Help me decide

[Hesparus]

As I've mentioned before, I've been carrying a Native for the past six or seven years. I've always hated the fact that it's serrated, though, so I think it's time for a new knife. I toyed with the walmart native for a little while, but even though its inexpensive I want something with better fit and finish (and I'd have a hard time paying full price for a knife that I already have). So I'm looking at investing in a Manix. My problem is that I can't decide between the full size and the mini. The difference in price is such that money isn't an issue. What I'm really looking for is a knife that can do everything I might encounter in a normal day, is comfortable to hold, nice to look at, and small enough that it doesn't feel like a rock in my pocket and won't frighten people when I use it in public. Ambidexterous is a must and flat ground is prefered. Unfortunately, the only mini-manix I can get my hands on right now are both the combo edge, but since it's less than half the edge I could swing it.
Anyway, if I go through with this it will be the most I've ever spent on a knife before, so I want to know everything I can before I take the plunge.
Thanks,

Chris

 

[Shmackey]

If it's really important that the knife not frighten NKPs in public, I couldn't recommend either version of the Manix.

If that's not too important, I'd recommend choosing the one that feels best in your hand. Note that the newest iteration of the Chinook is flat-ground too.

 

[Hesparus]

Size isn't the biggest issue except when it comes to comfort. The Mini-manix has a shorter blade than the native, so it certainly isn't a problem but I don't know how much bigger than that I'd go. Unfortunately, I can't hold either of them before I buy it because none of the stores around here carry them. I looked at the chinook and I think it'd be a great SD blade but I prefer a dropped point for utillity.

 

[edgetrip]

Either version of the manix is going to be a "huge" change from your native. The 80mmmanix is not a small or lightweight knife and the full size is of course even bigger and heavier. A full size knife like the manix is very likely to cause you troubles with the sheeples, its just that big and hard to be discreet with when you want to snip a thread or open a box. In that price range for a multi purpose folder I would recommend a para military, lighter, more sheeple frienly and an all around super knife. It isn't ambi to begin with but can be drilled/tapped for lefty carry and the compression lock is easy to use with either hand. That said, the 80mm manix is a knife I like very much and if it looks like what you need then get it just know that its a thick knife with some heft to it. Also, is it ambi clipwise, I didn't think so?

 

[Roefisher]

Here's a couple of pictures of them both in hand, if that helps.

I have used both and can nearly guarantee that the smaller Manix will do all the cutting you'll need it to to do, with ease. It's still a big knife.

Having said that, I do prefer the handle shape of the larger model. It seems to fit me better when gripping and working with the knives. But, I wouldn't necessarily say that it would be a decision making issue - just worth a mention

Another thing is that the large Manix rides a fair bit higher in the pocket and is more visible. It seems to be slighty less comfortable when being carried.

Finally, the thumb grips are also different. The larger Manix has got four spines which are actually quite sharp. The smaller has 15 spines covering the same distance which are a lot smoother but still give plenty of grip.

 

[puukkoman]

Nice pics, Roefisher!

I'd say that if you're comfortable with your native, then look into the small manix. The blades are similarly shaped sized. A knife the size of the mini will definitely cut whatever you need.

I just ordered a full-size manix from newgraham today. I decided to go with the larger one since I'm used to carrying larger knives, like a BM 710 or Emerson CQC-10.

Good luck.

Peace.

 

[Hesparus]

Thanks for all the help, guys. I think I may hold off on buying either until I can actually hold one because although the thickness seems fine, its the width that worries me — I want to be able to keep other things in my pocket besides my knife.

- Chris

 

[Shmackey]

I want to be able to keep other things in my pocket besides my knife.

Most folks, myself included, recommend against this. They get in the way, get stuck in your knife, make your knife harder to get out, and so on...

Nothing cramps a Manix's style more than some pennies falling out of it when you open it.

 

[Hesparus]

In a move that kind of shocked me, I decided to go in a completely different direction and just bought a special edition 93mm rescue with a plain edge. I think I may reprofile the blade, though, so it has more of a reverse-tanto tip instead of the sheeps foot. It's nothing like what I had in mind for this purchase, but after missing out on the ZDP Calypso jr, I guess I just didn't want to miss out again. The manix will be with us for a while so I've got plenty of time to save up for one.
Schmackey - I don't completely agree with you, emphasis on "completely." I wouldn't carry anything in my pocket that might get in the way of the knife (change and paper go in the right pocket), but my cell phone goes in the pocket with my knife. I barely ever use my phone so this is never a big problem and the phone certainly isn't going to get stuck between the blade and the handle...

- Chris