Is a SNG really that much tougher than a Manix 2?

B Hess

B Hess

Joined
Feb 20, 2006
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I've owned both in the past. I really like both but I've never pushed either one to it's limits. Do you really think a Strider SNG is that much tougher a knife than a Spyderco Manix 2 to make it worth an extra $325 or so? By tough I mean lock, blade strength and handle material. Or is it just a prestige, look at me I have a Strider thing?
 
Ankerson thinks so, and I agree(on the tough part):
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=759298

However, I don't think any casual user would ever be able to push the SnG to be worth the extra toughness. Given the cost, it might be more effective to simply buy a nice ZT 0350 and replace it 4 times compared to one SnG.

So yeah, it's more of a name thing. The military uses Strider, Benchmade, and Surefire(among others). As such, you'll notice that these companies can charge the premium, and people would pay for it. Sort of a tried and true method.

The basic concept of a "premium" product still holds true though. Like someone said before, my $80 paring knife won't replace a full knife set that sells for the same $80, but it will certainly outperform every other paring knife of a lesser value.

I would like to think that the SnG would blow every other knife in the same category out of the water. Still, I'd prefer a $200 hard use knife, and use the $300 left over to buy MORE knives rather than spend $500 on a single knife.

It's why I bought a ZT 0301 and 0350CB instead of just one Large Sebenza 21 or Hinderer XM-18. Others still would prefer to buy 20 various Mora knives for the same price.

Whatever floats your boat:thumbup:.
 
Aside from my video....

Just comparing the 2 knives straight up there is no comparison, they aren't even on the same planet toughness wise.

Both are good knives, just different.

It is noteworthy that Spyderco is making some changes to the Manix 2 to make it stronger, but it will never be as tough as the Strider, but to be fair not many knives are so take that for what it is worth.
 
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I watched your hard use test for the ZT 0301. It seemed to do very well. What were your impressions of the ZT knife. Is it a poor mans Strider?
 
Ankerson said:
Aside from my video....

Just comparing the 2 knives straight up there is no comparison, they aren't even on the same planet toughness wise.

Both are good knives, just different.

It is noteworthy that Spyderco is making some changes to the Manix 2 to make it stronger, but it will never be as tough as the Strider, but to be fair not many knives are so take that for what it is worth.
Click to expand...

i like em both,the old style manix is a favorite edc,though most people will not beat there $400 and up knives...........
 
B Hess said:
I watched your hard use test for the ZT 0301. It seemed to do very well. What were your impressions of the ZT knife. Is it a poor mans Strider?
Click to expand...

It's a ZT/Strider collaboration. :)

It a very strong well made folder, heavy at over 8 ounces though.

It pretty bullet proof though, if you don't mind the weight this one is a must. :thumbup:
 
Noctis3880 said:
So yeah, it's more of a name thing. The military uses Strider, Benchmade, and Surefire(among others). As such, you'll notice that these companies can charge the premium, and people would pay for it. Sort of a tried and true method.
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As far as I am concerned, Strider knives were never an official military issue for any branch. Way too expensive for that. So, yes, few guys use them, who could afford, but if you go by that criteria, then there's hardly a knife that is not "used by military". And it's the opposite, cheaper knives are more widely used by military and civilians alike.
The price tag on SNG is much more of a marketing that anything else.

Noctis3880 said:
I would like to think that the SnG would blow every other knife in the same category out of the water.
Click to expand...
I figure, In the same category means folders with ~5mm(0.190") thick blades. But blows out of water how? Cuts better or can pry better?
For cutting, there's plenty of folders with steel better than CPM S30V at 59-60HRC, which will cut better and longer than SNG.
 
Stronger-by far. Worth 325 dollars?

I'd say no. I wouldn't pay the extra cash, especially when there are ZTs and CS knives around.
 
OK one more dumb question. I was looking around various sites at the ZT 0350. It comes in 2 blade steel options. S30V and ELMAX/Sandvik 14C28N. Which is better? The ELMAX/Sandvik 14C28N cost about $30 more. I know the S30V is premium stuff but I don't know a lot about the ELMAX/Sandvik 14C28N.
 
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Gator97 said:
As far as I am concerned, Strider knives were never an official military issue for any branch. Way too expensive for that. So, yes, few guys use them, who could afford, but if you go by that criteria, then there's hardly a knife that is not "used by military". And it's the opposite, cheaper knives are more widely used by military and civilians alike.
The price tag on SNG is much more of a marketing that anything else.


I figure, In the same category means folders with ~5mm(0.190") thick blades. But blows out of water how? Cuts better or can pry better?
For cutting, there's plenty of folders with steel better than CPM S30V at 59-60HRC, which will cut better and longer than SNG.
Click to expand...

Actually both SmF's and SnG's are on the list of knives that are issued to the Military.

Someone posted that list awhile back.
 
Do you have a link? I'm really surprised if that is true, in which case I stand corrected.
 
Well, I just tried search on general forums. Nothing like that coming up.
I'll search further, interesting who or how credible the source was, folding knife at that price issued as a standard military knife is very unlikely.
I had no idea folders were issued at all.
 
If I were going off to war, and felt that the slight edge the Sng would provide might be the one thing in the universe that would save my life, then what the hell, yep, I'd spring for one.

If the I had certain knowledge that the end of the world as we know it was going to take place in two weeks, thus giving me time to order a premium folder, then dang right I'd authorize Pay Pal to send the money off.

Barring those two scenarios, I' ll not blow the money being a fan boy, looking to impress others.
 
Gator97 said:
Well, I just tried search on general forums. Nothing like that coming up.
I'll search further, interesting who or how credible the source was, folding knife at that price issued as a standard military knife is very unlikely.
I had no idea folders were issued at all.
Click to expand...

It was real. :thumbup:

They posted the list and the link to the list. :)
 
B Hess said:
I've owned both in the past. I really like both but I've never pushed either one to it's limits. Do you really think a Strider SNG is that much tougher a knife than a Spyderco Manix 2 to make it worth an extra $325 or so? By tough I mean lock, blade strength and handle material. Or is it just a prestige, look at me I have a Strider thing?
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The blade of the Strider is much thicker, the tip much more blunt. The lock is MUCH stronger.
There can be no comparison between these two knives in terms of toughness.

Wether you think the price is justified is entirely up to you. The two brands operate largely in different segments.
 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strider_SMF

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_o...es#Bayonets.2C_knives.2C_bayonet-knife_models


In active service (some branches or limited roles)
ASEK (Army)
M9 bayonet (M16 series)
M11 Knife (EOD)
OKC-3S Bayonet (Marine Corps only)
Mk 2 Knife (Ka-Bar)
Gerber Mark II
Machete
Mark 3 Knife (SEALs)
Mission Knives MPK Knife (SEALs, Navy EOD, and USMC)[1]
Strider SMF (USMC)
SEAL Knife 2000 (SEALs)
Sword bayonet[citation needed]
Tomahawk (VTAC)
[[Recon 1 (Tanto Tip, 4 Blade)]] (SEALs)
Click to expand...

The list that was posted here was longer than this.
 
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