Review: Civivi Vision FG! I Really Wanted to Love It

[@malakov5]

There’s an S35VN exclusive version of this on knife center

[@Dan-t8y]

Just bought one figured if I’m going to get one I want the “best”, for lack of a better term, version. I looked into the WE version but a lot of reviews said the FG is actually a better deal.

[@MrBlessed70]

I've got a Vision FG.Actually,its pretty damn good besides the clip placement and the lock is fantastic.Very useful bladeshape.

[@doodysdaggers]

I agree, the blade shape is really excellent!

[@robertirwin1512]

I have the Damascus version and I love the knife. It’s a bit heavy and blocky feeling but it feels solid and is a handsome knife.

[@annasoH323]

My friend got one of these on a whim. I look forward to checking out this knife, thanks to said whim. It's good to have impulsive friends (but probably less fun to be the impulsive friend)

[@doodysdaggers]

Better to have him spend the money and you can check it out for free 😉

[@bighowdy60]

I’d buy in a second if it came in magnacut. Also love the dye you did.

[@AVA787]

The real question is… Would you take it over the Benchmade Narrows?

[@doodysdaggers]

Haha yes. Anything over the Narrows

[@just_nate_8694]

Was planning on getting one until your cut tests. Of course Civivi couldn't just go with 14c or 154cm. Id like to see you with the WE version so we could see what a difference there'd be.

[@doodysdaggers]

I’d really like to try one!

[@rollingslothmachine3431]

The Damascus version of the Vision FG has VG10 instead of Nitro, so maybe try that one if you are interested in the knife.

[@mikerollins3088]

Civivi doesn't ever use 154cm. Ive seen 1 and it was just a variant of their baklash and that's it.

[@cnstn339]

Wow. Thanks for a video with honest observations and opinions. Most people reviewing knives only give positive reviews. Kind of makes me question their motivation. it is good to have some information that I feel is worthy of consideration. Thanks.

[@GasStationKnives4Ever]

I think a lot of the hype is on the lock vs the knife. I’ve got it and while I’m not a huge fan of the overall look, I do like the lock a lot.

[@rainne3644]

The 10cr core for the Damascus has been holding an edge for a bit longer than I expected honestly. Definitely needs stropping regularly but not too far off from my Spyderco vg-10 Damascus.

[@rainne3644]

@@tacticalcenter8658 because I’ve used them both, own both, and I’m not a knife reviewer so why would I keep test data? They are used to cut tin, aluminum foil, and hardened plastic everyday. They need stropping regularly. Haven’t needed to put a new edge on the vision yet after a month of having it, that’s not that bad edge retention in my book.

[@doodysdaggers]

@tacticalcenter8658 Not everything needs to be backed up with real data. You can talk about things you’ve learned from experience. In fact, the experience IS the data.

[@doodysdaggers]

@@tacticalcenter8658 it’s not an assumption, it’s real life experience. I know you get off on arguing online so I’m going to leave it at that

[@doodysdaggers]

@@tacticalcenter8658 it’s not thin air, it’s the dudes experience owning both blade steels.

[@rollingslothmachine3431]

@@tacticalcenter8658That is a whole different point you mentioned in your last comment. Having no data is not at all the same as needing to provide proof of possession. Articulate yourself more clearly and people won't start to argue with you this often. Also the Damascus version is actually VG10 as well, so this would explain why it might performs very similar.

[@Davidforprofit]

I noticed the lock on your model comes out like in the WE version which is weird from my understanding on the civivi version it shouldn't do that?

[@doodysdaggers]

I removed the pin that keeps it from coming out. Easy to put back in, if you want it to not to that anymore

[@BladeLabMiami]

I just picked up the Damascus version. Definitely worth the extra $20, IMO. It has a VG10 core which has better edge retention than Nitro-V. Looks badass, too. Mine is also thinner bte (0.010"). Not sure if that's random chance or if they grind the Damascus blades thinner. Factory edge was average. Haven't had a chance to test the edge retention yet.

[@nuubreed]

Are you sure it’s VG10? I thought it was G10?

[@BladeLabMiami]

g10 is the handle material. VG10 is the core steel used in the blade. Actually, I guess it's 10Cr15CoMov, which is the Chinese analogue for VG10.@@nuubreed

[@TestEric]

I'm confused too, I heard VG10 Core, 9CR Core and 10CR Core. Could not find anything on Civivi website.

