The Civivi Knives McKenna Pocketknife: The Full Nick Shabazz Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 ส.ค. 2019
- Today, we'll take a look at both the D2 and Damascus versions of the Civivi McKenna (a collaboration with Elijah Isham), which is a really excellent choice for a great many cases.
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For being a budget brand Civivi is doing a lot of non-budget things, while still pricing in the budget category. I've been really impressed with them.
@David Martin Portmann Care to name a couple of them? I'm in the market for a couple of presents and that would be really helpful.
@@tedcodrea2173 kizer feist uses m390 for just under 100 bucks
I can't stop buying Civivi, they are amazing for the price!
Received my Damascus version today, and although the scales are still G10, Civivi apparently heard Nick mention the screws on the pocket clip. They now are flathead and allow the clip to slide in and out of the pocket snag free.
yep, same on mine which has the copper scales. Love the knife so far!
Yeah when I bought my Elementum like a month ago, I noticed that it did have flush screws. Big fan of that. Now I just wish they could put the whole clip flush with the Micarta or G10.
For those who have the copper or brass scales, does it smell and is the weight noticable? Thanks.
@@Live2Huck I've got the brass one. It's just a hair over 3 ounces, but it feels super dense. It's not overly noticeable in your pocket, though. As far as smell? ...no. I mean, technically, yes. But it smells like a knife.
I've been waiting for you to do this one. It is one of my favorites. Really glad you like it.
I love a damascus pattern, I just wish companies and knife makers would be upfront on the types of steels composing the blade as they would be with a non-damascus blade. It helps lets you know whether or not the extra cost is worth it to you. That is why I typically only buy budget damascus blades for decorative purposes.
I'm sure you hear this all the time but thank you 4 doing these reviews and the information you give I really appreciate it I don't have a lot of money especially when it comes to knives so having good information when I'm ready to buy one is important and every time I'm ready to get a knife I look to see if you've done a review on it thank you and God bless
This along with the TWSBI Eco have been two purchases I’ve made right before you made a video calling them gems and it brings warmth to my soul so thank you for that!
I purchased mine in Damascus after watching this video. It is a “gem”. Thanks for the great review Nick.
Just ordered the Damascus one from BHQ yesterday, and am excited to get it. I look forward to seeing some after market scales, I bet Aramis Akhmedov would make some really nice ones. I think a slightly deeper carry clip would also be nice. Great review as always!
You are absolutely a great knife reviewer! I always want to see what you have to say about a blade before I buy... keep up the good work!🧐
Thanks for another wonderful video Nick. I hope you do a review on the orange benchmade altitude soon. Have a great day sir
Just received my Damascus McKenna from White Mountain Knives and it is apparently an updated version as the pocket clip screws are now flush with the clip.
Thanks for the great review!
Just got a Mckenna, as of may 2020. The pocket clip screws on my knife, came flush with the clip, so I guess they changed it. Awesome that Civivi listened to the community. Thanks for the review Nick! Loving the fidget factor of this knife alot, super fun as a first front flipper. Cant picture myself using it for anything more than opening letters and boxes though because of the small size. But I have plenty of other knives for harder use. Great for light tasks and fidgetting on the couch. Could be a great toe knife too lol.
I'm playing with mine now, got it after I saw this video. Feels great, action is amazing, damascus pattern looks really cool.
I really hope that Civivi or the aftermarket makes different scales for this knife. Great review as always Nick!
Glad you seem to like these as much as I do! I got one about a month ago and it's the best new knife I've handled in a long time. It's one of the only that impressed me right out of the box as well, they're just so well designed. I came to the same nitpicky conclusion trying to find something bad about them... those clip screws. That said I've never had mine catch my pants yet, the clip still seems to have enough clearance.
Every Civivi I have is sharp and tuned well. With good quality materials, I just ordered the 154cm version of this
Just got a Damascus stone washed copper version off Whitemountain Knives. Really pleased. Thanks for the review.
Saw this knife on bladehq and it seems so good. Another awesome cozy review.
Finally bought a McKenna. I now know what all the hype was/is about. Amazing!
Spot on about the scales on it Nick. I've considered getting one myself to make my first scales. I would love to see it in a dark reddish ironwood burl.
Thanks for the tip on this one Nick. The McKenna has literally spoiled me for a whole heap of my EDC favorites (Spydie Kapara & Para 3, Civivi Shredder) because compared to it they all feel cumbersome. Tiny, weighs nothing, but is comfy, capable, and I've sharpened mine to ludicrous. I love it. The others never get a look in at work now.
