CIVIVI Yonder Review: Thin Blade, Smooth Crossbar Action

The black G10 version is the one I chose. It looks really good to me, and the compact proportions fit this design nicely. The blade is 2.88 inches long, with an overall length of 6.62 inches and a closed length of 3.74 inches. The steel is 14C28N, and the blade has a flat grind.

CIVIVI calls this a spey-point blade. My first thought was reverse tanto, but I’m happy to go with the manufacturer’s description. Whatever name you prefer, it’s a simple, good-looking shape that works well with the handle.

The crossbar lock is very smooth on my sample. The spring has the amount of tension I want, and I don’t have any complaints about how it operates. I’m very, very happy to see this lock on a CIVIVI. The clip can be set up for left- or right-hand tip-up carry.

For size, the Yonder is just a hair shorter than the CIVIVI Elementum. The Kizer Mini Militaw is another close comparison, and the CIVIVI Odium is a little smaller. This is definitely a compact knife, rather than a pocket sword.

I really, really enjoy this blade shape. It’s thin behind the edge, and I like the continuous belly from heel to tip. It isn’t a big, rounded belly; there’s just enough curve to make it useful. The jimping on top is a nice touch, too. I expect the tip and edge shape to be useful for a variety of everyday jobs. These are my handling and geometry impressions, rather than a documented cutting or edge-retention test.

My main complaint is the thumb stud. The top is very rounded, almost like half a BB sitting on it, and it sits close to the handle. I don’t get the same grip and traction I get from a flatter, more pronounced stud. Sometimes my thumb slips over the top.

The Vosteed Mini Psyop makes the difference easy to see. Its flatter stud and more pronounced ridges give my thumb more purchase. With the Yonder, I need to come from underneath the stud to kick the blade out cleanly.

I’m nitpicking here, because I can open this knife easily. I’m not saying you shouldn’t buy it because of the studs. If you’ve handled other CIVIVIs with this style of stud and they don’t bother you, there’s no reason my preference should put you off. I’d just like a different stud for my own hand.

My ideal Yonder would also be a little bigger: about a 3.25-inch blade, with the handle enlarged proportionally. In a relaxed grip, I get about three and a half fingers on this handle. If I really scrunch up, I can call it a four-finger grip. Choking forward is possible, but the shape makes it feel a little awkward to me. It isn’t painful; I’d simply rather have a little more handle.

The execution is very good, though. It looks good, feels good and has a solid handle. If an Elementum-sized knife suits you, I think you’ll probably enjoy this one a lot.

The pocket clip is another detail I like. It carries deep, the hardware is recessed, and there’s an insert for the unused clip position. Those little finishing touches are particularly nice to see on a knife that was under $60 at the time of my review.

There are a lot of really good things about the Yonder. I’d prefer a different thumb stud and a larger version, but those are personal preferences. For someone who enjoys smaller knives, this is one I’d definitely recommend trying. Great design by Zac.