Any one picked up a mantra yet?

Jessup_16

Jessup_16

Joined
Jun 25, 2015
Messages
83
I saw both mantra's in stock on my favorite site today just wondering if any one has received one yet. And if so what are your thoughts. I would not hesitate to buy one but they are a little smaller then I prefer.
 
mantra-open.jpg


It's absolutely beautiful but not really what I was looking for with an EDC. So it will lead a pampered life in its box for now. It makes a pretty prop until I decide its fate.
 
Couple of shots of my Mantra 2. Just got it on Friday, so limited time to use it, but loving it so far. Fit and finish is what is expected of Spyderco's Taichung offerings = very, very nice. Very lightweight and great ergos (basically a Delica 4 handle). The blade is small and light, so flipping action can be a little slow and I've found it really prefers to be push buttoned. The blade shape is kind of unique and looks like a combo of the Nilakka and Rock Lobster. Reminds me a lot of a folding paring knife. Overall, I really, really like this knife!


 
Really liking the Mantra 2, though I wish the blade were a 1/2" longer and made of S110v or other stainless with good edge retention. It will share some pocket time with my Caly 3.5. I prefer frame lock knives with pillar construction for ease of cleaning, but the Caly 3.5 is such a great knife it will continue to be my primary edc.
 
Jessup_16 said:
Can anyone confirm what kind of pivot it uses bearing or washers?
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It's got bearings. Flips really well and has very smooth action. I have both the 1 and 2, but like Billy516 above have only had them for a few days. Still developing an overall impression of each, but so far so good for this size folder.
 
Thanks for the confirmation still wish they where a little bigger I would have pulled the trigger when I saw them in stock
 
ps72 said:
It's got bearings. Flips really well and has very smooth action. I have both the 1 and 2, but like Billy516 above have only had them for a few days. Still developing an overall impression of each, but so far so good for this size folder.
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So far which one do you like better and why? I'm leaning towards the 2 just because if I wanted one with a more leaf shaped blade I think I would buy a Domino.
 
I'm really turned on to the Mantra 1. It's like they took a Sage 2, an Endura and a Tenacious and melded their designs together with some M4 and a flipper!
 
ALS - a couple of things come to mind at this early point. The 1 has multiple deployment methods (flip, thumb, middle finger, drop), whereas the 2 is pretty much flip only (not a whole lot of purchase for a drop). The 2's profile is super thin and just disappears in the pocket (I carry clipless, BTW). Ergos for both are excellent for this size folder, although a touch small for my taste. Again, I still haven't had a whole lot of consistent use, but I will admit that I prefer the ergos on the Sage 2 and Native 5 G10, but less so for the Delica. Anyway, hope this helps a bit.
 
I also would prefer a somewhat bigger knife. But I do like the sage 1 and find it adequate for most edc tasks. I don t like the m4 steel due to its tendency for corrosion in my area. I do have both versions of the Bradley because they are such great hard use work knives, but I don t use them much due to rust issues. Good looking knives, but I doubt I ll get one.
 
I view the Mantra as a refined and tough cousin of the Sage 2 (a fine knife itself).

In addition to the superb M4 and Titanium RIL,
A few other notes:

----full length cutting edge is a plus; swept plunge line is aesthetically pleasing.

----well-done steel insert on the framelock/RIL. The jimping is subdued, with a balance of smooth yet 'catchy.' The detent ball makes for a smooth glide.

----flips open with smooth predictability, allowing controlled grace and finesse. The yin to the yang of those flippers we must overpower to deploy.

Upon unboxing, this one's destiny as a keeper was inescapable when I saw the accidental scuffs on the stonewashed frame. Not a big deal to me, could have happened anywhere along the line, and I'll not name the vendor, who is a fave.

That is inevitable with Ti (exceptions such as Duratect and Tegimented etc) and will make for well-earned wabi.

good luck
 
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