G2 vs Damascus steel (in Civivi Elementum)?

[TripleB67]

In looking for a EDC Flipper several people recommended the Civivi line. Never heard of the line but in reading about the Civivi line it seems their knives get some really great reviews and most say they offer a tremendous amount of "bang for the buck."

While I love the looks of the Baklash, the Elementum (or possibly the Little Fiend) is a better size for me to EDC.

I see that the Elementum comes with either a G2 blade or a Damascus blade. In a video I watched they said the Damascus blade is 9CR18mov steel - I assume this is correct?

I don't know a great deal about the steels knives are made from - are these two decent steels for the price of the knife ($50 D2, $90 Damascus)? Is one steel better than the other? Is one easier to keep sharp than the other?

Anyone carry the Elementum...if so, are you happy with it?

Thanks for all your help!

TripleB67

 

[jstn]

D2 is a trusted steel, but is semi stainless. The Damascus made from 9CR should be stainless, and perform comparably to D2. To me, the Damascus looks cooler too, and that would be my choice. I find D2 can be a pain to sharpen and it’s just decent in terms of edge holding and toughness. I know others love D2 though. For me, I’d go 9CR all day, especially for an edc knife that is in the pocket all day and might get sweaty/wet. The stainless was will be helpful there.

 

[Hackenslash]

CIVIVI is killing it with quality for the dollar right now. They’re really hard to beat.

I have an Elementum in D2 and it’s a great little knife, but it’s not my favorite CIVIVI. It’s so similar to the Drop Gent and Gent feels a little better in hand.

I have 2 CIVIVI knives in Chinese Damascus; a front flipper McKenna and my new Pintail. So far the Damascus has performed well. I really love this Pintail and CIVIVI gets a beautiful pattern with their Damascus.

 

[Gary W. Graley]

The D2 takes a very good edge and the Damascus is no slouch either. I have owned several flavours of their steel offerings and the D2 has the most mileage on it so I can only speak to how that has held up and it does a great job. The Damascus as noted, takes a keen edge and depending on the chores at hand, I think it should work as good as the D2 but, without the time and work with it, I can not say as an absolute, but, they are sure pretty In fact I have one up forsale right now actually as I just got in the new Trailblazer with orange scales.
G2

 

[jtjemt]

The D2 takes a very good edge and the Damascus is no slouch either. I have owned several flavours of their steel offerings and the D2 has the most mileage on it so I can only speak to how that has held up and it does a great job. The Damascus as noted, takes a keen edge and depending on the chores at hand, I think it should work as good as the D2 but, without the time and work with it, I can not say as an absolute, but, they are sure pretty In fact I have one up forsale right now actually as I just got in the new Trailblazer with orange scales.
G2

Thank you for that input Gary, I just got my first Civivi, the Backlash about two weeks ago and it was an abrupt change from my previous 15 years of carrying Leeks. It felt HUGE. I just (today) received the Fiend in D2 and must say that it is quite on par with my Leeks. My hesitancy is with D2 as I've no experience with it, and you've reassured me just a bit. Again, thanks.

 

[Dergyll]

Their D2 is actually quite corrosion resistant. My elementum and exarch are both D2 and have experienced no patina, even with veggie cutting occasionally. On the other hand, the D2 on my Rat2 patina lightly after cutting organics.

In real world use, I dont find a noticeable difference in edge retention and toughness, so I think pick the knife based on aesthetics and whether damascus "looks good" with the handle.

Have fun!

 

[Fixall]

I'd keep an eye out for the S35VN BladeHQ exclusive version too. They just had a drop yesterday or the day before. They're a little bit cheaper than the damascus version, and they have much thinner blade stock than the damascus or D2 version (plus better steel of course).

I've not had any issues with D2, S35VN, or damascus from Civivi, and they all sharpen up pretty nicely. They seem to have their heat treatment dialed in.

I really like the Elementum, but I didn't see much reason to keep my D2 or damascus versions when I had the Drop Gent. I preferred the S35VN, titanium, and thicker frame lock on the Gent. We'll see if the S35VN and thin blade stock on the BladeHQ version keeps my attention longer.

 

[gazz98]

Damascus sure does look nice but I would go for the D2 version myself. I don't see the value in the additional $40 for the Damascus. I also am quite, ah, frugal when it comes to knives. D2 can be a little tough to sharpen but it just takes some experience. There isn't a huge difference in steel performance in my opinion. Not enough to justify almost double the price. Is the "cool factor" of the blade pattern worth $40? Meh, not for me it isn't. YMMV

Good luck!