MASTERPIECE... Kind of - Civivi Conspirator Folding Knife - Overview and Review

[@metal_complex]

My Amazon page! The gear I use here on the channel! - www.amazon.com/shop/metalcomplex Thanks so much for watching! You can support my channel on Patreon here - www.patreon.com/metalcomplex MC stickers! - www.redbubble.com/people/metal-complex/shop?asc=u

[@Jakoshdw]

MC - Considering your dislike of the Civivi clip... you might try carrying some of their knives in a horizontal cross-draw sheath. No clip needed. I've carried that knife in one for a month and liked it just fine. I use a "Gentlestache" Cross-draw sheath I got off Amazon it works great with button locks. As you pull the knife from the sheath a small roll of the knife leaves your fingers in the perfect position to deploy the blade via button or flipper.

[@Below-Average_Joe]

Considering the prices of Spyderco’s and other American based companies, I am pretty happy with $70-$80 Civvi’s.

[@Mandarintoenail1]

I just paid 119 for a spyderco made in Colorado with CTS XHP. Seems reasonable enough over 80 to support American and have high quality

[@davidbrown-vd5wo]

@@Mandarintoenail1 What model?

[@Mandarintoenail1]

@@davidbrown-vd5wo para3 lightweight

[@Below-Average_Joe]

@@Mandarintoenail1 was one with FRN scales? As I type, I have a K390 Manbug in my pocket. It seems to me that just about Spyderco with nicer scales, or any other dressy feature, is over $200 these days and some $300-$400. Those prices have shut down most knife collection of Spyderco and Benchmade for me.

[@butchcassidy3373]

Not to mention that Benchmade QC is definitely suffering. My last BM was Northfork and it has lots of blade play. Not happy with it at all

[@dailygearguide]

I 100% agree, this is Civivi’s best knife to date. I 100% disagree with your take on D2 and G10. I don’t want to see D2 on all their budgets knives and forget plastic handles. If anything let’s move these handles to textured aluminum scales 👍 It’s a big chunk of nitro V and there has been a good deal of inflation lately.

[@solaydbak]

I'm still a big Elementum fan.

[@metal_complex]

Ok SK we get it. I saw the comment you left under another thread. Move along.

[@zurich_edc2511]

Great idea

[@LosDoyerss]

Aluminum handles scratch easily and end up looking like crap.

[@AudibleVisibIe]

@SK not a single person cares 🤡

[@aarontorres121]

Omg!! Had me rolling. Everyone just watch 15:28 without context before you watch the whole video. Then go back and enjoy 😉

[@nicklask.388]

Made my day😂😂😂

[@SwordChux]

Lol that one was worth it!

[@midwestgear]

I was on the fence with the price but I do love and prefer micarta. I also have to admit the Nitro V instead D2 closed the sale for me. I prefer a quality stainless that is easy to touch up.

[@commandlion8667]

I just got this today, green micarta / black blade. Added a couple drops of nano 10 to pivot and this thing inow has such free, glassy action. My first micarta, love the soft texture. $71 at WMK. Fits me better than the Sencut Sachse, which I may return to amzn. This is a really good knife.

[@alj.granda8252]

Just received mine. Great knife for the money. Very good action, finish at this price point. Demascus and green/grey micarta. Pretty sharp out of the box and centered perfectly. I dont mind the pocket clip at all. Great knife to fidget with!

[@dianai6415]

Ok thanks 😊 I’m about to order one

[@holdernewtshesrearin5471]

Man that looks like a thoroughly well thought out, well designed knoif! Definitely gonna have to have it. Thanks for bringing it!

[@robertbrunello]

I finally received mine today with wood scales!

[@mynamesjustbill1583]

A new budget knife comes out and I think “I’d buy that if it were built with slightly better materials for a bit more money.” Then a slightly more expensive knife is released and I think “Well, that should be a budget knife. I’m not paying that much for that.” What is wrong with my brain?

[@Whiteman115]

I ordered this same one, can't wait for it to get here. I hope WE makes a premium version with titanium scales and 20CV

[@dailygearguide]

I’d even like textured aluminum scales honestly.

[@Distortion888]

WE makes the subjugator which looks identical apart from using a frame lock instead of a button lock.

