Civivi’s Latest EDC Knife Brings a Wild New Look to Damascus Steel

The brand’s new Placoid is true to its unusual name, particularly in its most ambitious configuration.

Published November 18, 2024

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Updated November 19, 2024

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Dunno about you, but “placoid” isn’t a term I tend to use in daily conversation — or even one I had read or heard before today.

While the various metals combined in the forming of Damascus steel are layered like lasagna, what brings the look to life is a treatment called acid etching, which provokes different reactions from the different metals and reveals the beguiling patterns that give this steel such a distinctive style.

But upon further review/investigation, I am both quite intrigued by the word and find it incredibly fitting as the moniker for an impressive-looking new knife, with one of its blade options in particular.

So hey, let’s get to know the Civivi Placoid.

civivi placoid hero — The Damascus steel option combines with a Guibourtia wood handle for a stunning before times look.

Tipping the scales

According to Collins dictionary, placoid is a zoological word with Greek origins meaning “of or having scales that are periodically shed and replaced, consisting of a dentin base and an enamel-covered surface, as in cartilaginous fishes.”

In something closer to plain English, it basically refers to the tooth-like replaceable scales you find on the skin of sharks and some other fish.

With the Placoid knife, that term could refer to the general shape of the blade, but with the Damascus version, have you ever seen a wilder, more sharky-toothy pattern than this one?

civivi placoid action — Damascus steel’s blend of edge retention and toughness help keep the Placoid in prime rope-cutting shape.

While the various metals combined in the ancient process of forming Damascus steel are layered like lasagna, what ultimately brings the look to life is a treatment called acid etching, which provokes different reactions from the different metals and reveals the beguiling patterns that give this blade steel such a distinctive style.

There are a variety of common Damascus patterns, all of which tend to impart a compelling combo of edge retention and toughness, but I’ve never seen one quite like the Placoid’s before.

Making it even more special is the fact that while the metal blending and acid etching give each blade from a particular Damascus recipe a similar look, every one of them is unique, making them almost like fingerprints or, in the consumer product world, tie-dyed shirts.

Bonus bona fides

In addition to its striking looks, the Placoid possesses some pretty potent performance properties too. Measuring a formidable 3.67 inches, the blade boasts a wide drop-point silhouette with a bit of planing adding attitude to its countenance.

The size and shape and blade material add up to a tool that should serve you strongly with even the most challenging every day cutting and slicing for years to come.

Said blade is deployed via ambidextrous thumbstuds or a rear flipper, swinging swiftly around a caged ceramic ball bearing and held open with a liner lock.

civivi placoid deployment — The Placoid deploys via thumb stud or rear flipper, swinging smoothly on a caged ceramic ball bearing.

The meaty handle is made of Giubourtia wood, which lends additional old-school flair, while a generous palm swell boosts ergonomics. With an overall length of 8.69 inches and a weight of 4.34 ounces, this sucker is nothing if not substantial.

One other point worth noting is that Civivi offers alternative versions with 14C28N blade steel and G10 handles. They cost around $30 less, look less conspicuous and are probably nearly as robust and functional for every day use.

But if you seek a sub-$100 blade that’s also a guaranteed conversation starter, you can do much worse than the Damascus-ified version of a knife we had to look up in the dictionary.