Review: Civivi Knives – Elementum Slipjoint

Introduction

With knife laws becoming stricter and stricter, slip joint knives are making a comeback in the last few years. Civivi added such a locking design to the existing Elementum family and I had the chance to take a closer look at it.

Having already used the Elementum fixed knife, I knew that the overall design of the knife would be an added value in my EDC routine – but with a Slip Joint you never know what you get, so I was extremely curious how Civivi approached this design.

So without any further ado let’s get an overview of the Civivi Elementum Slip Joint and take a look at the specs before going into more detail.

Overview

The Civivi Elementum Slip Joint is an everyday carry knife with a 75,1 cm drop point blade made from 14C28N steel. It features a black stonewashed finish and a handle made from textured black G10, offering a secure and ergonomic grip. Weighing just 90,7g, the knife is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry. Its slip joint mechanism provides a smooth, non-locking operation, and the reversible tip-up stainless steel pocket clip allows an ambidextrous use.

Specs

Overall Length: 178.2mm
Width: 26.4mm
Blade Length: 75.1mm
Closed Length: 103.1mm
Blade Thickness: 3mm
Handle Thickness: 11mm
Knife Weight: 90.7g
Steel: 14C28N
Handle Material: G10

The Civivi Elementum Slip Joint

The Civivi Elementum Slip Joint is a medium-sized knife with a slip joint design, meaning the user will need to open it using the nail nick with two hands. The lock features two stops that set with a satisfying click, meaning it is not possible to flick it open (see video). This makes the knife perfect for states or regions that require a two-hand knife with.

The drop-point blade is made of 14C28N steel and, in this case, has a stone-washed finish. There is a nail nick for opening the blade, as well as jimping on the top of the spine for your thumb. The blade has a small choil; however, it is too small for a forward grip.

The handle has a fine texture to the G10 material. The two G10 scales are attached to the handle by a pivot screw and two more Torx screws (T8), and the handle is comfortable to hold. Two bronze washers result in a very smooth action of the knife.

A skeletonized frame of black-coated stainless steel holds everything together. The back spacer is made of stainless steel too.

The deep carry pocket clip can be mounted on the left or right, allowing you to switch sides according to your preference. Last but not least, a lanyard hole allows you to attach a cord to make it easier to secure or grab the knife.

Level of Manufacture

Over the last few years I was able to handle several knives of Civivi and so far I have to say that these knives are the best quality you can get in this price range. They don’t feel cheap, the tolerances are tight and the materials are decent. If there is a weak point in my opinion, it is the stainless steel deep carry pocket clip. Other than that, these knives are not only well designed, but also excellently built.

Close up of the pivot screw and G10 texture

The Civivi Elementum Slip Joint in use

During a recent holiday, I used the knife regularly — in fact, even more so, as it had to perform additional tasks throughout the day. From the usual everyday carry tasks to hiking and helping in the kitchen, the Civivi Elementum Slip Joint was able to handle everything I threw at it.

The drop-point blade with its hollow grind was extremely sharp, and the blade’s 3 mm thickness added to its excellent cutting performance. The knife felt very good in the hand, and the opening mechanism gave me enough confidence to use a slip joint (I usually tend to carry knives with a stronger lock). The additional stop on the slip joint provides an added feeling of security, ensuring that the knife won’t close accidentally.

Especially when traveling in countries or regions with a stricter knife law, having a knife with you that is not only practical, but doesn’t get you in trouble, is always a relief. The Civivi Elementum Slip Joint was easy to operate and clean and a reliable companion.

Conclusion

It’s not just about stricter knife laws. Slip joint knives are part of knife history and thus part of our heritage. My first knives were slip joint knives, so they hold a special place in my heart. The Civivi Elementum also creates this resonance. I’m not sure whether it’s the satisfying click of the two stops or the slowed-down, more deliberate action of opening the knife.

Either way, the Civivi Elementum Slip Joint is definitely worth considering if you need a decent folding knife for your everyday carry (EDC) rotation due to stricter laws in your country or simply because you like this type of knife.

With that being said, I would like to thank Civivi for making this review possible!

Many thanks for reading.

Take care!