The CIVIVI Nugz is a cool knife with a becoming identify. One thing in regards to the meaty reverse tanto designed by Matthew Wehrwein requires the great, 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 normal use to seek out out.
Briefly: The CIVIVI Nugz is a pleasant EDC knife — for the value. At round $70, it provides the consumer good metal, a pleasant micarta deal with, and a deep carry pocket clip. Nevertheless 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 kind
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 barely right-handed -
Detent turned unfastened after just a few weeks of testing
CIVIVI Nugz Overview
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 novel look each open and closed, because the huge reverse tanto sits nicely outdoors of the skinny deal with when shut and overshadows the deal with when open.
However appearances imply little when a knife is as genuinely purposeful because the Nugz. The flipper and thumb (or index finger) holes permit quick opening in three alternative ways. I discovered the knife each fidgety and enjoyable within the hand. It locks open with a agency “thunk.” I finally discovered myself utilizing the flipper opening methodology more often than not, though the thumb/finger gap additionally works simply positive.
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 appeal, however nonetheless will simply open knives. Due to the pronounced level, it can additionally whittle fairly nicely.
So it’s a very good, versatile knife. Very similar to its identify, “Nugz,” the knife is just not intimidating. It’s not very harmful and received’t elevate eyebrows if you happen to flip it open within the workplace breakroom to open a bag of jerky.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Over the past month, I used the Nugz as my each 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 looking (though I additionally carried looking knives for meat processing responsibility).
It carried out nicely total, notably for the value. Nonetheless, it falls wanting 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 means 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, offered you don’t want a really positive level. It has a pleasant giant stomach and respectable tip however isn’t designed to stab by way of materials as a lot as slice. I really like the aggressive jimping on the backbone and liner lock. These present a really agency grip, notably for righties.
Now, the downsides. First, I seen a few vital 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 simple to tighten.
However the blade play appears to be with the detent, which means there’s slight wiggle when the blade is closed. I haven’t tried to repair this simply but, however it might 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 stunned to see a few minor points like this.
An even bigger downside — at the very least for lefties — is the truth that the knife is just not ambidextrous. It’s right-pocket, tip-up carry solely. When you 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 consumer nicely as an EDC device. When you’re right-handed and desire a wider-blade knife, this one is mostly a no-brainer for the cash.
However the knife is just not for everybody. When you’re a leftie, it’s a go. When you’re in search of a hard-use blade, look elsewhere. And if you happen to plan to hold your knife daily for a number of years, I believe spending slightly extra will deliver extra worth down the highway.
However as a value-oriented, uniquely formed knife, the Nugz delivers. It fills a enjoyable area of interest with a enjoyable identify and design, so I wouldn’t hesitate so as to add it to a group.
