Marc
,

Nov 03, 2022

Pros: Handle Material, Blade Material

Cons: Lock Ease of Use, Weight

1st Class Quality

1ST class quality and style, excellent all around as good as it gets in my book, could not be happier, hard to beat Cold Steel.

William
La Porte, Tx

Apr 26, 2023

Pros: Ease of Opening, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

Love My CIVIVI

Owned for over 6 months now and truly love this knife. It is an everyday carry knife. Smooth mechanism and tough materials. Stays sharp even with every day use. The button lock is a great addition to my knifes inventory. Smooth operation and easiest open and close blade I own.

Andrew
Jackson, Mississippi

Oct 04, 2022

Pros: Handle Material, Blade Material

Cons: None

Better action than the original

Considering that I’ve owned the original for a while now and just bought this for the better blade steel I’m quite surprised by how much better this is than the original the action is so much smoother plus the scales and blade are far better definitely would buy again and I might 🤷‍♂️

Alonso
Lake Tahoe (Nevada)

Apr 09, 2024

Pros: Blade Material, Blade Sharpness, Ease of Opening, Handle Feel, Handle Material, Lock Ease of Use, Lock Type, Overall Quality, Weight

Cons: None

One of My Favorite EDCs; Great price/value for the materials!

I've had this KnifeCenter exclusive for about 4 months as of this review, and it's become one of my very favorite EDCs. I have collected about 30 EDC-type knives, including several Benchmades, Spydercos, etc. To my surprise, this knife and the Civivi Vision FG in green micarta have become the knives I carry the most often. For the price, you really can't beat the value for S35VN. Super fidgety with the combo of flipper and button lock. The clip point looks nice, is versatile and it's the perfect size - not too beefy or threatening but plenty of blade. It's shockingly light, which is very nice, and the wood scales make it classy and different from everything else in my collection; I haven't found them to be too slippery. I have not had any of the lock stick issues mentioned in some of the other reviews. On the contrary, the action has been fantastic. I even bought two more to give as gifts. I heard so many horror stories about the Civivi pocket clips that I proactively bought a different one (titanium milled) for the Vision FG. But for this Cogent I haven't found the clip to be problematic at all. The only negative is that I noticed a tiny bit of rust on the blade, which is very strange for S35VN that I keep very clean. Not sure what's up with that but it buffed out with some vinegar. Overall, would highly recommend this knife. As an aside, I also find the Civivi Vision FG to be an incredible value with amazing action, blade shape, and superlock that I like more than the Demko SharkLock.

Barry
Wendell, Nc

Jul 27, 2025

Pros: Blade Material, Blade Sharpness, Ease of Opening, Handle Feel, Handle Material, Lock Ease of Use, Lock Type, Overall Quality, Pocket Clip, Weight

Cons: None

One great little knife

I have reviewed this knife, but as time has passed it has proven itself to be a great EDC. The opening is solid and the materials used to make it are outstanding. Sharpening has been very easy and every time I flick it open for use it makes me smile. I've added a nice lanyard to it and I like this knife so much that it leads me to look harder at Civivi for future knife needs. All in all this is a great EDC that anyone will be proud to own.

Chris
Alaska

Oct 13, 2022

Pros: Handle Material, Blade Material

Cons: None

KnifeCenter read my mind

Ever since the original version of this knife dropped I had been hoping a premium version would be released, and thanks to KC it's come to fruition. I wasn't really picky about what kind of handle materials it would have but the ebony wood scales look amazing and satin blades are always my personal preference. As with previous iterations of the knife the button lock is smooth and tactile and the ergonomics are spot on.

Lou
Texas

Apr 17, 2025

Pros: Blade Material, Blade Sharpness, Ease of Opening, Handle Feel, Handle Material, Lock Ease of Use, Lock Type, Overall Quality, Pocket Clip, Weight

Cons: None

This is a Great Knife

This is now my EDC. Everything about this knife is quality. From the blade material, the handle, the button to release the blade, the clip to hold onto my pants pocket. And then this is a very affordable piece. There is not one thing about this knife that I wish CIVIVI would have done differently.

Eric D
Kentucky

Dec 28, 2024

Pros: Blade Material, Blade Sharpness, Ease of Opening, Handle Feel, Handle Material, Lock Ease of Use, Lock Type, Overall Quality, Pocket Clip, Weight

Cons: None

Wow.

My first Civivi after 15 years of Spydercos, Benchmades and Kershaws. No problems with those but I'm blown away by this knife. It's my first button lock and first with ceramic bearings. The Ebony wood has a premium natural feel as I anticipated and the s35vn blade is ground perfectly and slick as owl sh*t. Slices like a laser and a great size for EDC for me. Not a single complaint. Just ordered a second cogent in guibourtia wood and 14c28n steel since I know I like that steel and the wood should be unique as well. Highly recommend this knife. ortia

Will Michaels
New Jersey

Jul 24, 2025

Pros: Blade Material, Blade Sharpness, Ease of Opening, Handle Feel, Handle Material, Lock Ease of Use, Lock Type, Overall Quality, Pocket Clip, Sheath, Weight

Cons: None

Great price, great service

This is EDC purchase. As always, knife center offered terrific pricing and prompt service.

