If there’s any group of people I’d trust to protect me while in the outdoors, it’s probably one of two groups – hunter-tribes, or cowboys. Both have incredible survival instincts, reflexes to die for, and spot-on accuracy when it comes to capturing or attacking an opponent. So when you have an EDC that was designed by someone whose upbringing was rooted in the cowboy and pioneer culture, you best bet it’s an EDC I’ll take a good look at. Meet the CIVIVI Yonder, a folding knife designed by Zac Whitmore and produced by CIVIVI (a sub-brand of WE Knife Co. Ltd.). Inspired by Louis L’Amour’s book “Education of a Wandering Man”, Zac’s knife embodies the wild-west concept of “Yondering” or venturing into the unknown.
The CIVIVI Yonder knife is a fresh combination of classic and modern, feeling both familiar and exciting. With its ambidextrous design, capable 2.88″ blade, and silky-smooth action, the Yonder doesn’t just come with a cowboy feather in its hat – It’s CIVIVI’s first crossbar lock knife, and it also won the ‘Best Buy of the Year’ award at the 2024 Blade Show.
Designer: Zac Whitmore
Click Here to Buy Now: $56.95 $67 (15% off, use coupon code “YANKO15”). Hurry, deal ends in 48-hours!
Starting with its build, the CIVIVI Yonder sports a 6.62-inch overall length, with a 2.88-inch blade that fits snugly in the hand. It’s compact, yet designed to give users a confident grip, thanks to its handle options like the textured G10, Micarta, and even Guibourtia Wood, which are durable and offer solid traction. For those looking to make a style statement, the CIVIVI Yonder also comes in a premium option featuring Damascus steel with Guibourtia wood handles, adding a touch of sophistication while retaining everyday functionality. This thoughtful variety in materials lets users pick what best fits their personal style and usage needs.
Depending on which variant of the CIVIVI Yonder you choose, you get either a blade made from 14C28N on the G10 and Micarta versions, or Damascus steel on the premium wood-handle variant. Known for its impressive edge retention, 14C28N strikes the right balance for a knife intended for frequent use. The blade’s Spey Point profile, coupled with a high flat grind and a curved belly, enhances its slicing and piercing capabilities, making it versatile enough for everyday tasks—from cutting rope to carving wood or even prepping food – all things cowboys were masters of. The thinner profile of the blade lets you handle precision tasks while still providing enough strength for tougher cuts.
Interfacing between the blade and handle are the ceramic bead bearing system that allows for a fluid open-closing action, and an ambidextrous crossbar lock that is easy to operate with either hand, allowing you to swiftly deploy or close your knife. A thumb stud on the blade lets you flick open your EDC knife with a single action too, making it feel like quick-drawing a gun.
Overall, the knife measures 6.62 inches and is perfect for both compact and regular-sized EDC lovers, and weighs 2.73 ounces or 77.5 grams, making it lightweight but still having enough heft to feel reliable in your grasp. When it isn’t in your grasp, the CIVIVI Yonder slides right into your pocket, armed with a nifty pocket clip to hold it in place. Notably, there’s no lanyard hole (I’m not sure if lanyards were a thing in cowboy days), although you could weave your lanyard through the handle’s spacer to get the job done.
The CIVIVI Yonder has an aspirational quality to it that most outdoor enthusiasts will love. The chances of you being a cowboy are pretty low, but just like a good katana is equal parts aspirational and deadly-useful, the Yonder is the same. It comes designed keeping the cowboy lifestyle in mind – so you best bet it’s more than capable handling yours, whether you use it to cut open Christmas gifts or survive the wilderness on your next camping trip!
Click Here to Buy Now: $56.95 $67 (15% off, use coupon code “YANKO15”). Hurry, deal ends in 48-hours!