[@Pheratia]

I have the wood handle version and the contrast with the black liners is awesome. Also i removed the lanyard post and the clip completely. I have an edc leather belt organizer and it holds the knife just fine without the clip, and makes the knife way more comfortable and pretty. Also bought the damascus blade to swap into it, since they don't sell it in that combo, i had to make it myself.

[@bornonthebattlefront4883]

That’s the only bummer with knives, is getting the blade I want with the handle I want Tho I do like the stonewash Nitro V with the wood scales personally Instead of removing the clip, I just bought a black Civivi titanium clip Matches everything very well, and turns it from a 8.5/10 knife to a 9.5/10 knife IMO, for the price point that is

[@happykt]

I got this knife yesterday and love it. Its my favorite Civivi kinfe I own (I own 7 others). I love the multiple ways of opening the knife, the black micarta handle, and the wide but super slicey blade. And I paid $73 for my version of this same knife with a 10 percent off promo code. The button lock makes the blade easy to flip open and close too. This knife is a MASTERPIECE imho and well worth what I paid for it.

[@mindmelters2093]

Do you have Amazon discount code

[@MrSabram07]

What makes this different from the Cogent?

[@davidsapir3764]

Great review! Picked up the green micarta handle/black blade version. It's my first button lock and it's an incredible knife. And wow what a fidget lover's dream.

[@davidmathews2124]

Dear MC, as Holmes would say…”Do come along!” Well, whatever. It’s your show and you can draw the line in the sand where you like. As a home shop knife maker of over 30 years, I LOVE micarta. I also prefer Nitro V over D2 (though I like D2 well enough). And for $5 I’d never ever give up my preferred scale and blade materials on a knife I’ll carry on a daily basis. Hey…we’re talking the cost of a Big Mac here! So get over yourself, skip lunch, and carry the better knife. Me? I spent the extra $20 and bought the Conspirator with the raindrop damascus blade. I have the Elementum BL with the same raindrop damascus and love it. Like a damn razor. BTW: EXCELLENT review here. Many thanks.

[@JustAnotherDayToday]

Just picked up a Damascus variant-let’s see how it goes.

[@yippiesmoke]

I actually love the clip. I ordered the ti one with the knife because many have complained. Not only do I prefer the deeper carry, but the bill of the clip fits around the callus on my palm below my middle finger. I don’t even notice it for the most part. I like the scales too. Feels great in the pocket, and idk about anyone else but my pocket knife is in my pocket 95% of the time or more.

[@brandonfields7827]

Just got the wood handled version about 30 mins. ago. Had to oil the pivot and the plunge lock, as it was rather stiff out of the box with some button stick. It's already loosening up and getting smoother, very happy with it so far!

[@carmelotansengco4605]

Now that all the excitement with the new models has died down, I realize the Conspirator is still my favorite Civivi. Call me crazy or whatever but I still prefer this to the Vision FG and Sentinel Strike. They're excellent knives, don't get me wrong. I really like them but for some reason, The Conspirator just clicks with me. I love this knife. The only way to make this knife better is to use better materials. It's practically perfect (for me).

[@akbyrd6831]

Wow, I didn't realize we agreed on anything . I'm also not a Micarta fan. Happy to hear your comments on Micarta. Also, I don't care for lanyard holes. I agree with you that too much priority has been given to lanyard holes.

[@jdisdetermined]

I’m perfectly happy with the price and being NitroV. I’m kind of bored with D2 and M390. The fact that it had a different steel is why I bought one. Now if they did it in 14c28n/G10 for $60? That would be a 400’ three run homer. 😁👍 I’d love to see some more budget-ish stuff in less done to death materials. Maybe some textured aluminum scales, with K390, LC200, etc..

[@marcmole3727]

Neither of those steels mentioned are budget steels

[@YuhNinja]

@@marcmole3727 huh? D2 is 100% budget steel.

[@marcmole3727]

@@YuhNinja yeah turns out I just read it wrong the first time lol

[@ronaldtubbs9674]

Watched you video on the spydi flick. Now I’m flicking this Civivi like a pro. Like the knife. A lot!

