CIVIVI Knives are only growing in popularity, a condition that has been helped increasingly by the reception of the Elementum, and as evidenced by its many variants.

But the Elementum, as you might imagine, is far from the only great CIVIVI Knife - another great one is the CIVIVI Altus, the main reasons for the popularity of which will be dissected here.

Impossibly Practical Blade Steel

The CIVIVI Altus, like many other CIVIVI Knives, is available in more than one configuration. However, the flagship Altus is made with a blade of Nitro-V steel.

There’s one thing that really sets Nitro-V apart in terms of its steel chemistry, and it’s all in the name - Nitro, for nitrogen.

Now, nitrogen in steel is, generally, considered an impurity. In high quantities it makes the steel brittle and unworkable.

But in trace amounts (Nitro-V has .11% nitrogen) the element actually gives the steel a unique ability to take a heat treatment that offers excellent edge retention.

In other words, it’s hard, but just right - not so hard that it chips and shatters, just hard enough that it holds an edge. And it has a smidge of vanadium, too, to help with toughness.

But that’s not all nitrogen offers. This element, when added to steel, also significantly improves its corrosion resistance.

It’s not the best steel out there in terms of corrosion resistance - but it is far, far better than most steels on the market.

Which makes this a great carry or work knife for those that weather extreme conditions, especially those that work in marine environments.

Simple Ergonomics

There’s nothing about the CIVIVI Altus that’s designed to blow you away, and probably nothing will. But that’s one of the most endearing things about it.

There are so many new knives out there - fixed and folding - designed after karambits and mini cleavers. They’re cool, but at a certain point the market just gets oversaturated.

The Altus brings us back to basics, with a middle of the road size and a basic drop point design that just works for most things.

This is a pocket knife that’s meant to be used, not to win any pageants.

No-Nonsense Scales

The Altus is one model that actually gives you quite a bit of option in scale material - it’s available with aluminum, micarta and even Cuibortia wood.

But the flagship model, with its micarta scales, offers a simple package with a good grip that basically requires no maintenance.

And the best thing about micarta? It’s not only no-maintenance, but it also is non-reactive, so you don’t have to worry about corrosion.

A Popular and Equally Practical Lock

One more thing to love about the CIVIVI Altus is that it’s made with a lock that’s very popular right now - a button lock.

The great thing about button locks is that they are strong, easy to use, can be used with one hand, and are very fidget-friendly.

But most importantly, you can close the blade with one hand, and without putting your fingers in the path of the blade when closing.

Where to Get a CIVIVI Altus?

Interested in adding an Altus (or some other CIVIVI knives) to your collection? Take a look at what’s in stock over at White Mountain Knives. They carry a wide collection, offer good prices, have some exclusives, and offer free shipping in the United States.