Buying a Manix 2 LW, which steel ?

Heirphoto

Heirphoto

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Jun 13, 2007
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I would like to buy a single Manix 2 Lightweight is a "super steel" but not sure just which to choose.....S110V, CTS-XHP or Maxamet ? So far my "best" steel has been S30V on my 940 and CPM 3V on my Bark Rivers. Which of the Manix 2 steels would really be the ultimate in edge retention but not so hard it would be prone to chipping?
 
If you use the knives as intended, you “should” be ok with S110v or Max. They’re really great edge holding steels with a slight edge to Max. S90v wouldn’t be far behind these. That being said, XHP might be better all around depending on your use and there’s not a thing wrong with S30 but I don’t think it’s on a LW version.

My favorite is Maxamet FWIW. I think I got one with a good heat treat so no issues here.

Edit: To add, if they came out with a LW in M4 or Cruwear, that would likely be my go-to.
 
Had not even thought about the M4 version from Blade HQ. I am not one to "over use" any knife. the reality is all that I "need" is an Opinal #8 for what I use a knife for but just wanted to splurge once on a super steel folder. I have other higher end knives, CRK, etc... but no high end steels yet


Thanks for the advice and so far was leaning towards the Maxamet
 
4mer_FMF said:
Unless you have a preconceived desire to try out or to avoid a certain steel, I say go with the scales you like best.
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That is a factor too. I like the blue best, grey second but it is really close and I could be happy with either. I do like that Maxamet will patina over time and I don't think S110V or the XHP do though correct? So.....I would need to decide what do I like best, the look of the scales or the look of the blade
 
I've had great experience with the S110V version. It's my go to Manix LW. For the money, I'd say it's probably the best deal currently available. The S90V version is right in the same ballpark and I don't think you'd notice a difference in performance between the two. Maxamet will have better edge retention, but might be more prone to chipping and definitely harder to resharpen if you're not an experienced sharpener. But then again, S110V isn't too easy either if you're an inexperienced sharpener.

If you can get an XHP version, that wold be a great balance of good attributes, but I don't think the LW version in XHP is available from the dealer anymore. Not sure if another run of these will be done or not.

If you decide to go for a standard weight Manix instead of the LW, I'd really recommend one of the Cruwear sprint runs (esp the carbon fiber version!). The new M4 one from BladeHQ would be another great option, but I think Cruwear does better with corrosion resistance.

As you can tell, I'm something of a Manix nerd. I basically have a knife collection...and then a Manix collection.
 
But to recap just from the options you pose in your first post. Out of those three options, I'd go S110V.
 
ScooterG said:
If you use the knives as intended, you “should” be ok with S110v or Max. They’re really great edge holding steels with a slight edge to Max. S90v wouldn’t be far behind these. That being said, XHP might be better all around depending on your use and there’s not a thing wrong with S30 but I don’t think it’s on a LW version.

My favorite is Maxamet FWIW. I think I got one with a good heat treat so no issues here.

Edit: To add, if they came out with a LW in M4 or Cruwear, that would likely be my go-to.
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A LW Cruwear in some translucent FRCP would be my dream. A nice red or even translucent grey of some sort. I want that sprint so badly.
 
I have zilch experience with Maxame. As Spyderco is one of the few companies using the steel, the Manix 2 is a great platform to try the steel out on. In all likelyhood in your time collecting knives you will likely come across other knives in s110v and the other steels mentioned, so you will likely get a chance to try them.

The only thing is that according to Spyderco's own press Maxamet is bordering on cemented carbide. Somehow I get the feeling the sharpmaker ain't gonna cut it.
 
I have LWs in Maxamet and XHP and a G10 in Cruwear. I love all three of them.

I have had no durability issues with Maxamet and I like the way it sharpens better than S110V.

XHP is just a great well balanced stainless steel.

Cruwear is one of my favorite steels. It is just great.
 
I am okay with sharpening and have had good results on my KME with diamond stones and strops.

How much better would the S110V (my most likely choice) be over the basic BD-1 ?
 
Heirphoto said:
I am okay with sharpening and have had good results on my KME with diamond stones and strops.

How much better would the S110V (my most likely choice) be over the basic BD-1 ?
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In my opinion S110v would be a big improvement over BD-1. BD-1 is not a bad everyday steel but it will loose its edge a lot faster than the S110v. I have had good success re-profiling and sharpening S110v with the use of the Diamond Rods on a sharp maker and did not think it was that hard to work with. I would not want to do it with only the browns. Took a few more passes to get the results I wanted but it holds a shaving edge longer than all my other knife steels and then holds a working edge cutting paper longer than all my other steels. (tested after shaving wood for making fires and normal camping chores.) BD-1 I would need to touch it up at the end of the day to satisfy my desired sharpness for an EDC. The S110v may see the strop once a week and I have been very pleased with mine.
 
BD-1 works fine for general EDC.
I even like the translucent blue.

But if you must..
110, XHP,S90 or maxamet
 
Heirphoto said:
I am okay with sharpening and have had good results on my KME with diamond stones and strops.

How much better would the S110V (my most likely choice) be over the basic BD-1 ?
Click to expand...

+1 for seeing a big, big difference in performance there. S110V is definitely worth the small added cost over the BD1.
 
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