Civivi Altus Button Lock Folding Knife - Overview and Review

Full review of the Civivi Altus.
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[@metal_complex]

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[@superrad1659]

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

[@brianeaton5258]

i would pay a dumbass amount of money to put a wire clip on the imperium

[@superrad1659]

@@brianeaton5258 right 😂 really tho how rad would that be if most/all Civivi models had replacement wire and Ti options?!

[@jamellelangfordiii3586]

Or just the ability to order custom stuff in general. They have such an array of options already in handle materials, blade materials, liners, spacers, blade finishes. I mean there are some models that I like but wish it had something different about it, or just to have a custom version. I think that would be able to inhabit that intermediate area of the 100-150 range, not quite a low upper Benchmade/Spiderco, but better than the upper budget knives. Personally I really like the designs of civivi, and being able to customize them would be awesome.

[@jamellelangfordiii3586]

Also, with online capability, you could very easily make a great custom making interface to custom build your knife. I do get that some options may only be available periodically. Perhaps a person could custom build a knife with the understanding that it won't be available until you get enough orders for a particular steel or something. That way the person gets what they want, and the maker has a guaranteed quantity already sold.

[@SavgSith]

Lol lots of customizers on social media you can pay then to put a different finish and ano hardware on almost anything even scales on alot of knives.

[@jimschuler8830]

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

[@Corbs627]

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

[@davidh0159]

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

[@RW2Knaf]

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.

[@TheScottyp1]

love ntiro on my 61hrc perpetua....always wanted to know how they do it before i get one

[@Quickjob519]

I actually had the opposite experience with their nitro v. I used it to break down one box and it had dings on the edge and couldn't cut a fart. The following day I actually woke up and went to grab it and it had deep rust on the blade. Emailed back and forth with civivi at which they politely told me to screw myself after I mentioned concerns about the blade steel although they did tell me to use a product that'll trash the bead blast. Fast forward I left a bad review on Amazon, they responded immediately and finally sent me a replacement blade. I've since fenced the knife and have a hard time building a trust for civivi after spending so much time back and forth for something that should've been corrected much quicker.

[@RW2Knaf]

@@Quickjob519 poor heat treat? Although that may not explain the rust. That sucks man.

[@Orr_s]

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

[@davidlindquist1499]

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.

[@jonathanwatson268]

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.

[@Abby_Normal_1969]

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.

[@Abby_Normal_1969]

@@KZbin_Scientist - Same. Wood is sexy AF, even when laminent. I don't mind Nitro-V, although I have seen Civivi put S35VN on a similar price point - Elementum, Pintail, Appalachian Drifter, and etc.

[@Abby_Normal_1969]

@@KZbin_Scientist - yeah, I am similarly been intrigued by magnacut. Though I have to experience it. I have a Bark River in magnacut ordered and a Spyderco in magnacut ordered. Not sure when. I would finally receive either.

[@JohnPatterson-freakage]

Love my Imperium. Great little knife. Currently in my pocket

[@coleporter20]

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

[@billveitch2100]

How opportune! I just checked my email and found that the Altus I ordered earlier this week is out for delivery. I hope I enjoy it as much as you and other commenters do.

[@pateralus9]

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! 😃

[@GenericAssUsername]

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.

[@SubaruRob1]

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

[@HighCRI]

“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.

[@zackvega9596]

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

[@Zero_8347]

Mine had some lock stick too but it has worn in and eased up after a few days of playing with it.

[@andyablluxembourg8627]

can you tell me please, how are the ergonomics in hand, i see no jimping, is it risky to slip and you run your fingers into the blade?

[@Jeff82556]

@@andyablluxembourg8627 If you had watched the video, you wouldn't be asking such stupid questions! (see jimping at 06:23)

[@ryejack]

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.

[@FreedomFox1]

The wood is awesome, reminds me of old WWII rifles with “blued” hardware. Just be sure the action is good… a few people have had issues develop in the first few days. But mine is perfect.

[@ryejack]

@@FreedomFox1 I just got it about an hour ago and so far so go. It's a really well designed knife.

[@anthonyschutz7201]

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

[@willblake72]

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.

[@ethanackerman2174]

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.

[@TheRonybala]

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.

[@destro6971]

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

[@unknown-ql1fk]

Picked up an elementium and now this one...i like them both. Great knives for edc

[@HateMickSupporter]

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

[@chuckdeal3971]

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 🤔

[@Orr_s]

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

[@wkeithtexas]

My first Civivi a Praxis was returned for a faulty liner lock. But the replacement was quick and it works. Your review of the Cogent got my attention but like the BM Claymore I’m not a fan of mushroom shaped handles. The Altus design definitely checks the fun box.

[@peggynulsen1365]

I got the green micarta/Damascus Altus and I really do like it. It is small and light, but does most things well. I usually carry a little bigger blade, just in case more cutting power is needed, but honestly I don't need that very often. This is a winner.

[@timblackburne77]

7 months later, do you still like it? How is it holding up?

[@peggynulsen1365]

@@timblackburne77 hi Tim. Still like it. Carried quite a bit this summer, great with light weight clothing. Sharpened twice. Nice and smooth now with repeated use.

[@timblackburne77]

@@peggynulsen1365 Thank you for the reply!

[@lukepaulson3428]

Man I’m definitely in the buy more-expensive-less-often camp…but this is very hard to pass up. Thanks MC!

[@Sherrodja]

The Altus has such clean lines. And the button lock is a plus. Nice 👍

[@drazmod]

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

[@timnichol6566]

Me too. I just got my Altus today but I can see it stealing spots from my spydercos in the pocket.

