Civivi Aquila - Knife First Impressions - The Practical Blade

Published: 4 years ago

I have never lacked such motivation to make a full review, because even in my limited time handling this knife, I already know it's just going to be me saying nothing but good things about it. I'm very impressed with this knife, and really actually had to almost TRY to come up with negative things to say. This may not be the final full review, but I'll just say it now - If you've been thinking about picking one up, just do it. You won't be disappointed.

If you'd like to support the channel, please consider using my special links below to purchase the exact same tools I use to maintain my knives, and generally make my knife life more pleasant. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Cleaning / Lubrication:
Knife Pivot Lube (Apply to bearings, washers, detent tracks, etc... to protect parts and create a smoother action): https://amzn.to/3mhEYME
Frog Lube Cleaner, Lubricant, Protectant (Primarily applied to blades / steel liners to prevent rust): https://amzn.to/2RkAk2i
Disposable Cotton Cleaning Patches (A small and disposable medium to apply cleaning products to): https://amzn.to/32tla0M
70% Rubbing Alcohol (for getting rid of gunk): https://amzn.to/3bXkynt
Cotton Swabs / Q-tips (For getting rid of gunk in tight spaces): https://amzn.to/3hzNGCA

Assembly / Disassembly (Drivers / Bits):
I STAND BY WIHA! WIHA provides hardened steel bits - and for those of you who are new to this - hardened steel bits are critical to ensure you don't strip bits and get in a nasty situation where your knife is half-disassembled and your bit no longer works! Do NOT buy those cheap 50-piece kits that come with "everything" for like $10. They will not last you, you will regret it.
Wiha 75981 | 7 Piece Pocket Clip MicroBit Set (Small set with bits and driver - arguably all you need): https://amzn.to/35xwmeU
Wiha 75988 | 10 Piece Torx MicroBits Set (Bit set, in case you need more bits): https://amzn.to/3itzpZj
Wiha 75992 System 4 Precision Interchangeable Bit Set, Torx, Slotted, Phillips, Hex Inch, ESD Safe Precision Handle, 27 Piece In Compact Box (Bigger set for... MORE stuff): https://amzn.to/2GYM34E
Wiha 75965 Precision Micro Bit Ratchet Steel Storage Box, 65-Piece (Biggest set for... MOST stuff): https://amzn.to/35yjlSn

Blade Sharpening / Polishing:
The KME sharpening kit might seem a bit pricey at first, but in my opinion it is 1) Much more affordable that its competitors, 2) Insanely simple to use, and 3) A small price to pay for nearly-indefinite self-sharpening for all of your knives. You can also create your own "stones" using balsa wood and diamond compound to give yourself a mirror edge at a fraction of the KME polishing accessories prices.
KME Precision Sharpening Kit (Basic kit, can reprofile edges as well as get them razor sharp, no expertise needed): https://amzn.to/2ZzVwGa
5k grit to 100k grit Diamond Polishing Compound (for mirror edges): https://amzn.to/2Fs1O3t
Balsa Wood (To apply diamond compound to and use with KME system): https://amzn.to/3izk21C
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