[@Yoyoo660]

With a 10% code from one of you guys on KZbin it comes out to under 72 bucks which ain’t bad ! love mine

[@kylekuhnle]

It seems as civivi is rebranding to mid grade with she cut being the new budget(d2/g10) line. With 3 diff companies under one umbrella they need to distinguish the lines clearly. Civivi has been moving into nitro v or 14c more than d2 as of late and i believe that is on purpose.

[@Timmayytoo]

Yeah, they announced their intent to do just that when they announced Sencut back in 2019, but an unfortunate number of knife reviewers refuse to acknowledge this and some act as though ignoring Sencut will somehow make it go away. MC isn't one of them, he just forgets everything 😆.

[@cmoorhead1]

Love this knife! I swapped the pocket clip for the CIVIVI milled titanium pocket clip.

[@davidmayle6103]

Civivi did improve over the original fold over clip. I like where civivi is going, I think they are listening when we say we are tired of D2 and G10. I think there pricing on this one could be $10 cheaper but when you compare pricing with other brands that are on the same line they are priced reasonably. If you want to talk about pricing I'd throw spyderco into that mix.

[@edcticf7654]

The coincidences for me and this video today are insane… I was looking at this knife 10 minutes before the video went up, and I’m watching this while procrastinating going to the grocery store and you went on your whole tangent about grocery stores where that happens all the freaking time 😂😂

[@robertdeland3390]

I have both a civivi praxis and mini praxis. Mini is my edc. I like the pocket clip. Works without damaging my pocket, feels ok when I grip the knife. The conspiritor looks like a great knife. Not a fan of big knives. I might consider a mini conspirator, at a mini price.

[@CyberManor]

What model benchmade is that?

[@trentcrawford3020]

The overpriced one.

[@lukenewc]

MC you forgot to mention that the fuller can also be used to flick it open a la thumb stud style. It's the first knife I've owned with 4 legitimately different opening methods. Fidget factor x1000!

[@whiskaleafa]

My friend! You need to check out empedc and his nymble!! The liner lock preorder happened today! Saturday April 16, so you can definitely still grab one Easter sunday

[@yamsi12]

@@whiskaleafa DAFUQ

[@haveyounoticedtheshieldsar3467]

Finally you review something I have in my small growing array. .

[@akquicksilver]

Bought one, should be here any day. I think Civivi realized it was a home run and so it's $80. I waffled for a bit, but just said yeah I want it. Love the rant!

[@danielandrews4634]

Yes dude, I remember I had a PM3, my favorite knife. Then my wife lost it, I never got around to buying another one. It was what, $80-$90 back then, now it’s around $120. Crazy.

[@kellyburris287]

I just got my second Cogent, looking forward to picking up one of these next.

[@kevinwilliams0214]

About the creeping up in line.. I went to Brooklyn for work once and every line I waited in was like this! People have no common courtesy in Brooklyn I swear. Was so so glad to go back home to Oklahoma!

[@KillianDefaoite]

Just received mine a few days ago, decided to splurge the extra 30 bucks to get the knifecenter exclusive version. For the extra money you get black aluminium scales, satin finish blade, and S35VN blade steel. With respect to the pocket clip that you don't like, I have found that if you move it to the other side it is significantly more comfortable.

[@CeliaShadden]

Just ordered mine can't wait! Was gonna go with the boker kihon auto since it's the most awesome drop point design but then seen this!

[@derekneumann]

I just ordered on of these. Stoked!!

[@OffTheGrid1982]

I love this flipper and button lock. Excellent Civivi EDC.

[@mikeh5967]

DUDE! I happily paid $20 more to get this quality and finish.. It's my favorite civivi knife so far. Fidget fanatic, 5 opening options I can do. Most of us watching already have some beaters. I'm looking for smooth, sharp, fun knife. This checks all the boxes for me.

[@lemmyjoker3678]

Was looking at an elementum but now I’m thinking maybe this one

[@imapishard]

spot on with the pocket clip.. Lynch needs to make clips for Civivi stuff

[@ericthorpe5670]

Dude I was just telling my coworker to grab a Shaman the other day because he's the only dude I work with who doesn't have a Spyderco. Upon realizing how much was being asked for a Shaman, I suggested he get this, the flipper tab Civivi version of the Shaman.

