Civivi's latest release is a transfer student. The Ryson-E, model C25097-2, is a design by German mechanical engineer Sam Tran that previously existed in the WE Knife Co. lineup as the Ryson — his first and so far only collaboration with WE — and it has now been reworked with different materials for Civivi's price point.
What came across is the shape. KnifeNews describes the 3.32-inch blade as an upswept profile in the spirit of what Emerson called the banana blade on its CQC-8 models: a curved, robust edge with a lot of belly, which makes it a slicer first and a piercer second. The steel is 14C28N, the Swedish stainless Civivi uses across most of its catalogue, and the lock is a liner lock with a reversible deep-carry clip. All-up weight is 3.28 ounces.
The handle is deliberately understated, which is the right call. Tran comes out of the online knife community and has a reputation for bold blade profiles rather than busy handles, and the Ryson-E follows that — the blade does the talking while the handle stays utilitarian. There are two micarta and two G10 colourways, functionally identical, plus a damascus option that comes only with black canvas micarta. Shipping is expected just ahead of Halloween.
The comparison that matters is against the WE original. Going from WE to Civivi in this family means a lower price ceiling and, usually, a shift from titanium or high-end hardware to micarta and G10 with a liner lock. What you keep is the geometry; what you lose is the finish tier. That is the standard trade in this group and it has worked well before — the same pattern produced most of Civivi's better-selling models.
Verdict: if you wanted the Ryson shape and could not justify the WE price, the Ryson-E is the version to watch. 3.32 inches of 14C28N in a 3.28-ounce liner lock is a sensible daily cutter, and the damascus variant is the one collectors will chase. Wait for the first real-world reports on the detent before paying a premium on the secondary market.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you.