Civivi Remixes Its Affordable Smash-Hit Metalhead EDC Knife

The fan-favorite folder gets a pair of new editions that are even more carry-friendly without losing its punk rock charm.

Close-up of a folding knife blade with "HEADBANGER" engraved and purple handle screws.

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By Sean Tirman

Published 1 hour ago

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Last October, Civivi launched a heavy metal-inspired EDC knife called the Headbanger. Designed by Blade HQ’s own Brandon Beecher (AKA @gravesitenightlight), it was an immediate hit due to its unique appearance and affordable price point.

But I (and many others) had one teensy gripe with the original.

It seems the brand and designer heard our prayers, as they’ve returned to that design with a follow-up called the Civivi Headbanger EP that addresses the issue head-on.

Two folding knives with stainless steel blades and textured handles, one white and one translucent purple, resting on a coiled purple rope. — While the original Headbanger measures an imposing 8.73 inches, the EP is far more carry-friendly at 7.68 inches.

Headbanger’s ball

If you’re already familiar with the Headbanger and you’re looking at this new one, scratching your head to figure out what’s different, you’re not crazy. For the most part, it’s faithful to the original.

While this new edition offers a pair of new colorways (and two other alterations I’ll get to shortly), it shares the same overall silhouette and many of the same materials and mechanisms as its predecessors. That includes its signature element: a compound grind, drop-point blade made from hard-working Nitro-V steel.

Three stainless steel folding knives with purple accents on a black textured surface. — The 3.31-inch compound grind blade is crafted from hard-working Nitro-V steel.

It also still has the same thumb stud deployment, liner lock, reversible titanium pocket clip and more. It even maintains its blade spine jimping and the contours of its handle.

That means, like its siblings, this knife is also pretty marvelously affordable. But it’s not precisely the same, or else this wouldn’t be news, now would it?

Two folding knives with textured handles, one white and one translucent purple, resting on a guitar body. — This smaller take on the Headbanger is offered with your choice of a white G-10 or clear Lexan handle. Both get purple hardware.

Miniature metalhead

The Headbanger EP gets a couple of new handle treatments that were not available in the previous edition. One gets white G-10 handle scales, and the other is offered with clear Lexan.

Personally, I love a good transparent handle, and I think the Lexan offers more visual intrigue, but both are wholly serviceable options. They also both get deep purple hardware, which is another element I personally love.

Two folding knives with "Headbanger" engraved on the blades, one with a purple translucent handle and the other with a white handle, both with purple clips. — The Headbanger EP has a thumb stud deployment, a reversible pocket clip and a liner lock.

But here’s the real kicker: the Headbanger EP is significantly smaller than the original. And that’s a good thing, at least by my estimation, as it shaves down the overall length from an overbearing 8.73 inches down to 7.68 inches (smack-dab in the center of my EDC sweet spot).

While that drops the blade length down from 3.8 inches to 3.31, it’s still plenty manageable for EDC tasks, even when the going gets tough. While the lack of a discount for that size difference might have you wanting to avenge your wallet, the value you might get from a knife that’s more carry-friendly makes up for it … let’s say, sevenfold.

Folding knife with a purple textured handle and partially visible stainless steel blade on black textured surface. — Of the two available options, the Lexan handle offers the most visual intrigue.

Availability and pricing

The Civivi Headbanger EP comes out on Friday, July 17, at 12 pm EST for $89 in either configuration. But you can add it to your wishlist right now, and you’ll be notified as soon as it drops.

Folding knife with a silver blade and a translucent purple handle featuring textured grip and purple screws.

Civivi Headbanger EP

$89 at Blade HQ

About the Author: Sean Tirman is an associate editor at Gear Patrol who specializes in EDC, cannabis and outdoor gear.

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