[@andrewestrada250]

One of the original 3 civivi models: The civivi praxis reminds me of a liner lock shaman

[@ericthorpe5670]

@@andrewestrada250 I can definitely see that too. I dunno, maybe I'm just being a doofus and saying it looks like a Shaman because of the drop point blade, but I feel like they're similar.

[@brentchua3032]

enjoyed the line analogy for the pricing, very true

[@SYFMCameron]

I wouldnt have bought this knife if it were in D2 with peel ply G10, not even at $50. I did buy it because of the materials they used. D2 with g10 is the most basic budget combo I can think of, with a liner lock boom, 99% of the most basic knives out there. But a button lock (that isnt like the elementum, which I have and am not a fan of) that doesnt lock when closed and the materials used make it a little different and worth the price IMO. I get this knife tomorrow so I will see if I like it enough to hang onto or possibly even carry. Thanks for the content!

[@rudyaguilar7256]

Great vid Metal! The clip must go lol but otherwise, I consider this knife an out-the-field home run considering every aspect including price, or should I say especially the price. I feel it's actually a few dollars underpriced but that's because I already have way too many knives in D2, 154cm, etc. Love the micarta. G10 is overrated in my book and I feel micarta might too this time this year haha but for now, I love it.

[@davewarner1492]

Got mine coming on Thursday! Glad to be getting something other than Kershaw Launch knives!!!

[@terryscearce6599]

Thanks for your rant on this one. I wanted the conspirator but felt like it was just over priced by a little. Spent the same on two petrified fish knives instead.

[@Talix.]

As a CIVIVI guy I'd like to see more on video comparisons to other CIVIVI knives instead of "the usual" that you and just about everyone else show which in my opinion are old and tired (I've had them all at one point). PS your rant at the end had me rolling! Don't sneeze on my neck!

[@sinnersaved9208]

You sold me. Just pulled the trigger on one, and yeah, not stoked on the price tag but couldn’t pass it up. Also, the review cracked me up. Thanks MC 👍

[@ryansullivan3081]

Your videos are making me very interested in WEvivi knives.

[@thebluemeanies1]

The Altus is one of my favorites, I'm a big fan of nitro v.

[@mcsquirgle]

Im surprised that you prefer g10 to micarta. I get that its a preference but its seemingly established as a more premium material than g10

[@austinbridge]

*stops himself in the metal type weeds* "Wow! Over-explain much?" 😅 You're the best, MC

[@badbonzai1]

My first button lock, Damascus and Green macarta. I use my FU finger for the button. Flips right out. Took some getting used to, but once you do, it's an awesome knife. At $103.00, it's my favorite knife. Sounds like you are trying to hate it.

[@original696sin]

I agree with everything you said. And no you’re not the only one complaining about the clips. Lol. But I love this knife. By far my favorite Civivi now. I absolutely love it. And you can reverse flick it. I love that opening method. Sold me right away. I will be purchasing the Damascus version also. Just because. Lol. This is a knife that Flytanium needs to pick up and make titanium scales for. I think that would be awesome. Or Civivi just come out with that version. Either way I think this knife has the potential to be a premium knife also.

[@sreilly688]

Altus is amazing! I'm itching to get the conspirator. I prefer Nitro V over d2 for corrosion resistance.

[@SENILE_TYRANT]

@Timothy Mckee that is a fact.FJB.

[@ryejack]

Using pocket knives to illustrate annoying customers at a grocery store is exactly how I needed to start my Monday morning. Job well done, sir. LOL

[@Clambelly]

$80.00 for high quality knife steel [much better corrosion resistance than D2] + Micarta + Button Lock = Good Value. The knife easily competes w/ and may out perform Para series, Bugout, Spyderco Native, Shaman and so many other knives that sell for 2x - 3x the cost. I don't understand why you are obsessing over the cost. Sure it would be nice if the Conspirator sold for $40.00, but then it would not be the same quality. Anyway, Thank You for the excellent review. I have one on order !

[@kimleith1378]

I agree about the button being on the other side for right handers, using my index finger instead of my thumb would feel so much more natural to me.

[@MrSabram07]

Using the indoor finger would feel like a Spyderco compression lock

[@akapabs108]

I friggin love this friggin knife! CIVIVI CONSPIRATOR is just that friggin good!!

