Civivi’s Aptly Named New EDC Knife Deploys Three Different Ways

The Triptych also happens to be pretty dang sleek, handy and affordable too.

Published May 14, 2025

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What’s in a name? When it comes to pocket knives, it’s sometimes kinda hard to say.

So many seem saddled with monikers that might as well have emerged from some bizarre AI-powered auto generator, like Trogon and Korvid and Praxis, to name a few.

civivi triptych half folded — With G10 handle scales and a 14C28N blade steel, even the most affordable Triptych variant boasts reliable materials.

That being said, many others do have names that bear some connection to their personalities.

The latest to restore my faith in nominative determinism? Civivi’s wonderful new flipper, the Triptych.

Power of three

OK, so technically, a triptych is a work of art that is divided into three sections or panels.

That’s not exactly what is happening with this knife, but as it is a finely crafted specimen that can be deployed three different ways, I’m gonna say “close enough.”

civivi triptych full — When the knife is fully deployed, the three deployment methods form a triangle. Above, you can see the thumb stud on the blade, with the button lock to its upper right and the rear flipper to its lower right.

If you didn’t guess by looking at it, the three options are the rear flipper, the ambidextrous thumb studs and the button lock, which, with a press and flick of the wrist, will swiftly deploy the blade.

That third option carries the additional advantage of enabling you to retract the blade by essentially reversing the motion, meaning everything can be done using just one hand.

While having multiple deployment options doesn’t necessarily boost functionality, it does provide plenty of variety and fidget-friendliness, a quality that should not be underestimated.

Spec’ed out

Beyond simply living up to its name, the Triptych has much to offer in terms of, you know, actually everyday usefulness.

Measuring 2.97 inches, the drop-point blade is made of 14C28N steel in three of the four variants.

civivi triptych folded — Holes in the handle lighten the weight (to 3.39 ounces total), while a bit of jimping on the blade’s spine aids grip.

While it is thought of as a budget knife steel, some consider it the best budget knife steel, scoring high marks for edge retention, hardness, corrosion resistance and ease of sharpening.

Suffice it to say, the blade’s length and material are plenty qualified to tackle everyday box cutting and apple slicing, not to mention wood work or food prep should it find its way to the backcountry.

civivi triptych off side — With ambidextrous thumb studs and a reversible pocket clip, the Triptych is as left-hander friendly as they come.

That being said, the slightly pricer fourth variant ($100 versus $76-$81) bears a blade made of Damascus steel, which not only has that cool rippling appearance but a potent blend of edge retention and toughness.

Rounding things out are ergonomic handles made of G10, Guibourtia wood or micarta and a reversible pocket clip. Because lord knows you’d hate to lose such a perfectly named knife.

Availability and pricing

The Civivi Triptych is available for pre-order now with four different blade and handle treatments starting at $76. Knives are expected to ship in 3-4 weeks.

Civivi Triptych

$76 at Civivi

About the Author:

Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone’s bike seat is at the proper height.