Even though I love Civivi knives a lot more than CRKT knives, this Richard Rogers design is something very special. I never would've expected to like this knife so much. Ordered the black handle/black blade flipper version for $50. Worth every penny.
David, I really enjoy your efforts on this channel . Very informative and the info as presented is pretty neutral. I appreciate the work. I just purchased the CEO and was a little taken aback at the narrowness of the blade. I may be partial as I use the Boker Urban Trapper as my EDC and comparing the two, I like the Boker better for three reasons. The more traditional wide Boker blade, the weight, The Boker is lighter and the "deeper" carry of the Boker. While both have deep carry clips the Boker just feels less obvious, probably due to the width and weight. I'm going to order the Chronic.
I went with the CEO in CF with D2. A small learning curve with the thumb stud to deploy smoothly each time but after a couple days the muscle memory kicks in.
I got a CEO 3 weeks ago and a Civivi Elementum coming today. Top pocket EDC check, pants pocket EDC check. Both at right around $100.00 so pretty good for a budget set EDC. Knives are interesting.
I'm a bit late for the party but I have to say I have both the thumbstud version and the flipper tab version and both are excellent knives. I tend to like the flipper version a bit more because my sausage fingers have trouble with the thumb stud version. Both knives are extremely easy to carry and very sharp from the get go. I'm used to larger knives in my pocket but these CEO's are a great addition to my rotation. I really like the blade length and feel of the handle scales. It's a great knife purchase.
Thank you David for such professional € thorough presentation. You are the best presenter: hence it is always interesting to visualise your videos! I have been looking for an elegant gentleman folder to put in a jacket pocket: the CEO therefore has my preference without any hesitation. Thanks again for such a brilliant demo. All the best.
2nd day carrying the CEO and the top screw came, essentially breaking the knife after some pressure on the blade. I have to find a screw to replace it now. Sharp blade, but disappointed in the amount of pressure it took to pop it out.
Great review! CRKT was my first brand when I wanted a decent knife, and I was smitten. After CRKT's Siwi, Folcrum ll and the M4-02W, a Civivi Dogma was added to the barn. Now I really can not decide which one of these two will be next. (Boss gives me grief over getting one.....she'll never go for two 🤫)
I've had both but the crkt was too thin in the hand and the thumb stud was just a pain to open, plus tip down is a no go. The Chronic is much easier to hold and the thumb stud is normal deployment. The CEO could have been cool but just didn't put it together.
I own the civivi chronic and I love it but the only think I don't like is the carbon fiber is a little too slippery. I wish it was grippy all around and not just the corners. If I was looking at buying one of these knives today I would probably go for the new CRKT CEO Flipper version. The contoured g10 handles look awesome
I am a fan of both CKRT and Civivi. I own several from both brands including the CEO and just ordered the Chronic. To me, these are still different knives. I can carry the CEO in a suit jacket pocket or in a shirt pocket. The Chronic will always be pants pocket carry.
I had the ceo and I did not like the thumb type deployment. You had to do it at just the right angle. I actually returned it and got a civivi. I like it a lot more
The flipper version of the CEO addresses most of the criticisms of the thumb-stud version. It is ambidexterous, the pocket clip does not have the company logo on it and the scales have a rougher, grippier texture although is does sacrifice a little visual class to provide that.
Love my CEO due to how fast the thumb flicker opens the blade and how convenient it is to transition from opening to using. It’s blade is great for opening boxes and envelopes it’s also not bad as a fork. Using an 8 dollar Rada sharpener you can keep it sticky sharp too. I don’t like it’s polished clip though just because it’s so obvious with slacks. I would recommend it though. But I really want that Damascus Civivi if it only wasn’t out of stock at Knife Center and their big competitor. :(
Thanks for the great comparison! I have had the CEO for several months and carry it a lot. Unfortunately I can NOT get it sharp. It tends to drag through paper. So I have a Chronic on order. Hoping it will do the trick.
@@Gotobedboy Hi Jordan, I am using the worksharp field sharpener. I also have a leather strop. Those have worked well to maintain my other knives but don’t do the trick on the CEO. I am pretty new to pocket knives and sharpening. Any tips appreciated!
Just got my chronic with carbon fiber g10 and damascus steel and its absolutely beautiful , might be my best looking knife yet and i have alot and much more expensive
Pill crusher- My pharmacist once had to formulate a cream for me by crushing antihistimine pills with a pill crusher. He used a case knife with pearl handles, bought it just for that reason many years ago. Just thought that was interesting.
