Benchmade Skirmish or Spyderco Manix

I love the design and ergos of the Skirmish. Big difference in the size between the large and mini. One of my favorite knives.

If you're talking about the original Manix, I'd go that way for practicality. The blade shape is not as beautiful, but more useful. I'd go for the large Manix. If you're talking about the pretender Manix 2 with the plastic wart on the side, go Skirmish.

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I have the Mini Skirmish and the original Manix lock back. I never warmed up to the Skirmish. For me it wasn't easy to open because the thumb hole is too small and chamfered so it is slick. It is a beautiful knife but not practical for my needs. The Manix is a big boy but very comfortable in the hand.
 
For a true collector the skirmish is hard to run into, finding one is not easy.

So unless you are dead set on an expensive s30v frame lock that's only tip down carry, go with the Manix 2.
 
I do not have any experience with Spyderco Maxis. What I will tell you is that I think the Skirmish is the best Benchmade produced.
 
Not denying the manix is great but I own a mini skirmish and don't own a manix. I had a lightweight but had better options, wasn't a fan of the action and no dissassembly. I sold it. Skirmish is neat because it hard to find now.
 
Manix 2 is better all around for use as a work knife. Strong and slicey.
 
Another vote for both. Though realistically, at this time, it's probably easier finding a Manix than a Skirmish.

You saw it here first; now, what BM really should do is reengineer the Skirmish into an Axis Lock and straighten out that recurve blade (or offer both a recurve and non-recurve edge). That and have the option for tip-up carry. That would be a good model for BM. Maybe with an uncoated CPM-CruWear blade.
 
The Skirmish IS a "tough nut to crack". I like the original shape; but sure wouldn't mind seeing it grow an Axis lock...
 
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