[@JFlywheel]

@@TestEric I thought it was 9CR or 10CR myself, but they may offer different versions of damascus so it could be VG10? (I won't buy it if they don't tell me). Don't own any of their damascus... Their new stuff does have some super cool patterns. I don't mind nitro-V on users, very easy to sharpen, but you will have to sharpen often to retain the hair splitting edge (most knives that get used won't retain hair splitting sharp anyways). I'm not even sure VG10 is better than nitro-v from my experience they are probably pretty similar, VG10 hasn't been great for me either, I think it might roll slightly easier and VG 10 chips easier from my limited experience but both seem similar in use.

[@Bine2101]

Hi, I have the version with black micarta and a black damascus blade, I love this sting, it's super beautiful. Many greetings from Germany.

[@MiguelEDC]

Great review of this knife! It’s always cool to see what others opinions of a given knife are. Thank you for sharing those good insights! 💯🔥

[@JFlywheel]

One of my most carried knifes is my civivi conspirator. The nitro-v does dull kinda of easy, but it's also very easy to get hair splitting sharp. I prefer it in stonewash finish. I scrached up my crucarta PM2 just cutting up a bunch of cardboard as well, the first time I used it really. So now I also carry that one often too. I think if you use any knife it is going to get scratched, kinda suprised my conspirator is hiding them so well, so I don't think it's a nitro V thing. If they had this knife with micarta and stonewashed blade I would probably have purchased it. Decided to get a Demco AD20.5 slicer over the S35vn Vision FG. It was a tuff decision but I think I made the right choice, plus it was $5 cheaper before buying a pocket clip (not sure I will like the one on the 20.5 either but I know i hate the civivi clip as I replaced that similar clip on my other civivi knives.) They really should start using better pocket clips as their knives are really pretty great otherwise.

[@just_nate_8694]

I always forget you have a wharnie PM2. You need to bust that thing out more often. It's a beauty!

[@Mysmi]

I agree and it should be his signature knife. I associate that pm2 ti scales with OG Doody

[@doodysdaggers]

You are both right. I really do need to carry that more

[@MikeJ602]

Dood morning file the jimping down on the lock bar and I promise it’s almost like a new knife it becomes so much more comfortable I used a chainsaw file

[@just_nate_8694]

Def a good idea. 👍

[@Stahlwerk88]

I want one, just for the fidgetin’. Although painful lock stick is the quickest way to kill fidget factor for me

[@JasonLeeDeeCee]

Mine has pretty bad lock stick. Literally painful to use. I have the Damascus model

[@area51.52]

Ya know… not for nothing… but I grabbed a Jade scaled one when it came out and I liked it, but wasn’t in love with it. But then I grabbed an Ultem/coated one and it’s one of my favorite knives. Some knives you have to really like the aesthetics before your brain will let you love it. In retrospect, I don’t think I was in love with the Jade and Satin combo and that was stopping me from really liking it.

[@thepugilist4379]

I just broke down and picked up the jade/satin and I’m in the same boat. Just not impressed. Pretty heavy and surprisingly dull factory edge for Civivi. I have callused hands as well and it is still uncomfortable to actuate the lock. And, the pocket clip. So, I removed the scales and dyed them teal(looks pretty sick), never removing the liners (clothes pins). Getting a new Ti clip and just selling it. Oh, also, three days after ownership and the spring is squeaking. Which means now I have to take it apart, and throw some oil there, as well. I love Civivi, but this one isn’t all I thought it would be. Great video.

[@doodysdaggers]

Yep I agree with all that. Disappointing

[@WillLiam32]

The regrind you put on the tip of your qsp penguin looks so much better. I've been considering doing it with a couple of my sheepsfoot knives. I'm also planning on dying my vision the same color. I like your style lol

[@doodysdaggers]

Thanks!! Yeah you should do it!

[@Paa375]

I don't like my civivi vision FG now maybe its because Im a female and don't have overly big hands but the knife is too big for me and I find it very heavy. I can't use this knife for to long my finger kills me using this lock mechanism. I want a little smaller knife good quality but I don't pay and arm and a leg for it. It was interesting listening to your opinions on this knife.

[@griftgfx]

Which kizer clip is it? Worried about getting something that isn't designed to be sunk into the scale as much and if it would be over-tight. Very nice looking upgrade.

[@doodysdaggers]

It’s the only deep carry titanium clip they sell on the Kizer website

[@WickedKnivesandThings]

Can you name a knife that is better for what this knife costs?

