CIVIVI ELITE Brova: testing the new EDC knife with Top Liner Lock 

With the new ELITE line, CIVIVI is moving upmarket and filling the gap between its well-regarded affordable EDC knives and the more expensive models sold under the WE Knife name. The difference is not limited to more refined finishing: the new series uses higher-grade blade steels, CPM S35VN in the case of the Brova, more sophisticated handle materials and more elaborate machining. In other words, the family is expanding. CIVIVI now has an intermediate tier between its standard lineup and WE Knife that, at least on paper, looks particularly interesting. 

CIVIVI Brova Elite: features and operation

“Elite” is a word those of us who enjoy grown-up toys are used to associating with military units and, more generally, with something special, selected or aimed at a narrower audience. The French term has now entered CIVIVI’s vocabulary as well, identifying a new knife line that sits midway between the brand’s mainstream production and the traditionally more refined and expensive offerings from WE Knife. 

The CIVIVI ELITE Brova is the first model in this new line. It is an EDC folding knife with a CPM S35VN steel blade, aluminum handle and a new button-operated Top Liner Lock. Derived from the traditional liner lock, the mechanism uses a spring section formed from the internal stainless-steel liner. With the blade open, this section engages the blade tang and prevents it from closing. To release the lock, the recessed button on the left handle scale is pressed. The position of the control keeps the fingers away from the path of the blade during closing and also reduces the chance of accidental activation. The button can also be used to assist one-handed opening: depress it and a light flick of the wrist is enough to swing the blade open with the remarkably smooth action we have come to expect from CIVIVI and WE Knife ball-bearing pivots, but still appreciate every time. Those who prefer a more conventional opening method can instead use the two thumb studs, positioned exactly where expected and providing a comfortable purchase for the thumb. The button, thumb studs and pivot head, visible only on the right side, are anodized in a contrasting color that works particularly well against the blade and handle. On our sample, the hardware is blue. 

Moving back to the Brova as a whole, even the packaging makes a good first impression. A black cardboard sleeve with a silver CIVIVI logo surrounds a matching box. Inside are a short user guide, microfiber cleaning cloth, sticker and miniature catalog. The knife itself comes in CIVIVI’s familiar zippered nylon pouch. 

At first glance, the attractive finish of the handle could be mistaken for titanium. It is actually aluminum, finished on our sample in a matte gray treatment that suits the knife’s lines and gives the surface a pleasant feel. A thin border following the profile of the scales adds a subtle decorative touch, while the finger grooves are genuinely comfortable. The lock-release button and lanyard hole sit within two recessed areas machined into the handle. 

Against this restrained design, even the elegant stainless-steel pocket clip with its satin-gray finish almost disappears. The clip is reversible and configured for tip-up carry. The CIVIVI ELITE Brova has a clip-point blade measuring 3.41” in length and 0.13” thick. It is made from CPM S35VN stainless steel with a stated hardness of 58–60 HRC. 

The hollow grind, combined with a fairly pronounced belly and fine point, favors cutting performance without sacrificing the versatility expected from an everyday-carry knife. The stonewashed blade finish is particularly well executed, giving the blade a deliberately worn, low-reflective appearance. Stonewashing also tends to make minor scratches and signs of use less noticeable. That said, dark stonewashed finishes can still show abrasion and material transfer, an issue noted by some users. 

Weight deserves a brief mention as well. CIVIVI lists the Brova at 3.78 oz, and the knife feels even lighter in the pocket. Balance is very good, which certainly helps. 

CIVIVI Brova Elite: wrapping up and price 

With the ELITE series, CIVIVI is clearly aiming at a very specific position within the group’s product range: one step above the company’s standard models, but still below the premium knives carrying the WE Knife name. Judging from the Brova, this intermediate tier has considerable potential. 

To be clear, CIVIVI knives have never felt “cheap” in the negative sense of the word. Quite the opposite: the Chinese brand has built a strong reputation around a price-to-quality ratio that is difficult to beat. 

With the ELITE Brova, however, the step upward is more obvious. The finishing is carefully executed, the fit between components is precise, and the opening action has the familiar smoothness we have come to expect from the brand. 

At a U.S. price of $145, the CIVIVI ELITE Brova offers materials and construction quality more commonly associated with more expensive knives. 

It is therefore a convincing debut for the new series, delivering an additional level of refinement without reaching WE Knife pricing. Now we only have to wait and see what CIVIVI adds next to the ELITE range. The Brova sets a promising benchmark. 

Civivi Elite Brova: specifications and price