The CIVIVI Altus is one of those knives that, like the Elementum, immediately became a fan favorite. And, though it might not have been received with quite the fanfare of the Elementum, it’s shaping up to be one of the best knives from the CIVIVI lineup.

But why is this? Let us count the reasons.

Specs, Blade Steel, Scales, Lock Type

The CIVIVI Altus is made in a couple of different configurations and colors, but the flagship model features G10 scales and a Nitro-V steel, flat-ground, drop-point blade.

It is 7.12” overall with a 3.5” blade and it tips the scales at 3.1 ounces. All in all, it’s a fairly nondescript knife in terms of profile, size, and weight.

It features G10 scales (many colors are available) on steel liners, and the G10 scales are basically waterproof and corrosion-proof. They need effectively no maintenance and are attractively finished, affording a solid grip in the hand. (Just a note, the Altus is also available with wood scales.)

The Nitro-V blade features a basic drop point with a fairly straight back and a relatively fine point, as well. Nitro-V steel here is definitely a big selling point in this knife due to its unique chemistry.

Nitro-V steel is based on a similar alloy known as AEB-L. The main chemical components in AEB-L are carbon at about .65%, chromium at 13.5%, and between .75% and 2% manganese. The lower carbon content enables the alloy to form very fine carbides which are essential for taking a truly sharp edge - sharp enough for use as a razor.

Nitro-V is basically the same as AEB-L, except it has a little bit of nitrogen and vanadium added into the mix. These two elements develop a few other desirable features in the steel, including increased toughness and corrosion resistance, as well as improved edge retention, thanks to the nitrogen which aids the carbon in hardening the steel.

The thing about the addition of nitrogen is that paired with the fact that the diminished carbon content allows the formation of finer carbides, this steel can both take and hold a razor-sharp edge.

While you wouldn’t call it a super steel, you should definitely put the Nitro-V alloy in a unique class for performance and value. It has a lot of important properties and is very tough, corrosion-resistant, and will take and keep a very sharp edge for a while without being too hard to resharpen.

The blade profile is relatively nondescript but being a basic drop point with a straight back there is not too much that it can’t do. From camp chores and food prep to cutting up boxes, it’s pretty solid all the way around. Also, the corrosion resistance of the alloy means it’s fairly suitable for use in saltwater and other corrosive environments.

The Altus has dual thumb studs, which makes it easy to open and friendly for both right and left-handed users, and it pivots around a smooth, ball-bearing mechanism, like many other CIVIVI knives.

The button lock is another big selling point of the CIVIVI Altus. Button locks are strong, very fidget friendly, and most importantly, they keep your hands out of the way of the blade at all times. This vastly improves safety while adding a load of “cool factor” to the knife. Button locks are in and CIVIVI definitely has been capitalizing on it in this knife and the Elementum.

As far as carry, the Altus has a pocket clip that allows for tip-up deep carry, which is reversible. This is fairly friendly to a number of different carry styles.

So that covers most of the details regarding the CIVIVI Altus. What is it that makes us (and everyone else) like it so much?

Things That Are Great About the CIVIVI Altus

At first glance, it doesn’t look like the CIVIVI Altus should generate great waves. But by combining the materials they have and giving it the profile, size, balance, and ergonomics that it has, CIVIVI has done something very right.

Despite the fact that the knife doesn’t have a lot of pop factor, it’s still a wildly practical design that features really excellent steel.

The flat grind increases its abilities as a slicing implement and the blade profile and tip type are pretty tough and universally usable. To be very clear, the Altus will not excel at skinning or carving the way a purpose-made skinner or whittler would, but it’ll do a good job.

The steel is also another huge win. We’ve gotten excited about steels in the past but the inclusion of nitrogen in the Nitro-V gives it the ability to take and hold a surprisingly sharp edge - so, for anything short of a “technical” super steel like S35VN, this thing gets excellent marks.

Handle materials we’ve pretty much already covered. If you go with a G10 version, you can expect it to be very tough and corrosion-resistant. Honestly, that doesn’t even paint a fair or accurate picture. G10 is basically maintenance-free. The ergonomics are pretty good, too.

Again, even though the knife really doesn’t have a lot of pop factor, it’s sized, shaped, and weighted appropriately to be comfortable and practical in a variety of different grips. Some knives look cool but are just poorly designed. This knife does not have that problem. If anything, it has the opposite. It doesn’t look cool but it is well-designed.

Basically, if you’re looking for a new pocket knife that has solid ergonomics, isn’t too flashy, and is made with a surprisingly good steel, the CIVIVI Altus button lock probably would make an excellent choice.

Get One Here at White Mountain Knives

Interested in learning more about this gem of a folding knife from CIVIVI? We carry the Altus as well as other excellent CIVIVI knives like the Elementum and Lumi. You can learn more about our CIVIVI collection at the previous link or get in touch with us directly at WhiteMountainKnives@gmail.com if you have additional questions about any of our products or exclusives.