The Civivi Mini-Praxis doesn’t say much, until you flip it open and suddenly it’s slicing through everything from Amazon boxes to rogue threads on your cargo pants like a scalpel in a combat medic’s hands. It’s not trying to be flashy, but it is trying to earn a permanent slot in your everyday carry rotation. And for many of us who’ve gotten hands-on, it already has.
This is Civivi doing what they do best: shrinking down one of their most popular full-size models into something sleek, concealable, affordable, and wildly competent. It’s the pocket knife version of a Spec Ops operator in civilian clothes. Blends in at church. Handles business at the range. As someone who is slowly but surely getting converted into a Civivi devotee, this Mini-Praxis is pushing me not so slightly into that camp.
Let’s break it down, but not before we admire just how much this thing gets right straight out of the box.
First Impressions: Feels Right, Flicks Fast
I’ll be honest, plenty of knives look good on paper but fall apart in hand. The Mini-Praxis ain’t one of them. Right away, the size hits a sweet spot. At just under 3 inches, the blade falls comfortably in the legal zone for most cities and states, but still gives you enough cutting surface to get work done. Whether you’re popping zip ties in the motor pool or slicing through paracord during a field demo, this thing performs.
But the real hook is the bearing-driven action. That ceramic ball-bearing pivot? It’s smoother than a recruit explaining why he was late to formation. One flick of the flipper tab and snap, the blade is locked, tight, and ready. The liner lock engages with confidence. There’s no wiggle, no hesitation, and definitely no room for complaints at this price point. Civivi has absolutely nailed this bearing-action in every knife I’ve tested from them, and I’m beginning to believe that every knife they make will be this slick.
Size Matters: And Civivi Knows It
Let’s talk fit. I’ve carried full-size knives, tiny backup blades, fixed blades in a waistband sheath, you name it, and reviewed them all too. But the Mini-Praxis makes a strong case for going compact. It fits in your hand like it was made to be there, and unless you’ve got meat paws the size of a grizzly bear, you’ll appreciate how the ergonomics allow for a full four-finger grip. I often wax-poetic about the size of my hands, with big palms, tiny wrists, and slender little fingers, but every knife I’ve used from Civivi has fit well.
The handle scales are G10, grippy but not abrasive, nicely textured, and shaped for all-day comfort. I’m fairly sure they print the grips, which is fantastic for weight. It doesn’t scream for attention, but the quality is an obvious high point. That’s something Civivi is quietly winning at across their lineup: fit and finish that punches way above its weight class.
At just under 3 ounces, the knife disappears in your pocket. The deep-carry clip ensures no one knows you’re carrying unless you want them to, which is exactly how I like it. I’ve worn it in jeans, cargo pants, gym shorts, hell, even tucked into the waistband of a pair of sweats for a late-night walk. Still comfortable. Still there when I need it.
Blade Talk: D2 Steel and Daily Use
The blade steel is D2, which isn’t fancy or exotic, but let me tell you—it works. It holds a great edge, is easy enough to maintain with a ceramic rod or strop, and doesn’t chip if you look at it wrong. I’ve cut cardboard, paracord, zip ties, electrical tape, and even shaved a fire stick for fun. This blade keeps coming back for more.
The drop-point shape is practical and versatile. You’re not baton-chopping logs with it (I mean… you could), but for 99% of daily carry tasks, it’s ideal. Bonus: the jimping on the spine offers nice control for push cuts, and the grind is flat enough to make slicing feel effortless.
Who’s It For?
This is a knife for anyone who wants reliability in a small footprint. Whether you’re military, law enforcement, a tradesman, or just a gear nerd who appreciates good design, the Mini-Praxis delivers.
It’s a great secondary carry for folks who run a fixed blade on their belt, or a primary for civilians who want discretion without compromising performance. And at under $40, you’re not babying it or leaving it at home. This thing is built to be used, not just admired.
What Could Be Better?
I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t nitpick just a little.
The G10, while solid, could use a hair more texture for those sweaty or gloved situations. The choil slightly eats into the cutting edge, and I wouldn’t mind seeing an ambidextrous clip option down the line. But these are minor gripes, ones that don’t touch the heart of what makes this knife special. For the money? I’m happy.
Final Verdict: Don’t Sleep On It
The Civivi Mini-Praxis is proof that small doesn’t mean soft. It’s the quiet professional of the knife world, compact, effective, and ready to do work without showboating.
I mentioned loving the size, the concealability, the action, and the price. This knife hits every mark and does it without ego. It’s the kind of blade you end up recommending to everyone because why wouldn’t you?
If you’ve ever wished your knife was just a little smaller, just a little slicker, just a little more practical, here’s your answer.
Rating:
(5 out of 5 concealed blades)
