The CIVIVI Yonder is a standout everyday carry (EDC) folding knife designed by Zac Whitmore that blends thoughtful design, quality materials, and solid performance at a budget-friendly price point. The specific model C23073‑1 features a black G10 handle and a 2.88 inch 14C28N stainless steel blade, making it a versatile tool suited for daily tasks, outdoor use, and general utility chores.
At first glance, the Yonder strikes a balance between compact practicality and purposeful design. Its overall length of about 6.62 inches when open and closed length under 4 inches make it large enough to handle a variety of cuts, yet small enough to carry comfortably in your pocket. The knife weighs under three ounces, so it feels unobtrusive throughout the day while still maintaining enough substance to feel reliable in hand.
Blade Quality and Performance
The blade is made from 14C28N stainless steel, known for its toughness, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening. The Yonder’s blade is ground flat with a stonewashed finish, which helps disguise scratches and contributes to corrosion resistance and everyday aesthetics. The spey point profile of the blade offers a versatile edge geometry that excels at controlled slicing, whittling, box opening, and general cutting tasks without being overly aggressive.
In real-world use, the blade cuts reliably through cardboard, cordage, and food prep tasks with efficiency. It won’t rival premium steels in long-term edge retention, but it can be resharpened quickly and holds a fine edge well for its class. For tougher cutting jobs, expect to touch up the edge more often, but the trade-off is easy maintenance and corrosion resilience.
Handle and Ergonomics
On the C23073‑1, the handle scales are G10, a lightweight, durable composite that provides a secure grip even when wet or greasy. The contours of the handle flow naturally with the shape of the hand, offering comfort during repeated tasks. The scale thickness and subtle contouring give it a balanced feel without sharp edges digging into your palm. G10 doesn’t absorb moisture and is resistant to abrasion, making it excellent for both city carry and outdoor environments.
The stainless liners inside the handle add structural rigidity without significantly increasing weight, helping the overall frame feel solid when cutting or slicing. The reversible deep-carry pocket clip allows for tip-up carry on either side, accommodating both right- and left-handed users. This ambidextrous design consideration broadens its appeal.
Locking Mechanism and Deployment
One of the most distinctive features of the Yonder is the crossbar lock, a departure from the more common liner or frame locks found on many EDC knives. The crossbar lock is robust and reliable, locking the blade securely in place when open and resisting accidental disengagement. Deployment is aided by ambidextrous thumb studs, and the pivot uses caged ceramic ball bearings for a smoother opening and closing action than many other knives in the same price range.
Users generally find the action smooth, though some report that the lock can feel a bit stiff or create a slight pressure point on the hand under heavy use. This is largely a matter of personal preference and breaks in with continued operation.
Carry and Everyday Utility
In daily carry scenarios, the Yonder is easy to stow and virtually disappears in a pocket due to its slim profile. The deep-carry clip helps keep it discreet and secure, though some users find the clip quite firm initially, making it a touch challenging to slide into tight pockets until it naturally loosens with use. The absence of a lanyard hole on some configurations keeps the design clean and minimalist.
For typical EDC tasks like opening packages, cutting rope, food prep on camping trips, and general yard chores, the Yonder performs admirably. Its size makes it legal to carry in many regions where blade length restrictions apply, while still being functional enough for most daily cutting needs.
Pros and Cons Overview
Strengths of the Yonder include its superb ergonomics for a small knife, quality materials for the price range, ambidextrous design, and the unique yet sturdy crossbar lock. The 14C28N blade’s ease of sharpening and corrosion resistance are also significant pluses. On the flip side, the crossbar lock’s fit and feel might not appeal to every user, and edge retention is typical of budget steels rather than premium alloys. Individual quality control experiences vary slightly among owners, though many reports describe solid performance out of the box.
Conclusion
The CIVIVI Yonder C23073‑1 is a thoughtfully designed everyday carry knife that delivers excellent performance, comfort, and utility without a high price tag. Whether you are a seasoned knife enthusiast or someone looking for a reliable tool for daily tasks, the Yonder is worth a close look. Its combination of lightweight carry, solid blade steel, comfortable handle, and dependable locking mechanism make it a strong contender in the affordable EDC category. For many users, it stands out as a balance of craftsmanship and practicality.