[@rollingslothmachine3431]

Sad to hear you didn't have a good experience with this knife. I for one am very happy with my Vision FG Damascus. All the issues you mentioned except the pocket clip are a nonissue with mine. Thank you for your review. It's good to hear different opinions to be able to make an educated decision.

[@doodysdaggers]

I’m glad you are happy with yours!

[@brokeboytactical4397]

Dude you can tell he was lying throughout this entire video?... This whole video should have been called "it's not made in a powdered steel so I'm mad and it's crap"...

[@omdesigned]

should get some of those insane aluminum scales that replace liners and scale. overall about half the weight! Sub 12mm thickness!!

[@Tregrense]

Your reviews are excellent!

[@doodysdaggers]

Glad you like them!

[@williamschisler4844]

Maybe I missed it but did it come in purple 💜 or did dye it 🤔

[@doodysdaggers]

I dyed it

[@chrisdyck6524]

I simply screwed the clip from the Böker Magnum blue Jay onto the Civivi Vision fg. Visually, in terms of feel and in everyday life, it fits perfectly. 😅🤷‍♂️👍

[@fyvewytches]

If the scratches are what are showing up on the video I actually prefer it to a shiny blade that looks unused

[@onemanhisdub1969]

Great review. I unfortunately have a few civivi, and the steel is soft on each one. Think I'll give this a miss for now. Thanks David...

[@doodysdaggers]

Yeah I sold mine

[@onemanhisdub1969]

@@doodysdaggers that bad!?

[@doodysdaggers]

@@onemanhisdub1969 it just wouldn’t hold an edge well. And it reminded me of a shitty version of the shark lock

[@JasonLeeDeeCee]

What grit did you sharpen down to? What angle?

[@doodysdaggers]

I believe it was around 23 degrees. I used my Worksharp precision adjust. 320, 600, then ceramic honing, then stropping.

[@JasonLeeDeeCee]

@@doodysdaggers sounds spot on. I was going to suggest maybe stopping at 600 for more bite

[@mikeborrelli193]

What are some affordable Chinese button locks with .015 and less behind the edge thickness.

[@doodysdaggers]

Sencut makes some good ones

[@DiabeticKnifeTherapy]

I absolutely love mine

[@doodysdaggers]

That’s great!!

[@borgur8097]

Hello! What is the exact model of the replacement pocket clip on Civivi site you put on your vision fg? They have quite a few of them there. Thanks!

[@doodysdaggers]

It is a Kizer clip, here is the link: www.kizerknives.com/collections/pocket-clip/products/titanium-pocket-clip-with-screws

[@borgur8097]

@@doodysdaggers Thanks a million! Will I have to use the screws that come with Kizer clip or I could use the original Civivi screws?

[@doodysdaggers]

@@borgur8097 I think I used the original Civivi screws You’re welcome!

[@borgur8097]

@@doodysdaggers Thank you very much!

[@57HEMIviken]

Like the design but don't see it replacing my 940-2 or leafjumper so it becomes another pass for me. Think its one more for fidgeters than users.

[@Mike_TNVol4Life]

So did you get the jade version and Dye it?

[@doodysdaggers]

Yup

[@Mike_TNVol4Life]

@doodysdaggers Well, you did really good, bc they're the best looking Vision FG's I've seen!

[@doodysdaggers]

@@Mike_TNVol4Life thank you!

[@isthebeeflol]

If it's a burnt edge it could take 3 sharpenings to clear up

[@doodysdaggers]

True. I just don’t know if I care enough to sharpen it two or three more times 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@isthebeeflol]

@@doodysdaggers I understand that same experience as demko 20.5 for me haha steel should be very close to 14c tho

[@Thor7]

I've looked at several reviews on this knife and it looks like the top of that lock would be a hot spot or maybe not. Ergonomics play huge part.

[@andyhayward1261]

I have the WE version and the civivi one I’m borrowing currently and I can say in no way is the top of the lockbar a hot spot when you’re gripping the knife. The shark lock however is a significant hot spot in a hammer grip. The clip on the civivi vision is terrible, massive hot spot

[@Sludgecaked]

This thing was hyped to no end. It does look cool, but it's not going to dethrone my daily carry with the issues you described. People will buy it just to throw it in their knife drawer, but I think I'll pass. A month from now there'll be a new hype knife, and this one will be collecting dust.

[@just_nate_8694]

Exactly

[@sodathief]

yeah this is what happened to me. I am in my first year of knifes and I feel almost bamboozled

[@doodysdaggers]

@@sodathiefI know how you feel! I was bamboozled a lot when I first started collecting. And it still happens to me sometimes. I always try to watch videos of someone actually using the knife before I buy one. I have a ton of cut test videos, Stassa23 does cut testing, Cedric and Ada, and a few others.

