Barrage or manix 2

S

SPARTEN117

Joined
Feb 1, 2006
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I am in need of a new pocket knife and I think I have narrowed it down to these two. Any opinions or suggestions would be nice. My one prerequisite is it must be an axis style lock.
 
I'd go with the Manix 2. The way the thumb ramp doesn't meet the spine on the Barrage feels off to me. Plus, I like having the choil on the Manix for detailed cuts.
 
I just got a Manix 2 today. It is really an awesome knife. I am not a big fan of the Barrage assist, it kind of defeats the purpose of the convenience of an axis lock. I really think you will like the G10 on the Spyderco vs the composite material on the Barrage. I am a huge BM fan, and I love the axis lock, but I like being able to flick it closed.

My favorite 2 would be the 950 Rift or the Manix 2. Both have very useful blade shapes, are well built, and fit my hand perfectly. Good luck with your choice. If you are set on a Barrage though, I would wait until the new one comes out in March (I think). It has nickel bolsters and G10 scales, I think you would be much happier with that version.
 
I'm not a fan of BM at all, but I do really like the Manix 2. Great ergo, nice blade shape, opens smooth. The lock spring is stiffer than the axis, but I like it.
 
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I think it comes down to whether assisted opening is important to you. Having said that, you should know that with the exception of the Stag Arms variant I own every permutation of the Manix 2 produced to date. So I'm sort of a fan of the design :D
 
The Manix 2 will be my next knife purchase. I would love to get one of the orange sprint ones.

I am just getting back into knives and while they all are addicting, I find myself looking at more and more Spyderco knives.
 
I'm on a different page than most of you I guess. I'd go with the new 'bolstered up' version of the barrage. I like the Manix, but there's something that's been bothering me in the new design - it has only two screws keeping it together except the pivot. And I've heard that after use the back of the handle would start to squeak, because the only thing holding it would be the lanyard hole. But out of the two definitely would go for the BM.

benchmade-barrage-581-bmpic-large.jpg
 
I own both a mini barrage and a manix 2. The barrage doesn't see any pocket time, the manix i EDCed for almost 4 months straight.
 
Hey, I would recommend the BM Barrage because it is really fun to use. Like others have mentioned, it can't be closed one handed since it is assisted but aside from that it's really fun.

It cuts stuff well enough for me and is not that thick for carrying so it works. The best part about it is the opening because it kicks open pretty hard.

If you want an axis lock that can be closed one handed, you should try out either the Griptilians or the 940. They are both pretty small and thin and easy to open, and the 940 is really classy looking.
 
The Manix 2 is by far my favorite folder. I'm sad I sold my CTS-XHP one, but quickly replaced with with a basic hollow ground one because I missed it so much. You won't be disappointed, as others have said, the ergos are great.


Anyone want to trade me for a sprint run? :D
 
I've played with both, and although I'm a Benchmade fan (as well as a Spyderco fan), I think the Manix 2 is clearly the superior option. I hate its clip and the non sprint run's grind (it's a Manix, it should be flat ground all the time), but as an all around value, it's hard to beat. Truly great knife.
 
SPARTEN117 said:
I am in need of a new pocket knife and I think I have narrowed it down to these two. Any opinions or suggestions would be nice. My one prerequisite is it must be an axis style lock.
Click to expand...

Not sure what you mean by Axis-style lock...the CBL is somewhat different but that may not matter. I have quite of few of the Manix 2 versions and really like the knife.

I think the suggestion to compare the Rift and the Manix 2 was a good one. I tried a Barrage a couple of times and this may be just personal opinion but I really disliked how the assisted open (which is very strong) made the knife jump in my hand.

Between the Rift and the Manix, it's very close to a toss-up in my mind. I don't think you could go wrong with either. The regular black G10/HG Manix 2 is, at its street price, a darned good value on a great knife, and that might be all you need to make a decision?
 
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