I can't decide: Para-Mil or Mini-Manix?

M

MG_Saldivar

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Feb 5, 2005
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I've decided to retire my Buck 110, my camping/hunting folder, in favor of a Spydie. I've read several reviews here on BF, and also Cliff Stamp's Cutlery Science reviews, and both the Para-Military and Mini-Manix are solid knives. I've handled them both at the Spydie Outlet, so I know the ergos are great (at least for my hand). But I can't decide between them.

My Buck 110 gets used for general camp chores -- making firesticks, wood carving (i.e., making tent stakes or figure four trap components), food prep, and related light-to-medium duty tasks. I know the Mini-Manix seems to have a thicker point, and I like the way that one can choke up on the blade thanks to the choil at the base of the blade.

I just recently purchased a Salsa and, although I'm not sure why, I've become VERY enamored of the compression lock, so that appeals to me about the Para-Mil... Also, despite its thinner point relative to the Manix (Cliff Stamp spends a lot of time writing about this in his review), the Para-Mil's blade is a great slicer.

Both have S30V blades, both have G-10 scales, both have big beefy pocket clips (another point Cliff dwells on)... Can't... Make... Decision... :o

Does anybody own both and care to share your thoughts?
 
I have both, I would have to say both will fill you needs very well. I however would get the Para, because after the "new knife" feeling is gone the Manix was to thick to carry as EDC (well...... put in the rotation). The Para will do everything you said, and will see more use. This is because its so light, and thin. It does not have that brick in the pocket feeling.

I carried a Mini Manix for about a year, its a great knife too, but I feel the Para is a little more user friendly.

Here that beat up Mini Manix :cool:

manix-blade.jpg
 
Yes, I own both. The Para gets more pocket time, mostly because it is a lot lighter. I also prefer the ergonomics on the Para. The Mini-Manix just feels wrong in my hand unless I am choked up on the choil. It took me a while to figure out the problem is the spine side of the handle is too short at the butt, since the full sized Manix doesn't have this problem for me.

As for the tip being thinner, all I can say is it is a knife, not an axe, not a crowbar, not a screwdriver and not a chisel. If you use it as the cutting tool it is, a thin tip is not a problem. You should see some of the things I have done with my BM 640 Mini-Spike, with a tip that makes the Para's look blunt and thick by comparison.
 
I understand your point about the tip. I would never use a knife as pry tool (unless I was in a SHTF scenario), but my mention of tip strength comes from issues like carving out a bowl or spoon from a fire-charred hunk of wood.

(My technique now when I have to carve out concavities and I worry the tip is thin is to start by carving out a cross-hatch design, then hollowing out the bowl shape with the tip.)
 
I don't have the Para-Military, but I can vouch for the mini Manix.

You've handled the knife before so I don't have to tell you about the ergonomics, which worked really well for me. The lock-up is VERY solid, and I like the heft of the knife which reminds me how tough a folder can actually be.

I keep the mini Manix in my EDC rotation, and I haven't had problems carrying it around all-day. It's thicker than most of my other folders, but not nearly enough to bother me. You say you're looking for a replacement for a camping/hunting folder though, so I'm guessing this won't be as big of an issue for you.

I recommend the mini Manix, but all in all, neither knife will let you down. I prefer lock-back knives, but again, I haven't heard anything but good things about the compression lock.
 
Jos said:
Easy... Buy them both!:D :thumbup:
Click to expand...

That's definitely the best suggestion offered here so far ;)

Not so easy though when you're talking about 2 $100 knives. That's why I buy Moras too.
 
I have both knives also. My Para gets more carry time because of the lighter weight and better handle ergos for me. But if we're ging off into the woods for a while, we take both. I carry the 80mm Manix and my wife totes the Para.

If I were only getting one of the two, and I were familiar with both of them, I'd take the Para for a couple of reasons. I think the overall strength difference between the two knives is negligible, at least for anything I'm likely to do with them. I like open construction designs for hard use knives because it makes cleaning easier and I think they're less likely to get mucked up anyway. And the Para is a more comfortable user for me than my 80mm Manix.
 
Para is also easier to clean, but I got a mini manix instead cuz I like lockbacks. The weight also helps if you use it to clean branches off a stick.

Can't go wrong with either.
 
I have both and prefer the Para-Military due to it's lighter weight, ergonomics and the compression lock.
 
Like Ive read many times before if I had only one and had to choose it would be the para, its perfect. Case and point.
 
I have both too. I keep the mini-Manix in my trekking pack. The Para gets much more use because it is easier to carry. If fact, it's in my pocket now.

The mini-Manix is just too much knife to comfortably carry in my pocket. I also like the open construction of the Para.

The Para will do just about any work you need -- regardless of you being around town or deep in the woods.

Good luck on your decision.
:)
 
Hey! Im choosing between the para and the bigger Manix. Im going with the para because it would see more pocket time. Plus I really like the balde on the para!
The open construction is really nice too!

Good luck with your choice! Have a couple of Sydercos, cant go wrong with one!
 
What about the Cara Cara G-10 , It's only about $35.00 - $40.00
Looks like the kind of blade style your looking for .
 
coaldigger said:
What about the Cara Cara G-10 , It's only about $35.00 - $40.00
Looks like the kind of blade style your looking for .
Click to expand...

The Cara Cara G10 is a great knife for the money.

I've seen them at a lot of places on-line for even less than $35, they're typically around $25 or so.

I can't say they're as top notch as the mini Manix or Para Military though.
 
Sounds like you are leaning to the para. I have both. Love the Mini - beefy, reliable, rugged. I carry it as a belt knife however.
 
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