Beat the Icon: CIVIVI Elementum vs Alternatives

A perfect blend of price, features, and quality, the CIVIVI Elementum is an icon by which all other budget EDC pocket knives are judged, but is it still the best? In the few years since its introduction, the line has expanded to more blade shapes, larger and smaller form factors, as well as fixed blades. The Elementum was designed for and is capable of all-day use, and has certainly left its mark on the budget EDC field. So where does it compare to similar rival knives?