Honestly… CRKT probably. I’m learning over the years they just last and are hard use. If I can save a few dollars on a knife that’s gonna get abused why not. I love Civivi to though.. their OG Elementum Button-Lock may be my favorite knife to EDC period. CRKT has amazing customer service too. I’ve had two issues over the years and both got handled above what I expected.
I have the CEO and considered a Chronic. The Chronic is JUST a BIT too chunky for me to be a gentleman's knife. And honestly, the fact that it so clearly WANTS to be a gentleman's knife almost hurts it, to me, because I feel like that chunkiness really causes it to miss the mark. I almost wish it was advertised as something else. Of course, that's just my opinion. The aesthetics of the CEO are basically the epitome of what I think a gentleman's folder should look like. If we wanna stick with Civivi / WE, I think WE killed it with the Scamp and Gentry for the gentleman's folder category.
I appreciate that honest knife review.I was looking at the CEO for purchase. However I do like the other one just a little bit better with that Damascus blade. Looks like I’ll have to save up a little more money. Thanks again.
I haven't used the damascus one, but I can tell you that the Chronic itself is an amazing knife. I don't carry it as much after getting my Benchmade bugout, but when I don't want to load my pockets with a bunch of stuff, I'll just grab my chronic since it's on the cheaper end I don't have to worry as much about what I'm doing with it. Overall, great knife for the price!
"A folding Bowie knife." My first ever impression of it was "it's a folding version of the Old Trapper design." It is tried and tested geometry regardless.
Hey there, I'm actually hesitating between these two, which one would you recommend? Also I get the feeling that CEO isn't much of a cutter, is it so? Thx
@@AncientDJs I really like the both the CEO feels at little more fragile with the thinner blade. I have both the CEO with thumb stud and flipper and prefer the flipper. To be honest though the Exarch sees more pocket time then the CEO's combined.
To each their own, but in my opinion, carbon fiber actually makes knives look cheaper. I understand it's use for weight conservation. That being said, I wish that cf wasn't the go-to look for most makers.
ceo is the pen knife wannabe spies have always wanted. low end steel is perfect for the ceo target market, letter opening, opening blisters, cutting box tape, and removing staples. i use my ceo to open the packages on my other crkt knives.
Pill crusher, huh? Sold. But seriously, this is such a great time in history to be a knaff fanatic! So many creative designs, use of high end materials and quality construction to boot! Not to mention awesome retailers with badass, knaff geek hosts. Outstanding!
I have the special edition of the CEO with green handles and D2. I really like the Civivi knifes I have, but for me, I will pass on this one until they upgrade the steel to at least D2.
Civivi all day. The chronic looks like it is intended to be used and easy to sharpen, not so much for the CEO. The grind on the CRKT looks like it would present an issue when sharpening ... and I dislike thumb studs.
Nice comparison, David. Although I think the McKenna would be maybe a closer matchup to CEO here. Not a fan of clip point either on this particular Civivi knife--something straighter like on the CEO would be more in keeping the overall aesthetic, IMO. I think the CEO wins here.
I have both, the crkt is possibly the worst knife I've ever owned. It's cool looking, which is why I bought it, but the blade is shit, the action is non existent, it's uncomfortable, and it loses an edge immediately and doesn't take one back. The chronic, I have three, it's the best lightweight edc I have.
I don’t have large hands, but 9 times out of 10, I can’t do a smooth one hand open with my CEO. I wish I could flick it open but I usually have to use two hands to open it.
"hair popping sharp right out of the box". yea ok, sure. maybe shaving sharp out of the box but even at that its not gonna be a pleasant experience. also, placing a gentleman's knife on the tongue of a trailer for a photo shoot is a REALLY weird decision.
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
The chronic is a nice looking knife with some good specs, but there's just something about the looks of the CEO that really appeals to me.
That's how I felt about the CEO until I felt the plastic, felt real cheap and was loose and bendy in the center. That and in didn't come very sharp
Even though I love Civivi knives a lot more than CRKT knives, this Richard Rogers design is something very special. I never would've expected to like this knife so much. Ordered the black handle/black blade flipper version for $50. Worth every penny.
David, I really enjoy your efforts on this channel . Very informative and the info as presented is pretty neutral. I appreciate the work. I just purchased the CEO and was a little taken aback at the narrowness of the blade. I may be partial as I use the Boker Urban Trapper as my EDC and comparing the two, I like the Boker better for three reasons. The more traditional wide Boker blade, the weight, The Boker is lighter and the "deeper" carry of the Boker. While both have deep carry clips the Boker just feels less obvious, probably due to the width and weight. I'm going to order the Chronic.
