Inspired by a minimalist approach to the pocket knife, the CIVIVI Kukei C25036-2 urban EDC folding knife is a micro-folder designed by Tashi Bharucha. Its dimensions are surprisingly compact: just 7.3 cm when closed, with a 5.1 cm blade and a weight of less than 50 gr.

This version fully embraces a minimalist aesthetic with a Natural G10 handle, whose slightly translucent appearance offers a glimpse of the knife’s internal structure. Combined with the satin-finished blade and grey metal components, it gives the Kukei a particularly sleek look.

The small sheepsfoot blade is made from Nitro-V stainless steel, hardened to a stated hardness of 59–61 HRC. Its flat grind naturally lends itself to small, everyday cutting tasks.
Despite its miniature size, CIVIVI has not simplified its mechanics. It opens via a front flip mechanism, the blade pivots on encapsulated ceramic ball bearings, and is secured by a stainless steel liner lock.

Once open, the Kukei measures just 12.4 cm. It is therefore aimed at those who are deliberately seeking an extremely compact knife rather than a conventional EDC that has been miniaturised as a compromise.

CIVIVI also supplies the Kukei with a black leather sheath, a particularly attractive finish for a knife in this category.

Technical specifications of the CIVIVI Kukei C25036-2 Nitro-V Natural G10 folding knife:
Brand: CIVIVI
Model: Kukei
Manufacturer’s reference: C25036-2
Designer: Tashi Bharucha
Type: EDC folding knife
Total length when closed: 7.3 cm
Blade length: 5.1 cm
Total length when open: 12.4 cm
Blade thickness: 2.6 mm
Handle thickness: 10.0 mm
Steel: Nitro-V
Hardness: 59–61 HRC
Blade profile: sheepsfoot
Grind: flat
Blade finish: satin
Handle: G10
Handle colour: Natural
Liners: grey stainless steel
Backspacer: grey stainless steel
Opening mechanism: front flipper
Pivot: encapsulated ceramic ball bearings
Lock: liner lock
Weight: 47.3 g
Sheath: black leather

Tellknives review:
The Civivi Kukei C25036-2 is certainly one of the Kukei variants that best embodies Tashi Bharucha’s original vision.

Its slightly translucent Natural G10, satin-finished blade and lack of stark colour contrast give it a particularly minimalist look. The design is almost more reminiscent of a small contemporary Japanese object than a traditional EDC knife.

And its dimensions are truly tiny: 7.3 cm when closed and weighing just 47.3 gr. It would be hard to make it any more discreet whilst retaining a proper blade lock and ball-bearing mechanism.

The Kukei is obviously not intended to replace a conventionally sized folding knife. Its very short handle imposes certain ergonomic limitations. But for opening a parcel, cutting string, neatly trimming a small piece of material or simply having a proper cutting edge to hand at all times, the concept is particularly appealing.

We also like the choice of a sheepsfoot blade: with a blade length of just 5.1 cm, it provides a genuinely usable cutting edge whilst keeping the knife extremely compact.

Among the Kukei range, this Natural G10 / Satin version is our pick for anyone looking for the most minimalist design.