By Rod Hoare 

Affordable performance for the modern outdoorsman 

During the past decade, few knife brands have had as much impact on the budget-friendly knife market as CIVIVI. Launched in 2018 by Chinese cutlery giant WE Knife Co., CIVIVI was created to offer premium design, quality materials and modern manufacturing techniques at prices accessible to everyday users. 

What quickly set CIVIVI apart was its ability to combine thoughtful designs from respected knife makers with excellent fit and finish. Rather than producing generic budget knives, CIVIVI focused on delivering practical working tools featuring quality blade steels, smooth bearing pivots, ergonomic handles and reliable locking systems. The result has been a range of knives that appeal equally to first-time buyers and seasoned collectors. 

Today, CIVIVI’s catalogue includes everything from compact everyday carry folders to fixed blades designed for camping, hunting and outdoor adventures. Two of the company’s most interesting recent offerings are the Sendy folding knife and the Gander fixed blade. While very different in purpose, both showcase CIVIVI’s philosophy of providing practical performance at a sensible price. 

Review – CIVIVI Sendy 

Designed by Ben Petersen, the man behind the Knaf’s Co knife brand, the Sendy is a refreshing take on the traditional everyday carry (EDC) knife. Combining modern flipper action with practical tools such as tweezers and a toothpick hidden within the handle scales, the Sendy bridges the gap between a modern folder and a classic Swiss Army style utility knife, this saw the Sendy win ‘Best EDC Multitool’ at SHOT Show in 2024. 

At first glance, the Sendy appears understated. Its slim profile, light weight, compact dimensions and non-threatening appearance make it ideal for everyday carry, office environments and everyday tasks. Yet beneath its gentlemanly styling lies a capable cutting tool. 

The Nitro-V blade steel is one of the highlights. Offering excellent corrosion resistance, good edge retention and impressive toughness, Nitro-V has become a favourite among knife enthusiasts. Combined with the Sendy’s thin blade and high flat grind, the knife slices exceptionally well through cardboard, rope and general daily cutting chores. 

The low-profile front flipper deployment operates on ceramic bearings and provides fast, smooth action. Once opened, the liner lock engages securely. The reversible deep carry pocket clip allows comfortable carry for both right- and left-handed users, while the textured green/red G10 scales give a nice grip and will take a beating. 

What I believe makes the Sendy truly stand out, are the integrated tweezers and toothpick. While they may initially seem gimmicky, I found them genuinely useful while remaining securely retained within the handle scales during harder tasks. Outdoor users will find the tweezers valuable for removing splinters and other small tasks around camp, while the toothpick always comes in handy. The only negative is the tweezers could have a slightly larger point to remove them from the knife scales; it’s a bit finicky without a fingernail, but still removable. 

Testing verdict 

The Sendy, for me, is one of the most practical everyday carry folders currently available in its price range. Lightweight, discreet, razor sharp and surprisingly versatile, it is equally at home opening boxes, preparing lunch or pulling a splinter from a finger around the campfire. The Sendy would also be an ideal first folding knife for your teenagers to carry on a family outdoors or hunting trip, getting them used to a folding knife. 

Sendy specifications 

• Winner of ‘Best EDC Multitool’ at SHOT Show 2024 (USA) 

• Designer: Ben Petersen 

• Knife type: Folding liner lock 

• Overall length: 165.5mm 

• Closed length: 93.5mm 

• Blade length: 72mm 

• Blade thickness: 2.3mm 

• Weight: 74.1g 

• Blade steel: Nitro-V 

• Blade hardness: 59–61 HRC 

• Blade style: Spey 

• Blade grind: Flat 

• Opening method: Front flipper 

• Pivot: Ceramic ball bearings 

• Lock type: Liner lock 

• Pocket clip: Reversible deep carry 

• Additional tools: Stainless steel tweezers and toothpick 

• Handle materials: Various options available G10 (test knife), Micarta and wood 

Review – CIVIVI Gander 

Where the Sendy is refined and compact, the Gander is unapologetically outdoors focused and makes the perfect partner to the Sendy. Designed by Matt Gentry, the full tang Gander is a compact fixed blade intended for hunting, bushcraft, camping and general field use. 

