Civivi Altus Button Lock Folding Knife - Overview and Review 

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I still firmly believe Civivi should tap into the entry-level customization game, interchangeable Ti/wire replacement clips.

I had never thought of the Civivi logo as resembling the Capsule Corp logo, but you're right! 🤣

Am I the only one who doesn’t mind the civivi pocket clips at all? They slide into the pocket super easy and with one hand.

My experience with Civivi’s Nitro V… push cut through multiple zip ties, various 1/16” to 1/8” plastics, and about a week of cutting down cardboard without damaging the edge whatsoever. I never ran into any staples, but I know how quickly plastic and cardboard can eat away at an edge. I knew Nitro V was fairly tough going in, but still I was very surprised. This was with my Baby Banter. Second MC on stropping it back to life incredibly easily. My two cents and experience, take it with a grain of salt.

I’d carry my flamethrower-chainsaw-machete more often, but it doesn’t have a deep carry clip

Just got mine yesterday. Very impressed with the “detent” they were able to accomplish. Deployment action is super snappy and crisp on mine.

For this clip on this one, if anyone wants to change it up, the titanium replacement for the CJRB Feldspar that Artisan Cutlery sells fits Civivi holes. I’ve put it on 2 of mine now, you lose the deep carry aspect but gain Ti-sexy appeal

I really like this knife. I feel like this is a really good option if you like the Benchmade 945 but can't afford it.

Wish it was a flipper

I love this knife. It has become my new travel option. It's a joy to carry, and it's inexpensive enough that replacing it wouldn't be devastating. It's also legal everywhere I happen to work and offers great 1 AM lying awake in my hotel bed fidget factor.

I always wondered why the heck knife laws are more restricted then gun laws. Does that seem ridiculous to anyone else or is it just me.

I got the wood-scaled one, it's fucking sweet. The Altus and the Cogent have been regular carry lately.

This will do just fine, since Protech refuses to take my money by making the Malibu reasonable to get.

I've been carrying mine at work for the past week and I'm loving it. Still dealing with a little lock stick, but its getting there. My factory edge was unimpressive however, I could run the meat of my finger up and down the edge and nothing happened. Must have been a "5pm on Friday" knife lol. Easy enough to get razor sharp though

I've never cut my self closing a liner lock ... Hit the liner, move thumb to top of blade, push down. 😉

The Altus is my current favorite Civivi. Incredible action. I would prefer an upgrade in blade steel, but that is a small complaint. I didn't think that Civivi would make a knife better than the Imperium. Of course, before the Imperium, I didn't think they would make a better knife than the Pintail. Makes me wonder what next year's homerun will be.

I wish to thank you for taking the time to cater to the seven of us that really care about the lanyard attachment.

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I like the Altus better than the Cogent. The blade swings more freely, I can open it in more ways, the snap is super loud & satisfying, and it's extremely comfortable even though I have larger size hands. The blade shape is a pleasure to use, & the overall size is great for many different people's needs. I still absolutely love my Cogents, but the wood version of the Altus is so flipping comfortable to hold and use and one more great thing about it for the price is that it has really nice steel in Nitro-V. All that for less money overall than the Cogent. Which I still love. Because Civivi. I heard a while back that Civivi has another button lock flipper coming out probably this year called the Conspirator, so I'm hoping their button lock game has improved even more and I'll be blown away yet again! 😃

Wow I'm so early. I have been waiting and checking every single day for this review to come out. I love the altus and am definitely going to get one when I can

Bought this knife to have as another EDC beater based on your recommendation! Should have it in my Wednesday and I’m pumped . Looks like an awesome package for a budget beater knife

Button locks, compression locks, and cage locks are all my favorite style now for the exact reasons you mentioned…such ease of use when performing tasks needed. Quicker, more efficient, less fumble factor. And some are really strong lock up, plus bonus fidget factor of course! Win, win, win

Good review ! I was going back and fourth between this and the Kiser original button lock . I don’t think I could go wrong with I ether. I just ordered the Civivi . I ordered the burgundy with the black blade . Hope I don’t regret that . Lol I have so many black knives I need a little color in my collection. I think 🤔