[@claudiaperry949]

I got the Damascus and micarta Altus. Its one of my favorite knives. Its so smooth and is just the size I like my knives at

[@abnr1983]

Where did you get that model from?

[@claudiaperry949]

@@abnr1983 got mine on BladeHQ

[@Heffemontanas]

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

[@timnichol6566]

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.

[@Hungrybird474]

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

[@jamesmaggio7560]

Great video! I got this knife last week, love it❗️ A lil lock stick but went away after 2 days. Your right some of Civivi knives like the Nox( I have) priced too high but overall good knives. Keep up the good videos. Thx

[@adoseofdrew]

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

[@JS-ji5bl]

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..

[@destro6971]

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

[@superrad1659]

Do you know if CJRB/Artisan sell the clips by themselves?

[@destro6971]

@@superrad1659 they do! I think its the A clip, for model J1912 (large feldspar). One if the other knife bros out there has a video of it on an elementum with Ti scales, i think its Stassa23.

[@superrad1659]

@@destro6971 hell yea ill have to check that out, thx!

[@deanowen5990]

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

[@thefilthiestcasual3882]

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

[@jjssousa81]

I'd like to see some testing of button lock strength. Seeing the way most are constructed I would think they would be just as strong as any other lock. It functions really close to how a crossbar lock does. It just engages into the tang from the side rather than the back.

[@AlexsKnivesSuch]

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

[@davidrampe392]

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.

[@PaulKoppin]

Thanks for the review! I have the Cogent and have been thinking about getting this knife but wonder if I should wait for the Conspirator.

[@lukamikadze9628]

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

[@adamsheppard3480]

Capsule Corp hahaha. Huge dragon ball fan, loved that

[@Just1Guy1000]

I have been waiting for this knife since seeing it last year. Civivi will be making a knife similar in style/design but about the size of the Gogent that's suppose to be coming later this year. So many knives so little time.

[@VitiateTheImmortal]

I need to learn how to flip that open quickly! Getting one soon

[@P-tricky13]

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

[@zippymagee]

The CRKT Tighe Tac Two Tanto which I absolutely love after a couple years of use the button lock slips out under moderate use and even just flipping sometimes. Which the issue is they needed to only notch half the blade stock so it can't slip through. they also could have taper blade or scales and button.

[@CultureStress]

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

[@tony_tone8862]

Been eye balling this one ! I have the cogent and love it!

[@Baywire]

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.

[@DiamondEDC]

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.

[@peterkerch9357]

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

[@Zero_8347]

I love my Altus. I got the wood handle with black blade/hardware

[@Spanky8402]

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.

[@seizod]

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.

[@michaeltihon3485]

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 :)

[@bretfisher7714]

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

[@Art_Vark_and_Rock]

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

[@kamil4149]

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.

[@DouglasRosser]

Elegant designs are *usually* simple, but not all simple designs are elegant. This one is both.

[@1983mikechan]

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

[@idontno0]

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

[@LH_Vagrant]

Waiting patiently for the now inevitable WEmium version of this one. The combination of button lock and thumb studs is currenly my favourite and this knife has the right look to it, but I can't really get excited by the Civivi experience anymore.

[@raizt1596]

Why not? Something you don't like about the knife?

[@LH_Vagrant]

@@raizt1596 No, there isn't. It's just that my interests have moved on from the general Civivi stuff. After owning a few of them, that itch has been thoroughly scratched. The WE versions are just barely different enough to make me actually want to go and buy them.

[@MarlonMagdalena]

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

[@bradreeder7635]

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.

[@mitchellg849]

I have the wood scaled one and this black variant they are great

[@nachocheese3382]

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

[@ArfooHuroo]

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

[@DarkDrako313]

Really enjoying this one!

[@roninair]

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

[@karisteffen]

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

[@Hungrybird474]

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

[@lkayh]

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.

[@Errcyco]

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.

[@anthonyschutz7201]

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.

[@jackbn9353]

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

[@S4Detroit]

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.

[@820hurleyj]

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?

[@holdernewtshesrearin5471]

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.

[@andyablluxembourg8627]

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?

[@bryaninphnx]

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.

[@sdcarter1880]

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?

[@wes.killed.it.5511]

I'm sure its because they're both so different in regards to egos, aesthetics, and deployment. While they do both share a button lock and are both Civivi models, the overall discrepancies between the two knives are night and day. I have both and although I've never find myself carrying the Elementum BL, I do however carry the Altus and Cogent quite a bit and both came out of box with zero lock stick, and tuned to perfection.

[@tony2169]

I like the wood

[@jonathancupp3686]

I like it, I just wish it was a bit larger.

[@Android-nv7gu]

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

[@jamesfair9751]

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

[@ephemeralnihilist]

Poor man's Malibu 🤪nonetheless I want one !

[@danieldevaney9104]

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.

[@JustFluxz]

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.

[@garylyman4922]

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.

[@SimplicityEDC]

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

[@ismaelruiz6814]

“All 7 of you” 😂😂😂😂

[@CHUCKIT]

Thanks MC.

[@mattg2935]

I added a Kwik Thumb Stud to my Cogent. It makes the knife great. Crazy enough though, I carry my BL Elementum more often than the Cogent because I love the hollow grind. I cut thick cardboard (gaylords) and the BL Elememtum goes through it great. The are coming out with a wharncliffe shaped button lock that I'm really interested to see.

[@blakewalker7659]

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