J.D.
Spencer, IN

May 28, 2025

Pros: Blade Material, Blade Sharpness, Ease of Opening, Handle Feel, Handle Material, Lock Ease of Use, Lock Type, Overall Quality, Pocket Clip, Weight

Cons: None

Civivi cogent S35VN

I love my Civivi cogent (S35VN) for carrying in public or while working outside in the yard. The S35VN blad came razor sharp and was easy too sharpen when the time came. I've wanted this knife for a long time, but the pictures really made it look bigger than it is. It's the perfect size making it almost unnoticeable in the pocket and the action is perfect with no lock stick. My only noticable complaint would be that I had expected the blade to stay sharp for longer it did. I had it for two weeks before it's first sharpening, but maybe I just cut a lot of stuff with it. It's a great deal for the price and I might just buy another one for a backup.

Sloan
CA

Feb 11, 2024

Pros: Blade Material, Blade Sharpness, Ease of Opening, Handle Feel, Handle Material, Lock Ease of Use, Lock Type, Overall Quality

Cons: Pocket Clip

A great price for S35VN

I have really liked my other Cogent, so when I saw this version with S35VN at such a great price, I jumped at it. Only note, the images make it look like a brown wood, it is not. This is an Ebony black wood and contrasts nicely with the satin finished blade.

Bob
California

Jan 25, 2023

Pros: None

Cons: None

Even better than I expected

I bought the original Cogent in 14c28n and love the knife so much I was wishing they had a s35VN model, I emailed Civivi about it and they told me that knifecenter had an exclusive in s35vn. I can't say enough good things about it, the blade is awesome, 95% mirror finished which I prefer and it came as the sharpest knife yet in my collection, the blade falls shut and the button is easy to operate and I also love the wood handle. Definitely buy it while you have the chance.

John Johnston
Washington

Jun 10, 2023

Pros: Ease of Opening, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

It lives in my pocket!

I wanted something a bit larger than my Leek and tried the 14C version of the Cogent. I was impressed by the button lock but it would stick on occasion. After disassembling and polishing it up a bit, I was hooked! Saw this S35 version and I was on it in a heartbeat. Out of the box it was sharp, smooth and very nice, but after a quick polish on the button, it's FANTASTIC! I wasn't too sure about the handle material, until I held it and used it. SOLD!!! My only concern left was about this sketchy outfit that's selling these things... HA! Knife Center is, and has been, AWESOME and stands behind you and your purchase like few others. I'll be back (but not to replace my Cogent anytime soon...), thanks KC, you guys are great!

Ryan
West Chester, Pa

May 18, 2024

Pros: Blade Material, Blade Sharpness, Ease of Opening, Handle Feel, Handle Material, Lock Ease of Use, Lock Type, Overall Quality, Pocket Clip, Weight

Cons: None

Great knife!

I must’ve looked at this particular cogent a dozen times. I’ve got two of the standard Cogents and really like them. This one is leaps and bounds nicer. The pictures really don’t do it any justice. The wooden handles are a nice dark brown and feel noticeably better in the hand. The blade is pristine, shiny and sharp. A few minutes on the strop and it was ready to shave. Action was great right out of the box, no adjustments needed. Already a decent price, the sale pushed me over. Very happy I finally grabbed one of these. One of the nicest looking exclusives I’ve seen.

Michael
Coeur D'Alene, ID

Oct 11, 2022

Pros: Blade Material

Cons: None

great Exclusive on this one

I have the original in natural G10 and it's my favorite of Civivi's button locks. When I saw this one with S35VN I jumped on it immediately. It's amazing, and I recommend this for anyone looking for a great button lock knife.

Barry
Wendell, Nc

Jul 19, 2025

Pros: Blade Material, Blade Sharpness, Ease of Opening, Handle Feel, Handle Material, Lock Ease of Use, Lock Type, Overall Quality, Pocket Clip, Weight

Cons: None

Civivi is solid folder

Quality piece from top to bottom, opens beautifully with the little back flipper and is a great knife. It’s only my second or third Civivi but it’s well worth the price. On sale for $70 is a nice price point. High degree of quality in the steel, scales, and operation for this knife makes it a great deal.

Sean
Fountain Valley, Ca

Aug 17, 2023

Pros: Blade Material, Blade Sharpness, Ease of Opening, Handle Feel, Handle Material, Lock Ease of Use, Lock Type, Overall Quality, Pocket Clip, Sheath, Weight

Cons: None

Excellent Limited Edition

The Cogent is one of the very best EDC knives, but then this edition features S35VN blade steel and Civivi does a pretty good job with the treatment of the blade steel, so that's a plus. Then, they throw these incredible milled Ebony wood scales that are as nice as Gibson Custom Shop Ebony wood fretboards. That's the level of quality on the Ebony wood and it's worth noting. The action is just as satisfying and smooth as you can expect on the button lock, but especially with the flipper tab, which is really, really good. It's makes a great ting sound on the open deployment, so you can really appreciate the acoustics on this one. You get no bounce out on the closing actuation, and the detent is tuned perfectly for both deployment methods. Yeah, this is another great one from Civivi and I cannot recommend this knife enough. If you don't already have one, do yourself a favor and add one to the collection, while they are still available.

