Elite Line debuts with premium CPM S35VN steel, aluminum scales and an innovative top-liner lock mechanism.

Civivi has always aimed at more budget-conscious knife enthusiasts, arming them with stout yet affordable blades. The company, however, recently announced a new tack with the introduction of its Civivi Elite Line of knives.

Inaugurated with the Brova model, the line of knives offers a higher grade of materials and is meant to fill the gap between Civivi and its top-tier sister brand We. For some perspective, a good section of Civivi’s catalog falls below the $100 mark, while most of We’s are premium $200-plus models. Elite fills the hole in the middle and, as Civivi’s release puts it, is designed for its customers “ready to take the next step.”

Civivi doesn’t spell out its overall ethos for the entire line, but the Brova insinuates some of the notes Elite knives aim to hit. One of the more notable material upgrades is the knife’s blade steel—CPM S35VN. The brand has used the top-line Crucible Industries steel previously, but generally in premium editions of established models. Civivi’s go-to blade steels are typically 14C28N, Nitro-V and D2.

Furthermore, the vanguard knife of the Civivi Elite line features an entirely new lock for the brand—a top-liner lock. Operated via a button near the spine of the handle, the mechanism should prove convenient. Smartly, Civivi recessed the button to ensure the blade isn’t inadvertently retracted when in use.

The Brova cuts a bellicose profile, with a subtle 3.41-inch clip-point blade coming down to a fine point. It certainly should have decent penetration potential with this design, but with a respectable amount of belly on its edge and a good length of straightaway before the handle, it should prove adept at slicing or with push cuts.

The handle is well contoured, featuring a notch for locking the knife in with the index finger and thumb. It’s dressed in smooth aluminum scales with the choice of three colors that house stainless-steel liners. The hardware and clip are also stainless steel, and the action is run on caged ceramic ball bearings.

As for Brova’s price, all three colorways come in at $145. The EDC looks like a solid start for the Civivi Elite Line; it will be interesting to see what comes next.

Brova Specs
Overall Length: 8.08”
Width: 1.33″
Overall Height (Including Clip): 0.65″
Blade Length: 3.41″
Closed Length: 4.67″
Blade Thickness: 0.13″
Handle Thickness: 0.44″
Knife Weight: 3.78 oz.
Blade Material: CPM S35VN
Blade Hardness: 58-60HRC
Blade Grind: Hollow
Blade Finish: Black and Dark Brown Stonewashed
Blade Type: Clip Point
Handle Material: Aluminum
Handle Colors: Forest Green, Black, Grey
Liner Material: Stainless Steel
Liner Color/Finish: Black or Grey
Pocket Clip: Tip-Up, L/R
Clip Material: Stainless Steel
Screws Material: Stainless Steel
Pivot Assembly: Caged Ceramic Ball Bearing
Locking Mechanism: Top Liner Lock
MSRP: $145

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