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CRKT Ikoma Civet Neck Knife  There are a lot of neck knives on the market. Many have fairly decent blades, but their handles are skeletonized, often wrapped with paracord to provide a gripping surface. They get the job done, but there are some of us who have wanted a neck knife that looked like a regular knife, except smaller. After several years of thought, Flavio Ikoma designed just such a knife for CRKT. Flavio is a well known and respected designer from Brazil who combines artistry with functionality in all of his blades. His CRKT Fossil Folder, which we previously reviewed, was a true work of art in additional to being very functional. The Civet now joins the Fossil as a beautiful, but functional, knife. The Civet is named after the small spotted African cat that is an effective predator, dispatching just about anything it can get its teeth into. The Ikoma Civet knife will accomplish just about the same thing. It is small, but up to just about any task necessary in the field. It is an all-purpose utility knife that you can carry in your pocket, in a backpack for emergencies, or worn around your neck. An inexpensive neck chain is included with the knife, as is a lanyard (wrist) chain. The jimping on the spine allows for precise control and the black, fiberglass reinforced nylon handle is truly ergonomic in design. There is a lanyard hole in the rear of the handle. In short, this knife is an excellent blade and a good investment for anyone who ventures into the field. The Civet is available in two models. Number 2508 (our sample) has a clip point blade shape, while number 2804 has a drop point blade. The blade of #2805 has more belly and the cutting edge is more curved, but the blade of #2804 is slightly thicker at 0.125 inch (1/8 inch). The handles are essentially the same, as is the overall length and weight of both knives. Specifications
The Civet's hollow ground blade is made of 8Cr13MoV stainless steel. 8Cr13MoV is a high quality Chinese steel that approximates the properties of Japanese AUS-8 in cutlery applications. It is very tough, easy to sharpen and holds an edge well. There is one more feature of the Civet that we found outstanding. The lightweight, glass reinforced nylon sheath can be easily taken apart for cleaning. Because of that feature, there is no excuse for not keeping this cat clean. If you get the idea that we really like this little knife, you are right. Its combination of beauty, functionality and price make it ideal for the outdoor enthusiast. Our only problem is that Jim has to order a second Civet, as Mary claimed ownership of the first one. |