The first thing that stands out is the blade shape. The clip-point profile offers excellent versatility, providing a fine tip for detailed work, while retaining enough belly for skinning and food preparation. The flat ground Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel blade delivers great toughness and corrosion resistance, while still being able to be field sharpened. 

In hand, the Gander feels secure and comfortable, with the hunter orange G10 scales offering a textured and positive grip, even in wet conditions. The ergonomic handle shape provides confidence during prolonged use without creating any ‘hot’ spots. 

The surprisingly well made Kydex sheath retains the knife perfectly and includes a Bob Terzuola designed T-Clip mounting system, allowing multiple carry positions, as well as being changeable for right- and left-handed draw. For this size knife, I preferred the scout carry (horizontal belt), but the ultra-secure clip makes the knife equally suitable for vertical belt carry or pack carry through easy MOLLE attachment. 

With a cutting edge of nearly 100mm, the Gander is large enough for most hunting and camping tasks yet light and compact enough to remain highly portable. It’s great at food preparation, feather stick making, camp chores and processing small to medium game. 

Testing verdict 

The Gander is a practical outdoor fixed blade that offers far more capability than its size suggests. The combination of quality steel, great feel and versatile blade shape makes it an ideal companion for hunting, camping, fishing and general bush use. 

Gander specifications 

• Designer: Matt Gentry 

• Knife type: Fixed blade 

• Overall length: 199.3mm 

• Blade length: 92.1mm 

• Cutting edge: 99.8mm 

• Handle length: 107.2mm 

• Blade thickness: 3mm 

• Weight: 122.6g 

• Blade steel: 14C28N stainless steel 

• Hardness: 58–60 HRC 

• Blade style: Clip point 

• Grind: Flat grind 

• Blade finish: Satin 

• Handle materials: Orange G10 (test knife), black Micarta, or Guibourtia Wood 

• Sheath: Kydex 

• Carry system: Bob Terzuola T-Clip 

• Lanyard: Included paracord lanyard 

Conclusion 

The Sendy and Gander demonstrate CIVIVI’s ability to design knives for very different uses while maintaining the brand’s focus on value and functionality. 

The Sendy is a fantastic everyday carry knife that blends modern convenience with old-school cool. The Gander, meanwhile, is a capable field knife that would not look out of place on the belt of any hunter, camper or bush crafter. 

For outdoorsmen looking to add affordable yet dependable cutting tools to their kit, both models deserve serious consideration. CIVIVI has proven that quality with performance can be achieved with a great price tag. 

The CIVIVI range is available through Adventure Carry in Australia, adventurecarry.com.au or 0406 502 640. 
 
Sendy $118 + shipping 
Gander $135 + shipping 
Readers can get a 10% discount by using SENDY10 & GANDER10 promo codes 

Our standard tests and results: 

BESS (Brubacher Edge Sharpness Scale) tests are performed on an Edge On Up Pro BESS certified professional machine, to use a standard test and ease of comparison for edge retention. 

Each knife performed 40 cuts of thick cardboard, 10 cuts of 8mm sisal rope onto timber board, hardwood timber shaving, 10 nylon rope cuts onto timber board, tip strength into hardwood, 10 foam piece cut. Both knives passed with no damage. 

Sharpness out of the box: 
Sendy – BESS 148g 

Gander – BESS 162g 

Tested sharpness after performing the aforementioned tests (edge retention): 
 
Sendy – BESS 253g 

Gander – BESS 287g 

Sharpness with stropping only after testing (ease of sharpening):  

Sendy – BESS 205g 

Gander – BESS 166g 

So, the Sendy’s Nitro-V steel’s edge retention is a fractionally better, but the Gander’s 14c28N steel is easier to strop back to sharp in the field. My personal thoughts after testing: both are fantastic pieces at this price point and would complement each other perfectly in your kit. 

See more of the testing of these knives and more on YouTube @Aussie Knife Gear Reviews.