[@SwordChux]

I got the one with the wood scales. I really like it. Only negative I can find with it is the flipper tab functionality with the lock. It's a very minor issue, but if you flip the blade out too fast, it will kinda jam the lock. Not by much, but it IS noticable. If you dont use the flipper tab there is no problem though. Beezblades did a review on it and had the same problem. Might just be the wood scale version.

[@dpsnodgrass1215]

My damascus Conspirator and my Sencut Crowley are the same way. Not sure what causes that. Still both very good knifes. Its kind of a safety feature, makes it more difficult to accidentally hit the button

[@refinededc6554]

Great take on a what looks to be another home run for CIVIVI. I wasn’t a fan of the price either, but having just received my first button lock knife today (an Altus), im sold on it. Cant wait to get the Conspirators I ordered in my rotation once they arrive 👍🏼

[@esfwr17]

GF got this one for me, i love it. I wish they had one with a sheepsfoot or Wharncliffe profile though.

[@Southernknife_addict]

I don’t often buy Budget knives…but when I do it’s a Civivi lol

[@harrybaules]

I know what you mean about the pocket clip. I had to sell my brand new CRKT Hootenanny just because of the clip. It was really annoying how it carved into your hand while using it. That clip was not easy to change out because of the angle.

[@not-a-raccoon]

Civivi continues to be the sweet spot for me

[@pigcandisco]

The days of $50 Civivi's were over when they started changing their steels, which is fine by me. Sencut is now what Civivi used to be, unfortunately for someone like myself who lives in NY I cant order them from Amazon and I'm not willing to order them at full price from them directly. If Civivi started using S35VN and 154CM and charging $90-120 depending on the other materials used I would probably continue to buy them. They're my favorite brand considering I can't afford to spend more than $100 on a knife. I think Civivi is killing it, they listen to their customers, they know what the market wants. Every month they seem to release a knife I want, I'm still waiting for a drop that doesn't include something that catches my eye

[@eracli0]

Love this knife. Didn’t have a hammer near by and used this knife to hammer in a nail no trouble. It worked fine for your information MC 😂

[@perryrowley7503]

MC, Factor in inflation. You may need to raise the ceiling on your budget catagory

[@TheDontbeEvil]

I bought a $1,250 knife and I didn't know the blade material until after receiving it. Turns out its nitro V. And Yes, it has crazy compound recurve and mirrored polished.

[@wag375]

I absolutely love my Civivis, but I HATE the clips! They also catch and bend easily. My WEs with titanium clips are superb.

[@Josephiah24]

I'm also wondering if they use slave labor like many other chinese companies

[@BladeyCuttyThings]

I always remove my civivi clips and just put a lanyard on them

[@girthbrooks5078]

I ordered a civivi conspirator, a civivi brazen and a kizer towser k. On the way.

[@craigwilkes]

Metal. I’m definitely one of those $50. guys. If they can accomplish what you suggested they do than I’d be all in. The only knife that I’ve broken my rule for was the Finch “Lucky 13” and glad I did.

[@schotzfired]

Great review! Definitely picking this one up.

[@mr.painfultruth2771]

Nice texture on that handle

[@dpsnodgrass1215]

So this is a Sencut Sachse with nitro-v and a nail-nick instead of D2 and a thumbstud. The Sencut Sachse is the direct answer to what he's talking about at 13:30

[@n0148813]

Note to self- don’t go grocery shopping with MC. Thanks for the review. Still thinking about picking this one up. By te way, I’m hoping you review the chevalier, supposed to be out soon

[@newhouselockandkey]

I just ordered a civivi elementum S35VN and a Damascus one as well as the mini

[@mattheww9656]

It’s a great-looking knife and looks well-balanced. I think it will be the next knife I get. Thank you for the review.

[@philkight2630]

You and I had the same thought, I went with Spartan Blades Harsey Warthog. Got a few more US made blades to buy before going overseas

[@joeykong94]

Can't wait for mine to get here

[@Art_Vark_and_Rock]

As a lefty I love the button locks…!!!

[@harrycrab8725]

Fun action, but how does the button lock compare to the compression or axis?

