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Benchmade 912 or Spyderco Manix 2
- Thread starter steveg30
- Start date
- Joined
- Jan 13, 2009
- Messages
- 1,014
That's a tough one. I'm not really a fan of the 912 so I'll count that one out. The 950 is one of my favorite new designs tho. The blade designs gives you tanto tip strength without having to deal with the tanto edge. When I got one in hand I was pleased that it was actually a bit thinner than I thought it would be, I'm used to AXIS lock knives being on the thicker side.
The Manix 2 is a beast of a knife, I just wish they toned down the ridging a bit and made it with a FFG blade. In the end I'd probably choose the Rift, but only because the I don't like Manix's low hollow grind.
The Manix 2 is a beast of a knife, I just wish they toned down the ridging a bit and made it with a FFG blade. In the end I'd probably choose the Rift, but only because the I don't like Manix's low hollow grind.
- Joined
- Oct 30, 2005
- Messages
- 5,171
I'm a Benchmade fan, but the 912 has two things against it in my book: assisted opening and liner-lock. I am not enamored with AO and I don't recommend liner-locks to anyone anymore. Tantos are a give and take, so if you like 'em, thats fine.
As to the Rift, I really like the Axis-lock. But, for some reason, the blade shape of the Rift does nothing for me. I have a few knives with similar blade shapes and am not enamored. Second runner-up to me.
I'd go Manix-2. The blade shape seems pretty good, as does the handle. The Ball-Bearing lock seems to be pretty good (I have been using a P'Kal for a week - yeah, not very long - and it is working well so far). I don't like the "finger choil" as it takes up measured blade realistate.
If you get a chance to handle these, please do so. It's between the Rift and Manix IMO.
As to the Rift, I really like the Axis-lock. But, for some reason, the blade shape of the Rift does nothing for me. I have a few knives with similar blade shapes and am not enamored. Second runner-up to me.
I'd go Manix-2. The blade shape seems pretty good, as does the handle. The Ball-Bearing lock seems to be pretty good (I have been using a P'Kal for a week - yeah, not very long - and it is working well so far). I don't like the "finger choil" as it takes up measured blade realistate.
If you get a chance to handle these, please do so. It's between the Rift and Manix IMO.
- Joined
- Dec 6, 2008
- Messages
- 103
Can only comment on the 950 and Manix 2. Both are very nice, high quality knives that are roughly the same size. It's difficult to give you a direction to take on them though.
Both have super smooth opening locks. The Axis lock is much easier to disengage for closing. I would call them even for all practical purposes aside from the lock release.
Both have the same steel. The manix has a slightly thicker blade and the hollow grind. The 950 has a high flat grind.
The feel of the handles is different due to the machined g-10 of the 950 and the peel-ply G-10 of the Manix. The contours of the handles also differ. The Manix has the index finger radius on the grip while the 950 has a pinky radius that separates the pinky from the first three fingers a little.
There is also the choil of the Manix versus the absence of a choil on the 950. The choil is good for fine tasks but it will cost you some cutting edge. The 950 has miles of cutting edge for its size.
The Manix has a jimped blade spine where the 950 does not. On the 950, the handle ramps up and there is a drop off to the blade, which gives you some grip.
Manix has jimping on the liners whereas the 950 does not use jimping anywhere. The 950 appears to rely more on the machined handle scales.
I find that the Manix offers slightly more versatility in grip options overall. The Manix also seems to be slightly more heavy duty while the 950 has the edge in slicing
The Manix will cost you less for similar features and quality. I can only guess that the 950's price is partially attributed to the cost of producing those cool looking scales.
These are two knives that would have to be held to really decide which one you like better. They are just very different styles. Both are great knives.
Both have super smooth opening locks. The Axis lock is much easier to disengage for closing. I would call them even for all practical purposes aside from the lock release.
Both have the same steel. The manix has a slightly thicker blade and the hollow grind. The 950 has a high flat grind.
The feel of the handles is different due to the machined g-10 of the 950 and the peel-ply G-10 of the Manix. The contours of the handles also differ. The Manix has the index finger radius on the grip while the 950 has a pinky radius that separates the pinky from the first three fingers a little.
There is also the choil of the Manix versus the absence of a choil on the 950. The choil is good for fine tasks but it will cost you some cutting edge. The 950 has miles of cutting edge for its size.
The Manix has a jimped blade spine where the 950 does not. On the 950, the handle ramps up and there is a drop off to the blade, which gives you some grip.
Manix has jimping on the liners whereas the 950 does not use jimping anywhere. The 950 appears to rely more on the machined handle scales.
I find that the Manix offers slightly more versatility in grip options overall. The Manix also seems to be slightly more heavy duty while the 950 has the edge in slicing
The Manix will cost you less for similar features and quality. I can only guess that the 950's price is partially attributed to the cost of producing those cool looking scales.
These are two knives that would have to be held to really decide which one you like better. They are just very different styles. Both are great knives.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Dec 9, 2005
- Messages
- 2,402
The Rift is a great looking knife, But the Manix 2 feels MUCH better in my hand. Add in $30 less price and the Manix 2 looks like the better value IMO. The Ball Lock is stiffer than the Axis lock, but it feels more positive in it's engagement due to it's stiffer lock springs (though I wouldn't worry too much about the Axis lock failing).
Mike