CIVIVI Baklash Flipper Folding Knife, G10/Carbon Fiber, 801D
[CIVC801D dis.]

The Baklash is everything you expect to come from Civivi knives (with one exception, perhaps). This is a really good budget knife (though admittedly getting to the pricier side of budget knives) with really good action, a nice design, and really good ergonomics. It is the type of knife that offers good city use unless you do maintain your knifes by breaking them down and cleaning them from time to time. So, let’s break that down. This knife has a superb detent powered by stainless steel bearings. Frankly, the action is comparable or better than knives costing more – for example, the Vosteed Thunderbird. So if you use it camping or gardening, dirt is going to get into the bearings and you will have to take the knife apart, clean it, and oil it from time to time. Nothing wrong with that, it is just a requirement. The ergonomics are stellar. It fits in the hand so well – either with all your fingers on the handle or choked up using the finger choil. Just a lovely knife in that regard and it really shows you what can be produced at this price point in terms of action, fit, and finish. Two draw backs. First, this is the carbon fiber version. Frankly, it is not a carbon fibre knife. It is a G-10 knife with a thin veneer of carbon fibre laid on the scale. Sure, it is laid on well and the fit and finish is good, but my advice to you is to buy the G-10 version and save yourself $15, give or take. Second, the blade is beautifully designed. The 3.5 inch blade has a cutting edge of 3.125”. It has a beautiful satin finish, a drop point, and a hollow grind. It is so slicey. But – and for me, this is a big “but” – is has 9Cr18MoV steel. This is a barely adequate steel IMHO. It is comparable to 440A . While some disagree, I am of the view D2 is a better budget option. And there are comparable budget options with D2 steel – for example, the Steel Will Cutjack. The Cutjack’s action is not quite as good as it runs on phosphor bronze washers, but the action is good, it can handle a lot more dirt and grime before needing servicing, and is D2 steel and the knife is a little cheaper. I am offering this as a suggestion as an alternative to those who can’t get over the steel. I have both (well, I like small knives so I have the Mini-Cutjack), I have given both as gifts (incidentally to people who both use them at the lake), so I like both and I got over the steel, but I would be remis not to point it out. But I do love this knife, despite these two drawbacks. I just wouldn’t buy the so-called “carbon fiber” version if I had a “do over.”