For anyone interested in a potentially perspective-shifting philosophy towards life, consciousness, and so much more look up the McKenna that Elijah named this knife after- Terrence McKenna
Thank me later
Thank you for this comment - opened up a new perspective for me.
@@justintavares9730 that's so cool to hear man...respect to you for your willingness to travel down the rabbit hole
It’s entirely possible....I’ll look into him :)
That is a very cool little tidbit to know. Really pleased that you pointed it out.
The machine elves thank you.
I received a McKenna today and it has recessed screws for the pocket clip. Great little knife!
Damn. Just bought another knife. On the plus side I haven't handled a front flipper yet, and at this price it seems like an easy place to start. 😎
Having sold my Feist, this looks like the perfect replacement. Especially for NYC.
The last 5 out of 6 knives I’ve purchased have been Isham designs.i wanted a cheaper, but nice work knife. This beauty was out of stock and I just got mine yesterday. Apparently they listened to this review because mine has countersink flat screws for the clip. You’re reviews give us better knives. Thanks!
May try this one next. I bought the Elementum and have been very impressed. Perfect pocket knife size, chamfers everywhere on the blade and handle, perfect action and detent, and flush clip screws. And only $60 for it in ebony wood. Honestly, it feels nicer made some of my much higher priced Spyderco's and Benchmade's. Only thing lacking was a less than optimal factory edge and tye satin finish isn't stellar.
I love mine I am eyeing the Damascus version. Well done on the review
Killing it with the budget collab with Isham. Would love to see them do something similar with other designers. Oh the possibilities...
Bought one in July 2021, and my pocket clip screws are flush! They listen to you, Nick!
I would love to see your review of the Elementum in S35VN! It’s literally the same knife but I would love to hear you’re thoughts about the upgraded steel!
I fell in love as soon as I touched it. I went with the tan. It is a nice grey tan, looks great
Love the McKenna. Simply can't beat it for its sliciness, fidget factor and price. It fits my XL meat paws. It's stupid light as well. And a very toned down (in a great way) Isham.
Got mine today. LOVE IT. Went to the shop planning to get a Spyderco Dragonfly 2 zdp189 but ended up leaving with this.
Usually these are not my style carry.....but wow, are these gorgeous blades!!! Def sexy, def a gem 💎
Thank you, Nick. I've got quite a few Civivi offerings in my collection, but I've been seriously on the fence about this one. I patiently waited to see what you thought of it...waiting for certain touchstones and keywords. I'm sold now, so thanks for the even more useful than normal review. Cheers.
How do you like it? I am thinking of scoring one but the shredder seems like a good option to..
Nice review, I knew you would like it.
Has anyone noticed how the higher quality knifes get the crazier puns?
I like mine. I figured you would like it too. Talk about a slicer in a cool small package. It is my first front flipper but won’t be my last.
It takes a little bit of practice, but you can flip it with your index finger like a traditional flipper as well. Such a fidgety knife, with two ways to open it.
Just got one myself and just wanted to let anyone know that they are now using flush clip screws. Probably not enough to change anyone's mind if they didn't already want one but its nice to see iterative change.
I've had the "Raindrop" Damascus version for about a month. Bought it at the BladeHQ outlet here in Utah. It has a special place in my back pocket next to my wallet. Just wish it was a little bigger. But a gem no less.
I just purchased the Damascus one and it came with the newer civivi pivot and recessed screws on the pocket clip
Reminiscent of the Kershaw Tilt after being hit with a shrink ray. Got a spot on the list for a TRM Atom for Septemberish so I'll come back for this later. Thanks for the insight on this wee knife. ...Ahhhh, see what I did there?
9cr18 is an underrated steel. Although far from a higher end "super steel", for a budget knife, it really isn't bad. It takes a very nice edge, responds well to a strop, and is easy to take care of. The edge on my Backlash (the only Civivi I own that isn't D2) takes a scary sharp edge. It's actually obnoxiously sharp, and it holds it for a reasonable amount of time considering it's a 50 dollarish knife. I wouldn't want that steel on a $200 knife obviously, but for a sub $50 knife, well, I'll take it over 8cr13 any day. I'll probably be picking up one of these, as well as their Elementum. The knives Civivi are pumping out are really hard to beat for their price point. I currently have 4 of them, and I foresee that number climbing over time.
I finally just ordered one. The 154cm/brass version. $55 at Knife Center.
The McKenna's been on my wishlist for about two years, lol.
