Ever met a Yipper? Not the knife—I'm talking about that scrappy little dog that sounds like it runs the neighborhood but weighs less than a fast-food combo meal. The kind that barks like it’s got something to prove. That’s the vibe behind the MKM Yipper. It’s a compact everyday carry that barks loud with bold design choices but remains approachable and easy to carry. Designed by Ben Peterson and produced in Maniago by MKM (Maniago Knife Makers), the Yipper blends Italian precision with a no-nonsense attitude.

I’ve gone through my fair share of sharpening gear over the years. Fixed-angle systems, ceramic rods, guided kits, whetstones—you name it. I’ve gotten to the point where I’m confident sharpening just about anything. So when Work Sharp sent over both the MK2 and the Ken Onion Edition for review, I was curious. I’d never used a powered belt system before, and honestly, I was skeptical. But after spending time with both models, I’ve got to hand it to them—these things are impressive.

They’re nothing like the sharpening systems I’ve grown up with, and they aren’t trying to be. Instead of aiming for slow precision, these tools are all about speed, efficiency, and repeatability. If you’re expecting them to feel like stones or guided systems, you’re going to have to rewire your thinking. But once you do, they’ll surprise you in a good way.

Some knives are made to disappear into the pocket. The Feweed clearly didn’t get that memo. Designed by Vũ Huỳnh Nam Anh as part of Kizer’s design contest, the Feweed makes an immediate impression. Between the bold carbon inlays, harpoon-style blade, and dramatic lines, it’s anything but subtle. But beneath all that flair is a surprisingly well-thought-out EDC folder that’s more than just eye candy.

Some knives are designed to blend in. The Civivi Elementum II, especially this Damascus and golden shred variant, isn’t one of them. While it shares its name and silhouette with the original Elementum, this model feels like the dressier, more charismatic sibling. It's polished, confident, and packing a little extra swagger. But beneath the showy looks, Civivi’s familiar fit and finish and EDC practicality still shine through.

Ergonomics & Handle Materials

The shredded carbon fiber with golden shred is a showstopper. It’s encased in clear resin that gives it a glossy, high end finish, almost like a custom knife you'd expect to find behind glass at a boutique show. Despite its flashy looks, the handle offers a surprisingly comfortable grip.

At 0.51" thick, it fills the hand just enough without feeling bulky, and the smooth finish doesn’t create any hot spots during light use. You won’t get much traction if your hands are wet or gloved, but for EDC and fidget tasks, it feels great.

Inside, you’ll find stainless steel liners that provide structural integrity without adding too much weight. The total weight comes in at 2.86 oz, which makes this a very pocketable piece.

No texture? No problem. This one leans more gentleman than hard use, and I think that’s perfectly fine for what it’s trying to be.

Locking Mechanism & Clip

The button lock is the star of the show here, and Civivi tuned it beautifully. There’s a spring under the button that provides just the right amount of tension. It’s enough to avoid accidental deployment in the pocket but still light enough to make closing the knife with one hand a breeze.

It’s paired with caged ceramic ball bearings that give the knife that signature buttery deployment. Whether you’re flicking it open with the flipper or closing it with a press of the button, the Elementum II feels dialed in. The action is smooth, the lockup is solid, and there’s no blade play in any direction.

As for the pocket clip, it’s a simple stainless steel design, tip up and right hand only. It rides fairly deep and doesn’t draw attention, but I would’ve liked to see some accommodation for left-handed users, especially given how versatile this knife is otherwise. The clip holds tight, though I wouldn’t call it exceptionally strong or robust. It does its job, and that’s about it.

Blade & Performance

The 2.96" Damascus drop point blade offers a nice balance between form and function. Let’s be honest, most people are buying this version of the Elementum for the looks, and Civivi delivers with a blade that’s visually striking. The hollow grind is well executed, and the edge came razor sharp right out of the box.

In use, the blade handles daily tasks with ease. Opening packages, slicing fruit, breaking down cardboard—the 0.12" blade stock tapers to a fine cutting edge that excels at precise, controlled cuts.

Now let’s talk steel. Damascus looks amazing, but it's generally a compromise between performance and visual appeal. Civivi doesn’t specify the exact composition here, but the 58 to 60 HRC rating lines up with mid tier edge retention. You’ll likely find yourself sharpening it more often than a premium stainless, but it takes a fine edge quickly and isn’t difficult to maintain if you’re used to sharpening your own blades.

Bottom line: it’s a slicer, not a beater.

Final Thoughts

The Civivi Elementum II in Damascus and golden shred is a style forward version of a knife that already had a great reputation. It doesn’t pretend to be a heavy duty workhorse, and it doesn’t need to. Instead, it offers classy materials, premium action, and reliable EDC performance in a package that’s a joy to use and even more fun to show off.


Is It Worth It?

If you’re in the market for a button lock knife that feels more high end than its price tag suggests, and you want something that’s as much art piece as tool, this model delivers.

It’s not perfect. Lefties may feel left out, and you’ll want to be mindful of the resin handle in rough conditions. But at around $90, it offers a ton of value, especially considering the fit, finish, and fidget factor.

Humans have always been creators. It’s part of our DNA—this drive to innovate, to build, and to leave behind something that reflects our ideas and ingenuity. Nowhere is that spirit more alive than in the EDC community. From knives and pry bars to custom hanks and pocket organizers, this space is overflowing with talented individuals whose creativity never stops. Most of the time, we see clever twists on familiar designs. But every so often, something genuinely original comes along.

That’s exactly what happened when I stumbled across a TikTok video from Stephen at SPRTungsten. What caught my eye wasn’t just the sleek look of the tool—it was what it was made of, and what it could do. Crafted entirely from Tungsten Cobalt, it looked unlike anything I’d seen before. I was intrigued. My curiosity got the better of me, so I reached out.