, the sides of the handle itself are flat and not curved.

This is a knife that is very comfortable to work with. Especially without a clip

In all simplicity, it can be said that there is no grip that does not work with Qubit. The hammer grip feels solid given the size of the knife and even though there is a recess in the blade, it doesn't feel as if you end up too far from the edge, which is a big plus. Even better is a saber grip with a thumb on the base of the blade. Then the handle literally melts into the hand. The same can be said if a guiding finger lands on the spine of the blade or if you move the knife to a pinch grip. Now it should be added that in order to be as ultimate as I describe it, I have used the knife mostly without a clip. Even with that in place, the knife is very very good but you can feel the back end of the clip against the inside of the hand in a saber grip.

There is also the option of sneaking the index finger or at least part of it onto the blade for further increased control if desired.

Opening and Lock

Recently, I noted that it is fashionable to have knives with several alternative opening systems. That idea is supported by this knife whose blade can be lured out in several ways. Two hands are always an option although the two main methods include the lock or the double-sided thumb studs.

The thumb studs are perfect both in terms of function and placement. The button for the lock has been given a discreet pattern, which gives a better grip

Whatever you choose to do, it's lightning fast. Here we are talking about a knife that has such an unusual combination of a perfectly balanced resistance with this type of lock. They do not have detent balls, but it is the lock that takes care of that function. The result is felt immediately. You have to make a conscious effort to get close to the thumb studs without the blade just flying out. This applies both if you use your thumb or index finger in a fingerflick. 

Then, as I said, you can press the button and not so much flick the wrist as tilt the knife and you will get the blade out that way. If you flick, the risk is that the speed will be so high that the blade almost has time to bounce back in before you have time to react.

The explanations are found both in very small tolerances and invisible subtleties such as ceramic ball bearings. In this case, nine balls per side.

A close-up of a plunge lock. The asymmetric spring-loaded locking bolt moves laterally to lock against the blade base

Qubit quite obviously has a button lock. It is a function that is also common on many automatic spring-driven knives, but this knife should not be confused with one. 

The functionality of this knife is brilliant. Civivi has really tuned the resistance in the little spring inside the button to be just right. Just hard enough so that the button does not cause you to accidentally release the blade at the same time as that extreme speed is achieved. Also just enough for the lock to be extremely easy to release.

However, the button is slightly recessed, which means that it cannot easily be activated by mistake. Then the lock fulfills its function in a more than meritorious manner. It is not possible to feel even the slightest hint of play in the blade, either sideways or up and down. Not even if you grab the blade against the tip and provoke. It's lock perfection!

To Carry

Even on this point, I have to sing Qubit's praises. A knife that is small and light, with rounded shapes and discreet weight can never get anything but top marks.

When folded, the Qubit measures one decimeter plus a few millimeters. The height is at most 3.3 cm and the thickness as previously mentioned 1.1 cm. Very discreet indeed. 

The clip is one of Civivi's standard variants but works very well

Then the weight is impressively low at 80 g. This is, of course, due to a combination of a thin blade and aluminum in the handle, which is also open at the back.

The clip is good too. Perfection may not prevail here, but it's still good. The tension is well balanced, the ramp is sufficient and there is space underneath for fabric, especially as the clip is recessed in the handle and the screw heads are in turn recessed in the clip. The fairly smooth material in the handle also does not cause too much friction, which means that the knife sits securely while being easy to pull and put back in the pocket.

The knife is discreet in the pocket if you ignore the color of the knife

However, I did manage to bend the clip on one occasion when I got stuck in something. It was just a matter of unscrewing it and bending it back into reasonable shape. The clip is anchored with two small T6 screws by the way and it can be noted that they are of different lengths.

Accidents happen and I had to disassemble and bend back the clip into shape after getting stuck somewhere

In the meantime, the knife was used without a clip and it worked almost as well. The rounded shapes work well even loosely in a pocket and the ergonomics were, of course, even better. Not that the clip interferes much, but a clip can almost always be felt in the hand when using a pocket knife. 

To Conclude

The whole is of course the sum of the parts and sometimes more,  they say. In this case, it is. All parts are executed in an excellent way, which also creates added value. This applies to 

• Looks
• Function
• Comfort and ergonomics
• Action
• As well as how the knife is to be carried

The first impression you get via pictures and then in hand is of course dependent on how a knife looks. Qubit offers clean lines and harmonious proportions that give an elegant and timeless look. Subjective as I said, but certain measurements are pleasant to the eye regardless of who the viewer is. Such can be found here. With one exception and that is the damned "hook" that is visible when the knife is closed. In retrospect, I have learned that it is intended to serve as a bottle opener! Totally pointless is my comment even if it de facto works, I tried once. If it is used often, I suspect that the anodization on the handle will take a beating.

Then a really thin blade is found in a capable steel with an almost perfect geometry for the area of use. The fact that the edge is close to a masterpiece, even if the edge angle is not, that the knife is thin as hell behind the edge, and that the point is both needle-sharp and can be found far down makes for a very practical knife.

Qubit also feels excellent in the hand. There is not a single place on this handle that can cause chafing or discomfort, no hot spots at all. This is as comfortable as a handle of this size can be.

Opening and closing this knife is a joy. The detent is well-tuned, I have never felt such a crisp action in a button lock before. It gives perfect speed to the blade on the way out and it is just as easy to find and disengage the lock.

This knife belongs to the category of very light pocket knives and also has a good clip and, as I said, a soft rounded handle. Again very well done.

Civivi have once again managed to create a really good little knife, maybe even their best

When approaching perfection, even the smallest details become important. The big pieces are already in place. Even when we come to smaller things, they are well executed on the Qubit. For example

• How the grooves on the back of the blade are made. They provide grip without being sharp.
• That all screws are countersunk and of good quality
• The thumb studs have a softly rounded shape that is not sharp against the skin
• The placement of these studs is close to the handle so they are out of the way when cutting
• The recess in the blade facilitates future sharpening and
• It also gives the opportunity to crawl forward on the handle without stealing too much edge length
• The blade is clean of text and the knife is discreetly marked
• In order for the appearance to be cleaner, they have chosen not to make holes in the handle for the lanyard

Civivi Qubit has barely left my pocket after arrival, it is highly recommended

If you put all the pieces together, you get a knife that really shines. A really good pocket knife. In addition, the price is not excessive either. The target price from Civivi is $75.

The only thing that could make someone hesitate is if you prefer something other than aluminum handles or bright colors. I think a version with further upgraded steel and handles in eg gray titanium would solve that problem. But even in this design, the knife is a real smash hit.

My advice? Buy a Civivi Qubit!

Civivi Knives

Specification:

Length Open: 183 mm

Length Folded: 107 mm

Weight: 80 g

Blade Length: 76 mm

Blade Thickness: 2,3 mm

Blade Steel: Sandvik 14C28N

Handle: Aluminum

Lock: button lock

Produced by: Civivi, made in China

/ J - nods approvingly

* Another brand that has appeared in recent years and does the same is American TRM. It bodes well that more manufacturers do it this way.

#knivesandbikes #aliaspostmortem #knivigtvarre