I carried a Buck 110 my (deceased) Grandfather gave me for more than 35 years until I accidentally left it on my room service tray on a cruise (whoever kept that knife instead of turning it in, I hope it cuts your fingers deeply enough to require stitches every time you use it). Yes, it was my own stupidity (so I guess I'll recall the curse from the prior sentence) and I cannot believe I was stupid enough to leave the last thing I my beloved Grandfather left me on a stupid room service tray after using it to cut friggin EGGS! (I mean, how stupid is that? Yes, I'm a monumental idiot and I deserve all the ridicule and scorn you can muster). So, back to replacing my knife. I started with a CRKT which I promptly returned before settling on the CIVIVI Altus. It is, definitely, smaller than the Buck I miss. That's about where the comparison ends. The CIVIVIVIVIVIVIVIVIVI (spoken with random emphasis on random "VI's") is actually more comfortable to hold, easier to open, FAR easier to close (can even do 1-handed closing now!), and had an incredibly smooth "action". Opening this knife is as easy as flicking your thumb. Just a press on the thumb stud and...WHAM...blade's open! A quick press of the locking button and flick of the wrist and...Wham...blade's stored! Considering I'd been using my Buck for more than 35 years, having to hold stuff up with my head while I opened the knife, or having to balance things on my shoulder while I took the time to close it, being able to open and close with little more than a thought was an interesting advancement! In other words, I found I love this knife! No, it doesn't hold the same sentimental value as my lost Buck, but it does do everything I want a pocket knife to do, and more! Opening is a breeze and closing it is just as easy with the same motions, just in reverse. The thumb stud came in handy when I was stuck in a boring meeting, being able to flick open the knife, then using the push button to close it, all in relative silence, helped me to endure several hours of boring finance meetings. Overall, this knife is actually far superior to the Buck 110 and, in an odd and kind of weird way, I'm kind of glad I idiotically left my cherished and irreplaceable gift given to me more than 35 years ago my, now passed, Grandfather on my plate because I forgot it after I cut up my friggin eggs (Oh no! There's no bitterness here! At least, not directed at anyone but ME!). Honestly, if I was shown this knife next to the Buck 110, I would have left the Buck at home, choosing to carry the superior, but far less sentimentally valuable knife on that fateful cruise. So, if you're looking for a pretty damned decent knife in a reasonable price point, you really can't go wrong with the CIVIVIVIVIVIVIVIVI Altus.

"You shouldn't cut zip ties with your knife!" AND "You shouldn't cut cardboard with your knife!" Why the hell do I have a knife if I can't cut pretty much anything it WILL cut? Isn't that the purpose of getting a higher quality knife than, say, the $5 POS at the gas station? To be clear, this is directed at the people who say, "You shouldn't cut ______ with your knife!" because it's always driven me nuts hearing people I shouldn't use a knife for its intended purpose.

I like the wood

3:16 Wow, first knife I've seen with 3 pivot screws!

I literally dropped it the other day and I’m trying to fix the button lock. It’s like I have to push it WAY in now

I have developed arthritis in both hands, especially my thumbs. My Ultratech OTF takes both hands for me to open. I'm currently looking for a small pocketknife (the kind like I lose all the time). How easy is this to open?

A strong lock is cool. But if you’re using a quality folding knife in such a way that you’re causing the lock to fail, you’re either using it totally wrong, or you really should be using a fixed blade. The lock should be just strong enough to keep the blade from closing on your hand if it snags in whatever your cutting when you’re wiggling or backing the blade out of the material you’re cutting. And the frame lock is the laziest and cheapest lock design ever. I’m confused why the most expensive knives use the cheapest laziest lock design, which makes the detent strength change depending on how tight you’re squeezing the knife. No way jerks. Not falling for that one.

I basically thought the button lock elementum profile was perfect. blade length handle shape everything. I want it in s30v and aluminum. basically the elementum button lock with an osborne upgrade and ill quit buying knives. I really would. I already havnt bought one since the elementum button lock. stacks of benchmades kizers kershaws essee spyder....meh. who knew it would be a basic old elementum that shut it down.

Mines on the way i cant wait! Love my cogent but for better edc size this is awesome!! Such a clean design too and good handle size still. Just wish they offered more scale colors, id love green scales and black blade, but OD green only offered in the powdered Damascus and micarta version

Nothing special about the looks. It’s just a basic generic looking knife to me. I did order one though simply because it was $63 for nitro v and ball bearings and I just needed a cheap somewhat durable work knife that’s not a lot in the pocket so hopefully it will fill its role.

I agree with the need for a pocket clip upgrade. But in my experience the 3D milled clips are FAR too "tight" and I feel like I'm stripping my pants off when pulling it out of my pocket (my experience with Viper Orso). The best pocket clips I've ever experienced for ergo as well as hand comfort are the LynchNW clips. I have no idea why companies don't take notes on his designs... However I will definitely be getting the Altus, probably multiples for backups/gifts.

Para 3 lightweight or civivi altus? It will be me new EDC, I don't care about the price thing because I'm fine paying the price for either, so which one is better and which one should I go with.

I put a Ti clip from Civivi on my Altus. You can actually order them, but the process is weird and takes at least a month.