[@emmanuelraposo457]

Wow went off on a tangent there. But you make a great point on pricing.

[@ethanackerman2174]

I actually love the civivi clips

[@dayontapout]

Im right there with you on the price tag on this one. I LOVE CIVIVI and I have spent, what I consider to be, a lot of money on a knife but idk about the price on this one. I've got Civivi's that cost more than this one but, to me, they had somthing special. Either Damascus or a special blade shape. Hell I'd even spend more if they made it in s35vn or m390. The steel abides man.

[@ryangill3653]

Like the channel! Thanks for reviewing this knife! Just got mine delivered today I have 2 other Civivi knives and this one by far is the best out of the 3. I don't mind the $80 price tag and I wanted the micarta since I own several other G-10 handled knives I was looking for something different. I would agree it's not what I would consider a budget knife but definitely doesn't break the bank. The pocket clip definitely is not good feels cheap and creates some what of a hot spot would prefer something a little shorter. Spot on review of a very good knife that will make it into my EDC rotation.

[@Thesusoperator]

It's one of the best CIVIVIs out there.

[@btuthill9653]

Metal Complex and fellow enthusiasts…I am looking for a heavier use, larger folder for daily use. I have a Shaman, PM2, and ZT 0562 which I love. I am looking for something similar…Here are my wish list features: 3.5 to 4 inch blade length, G10 or Titanium scales, less than 300, no Chinese or Taiwanese knives, and no Benchmades (I had a bad experience where the axis lock failed and the knife almost cut me). So suggestions?

[@aaroncarvell7320]

The Baby Banter pocket clip fits great, $5 on Amazon, makes me appreciate the knive WAY more.

[@kevinfehskens3046]

My daughter watches a KZbin toy channel Cookie Swirl C and it's immediately what I thought of when you played grocery store make believe with knives. I want, nay, need, a Metal Swirl C channel. Who's with me?

[@acf2802]

This style clip is perfect for deep carry. I think it's not meant for someone with your priorities. It's the way it is though for a reason.

[@GLOCKsh00ter24]

If you want a button lock with the button on the other side check out Craig Browns new knife the FSD. I believe that's how its set up. He is doing drops every Friday through April.

[@joshuasutton2875]

I would love to see a g10 d2 version of this knife for $50. The lines and the shape and the size and the lock just seem to really resonate with me, but that's $80 is just more than I want to spend on a work that will probably be lost or broken within six months. I think you hit that on the head in regards to my sector of the knife world. Good stuff.

[@blade_crush]

Look at the Sencut Sachse. Button lock, 9cr, similar design. $45.

[@Jaay911]

what are you doing with knifes that are broken within 6 month ? my 20 € knife is now 15 years old not broken

[@joshuasutton2875]

@@Jaay911 Farming and construction. I broke my last RAT1 because I was batoning with it and hit a knot, the liner lock completely bent over. Admittedly that is abuse, but in either of those professions tools tend to have a very hard life.

[@cityhick1987]

did you say button lock shaman? got my eye out for the we malice button lock to drop.

[@JPWeight]

Thanks for showing the Shaman as a comparison. If you had to choose between the Altus and Conspirator, which one would you choose?

[@JPWeight]

I guess Metal Complex doesn't want to answer..

[@metal_complex]

It's not that I don't want to answer. It's that I don't always see initial comments. I get a few hundred a day dude. If it were me, I'd go with the Conspirator. I prefer the larger size.

[@JPWeight]

@@metal_complex, thanks. I'd still torn between the two. Just out of curiosity, what is your favorite Civivi?

[@Clambelly]

Where can I get the scales shown on the Benchmade Bugout ?

[@Hungrybird474]

Ti clip and cf scales from unlocked composites make it sweet . He’s got some cool shit

[@mountainmanwatchreviews8081]

When they came out with the altus I was like man if that was larger I'd be in love.....I am now in love.

[@robertm8401]

I haaaaaaaaaate lanyard holes too 😆 One of the best looking Civivis for me as of now, especially for under 80USD. Well worth the money for a daily user I won't be afraid to show other enthusiasts 😁😁😁

[@jesusofamerica]

I would say under 100 is budget(non premium) There's a grey area between 100 and 200 but 200 up is the doorway of art pieces