Civivi SOKN

Review

Having a good little fixed blade knife can be very useful. If it is the right size, it can be used as a defensive knife or a good little hunting knife. Civivi and Kyle Lamb have brought out the SOKN fixed blade. The SOKN is targeted as a defensive tactical blade, but I found it to be very useful for other knife type things.

SOKN is an old Norse word meaning fight or attack. This is a fitting name for this little fixed blade, especially since it is designed as a defensive fighting knife. I still want a gun in a knife fight, but that may not always be feasible. Since it is a fighting knife, the SOKN comes with a multi use sheath. This sheath has either adjustable belt loops or a hook. The hook is so the knife sheath can be caught on the pocket when drawing the knife.

The SOKN is a very well designed fixed blade. It starts with the full tang blade and G10 handle. The inverse grip handle helps make the knife useful for both types of grip. On the end of the handle, at the butt, is a little “foot”. This “foot” lets you rest your thumb on the handle when using an inverse grip. It basically gives you more stabbing leverage. When using the SOKN with a normal grip, the little “foot” keeps your hand from sliding off the end. Another advantage to the “foot” is that it gives your hand something to catch while drawing the SOKN from its sheath. For as small as the handle is, I was able to get a good comfortable grip on it.

Blade design and steel are always important, no matter what style of knife you are using. The SOKN uses a 2.82 inch Nitro-V stainless steel blade. It is a drop point style and flat ground. Civivi also put decent jimping on the spine of the blade. I like drop point style blades. The shape of the SOKN makes it good for just about any task, including stabbing things. Because of the blade shape, the SOKN would also make a decent skinning knife. You can also use the SOKN as a replacement for a folder, when a folder just won’t work.

Back to the sheath that comes with the SOKN. The kydex sheath really helps to make the SOKN so useful. First, the belt loops are adjustable and have some pretty great snaps on them. These belt loops are designed to carry the SOKN horizontally on a belt. I carried the SOKN for a little bit this way and it worked fine for me. Where the belt loops mount on the sheath, there are 4 riveted style holes. Since the sheath kind of curves up, you can change how the knife carries. The end hole can also be used for a chain, so that you can use the system as a large neck knife. The sheath also has a sharpish hook on it. This hook is intended for pocket carry. When you draw the SOKN out, this hook catches on the inside of your pocket, keeping the sheath in your pocket and allowing the knife to be ready to go. The SOKN also has a removable, and reversible pocket clip so the knife and sheath don’t just float around inside your pocket. Pocket carry is how I carry this little knife and it works extremely well.

The SOKN is my first fixed blade defensive knife that I actually use. I absolutely love the sheath system. I am a big fan of drop point blade styles because they just work for everything I do with a knife. Nitro-V steel has proven to be a good knife steel. It is hard and holds an edge well. With a weight of just under 3 ounces, you can carry this knife anywhere and not know its there. I have two minor complaints with the SOKN. One, I would like the blade length to be a little longer. Somewhere in the 3-3.25 inch range would be just a tad bit better. Lastly, I would like a better way to mount it vertically on something like a vest. Overall, I really think the SOKN is a great little knife.

If you are looking at getting a good little defensive knife, the Civivi SOKN might be a great pick. It isn’t just a defensive knife, it can be used for all types of “knife” things. I can see keeping one with your hunting equipment, or just in your car. It really has that many uses. I prefer to call the SOKN an everyday, all around, knife. Go check the SOKN out and see if it makes sense for you.

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Small fixed blade defensive knife

Target Market:

Anyone wanting a small fixed blade

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

Overall Length: 7.17" / 182.1mm
Width: 1.46" / 37.1mm
Overall Height (Includes Clip): 0.56" / 14.2mm
Blade Length: 2.82" / 71.6mm
Cutting Edge Length: 2.58" / 65.6mm
Handle Length: 4.35" / 110.5mm
Blade Thickness: 0.12" / 3mm
Handle Thickness: 0.35" / 9mm
Knife Weight: 2.93oz / 83g
Blade Material: Nitro-V
Blade Hardness: 59-61HRC
Blade Grind: Flat
Blade Finish: Stonewashed
Blade Type: Drop Point
Handle Material: G10
Handle Color/Finish: Black
Pocket Clip: Tip-Down, L/R
Clip Material: Stainless Steel
Clip Screws / Tubes Material: Stainless Steel
Sheath: Black Kydex Sheath With 2PCS Black Straps

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Gray Handles

What others are saying?:

5 out 5 stars on Amazon

I bought this knife to have a lightweight cutting tool that would replace my folding knife. I have been impressed with the sharpness and ergonomics of the handle. The sheath allows for several choices of carry. When I carry this knife I often forget that it’s there. Excellent blade for hiking, self defense, and utility chores. The Nitro V steel lends itself to operate in a multitude of environments. Worth every penny.