[@bamabladez]

I've already said this but I agree dood. This was the most wanted "budget knife " I wanted. But it's not doing it for me. I think its the handles and scales. Ergos suck. G10 doesn't help. Pocket clip is hot spot. Thumbstuds not easy to access to deploy. Knife is heavy feeling but not in a good way. Tiny C pivot just looks cheap. The scratches bother me too and I haven't even used mine. Don't know where it came from. Beautiful finish. Aluminum handles and I think blade cut out instead of thumb studs would have been better. I was gonna send mine back but I dyed handles blue.

[@doodysdaggers]

Sounds like we’re in the exact same boat haha I’m gonna try to sell mine but it’s almost not even worth it. Maybe I’ll do some extreme torture tests or something. Like you said, it was all the little things that added up to me deciding I didn’t like it

[@toreycasey1214]

Sounds either soft or burnt if burnt could take a couple more times to get to the good steel. Haven’t had a bad heat treat from civivi some mot great but not a bad one either way not good!

[@bamabladez]

I wished i had gotten the Damascus version looks beautiful or micarta would have been better as a work knife.

[@doodysdaggers]

Yeah. I think the Damascus version might hold an edge longer too!

[@fredbrunetti7256]

Do you still have the Vision

[@doodysdaggers]

Nope

[@Sanchito209]

Its super disappointing to get those scratches so soon. I appreciate your honesty.

[@vitaliyfedonchuk768]

Can you share link where you got the clip

[@doodysdaggers]

www.kizerknives.com/collections/pocket-clip

[@vitaliyfedonchuk768]

Thank you

[@sodathief]

Yea my excitement kinda faded. I love the action and blade shape, but the weight, bite, and steel were a bummer. DUDE you gotta try the Vosteed Racoon. WMK has a aluminum one.

[@doodysdaggers]

Same here! I have tried the Raccoon, but not the aluminum one. I bet I’d like that

[@sodathief]

@@doodysdaggers oh I probably watched your review of it. I got so many knife tubers and now I’m trying to filter which ones have same preference as me

[@sodathief]

@@doodysdaggersoh also what about the Racoon crossbar lock?

[@doodysdaggers]

@@sodathief never tried it either!

[@doodysdaggers]

@@sodathief yeah I did the same thing. I only have around 4 knife tubers that are the best that I watch regularly

[@ryandye6242]

Morning Doods!

[@just_nate_8694]

Mornin brother!

[@doodysdaggers]

Morning Ryan! Happy Wednesday 🤘🤠🤘

[@gimparoo1962]

Another great video Dood! 😎♿️

[@Justaguyyoutubin]

Just bought one, and I am not in love. The locking mechanism is very stiff and is simply uncomfortable to use repeatedly. I think that overall, the knife could be good for someone with smaller hands. But for all the praise this knife gets, its very average if not irritating in many situations.

[@doodysdaggers]

Totally agree

[@thehobbyfanatic4610]

I just ordered mine in Damascus. I hope it performs a little better than yours. Bummer man.

[@doodysdaggers]

I heard it actually does!

[@geneticmodifiedviking]

That design is my jam, neutral & sleek, with monochrome being the one unchecked box. Unique pocket clip. I almost picked up the WE version, due to it being Ti & 20CV, but held off after seeing how the bar flips out. Not sure about that. KC has all the models at $269-$277. Or you can spend $100 more at Cutting Edge Cutlery. Or you can grab a Hakkapella damasteel version for $679 😂🤣😂. It would suck to pay $680 for a knife that sits on the shelf for months, to eventually get marked down. 👍🤘

[@doodysdaggers]

Agreed. The blade shape is my favorite thing about the knife, it’s really great. If they made this version in titanium and a better blade steel I’d be all over it

[@DrDrewdude]

Don’t take your vision for granted. …your sight I mean. Throw that knife on the ground!

[@doodysdaggers]

Haha I completely agree

[@sonofliberty78]

Meh, the design doesn’t interest me, (and Civivi’s Nitro V heat treatment is terrible). My new MicroTech Brachial should arrive later today. Now THAT one is compelling, and I got a helluva deal on it, (from KnifeJoy). Gonna be a fun evening. Anyway, thanks for the full review, Dood!

[@doodysdaggers]

Damn dood that’s sweet!!

