Pocket knives · owner-verdict comparison

Civivi Elementum vs CRKT Pilar: what real owners say

Real owners lean toward the Civivi Elementum: 82% of 106 owners recommend it, vs 69% of 84 for the CRKT Pilar.

Verdicts aggregated from Reddit, enthusiast forums, and YouTube owner comments — affiliate reviews excluded. Sample sizes differ; judge accordingly. How we score

Civivi Elementum

82%of 106 owners recommend
82% recommend · 11% neutral · 7% don't
Owners praise
  • Favorite go-to EDC that owners keep reaching for
  • Outstanding value that punches above its $50 price
  • Smooth, satisfying flipper/button-lock action
Full owner report →

CRKT Pilar

69%of 84 owners recommend
69% recommend · 17% neutral · 14% don't
Owners praise
  • Outstanding value, a tough workhorse for the low price
  • Comfortable, ergonomic grip that fills the hand
  • Beloved Voxnaes design and blade shape
Owners complain about
  • QC issues and low-end materials (Teflon washers, 8Cr steel)
  • Blade ground too thick behind the edge
Full owner report →

What Civivi Elementum owners say

“Love this knife for it's clean, simple lines.”
— @RonMTube on YouTube
“I've been carrying this guy for 3 months now in gray G10. Great little knife. Totally worth the $50”
— @Bloodthirstier on YouTube
“It's not a particularly pretty knife on the show side.”
— @trevongauthier8601 on YouTube

What CRKT Pilar owners say

“CRKT Pilar is my fave but mine has strong detente and isn’t that fidgety if you care about that. And it comes in copper which is nice.”
— reesa447 on Reddit
“Since I bought it, it has been my dominant/ primary EDC knife … honestly my #1 knife I’ve ever owned!!”
— OG-BigPapa-KJ on Reddit
“My Pilar broke.”
— @VinnyS9143101982 on YouTube