Roger
Leeds, Al

Jul 06, 2024

Pros: Blade Material, Blade Sharpness, Handle Feel, Handle Material, Lock Ease of Use, Lock Type, Overall Quality, Pocket Clip

Cons: Ease of Opening

Awesome knife, but....

When I saw this knife, I knew I had to have it. Ebony scales, S35VN, bearing pivot flipper, at a great price. Received it and it would not deploy. Button was completely frozen. Instead of sending it back, I took it apart. The button hole in the scale was too tight, and it was hanging a bit in the liner. A little time with a round diamond file, and now it is perfect. I've got 4 Cogents with no issues. Maybe it was just an anomaly.

Pierre M
Akron,Ohio

Jul 16, 2025

Pros: Blade Material, Blade Sharpness, Ease of Opening, Handle Feel, Handle Material, Lock Ease of Use, Lock Type, Overall Quality, Pocket Clip, Sheath, Weight

Cons: None

Pretty Solid

Everyday carry is great. Great steel and light enough to not weigh you down. Only problem was the button lock was sticking. Had to take apart and sand button slide hole. After that it's been fantastic.

Stitch
USA

Jan 02, 2023

Pros: None

Cons: None

Great knife, if you get a good one

I used this knife as an EDC. These knives are budget quality. Some examples work very well. Others not so much. I like my Cogent a lot, but it’s not a good fidget knife. The lock button requires way to much pressure to release the blade and the blade often fails to launch. These problems can probably be tweaked away, but it would be great if it had worked out of the box.

Stitch
Penn.

Aug 14, 2023

Pros: Blade Material, Blade Sharpness, Handle Feel, Handle Material, Overall Quality

Cons: None

Longer Term Review

This is a follow up review. My opinion of my Cogent has improved over time. After some tweaking of the pivot screw, it is preforming much better than it did out of the box. I still can’t give it 5 stars, because it’s certainly not perfect. There is certainly room for improvement in Civivi’s assembly quality control. That said, the cogent has turned out to be my favorite pocket knife. Frankly, its best feature is its < $100 price. I tend to lose things. Losing this Civivi someday won’t be nearly as traumatic as losing a $300 Benchmade.

Joe P.
North Carolina

May 08, 2023

Pros: None

Cons: Lock Ease of Use

Avoid button lock Civivis

The knife functioned well for about a week and then the button started to get stuck in the depressed position, causing the blade to fling in and out freely. I took it apart to clean it up and reassemble and now it’s worse. I tried taking it apart and putting it back together several times, and nothing works. I now avoid all button lock Civivi/WE knives and may avoid the brand altogether over this.

Marc
,

Feb 03, 2023

Pros: None

Cons: None

Junk

After 4 months thinking I could get this button lock to unstick, enough is enough, through it in the trash, will never buy another civivi knife again, 1st time took apart to fix, worked good for 2 weeks then stuck continually for the last 4 months, very undependable and cheap.

Alexander
Cardington, Oh

Feb 21, 2023

Pros: None

Cons: None

Thought it was good, then no. its bad

So I really like the materials on this knife. KC exclusive is definitely awesome, wide pretty blade and nice wood scales. I keep my knives on a stand by the door, about 20. This is a show piece for me. Just something that looks nice and should theoretically function well. literally never cut anything with it, never carried it outside the apartment. Just flipped it every few days. After a couple months, the button stuck in the down open position. Scales are mis-aligned or something. messed with it taking it apart several times to try and re align it so the plunge would sit right. It's either the button rubbing on the liner or the scale, but it's messed up. Thought about taking a dremel to it to shave off resistance but no. so yeah $100 bucks down the drain bc civivi wants ppl to buy direct instead of making their - right. same as all the other ppl who make kc exclusives. Now the one button lock in my collection 20 useless parts

Robert
Hemet, Ca

Nov 26, 2022

Pros: None

Cons: None

Button lock - GARBAGE

Used this knife to slice up 3 apples. The button lock came loose, and the blade swung free. I was able to retighten the the blade, but locking mechanism keeps coming loose. I expect a lot more from a $100 knife.

Ronald
CA

Mar 12, 2023

Pros: None

Cons: Lock Ease of Use, Lock Type

The Only Thing Consistent, Is This Is Poorly Designed and Manufactured

Purchased this KC exclusive after seeing a couple good reviews on YT. I've carried this knife around 10-12 times and I've used it 5-6 times. And, much like others, my button lock mechanism is stuck. I've tried to fix it, but no luck. I'll never purchase another Civivi again (let alone a more expensive WE).