I own the CKRT... great little everyday pocketknife!
I went with the CEO in CF with D2. A small learning curve with the thumb stud to deploy smoothly each time but after a couple days the muscle memory kicks in.
I got a CEO 3 weeks ago and a Civivi Elementum coming today. Top pocket EDC check, pants pocket EDC check. Both at right around $100.00 so pretty good for a budget set EDC. Knives are interesting.
I'm a bit late for the party but I have to say I have both the thumbstud version and the flipper tab version and both are excellent knives. I tend to like the flipper version a bit more because my sausage fingers have trouble with the thumb stud version. Both knives are extremely easy to carry and very sharp from the get go. I'm used to larger knives in my pocket but these CEO's are a great addition to my rotation. I really like the blade length and feel of the handle scales. It's a great knife purchase.
I've got both versions of the CEO (thumb and flipper) and love them both.
I need a mini Chronic, please . . . 2.75" or so blade.
pretty good comparison. Just missing a good side-by-side shot so I can see how thick they are.
Thank you David for such professional € thorough presentation.
You are the best presenter: hence it is always interesting to visualise your videos!
I have been looking for an elegant gentleman folder to put in a jacket pocket: the CEO therefore has my preference without any hesitation.
Thanks again for such a brilliant demo. All the best.
2nd day carrying the CEO and the top screw came, essentially breaking the knife after some pressure on the blade. I have to find a screw to replace it now. Sharp blade, but disappointed in the amount of pressure it took to pop it out.
Picked up the CEO flipper variant and love this knife!
I heard the action was super stiff. Was yours the same as well?
@@Sid0404 it’s a medium detent, but if you light switch the flipper it fires out with very satisfying authority.
Great review! CRKT was my first brand when I wanted a decent knife, and I was smitten. After CRKT's Siwi, Folcrum ll and the M4-02W, a Civivi Dogma was added to the barn. Now I really can not decide which one of these two will be next. (Boss gives me grief over getting one.....she'll never go for two 🤫)
I've had both but the crkt was too thin in the hand and the thumb stud was just a pain to open, plus tip down is a no go. The Chronic is much easier to hold and the thumb stud is normal deployment. The CEO could have been cool but just didn't put it together.
I already have the chronic in CF and Damasteel. Its awesome!!
I own the civivi chronic and I love it but the only think I don't like is the carbon fiber is a little too slippery. I wish it was grippy all around and not just the corners. If I was looking at buying one of these knives today I would probably go for the new CRKT CEO Flipper version. The contoured g10 handles look awesome
If only Civivi could have produced the CEO design...
I am a fan of both CKRT and Civivi. I own several from both brands including the CEO and just ordered the Chronic. To me, these are still different knives. I can carry the CEO in a suit jacket pocket or in a shirt pocket. The Chronic will always be pants pocket carry.
I had the ceo and I did not like the thumb type deployment. You had to do it at just the right angle. I actually returned it and got a civivi. I like it a lot more
I have never been able to open the ceo with my thumb. I have use my pointer the to loosen the blade before i can flip it open
They introduced the flipper version of the ceo recently. Should be available soon
just bought the damascus civivi, very good knife
The flipper version of the CEO addresses most of the criticisms of the thumb-stud version. It is ambidexterous, the pocket clip does not have the company logo on it and the scales have a rougher, grippier texture although is does sacrifice a little visual class to provide that.
Love my CEO due to how fast the thumb flicker opens the blade and how convenient it is to transition from opening to using. It’s blade is great for opening boxes and envelopes it’s also not bad as a fork. Using an 8 dollar Rada sharpener you can keep it sticky sharp too. I don’t like it’s polished clip though just because it’s so obvious with slacks. I would recommend it though. But I really want that Damascus Civivi if it only wasn’t out of stock at Knife Center and their big competitor. :(
You can always pre-order and reserve your spot in line for when we get restocked from CIVIVI and we won't charge your card until it ships.
Thanks for the great comparison! I have had the CEO for several months and carry it a lot. Unfortunately I can NOT get it sharp. It tends to drag through paper. So I have a Chronic on order. Hoping it will do the trick.
What are you using for sharpening?
@@Gotobedboy Hi Jordan, I am using the worksharp field sharpener. I also have a leather strop. Those have worked well to maintain my other knives but don’t do the trick on the CEO. I am pretty new to pocket knives and sharpening. Any tips appreciated!