Have we found out any more about the Damascus quality? I'm about to do some serious testing as I currently have the Statera in D2 and just bought a Dama version.
Just got mine in today the bronze with stone wash blade, it beautiful!!
I cant believe I still havent picked one of these sweet very functional classy gentelman's type "McKenna's" yet!!! I gotta just get on one already!🙌😍💪🏻
I love my damascus one. It’s very fidget-friendly while driving and watching tv.
Mine arrived this week, after being bought & paid for in March (it is late June)! Thanks US Post Office & yes, I know there is a virus around. Maybe the parcels had to all be 2m apart? It also has flush screws under the pocket clip.
I love my Makenna...but feel inclined to look at the Damasteel blade to add to my collection.
That was helpfull, thanks. Was not shure if I should buy it or not.
I’ve been looking for a smaller front flipper since my smoke is too big to fidget with for some people I know.
Ordered a Damascus one one week after this was posted from knife center. They were out and I’m still waiting. Where can I find one? Not available anywhere. Civivi hasn’t made any and no clue if they will make more. Don’t get your hopes up getting a new one. Bummer this knife is right up my alley. GET ON THEM NICK!!!
The polished rain drop Damascus they used in the later ones are just incredible!!! The chatoyance with rain drops its actually 2wice good as sebenza in rain drop!! Only civivi they bothered to polish too!
The front flippin fidget factor is freakin awesome
I’ve never heard of these but I like them
Now if they can make a large version. I am blessed/cursed with large hands.
Can’t find the fancy one anywhere. Sold out? Are they making any more?
Any idea how the Damascus steel on this compares to the 154cm version??
Yeah I agree different scales would be nice 😀
I just noticed something odd. My Damascus & G10 McKenna is slightly magnetic. It's most noticeable near the pivot. Anyone else notice this?
...did you just say "gentleperson's"? Nick please. I love you.
I like the knife. I have two other Isham designs by Civivi, but the McKenna is just too small.
It's so unintimidating for that reason. I've pulled it out and used it in front of my boss and she didn't say a thing.
Agree with your take on classy carry. They missed the ball on that clearly. The knife screams for it.
Do the civivi elementum , I’ve neared good things about it but I’d like to see your opinion on it :)
A K got mine last week, I got the ebony wood. Very sweet knife, well worth the price.
@@andrewhaley8992 And classy!
Is this a knife you have to get in your hands before you buy? I’d like to buy it online but I don’t have a brick and mortar store within 100 miles to check it out
I love this knife. They fixed the screws and made them countersunk, but the pocket clip is still a bit of a hot spot.
I got a callus on my thumb from flipping it for the action snap so much. Hahaha.
Great knife for a small EDC. It actually works and is just eccentric enough.
Oh yeah, I got the brass one, which is heavier, but in this size is lovely and worth the weight.
the blackened damascus version of this comes with stonewashed copper scales for literally just the same price, $90. no compromises.
Since we knives and civivi trade models occasionally, I'm wondering if a version of this will have a we premium version.
That would be sweet! Another Id like to see in an upgraded materials version is the Backlash. A TI version in S35 would be an instant buy for me, as would the McKenna.
Can’t find a boos blades smoke...might save me some money with this one
Colored scales really add a lot to the aesthetic of this knife. The one I have in my hand now had tan g10, but I've dyed it a nice denim blue, and it is *snazzy*
Do you have pictures? I did mine in teal. Came out a darker than I wanted though but still looks nice.
Is it possible to have a nicely shiney or mirror edge on a true damascus steel blade ? Because i always thought that the damascus steel has all the metals squished 2gether so to say therefore however the final result steel blade comes out that the pattern is all the way through the blade even the inner material of the blade that we can not obviously see, that said wouldnt the edge of the damascus blade’s edge still have the pattern going through the edge as well ?
An acid etch is used to reveal the pattern clearly to the naked eye. This means that sharpening the blade will remove this etched surface and therefor look exactly like normal steel blades, which is what happened here. The only way that a damascus blade would have the pattern revealed all the way to the edge would be if it was sharpened before etching and never expected to be sharpened again. I know your comment is from 11 months ago but the video was made a year before that so it is what it is.
I really like this knife!
Very nice review! Excited to try one out and probably leaning towards the Damascus Steel one, just because??!! Thanks!
Is there a pocket knife that slices as well as an Opionel?
Here we are just two years after this video that the McKenna has been discontinued. It's my absolute favorite front flipper! You can pick up the remaining stock on Civivi's site for $48 w/ free shipping.
