Some knives are tools. Others are toys, the samurai sword you show off to Jeff from down the street. The CIVIVI RS71? It’s both, with the attitude of a dive knife, the action of a fidget spinner that just shotgunned three Red Bulls, and the build quality of something twice the price. This thing doesn’t just ask to be carried, it dares you NOT to.
The First Flip: “Alright, What is This Monster”
At over 9 inches open (sorry boys), with a 4-inch blade, (that’s more like it), the RS71 isn’t exactly shy. When you first unbox it, there’s a moment of pause, like when you see someone roll up to the company picnic in a cammed GT500. You’re not sure if it’s practical, but you KNOW it’s awesome.
Spoiler alert: It’s both.
The action is absolutely absurd, whether you use the flipper or the thumb studs, that blade snaps out with all the grace of a well-oiled machine. It’s running on ceramic bearings, and you feel that silky glide immediately. No wiggle, no hesitation. Just a solid thunk and lockup like a vault door. It really isn’t hype, it’s engineered that way.
Grip Game Strong: G10 That Gets Noticed
The textured G10 handle scales are a home run. Everyone who’s put their hands on this knife in person has almost immediately commented on the grip. It’s aggressive enough to inspire confidence, but not so rough that it’ll eat up your pockets, or your fingers for that matter.
The handle ergonomcis are spot-on for a larger knife. You get a full four-finger grip, even if your hands are on the bigger or smaller side. With my smaller mitts, I still felt supremely confident with it in hand. It’s well-contoured, surprisingly lightweight for the size, (just under 4.6 ounces), and balanced like it was made for extended work, not just quick cuts.
Put simply: it feels locked in, like you’re holding something with intent.
Blade Shape and Steel
The spear point blade on the RS71 looks like it came out of an ’80s SEAL team gear room, but updated for real-world carry. Think combat-dive knife meets modern refinement.
- Blade Steel: Nitro-V, hardened to 58-60 HRC. It holds an edge, resists corrosion, and isn’t a pain to sharpen.
- Finish: Available in satin or black stonewash, both of which wear well and hide scratches from daily use.
- Length & Thickness: 4.00 inches long, and a slicey-dicey 0.12″ thick. It pierces, slices, and handles tasks like it was born for fieldwork, not just box duty.
There’s also a robust finger choil for controlled cuts, and the spine, though it looks thin, has just enough jimping for thumb support without looking like a cheese grater.
Carry Profile: Bigger than Average, (But That’s What We All Want)
You’d think a knife this size would feel like a boat anchor in your pantaloons, but actually, the deep carry pocket clip keeps it low-profile, and the slim handle makes it ride better than most folders in its class. It’s not a bugout ultralight, and it isn’t meant to disappear in gym shorts. For jeans, cargo pants, Banana Republic slacks, parachute pants, or anything halfway tactical, it carries better than it has any right to.
Plus, CIVIVI was kind enough to give you reversible clip options for lefties, and a clean hardware layout with no visual clutter.
Final Thoughts: A $100 Knife That Feels Custom Shop Cool
The 71 is that rare blend of utility, style, and just the right amount of ridiculous fun. The knife is large, but not lazy; bold, but not gaudy. It’s practical enough to be your actual everyday carry, not just your weekend flex on the poors.
It’s got the presence of a dive knife, the snappy action of a top-tier flipper, and build quality that really feels like it should cost twice as much. Whether you’re a collector, a first responder, or just someone who likes great knives, the RS71 earns a spot in your pockies.