Just got my chronic with carbon fiber g10 and damascus steel and its absolutely beautiful , might be my best looking knife yet and i have alot and much more expensive
I just got my ceo in the mail today!! Love it so far, great addition to the collection
There both great knifes I got them both I found the CEO for $31.00 BN and ordered the Chronic with black crops regular model
Civivi exarch is an upgrade in my opinion. Front flipper makes for a unique opening and I happen to like the blade profile too. What do you think?
I want both, but I'm starting off with a civivi exarch damascus blade and copper handle.
Hi, I'm actually hesitating between CEO flipper and exarch Damascus, how do you like yours?
I have the Chronic and I love it. It’s also ambidextrous which the CEO lacks.
Pill crusher- My pharmacist once had to formulate a cream for me by crushing antihistimine pills with a pill crusher. He used a case knife with pearl handles, bought it just for that reason many years ago. Just thought that was interesting.
i was looking something similar than ceo, now i find it. ! I go for Civivi! Thanks for this video!
just bought my 4th CEO for my EDC, Suit dress, Smart casual and one in my city bag.
Honestly… CRKT probably. I’m learning over the years they just last and are hard use. If I can save a few dollars on a knife that’s gonna get abused why not. I love Civivi to though.. their OG Elementum Button-Lock may be my favorite knife to EDC period.
CRKT has amazing customer service too. I’ve had two issues over the years and both got handled above what I expected.
Waiting for chronic front flipper
Yeah the exarch is a front flipper chronic
I have the CEO and considered a Chronic. The Chronic is JUST a BIT too chunky for me to be a gentleman's knife. And honestly, the fact that it so clearly WANTS to be a gentleman's knife almost hurts it, to me, because I feel like that chunkiness really causes it to miss the mark. I almost wish it was advertised as something else. Of course, that's just my opinion. The aesthetics of the CEO are basically the epitome of what I think a gentleman's folder should look like.
If we wanna stick with Civivi / WE, I think WE killed it with the Scamp and Gentry for the gentleman's folder category.
I really like the #CRKT C.E.O. I can't believe I still haven't picked one up!
I appreciate that honest knife review.I was looking at the CEO for purchase. However I do like the other one just a little bit better with that Damascus blade. Looks like I’ll have to save up a little more money. Thanks again.
I haven't used the damascus one, but I can tell you that the Chronic itself is an amazing knife. I don't carry it as much after getting my Benchmade bugout, but when I don't want to load my pockets with a bunch of stuff, I'll just grab my chronic since it's on the cheaper end I don't have to worry as much about what I'm doing with it. Overall, great knife for the price!
what knife would you recommend as a steak knife to bring to restaurants?
www.knifecenter.com/item/NSCAN154NAOD/nordsmith-canteen-knife-cpm-154-fixed-blade-natural-micarta-handles-with-od-green-liners-leather-sheath
Definitely go with the chronic if you’re a lefty, or you just like flipper tabs more than thumb studs
great, informative video!
"A folding Bowie knife."
My first ever impression of it was "it's a folding version of the Old Trapper design."
It is tried and tested geometry regardless.
I have a CEO and an Exarch, really love the front flipper
Hey there, I'm actually hesitating between these two, which one would you recommend? Also I get the feeling that CEO isn't much of a cutter, is it so? Thx
@@AncientDJs I really like the both the CEO feels at little more fragile with the thinner blade. I have both the CEO with thumb stud and flipper and prefer the flipper. To be honest though the Exarch sees more pocket time then the CEO's combined.
Man this is tough! Idk what to buy. I was leaning toward that CRKT, but after seeing that Civivi, I really don’t know.
How do these compare to the Boker Plus urban trapper or urban trapper petite?
Check this out: ruclips.net/video/MeS1Ik10OqY/видео.html
I tried to order the Civivi Chronic but you guys don't have any. So sad
Chronic for me. Got it, happy with it.
How much do they weigh?
DCA’s become my go-to reference
To each their own, but in my opinion, carbon fiber actually makes knives look cheaper. I understand it's use for weight conservation. That being said, I wish that cf wasn't the go-to look for most makers.
I agree with you about weave carbon fibre, but in my opinion shred or marbled carbon fibre looks really classy and sophisticated.
@@apoplastic3589 I agree with your thoughts on shred and marbled cf. Yet, the sparkly/shiny look is still not my cup of tea.
CSBainter fair enough.
Man I’d love to have that crkt, too bad about the steel... CRKT needs to step their game up
They have a new one with D2 steel now.
