Chinook 3 or Manix?

R

rifon2

Joined
Oct 9, 2005
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I'd like to get either a Chinook 3 or a Manix.

A big, heavy duty S30V lockback.


Obviously there are many, many posts about the Manix, and everyone loves it.
But I don't see much about the Chinook 3.

Any thoughts - especially comparisons between the two - would be greatly appreciated.
 
The Manix's blade is better suited for utility tasks and EDC. Thats about all I can tell you.
 
I don't think it is better suited to utility and EDC but it is more typical and less controversial. The edge is not that crazy on the Chinook it just looks way more extreme than it really is because of the back edge. Other than not having the recurve it is the exact same as my Emerson Commander which because it does not have the bowie style back edge does not look nearly as outrageous. I love my Chinook3 as a EDC and SD weapon because it can do all those utility things that a Manix can while having that snap cutting back edge as an extra bonus. The full height flat grind is also awesome but also available on the Manix.
 
I have the Chinook III.
If you are looking for a blade that will take a beating the Chinook is a good choice. The edge on that knife is kept quite thick compared to most Spyderco knives, or even knives in general.
If you want something big that cuts really well too. Then I suggest the Manix.
 
I find the handle on the Chinooks more generally useful than the Manix.
That index finger choil pinches me, especially in a hard grip.
 
Both are extremely well built, reliable knives. They are very close to the same size, have blades of the same steel, thickness, and grind. Their handles also are equally thick and of identical materials. The only real difference in their blades is the shape, with the Chinook blade having more belly, a higher, more acute tip, and a more pronounced thumb ramp. Its Spyderhole is also positioned a bit further from the pivot, which might be a factor if, like me, you have fairly short thumbs. The big difference is in the "saddle" area of the handles and all I can really say is that one of them will almost certainly feel better to you than the other. Which of them will be that one is pretty much impossible for anyone but you to tell. Best bet would be to visit a B&M that stocked both and compare the feel, but if you cannot, the "good news" is that both hold their values quite well, so buying both and selling off whichever one you like the least would not be a total waste of money.

As for me, I find both "a bit" too bulky for EDC, but, if I were going on a "wilderness adventure", I'd take the Manix and if I were ever to go big game hunting again and "had" to carry a folder, I'd take the Chinook III. If that sounds like a waffle, it is. :D

These shots show the Manix and the Chinook II side by side. Aside from the grind, the Chinook II and III are identical.

m_c2_1.jpg


m_c2_2.jpg

Paul
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Capt. Carl said:
The Manix's blade is better suited for utility tasks and EDC. Thats about all I can tell you.
Click to expand...

And IMHO, that's all that really needs to be said. Buy the Chinook if you like the looks better, but the Manix has a blade shape that is more versatile.
 
I love my Chinook 3, but you gotta careful with the tip- that tiny little Bowie point will snap off fairly easily (still don't know HOW my girlfriend did that to my old Chinook 2, but she did). I would imagine that the leaf-shaped blade makes the Manix's tip a little more durable.

That being said, I vastly prefer the handle shape on the Chinook. I find it much roomier and more comfortable, even though it's basically the same length as the Manix.
 
Perhaps at some point I'll get a Manix, but for now I'm going for the Chinook.

Thanks for all the input, guys.
It was really helpful in coming to a decision, and greatly appreciated. :thumbup:
 
I have both and I much prefer the Chinook 3.

Both are high-quality, G-10, full flat grind models so you really can't go wrong either way. :D
 
rifon2 said:
Perhaps at some point I'll get a Manix, but for now I'm going for the Chinook.

Thanks for all the input, guys.
It was really helpful in coming to a decision, and greatly appreciated. :thumbup:
Click to expand...

good choice. i have the chinook II, and i lovelovelove it.
Picture013.jpg
 
i just turned my chinook 3 into a tsunami... wicked weak side knife with a monster wave now...i don't care if i weakened it, it wasn't exactly designed for prying anyway...
 
I have had a Chinook II since forever.

I probably bought one of the first.

The Chinook II represents the finest and most formidable self-defense folding knife every offered to the public by a major manufacturer.

Most people who have not owned a Chinook do not understand the subtleties of the Chinook's design.
If anyone shows any interest, I will gladly expound at length.

If you want a self-defense knife that can perform most camp chores, get a Chinook.

If you want a big, folding camp/survival knife, get a Manix.
 
My Chinook3 kicked started my current spydy lust. Great knife awesome steel and a S30V
flat ground blade.
 
Ken Cox said:
I have had a Chinook II since forever.

I probably bought one of the first.
Click to expand...

i got mine from botach. i ordered the first, but they were out, so they sent me the II. lucky me!

Ken Cox said:
The Chinook II represents the finest and most formidable self-defense folding knife every offered to the public by a major manufacturer.

Most people who have not owned a Chinook do not understand the subtleties of the Chinook's design.
If anyone shows any interest, I will gladly expound at length.
Click to expand...

please, expound away.
 
I have a Chinook 3 & a Manix, I also have a Mini-Manix that I like best. The Mini-Manix is just as strong and is easier to carry, so it is used more often.
 
Either one is an incredible knife. I have both and I think you should probably get both yourself. Its is too close to call between these two knives.
 
Got the knife this week, the Chinook 3.

It's exactly what I was looking for.
And the fit & finish, lockup and edge are all absolutely terrific.

This thread - you guys - were really a big help. Thanks again.
 
Any opinions on the better knife Chinook II or Chinook III. Is one grind more durable than the other? The Chinook is on my list.
 
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