Does anyone know what steel civivi uses on their Damascus version? I really want the green micarta version, but have never had a Damascus blade b4 and don't really know what to expect.

Civivi makes nice blades, but their pocket clips are junk, they just bend open instantly, I want a short, but sturdy clip like what came on my bugouts

Got this knife and the button didn’t work. Got stuck and wouldn’t lock. I have had a ton a knifes and this is the first one that didn’t work out of the box. Was super bummed case it looked really cool.

How would you compare it against the Button Lock Elementum? Edit: I was kind of surprised that comparison didn't make it into the video. Same manufacturer, same lock, similar steels (?). Would the addition of thumb-studs and a different blade shape be worth the difference in price?

What do you think MC ? Kizer original against the civivi Altus is too close to call right ? I do like ti or alum but the wood is something different for a little variety

How does this compare to the Civivi Elementum (liner lock) ?

The GP link for the Altus is not working. Going to go see if I can find it and order it for the wife. She need a good purse knife.

What's the grind angle supposed to be on the Altus?

great video, the actual video with the commentary EXCELLENT. I literally liked everything about it. subscribed.

Anyone know if this is considered legal in California?

Capsule Corp hahaha. Huge dragon ball fan, loved that

I wouldnt say perfect but i do like my altus.

I have closed a knife in my thumb once or twice 👍👍 lol 4 months ago I was still thinking 💭 cheaper knives are ok . They’re not compared to what can be had in the $50 range and up and the differences have been noticeable with price up to $300 or so anyways , $150 can get ya a real nice knife as well as just under a $100 imo like this altus I got as a gift today is excellent out of the box . My first one was a civivi praxis and it was a good reccomend MC . I still use my Milwaukee utility button lock at work 😂😂. That was some funny shit when you went off . Since then I have spent prob 5k on some real nice shit . Knives are forever 👍. Happy National Knife Day

Poor man's Malibu 🤪nonetheless I want one !

RAT 1 is a really tough knife.. Like as tough as some $150 big name knives. I normally go for that but Civivi is tough even though they don't look it. Id have a rat if I was still working on and near heavy machinery but since I don't I like Byrd Cara Caras and Civiv. Praxis a good RAT alternative its a big boy too.

If someone prefers a bigger knife, but still want a button lock with thumb studs, WMK will have an exclusive cjrb button lock feldspar in ar-rpm9.

Thats a noice knoif! I loik it ! Yet another knoif i have to add to moi collection thanks to yew. Im gonna have to ask for donations soon! But seriously, great review as always. Wish it was a little bigger but i dig sub 3"ers too. Thanks for showing us! Until nex toim, Goodboi.

So I uhhh, stabbed myself with my Esee Candiru while trying to cut a zip-tie. Make sure to insert and twist instead of insert and slice, you'd think that would be common knowledge. I had to find out the hard way. So here I am with 8 stiches and a splint on my thumb because I hit an artery, I finally realize why they say to insert and twist. Also nice touch on the DBZ reference with the capsule corp logo, now I can't un-see it like that knife where the pivot looks like a pokeball.

What type of lubricant would you recommend using on the bearings of my civivi elementum? I swapped the scales and it seems to not flip as easily or smoothly.

I was reading the comments on Nick's recent video about knives for people with physical disabilities, and apparently a *lot* of people who use wheelchairs put lanyards on their pocket stuff because it's hard to access stuff in your pockets when you're sitting down. I dunno about you, MC, but it makes me hate the lanyard holes a lot less knowing they're an important accessibility feature for folks

Waiting for the Post Man , butbI can't help wondering if Spyderco will ever make a lil Naitve button lock ?

I want this, but the button-lock mini Malice they showed recently is all I can think about from them… 😎👍🏼🙏🏼🖖🏻

I like a knife lock because it makes the knife stay closed in my pocket. I have only had a knife come open a few times and I only minor cut myself once and my pocket got cut open one time, while going up a ladder. Out of all the time I carry a knife, that's really not something I worry about, but a lock is a safety factor that I really like having in future knife buying. I don't want every knife with a lock but I do need to be under 3 inches and I want a knife lock, for a knife that I will carry for side jobs. This might be a great option. I have the button lock Milwaukee utility knives that I love for drywall and shingles, but I would like to have something like this for something nice to carry. Sometimes even having a knife to play around with on a break, is really nice to play around with.

Whatever coating they put on that blade it discolors extremely quick for whatever reason. I don’t think it’s the Nitro-V underneath because that should be pretty stainless.

Thank you. Your very incredible review has given me the information I wanted. God Bless

Merch idea: The Metal Complex Grappling Hook…I would totally buy one…!!!