I want the CEO in green micarta. Can’t find it in stock anywhere.
Alexander LeBlanc bladehq had some in again with d2 steel
Cosmin King I ended up picking it up back in March. Initially I almost returned it due an overly stiff detent but it broke in beautifully.
I’m still waiting on the chronic to arrive in the European knife shops 🤦🏽
Cosmin King why the long wait?
@@AlexanderSLeBlancdelivery issues always a couple of months behind america
ceo is the pen knife wannabe spies have always wanted.
low end steel is perfect for the ceo target market, letter opening, opening blisters, cutting box tape, and removing staples.
i use my ceo to open the packages on my other crkt knives.
CRKT CEO! 👍
The chronic reminds me of the front flipper one
Excellent review... thank you for your efforts David.
Just picked up the CEO. amazing
I like the CRKT, it looks kinda like a miniature samurai sword.
Civivi keeps knocking it out of the park!
Steel snobs are my fav.
Goes perfect wen I dont want to take my 940-2 out
Chronic owner in damascus here.... a flipper is easier to operate for me and the damascus is just plain cool ..... made in China oh well
Both of them are good
Pill crusher, huh? Sold.
But seriously, this is such a great time in history to be a knaff fanatic! So many creative designs, use of high end materials and quality construction to boot!
Not to mention awesome retailers with badass, knaff geek hosts. Outstanding!
What's going on knifecenter friends!
I love my ceo
Make the CEO with M390 and you have a perfect pocket knife.
Oh shit.. He done went and didi it!!! The pill heads gona go for the CEO, so they can sniff ther pills in style😎
Civivi Exarch due to the blade material
I have the special edition of the CEO with green handles and D2. I really like the Civivi knifes I have, but for me, I will pass on this one until they upgrade the steel to at least D2.
Thanks for tip, I'll probably pick up one of those green CEOs once they're back in stock.
9cr18Mov has been proven to have slightly more edge retention than D2
Civivi all day. The chronic looks like it is intended to be used and easy to sharpen, not so much for the CEO.
The grind on the CRKT looks like it would present an issue when sharpening ... and I dislike thumb studs.
Battlehymn63 can confirm. Not convenient to sharpen. Still awesome though.
Love Civivi designs, but most their pocket clips look generic...
Nice comparison, David. Although I think the McKenna would be maybe a closer matchup to CEO here. Not a fan of clip point either on this particular Civivi knife--something straighter like on the CEO would be more in keeping the overall aesthetic, IMO. I think the CEO wins here.
That's a good one too!
Name me the cold steel that is able to stab a car door. I gonna buy it now.
Crkt ceo clip broke 2 weeks after use in my pocket.
i dont like knives with one thumb stud.. .no matter how popular it is...2 thumbstuds is fine could have added another on the ceo
Ill stick with my spyderco ikuchi
ceo all the way
I like the ceo more way more acctually, i own both
It really should have been ceo vs exarch
The Exarch didn't exist yet at the time this video was posted. -DCA
love my CEO! ordered on line by recommendation but as soon as it was in my hand I was sold! plus my girlfriend wanted to steal it so bad! lol
Dear Mike,
If you are getting the milk for free then don`t buy that cow.
Ann Landers
Do a Buck Decatur vs CEO. The Buck Decatur is way more like the CEO than this one.
I'll take that CEO!
Sweet
I love the CEO but they blew it with the clip mounted at the top WTF guys.
Less is Mora😊
I have both, the crkt is possibly the worst knife I've ever owned. It's cool looking, which is why I bought it, but the blade is shit, the action is non existent, it's uncomfortable, and it loses an edge immediately and doesn't take one back. The chronic, I have three, it's the best lightweight edc I have.
CEO micarta wins hands down.
Cold steel >
I want that civivi
I don’t have large hands, but 9 times out of 10, I can’t do a smooth one hand open with my CEO. I wish I could flick it open but I usually have to use two hands to open it.
APPLE SLICERS
Funny how the CEO would make a good coke knife :p
"hair popping sharp right out of the box". yea ok, sure. maybe shaving sharp out of the box but even at that its not gonna be a pleasant experience. also, placing a gentleman's knife on the tongue of a trailer for a photo shoot is a REALLY weird decision.
The CEO looks a little too fragile to me.
The CEO actually looked better until you turned it and showed thay horrendous clip 🤮.
Not buying any Chinese s*** or any Chinese Steel
Guess id take the chronic for those times when i cant carry my glock!!!🔫