Small in size but certainly not in character, the CIVIVI Kukei C25036-3 is an urban EDC micro-folding knife designed by Tashi Bharucha.

When closed, it measures just 7.3 cm and practically disappears in your pocket, whilst retaining the construction and mechanics of a genuine modern folding knife.

Its short, 5.1 cm sheepsfoot-style blade is made from Nitro-V stainless steel, with a stated hardness of 58–60 HRC. This version features a Black Stonewashed finish that contrasts particularly well with the ivory-coloured G10 scales.

It opens via a front flipper mechanism, with the blade rotation facilitated by encapsulated ceramic ball bearings. Once open, the blade is locked in place by a stainless steel liner lock.

Despite its miniature size, the Kukei measures 12.4 cm when open and features a handle that is contoured enough to provide a comfortable grip for small everyday tasks. Weighing just 47.3 g, it can be carried around without you even noticing it.

Finally, CIVIVI completes this miniature pocket knife design with a black leather sheath, which perfectly complements the Kukei’s elegant and slightly offbeat character.

Technical specifications of the CIVIVI Kukei C25036-3 Nitro-V Ivory G10 folding knife:
Brand: CIVIVI
Model: Kukei
Manufacturer’s reference: C25036-3
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: 58–60 HRC
Blade profile: sheepsfoot
Grind: flat
Blade finish: Black Stonewashed
Handle: G10
Handle colour: ivory
Liners: black stainless steel
Backspacer: black stainless steel
Opening mechanism: front flipper
Pivot: encapsulated ceramic ball bearings
Lock: liner lock
Weight: 47.3 gr
Sheath: black leather

Tellknives review: The Kukei is one of those small knives that manages not to feel like it’s simply a scaled-down version of a larger model.

Tashi Bharucha has made the most of the miniature format to create a knife with its own distinct identity. The 5.1 cm sheepsfoot blade offers sufficient cutting edge for small everyday tasks, whilst the front flipper retains the mechanical pleasure one would expect from a modern CIVIVI.

In our view, this C25036-3 version is particularly well-executed; the ivory G10 and the Black Stonewashed blade create an almost graphic contrast, enhanced by the black liners and backspacer.

You should, of course, consider its dimensions before buying: at just 7.3 cm when closed, the Kukei is truly tiny. But that is precisely what makes it so appealing.

A small, original EDC knife – lightweight, charming and particularly easy to carry – to which the small leather sheath adds a rather unusual finishing touch in this price range.