I'm the definition of the guy who buys a knife for fidget factor, I probably open and close a knife more times in a day than most people do in 3 months, and I have to say.... I am HYPED for more button locks, I am very glad they seem to be gaining popularity and prevalence. The wonderful thing about them though is that even if you take out the fidget factor, button locks are still very practical and safe/efficient locking mechanisms. I'm also glad that we have many companies now that are producing quality knives in the $30-$100 bracket, Civivi, CRKT, and a few others that escape me at the moment have really made the bar for entry into not trash knives a lot lower and more reasonable for most people. All in all the knife industry feels like it's going in a good direction right now, we have so many NICE options at all price points.

What do you think about this knife with the Damascus blade has an 9Cr18MoV core steel and 60hrc

Hi MC, would the Baby Banter clip be in your eyes then perfect? It checks all your boxes.

Love your content. Excellent watchability. Pls! Pls! Show more close ups of the tip construction. That is a HUGE factor when I’m looking at knives. Ty Excellent work keep it up

Cool video bro, I'm glad I found your channel Im a big fan of the button lock, this may be my next blade. Again thank you for the info..

I've looked at a lot of your reviews and you cover everthing very well. I would just add measurements in mm/cm, weight in grams and it will be perfect :)

I just dropped the blade of my AP Xerx on my thumb knuckle today while I was on a call for work and not paying attention. Boy that knife has a nice action LOL This is why I usually fidget with my Malibu. The placement of the thumb studs on this is really good.

They have 3 button lock models. The elementum came in one, but was a stupid design imo. They didn’t even give it a flipper tab or thumb studs. I feel like that was one of their biggest fails to date.

I was there when people were trying to correct you and you just made fun of them🤣. I'm waiting for a purple version

My work has a 3" knife rule, it's dumb and it makes have to carry smaller knives.

I wish it was in jade and the blade was a tanto or something else

I have the Altus. I prefer my Kogent AND my Gonzo FB765.

I have one of the wood versions arriving later today. Watching this review to tide me over. I'm excited to try my first button lock. The Altus ticks so many boxes for me.

Do you own a grappling hook? I’m really hoping the answer is yes, btw. 😂

banter style clip perhaps?? I love my Altus!!

Live this knife. Unfortunately had to return mine due to a locking mechanism failure 2 weeks out of the box. Will buy again when in stock.

perfect knife for me, good wieght, good blade material good price comes with a button g10 handles, the blade finish looks unique, simplistic look but a little cooler good ergos and comes with bearings, for under 80 bucks

My Altus is Damascus blade and green micarta I love this knife.

Priced a bit high.

“I could carry around a Cold Steel Espada XL in Kansas, too. But I don’t do it, because that’s ridiculous.” This made me smile way more than it should have.

Gotta get one these puppies! Micarta and Damascus! Thanks! ⚔️

I kinda like the civivi clips

I have the wood version and it was not perfect out of the box. It had button stick and I ended up taking it apart and I lubed the Spring and the button itself and then I think because the variation of the wood scales, it had lock stick when I reassembled it. I had to torque the screws just right. Now it's perfect.

Even though I don’t wanna admit it… I do use more bandaids than the average person,.. haha

Capsule corp logo :D

Thanks MC.

This seems like it would be light simple button lock and not a bad option at all. Nothing snazzy but very good for any edc

Got this just as a cheap "gift knife". It has become a star in a collection of over 30 knives overnight. Green micarta, damascas, 90$ FTW.

Really wanted to love this knife... still do love the aesthetics, unfortunately just not quite big enough. The deal breaker though on my particular knife is the lock stick. It's been opened and shut hundreds of times over the last week and just won't go away.

I would like to have 1

Good review. Great EDC knife and I think I'm going to check out the Cogent as well. Thanks.

I just got my green micarta with damascus blade Altus today in the mail. Love it so far. There is a little lock stick on the button lock. I'm gonna play with it a bunch and then rip it down and clean/lube it up and see how it goes.

The pocket clip is just great. Not sure how your having problems with it

OK.... Button lock Brigand, let's go!

“All 7 of you” 😂😂😂😂

Pretty sure its Atlus :p

2 questions: when doing punkture tasks, are the ergonomics good enough to not slip? and do you think civivi will bring out a smaller version(3 inch) of a flipper button lock like the cogent or the conspirator?

Agree about the clip. It just looks cheap. I like the ones that look a little more like a spoon. And yes, if they put a thumb stud on the Cogent and had a flipper option on this, both would be just about perfect for me. Would also love it if the cogent had a wood grain scales option-that looks sharp with a black blade.