This Affordable Pocket Knife Looks Destined to Become the Next EDC Darling

Civivi’s latest and (possibly) greatest EDC cutting tool is set to launch right before one of the biggest knife events of the year.

Closeup of Civivi Merit knife pivot on blue gradient backgroundCivivi

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The SHOT Show (short for Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade) is one of the most significant annual events in the knife world. It’s a chance for designers and manufacturers to come together and unveil their latest endeavors, both to one another and to the public.

Knife brands usually act cautiously ahead of the big event, releasing only teasers, if anything at all. But Civivi has taken a slightly different approach with its Civivi Merit, an upcoming folding knife that could be the next big budget-friendly darling of the everyday carry world.

Civivi Merit knife pivot on blue gradient background
Civivi’s Merit has one of the brand’s cleanest, sleekest designs since its perennially popular Elementum.
Civivi

She’s got the look

It’s tricky to balance creating a minimalist knife that still has a distinct personality, but Civivi has managed it brilliantly.

The Civivi Merit’s best feature is its styling. It boasts an exceptionally clean, pleasing silhouette and avoids unnecessary flourishes.

Of course, if you like the knife overall but wish it were a little more eye-catching, Civivi has you covered, too. There’s a Damascus-bladed version (for a relatively small price bump).

closed Civivi Merit knife pivot on blue gradient background
Civivi has definitively proven, yet again, that there is beauty in simplicity.
Civivi

Affordable, not cheap

Style alone does not make a great knife. But it’s even harder to impress on a budget. Yet the Civivi Merit still shines when its materials are scrutinized.

Its 14C28N steel blade isn’t particularly flashy, but it’s tough, corrosion-resistant and offers solid edge performance. In three of the knife’s four versions (including the Damascus one), the handle scales are G10.

However, my favorite of the four has a canvas Micarta handle that is a purple hue so dark that it’s practically black.

Considering everything, I wouldn’t be surprised if this knife was a big hit at the SHOT Show and among EDC enthusiasts everywhere.

Coming soon

As mentioned, Civivi’s Merit is slated to release just before SHOT Show 2025, which takes place from the 21st through the 24th of this month (January). However, you can preorder it through the brand’s site, with prices starting at $58.

If you buy it now, this EDC tool will ship within the next one to two weeks. However, you might want to act quickly, as an affordable knife of this caliber will likely sell out before you know it.

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