[@dstone9748]

Great video Dood. Shame about the vision. Respect. D

[@andyhayward1261]

I have the WE Vision R and I love it, been borrowing the civivi and it’s okay, I too don’t like it as much as I thought I would. The clip is terrible. I for one love the spine clip on the WE it’s out of the way with no hotspots and once you get used to how it sits in your pocket and how to take it out - which is quite different to a normal clip - it works really, really well. It’s also ambidextrous for us lefties without the need for empty screw holes or filler tabs. So the clip is definitely NOT an upgrade in my eyes. They simplified the aesthetics of the knife a little as well, one of my favourite areas on the WE is where the scale is scalloped inwards so the lockbar is more visible. I’m glad they made the pin that keeps the lockbar in place removable cause I always thought that was a dumb complaint, after an hour of playing with it I basically never accidentally pulled the lockbar out and snecx designed it that way so - as a good prep knife - it could be cleaned more easily. The detent does seem a little better on the civivi. But this led me to cut down a shark lock spring to size and install it in my WE and now the WE has the stronger detent!! So it’s cool that the detent can be adjusted like that in the same way you can with omega springs. The thumbstuds are the main big upgrade in my opinion, because it’s a much more natural thumb flicker now, I can thumb flick my WE but the hole is so narrow and I have to climb way up the handle (it’s a great reverse flicker tho). I’m not sure if I’ll get one of the civivi’s in the end, I think I actually still much prefer my WE Have you tried the WE Vision R Doody? Who knows you might like it more than the civivi

[@doodysdaggers]

Great idea using a stronger spring! Maybe I’ll try that in mine before I sell it. I have not tried the WE version, I probably should. You’re right, I could like it way more

[@peen2804]

100% i agree the clip on the FG is a massive downgrade imo. the vision r clip is absolutely amazing. also agree in general with the bulk of your comment. ive never pulled the lockbar out accidentally. totally gonna try throwing a new spring in it, ive thought about that a few times but wasnt sure how well it would work. glad to hear it did for you. though i actually find the WE to be a perfect thumb flipper for me, its the reverse flick i have trouble with on it personally

[@ElCapAddict]

Just pony up for the Narrows

[@doodysdaggers]

Haha riiiiiight

[@ElCapAddict]

@@doodysdaggersDid the Freeze 3 perform better than this Vision?

[@robertbrunello]

I don't understand why people don't realize Nitro-V is just a worse performing 14c28n.

[@doodysdaggers]

Haha yeah you’re exactly right

[@Davidforprofit]

​@@doodysdaggersI love me civivi 14c28n it has performed beautifully it's really all you need in an edc steel I have many 20cv m390 a few s35vn and for daily use I like 14c28n super easy to sharpen and strop

[@WickedKnivesandThings]

I mean asking to much out of a knife under 100 bucks bro

[@R357R]

Waiting for another version. Don't like the blade material or the shape.. very disappointed. These KZbin channels need to stop promoting these disappointing tools just for free gear and Income. I'll pass

[@doodysdaggers]

Totally agree

[@mateodeleon1185]

I saw somewhere in the net where someone said this was designed to be a food prep knife. I agree. I have been using it for food prepping a lot as i always find myself in the kitchen. Im very happy with it food prep wise.

[@rollingslothmachine3431]

⁠@@mateodeleon1185Exactly that. I use it to prep food mostly, even at home and it works great! Also, the Damascus version I purchased has VG10 instead of Nitro, which I not only like more, but again shows it being related to kitchen knives more then an outdoor knife.

[@Kinetic_Saiyan0862]

You sound so annoying to be around, if you don't like something, stop watching videos about. Do something with your life and stop complaining about a product that so many people like. You are probably an obnoxious person to be around.

[@peen2804]

or maybe some people like things that you dont like? i dont understand this whole "anyone that doesnt share my opinion is lying" angle. its weird af, especially when your reasonj is something as ridiculously subjective as blade shape lmao. like go read actual user reviews and comments, some love it, some hate it, some are in between. the sentiment regarding this knife seems to be generally very positive and favorable. that doesn't mean its 100% perfect for everyone in all scenarios at all times lol. its really not that deep or that hard of a concept to grasp. life sure must be a hell of a lot easier with such simplistic black and white views though.

[@Kinetic_Saiyan0862]

Dont say the reson a knife needs to be nice IN YOUR HANDS MAKE IT A BAD KNIFE. YOURE STUPID FOR THAT

[@doodysdaggers]

K cool

[@peen2804]

wtf are you even saying lmao are did you have a stroke?