The CIVIVI Nugz is a cool knife with a becoming title. One thing concerning the meaty reverse tanto designed by Matthew Wehrwein requires the nice, one syllable “Nugz” nomenclature. I dig it.
However past look and naming, is the CIVIVI Nugz any good? I tossed it in my pocket for a month of standard use to search out out.
In brief: The CIVIVI Nugz is a pleasant EDC knife — for the value. At round $70, it offers the person good metal, a pleasant micarta deal with, and a deep carry pocket clip. However it has just a few flaws — notably play within the detent, right-hand-only carry, and a rapidly loosening pocket clip — that betray the worth pricing. Store the CIVIVI Nugz now.
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OAL
7.44″ -
Blade size
3.17” -
Blade metal
14C28N -
Blade form
Reverse tanto -
Lock sort
Liner lock -
Weight
3.16 oz.
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Helpful blade form -
Good deal with materials -
Stable worth
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Pocket clip impacts grip, is just right-handed -
Detent turned free after just a few weeks of testing
CIVIVI Nugz Evaluate
Pull the Civivi Nugz out of the field, and also you’re greeted with a fat-bladed flipper and thumb-hole knife with a textured micarta deal with and backspacer. It has a singular look each open and closed, because the broad reverse tanto sits nicely exterior of the skinny deal with when shut and overshadows the deal with when open.
However appearances imply little when a knife is as genuinely practical because the Nugz. The flipper and thumb (or index finger) holes permit quick opening in three other ways. I discovered the knife each fidgety and enjoyable within the hand. It locks open with a agency “thunk.” I in the end discovered myself utilizing the flipper opening technique more often than not, though the thumb/finger gap additionally works simply nice.
Open, the knife shines in EDC duties. Its width and flat grind make it virtually cleaver-shaped, permitting it to do issues like kitchen prep higher than most EDC knives. It spreads peanut butter like a attraction, however nonetheless will simply open knives. Due to the pronounced level, it can additionally whittle fairly nicely.
So it’s an excellent, versatile knife. Very similar to its title, “Nugz,” the knife will not be intimidating. It’s not very harmful and received’t elevate eyebrows should you flip it open within the workplace breakroom to open a bag of jerky.
Strengths and Weaknesses
During the last month, I used the Nugz as my every day carry knife. And largely, I loved utilizing it. It’s a pleasant EDC blade and holds an edge remarkably nicely, even when reducing numerous packaging throughout my work days. I additionally carried it as my pocket knife whereas elk searching (though I additionally carried searching knives for meat processing responsibility).
It carried out nicely general, significantly for the value. Nevertheless, it falls in need of the high pocket knives.
The nice: It has a really versatile form. I just like the grind and a number of opening mechanisms. The match and end are wonderful, particularly given the $70 worth.
Whereas I haven’t used many knives with 14C28N metal, it impressed me with its edge-holding skill and stain resistance. After a month of use, the knife remains to be fairly sharp, though it wants a fast stropping.
The blade form, as talked about, is helpful and versatile, supplied you don’t want a really nice level. It has a pleasant massive stomach and first rate tip however isn’t designed to stab by materials as a lot as slice. I really like the aggressive jimping on the backbone and liner lock. These present a really agency grip, significantly for righties.
Now, the downsides. First, I seen a few important indicators of use fairly early. Each the pocket clip and blade have noticeable play after a month of use. Neither of those have an effect on the efficiency of the knife, and the pocket clip is straightforward to tighten.
However the blade play appears to be with the detent, which means there may be slight wiggle when the blade is closed. I haven’t tried to repair this simply but, but it surely may require a reseating of the detent ball. It’s doable, however would require time and a focus. However the actuality is that at $70, I’m not shocked to see a few minor points like this.
A much bigger drawback — a minimum of for lefties — is the truth that the knife will not be ambidextrous. It’s right-pocket, tip-up carry solely. If you happen to carry it in your left pocket, you’ll should flip it in your hand earlier than utilizing it.
Ought to You Purchase the CIVIVI Nugz?
General, the CIVIVI Nugz is a heck of a pleasant knife for $70. It makes use of good metal, has a really good deal with, and can serve the person nicely as an EDC software. If you happen to’re right-handed and desire a wider-blade knife, this one is known as a no-brainer for the cash.
However the knife will not be for everybody. If you happen to’re a leftie, it’s a cross. If you happen to’re on the lookout for a hard-use blade, look elsewhere. And should you plan to hold your knife day-after-day for a number of years, I believe spending a bit extra will deliver extra worth down the street.
However as a value-oriented, uniquely formed knife, the Nugz delivers. It fills a enjoyable area of interest with a enjoyable title and design, so I wouldn’t hesitate so as to add it to a group.