Terrence McKenna reference! 👍
Evidence that the Delica is a tiny knife, Nick can never find it!🤣
Nick, are you listening? I'm tossing up between a Civivi McKenna and a Spyderco Chaparral Lightweight. Which would you choose?
Chaparral is a bit more effective for daily life
@@NickShabazz Thanks Nick!
@@NickShabazz Thanks, Nick. I've gone with a Chaparral Lightweight and a Ladybug in ZDP, based largely on your reviews. Cheers!
This is My Kinna Knife!
I was wondering when somebody would say that, lmao. It was one of those obvious play on words that just needed to be said, lol.
@@timbo4374 Wasn't obvious to me. 😆 So it NEEDED to be said. 😄
"..It's a great knife for cutting things, and that's not something that you reliably get anymore because the world is freaking insane. So..!" With this sentence and the knife itself, I think I just found my first knife to buy, thank you !
Nick, you are a bad influence according to my wife! I like small knives, I like Damascus, I like the design, I'm having one asap!
i fucking love these reviews.
Nick I'm looking at this knife on srknives and it's listed as damascus but it also says the blade finish is "acid etch". Maybe it's got a few layers but then they're cheating by also acid etching it as well?
Modern damascus will look like regular steel until it is acid etched
the acid etch reveals the differences in the steels
That Guy
Sometimes companies dip their damascus blades in ink after etching, after the dipping they re polish te blade
This makes the pattern stand out even more but it also makes it look a little bit fake
The ink is easily removed using isopropyl alcohol
They fixed the pocket clip screws in the newer ones.
again I'm shocked by China's ability to keep upping their value performance, now with a budget like stainless damascus. held off on Civivi until their scales looked as dramatic as their gorgeous blades. just received the damascus Incite with cf and gold flecks handle. great ergos, smooth deployment and drop dead beauty. wondering what your impression is.
The hole that weakens the blade doesn't bother you?
would you ever be interested in selling yours or trading ?
LBH approved!
Not a fan of the shape overall. I do like the size, seems like it'd be a decent cutter. Reversible pocket clip is nice. I've never had a front flipper before, so I am not sure if I'd like it. 70 bucks is a bit much for D2, but I suppose it's worth it.
I wish someone would tell Jason Brous of Brous Knives this. His $300 customs are D2. (¬_¬)
"McKenna knife as good as this one" is your best pun ever.
Nah, you must be forgetting ''Eucalyptus to your pocket'' from the wooden Dragonfly review!
you wish has been granted nick they came out with a blackwash copper handle and damascus also a blackend damascus
I would like it more if it wasn't sold out. Oh well... I'll keep an eye out.
I told you so 🤣 I really like it too. Maybe shepardcc will make you some fancy handle scales. The only bummer is that Elijah told me there are no immediate plans for a larger version 😰
Funny...The Elementum has flush screws on the clip...why wouldn't that just be normal procedure for all clips.....on all knives...not just Civivi??
I picked up 2 of these so that I could swap blades. I wanted an OD Green Knife with black liners and Damascus blade...and I have it! 😎 ...Now..What will I do with my spare? Hmmmmmm...LOL!
Ok. I’m going to start by apologizing. This isn’t the place for this question. I am pulling what’s left of my hair out trying to find a solution to my very unique problem. I’m a Scout leader. I’ve noticed a trend in liner and frame lock knives being carried by my scouts. I’m not opposed to these knives if the scout is well experienced with the blade. I tend to give knives as gifts and have struggled to find a pocket knife that I would feel good giving to a scout. I would love to find a decent knife that doesn’t require the scout to put his / her finger or thumb in the path of the blade. Is there a knife that you might recommend that is affordable, durable, has a “ finger clear” locking mechanism , and cool enough to enthuse Scouts from Scout to Eagle Rank? I’m looking for a knife I could gift to younger scouts or recommend to new scout parents. I’d appreciate your input. Thank you.
That’s super rough. Maybe a button lock? Para 3 Lightweight?
Nick Shabazz Tangram Vector ? Thinking budget too. These are , after all , boys. They tend to occasionally lose things in the woods.
So will the regular D2 perform better than the Damascus?
Depends on the steel but in this case about the same.
@@locutusdborg126 I guess that was my point would the d2 be better in general than the mix the damascus is allegedly comprised of. It is a pretty blade though! Smaller than I'd like but have had my eye on this a while.
@@ceee_deee_beee2781 collect damascus knives and like them for their looks. They also cut.
@@locutusdborg126 well said !