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Love my manix 2, want another spydie, what's similar and/or better?

Joined
Dec 3, 2009
Messages
1,584
My blue s30v manix2 has to be a top 5 all time for me... The handle simply fits like a glove and I've beat the heck out of her.. Lost the tip when it fell off a ladder but otherwise its been flawless. I want another but think I'd rather get something similar but different/better (you know what I mean).

I'm looking at the sage 2 or the domino... They have a similar profile, but how do they compare? Would also consider the para2. Is there anything else to consider? This question is aimed for those who really like the manix 2 but maybe the (insert knife here) has kicked it out of your pocket. (I've owned several full size military's over the years and I just don't love the handle fit with my hands - so that's out)

Any advice is appreciated as well are comparison pics. Thanks!
 
My favorites are the PM2 and Manix2. I think they are very similar and both of them work well for my EDC purposes. I view the G10 Manix 2 and a slightly more rugged knife than the PM2, the PM2 being a bit slimmer and lighter. My views are based strictly on feel and in reality they may be equally rugged.

If you like a different size then I would suggest the Manix 2 XL or the Military, or if you want to go smaller I would suggest the Sage. (I have all of the models I've mentioned except the Sage.)
 
I'd like to keep it around the same size. I'd really like to get a frame lock manix 2 but since that doesn't exist I figured I'd ask about other options. Sage is appealing just not sure I would want it over a domino.
 
If you want something really similar try a Superleaf. One of my favorites. Awesome compression lock. 4mm thick VG-10 blade. Can't go wrong.
 
You mean you ve been observing all the enthusiasm from the people here who appreciate Spyderco for the PM2 and you haven t decided to try one yet. What are you waiting for? I really like my Manix 2, but the PM2 has the best ergonomics of any knife I ve ever used. Plenty strong and fine steel. The compression lock is very strong. Get one.:)
 
Anyone with both the pm2 and manix 2 care to post some pics? Also not hearing much love for the sage or domino, any particular reason? Do they just not compare to the manix?
 
Usually the Gayle Bradley folder gets a lot of recommendations around here.
Let me got it started.

FPSVorF.jpg
 
Hmm didn't realize how similar in size the pm2 and manix 2 are...thanks for the pic. I've had a GB and while a nice blade it just didn't do it for me.
 
^Love the scales on the Gayle Bradley!
What type of wood are they?

To the OP I'd recommend the Para 2. It and the Manix 2 competed for pocket time and knife funds from me for a long time. Coming from Benchmade to Spyderco I really liked the familiarity of the Manix lock to the axis lock. Eventually though the compression lock won out and I carry a PM2 most of the time now. I feel a Spyder collector/users journey is not complete until they try the "big 3";
Manix 2
Paramilitary 2
&
Native 5
 
Anyone with both the pm2 and manix 2 care to post some pics? Also not hearing much love for the sage or domino, any particular reason? Do they just not compare to the manix?

I have a G10 Manix 2 on the way and I have owned the lightweight Manix 2 in Carpenter steel. It is the only Spyderco I have owned that I was completely underwhelmed by. The Sage 1 is a way better knife in my opinion. Better steel, better grips, and more carry friendly. I'll be able to compare my Sage to a proper Manix this week. I also have a PM2 but my favorite knife is my Caly 3.5 truthfully.
 
^Love the scales on the Gayle Bradley!
What type of wood are they?

To the OP I'd recommend the Para 2. It and the Manix 2 competed for pocket time and knife funds from me for a long time. Coming from Benchmade to Spyderco I really liked the familiarity of the Manix lock to the axis lock. Eventually though the compression lock won out and I carry a PM2 most of the time now. I feel a Spyder collector/users journey is not complete until they try the "big 3";
Manix 2
Paramilitary 2
&
Native 5
The scales on the Bradley are cocobolo by forum member spketch.
Here's a much better picture. http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...Post-your-Spyder-Pics?p=14006241#post14006241
 
I vote for the pm2, but like Adamg said, the caly 3.5 is a great knife too. Completely different but great.
 
I have a G10 Manix 2 on the way and I have owned the lightweight Manix 2 in Carpenter steel. It is the only Spyderco I have owned that I was completely underwhelmed by. The Sage 1 is a way better knife in my opinion. Better steel, better grips, and more carry friendly. I'll be able to compare my Sage to a proper Manix this week. I also have a PM2 but my favorite knife is my Caly 3.5 truthfully.

Let me know what you think either here or via PM if you don't mind. My only manix is a ffg s30v sprint so I have never handled a regular manix.

I vote for the pm2, but like Adamg said, the caly 3.5 is a great knife too. Completely different but great.

Pm2 is moving up on the list. Love that the handle matches the manix closely.

^Love the scales on the Gayle Bradley!
What type of wood are they?

To the OP I'd recommend the Para 2. It and the Manix 2 competed for pocket time and knife funds from me for a long time. Coming from Benchmade to Spyderco I really liked the familiarity of the Manix lock to the axis lock. Eventually though the compression lock won out and I carry a PM2 most of the time now. I feel a Spyder collector/users journey is not complete until they try the "big 3";
Manix 2
Paramilitary 2
&
Native 5

What about the compression lock won you over vs the manix ball lock?

I love the 3.5 so much that I had to have the Caly 3. It will be here later in the week.

Will definitely look into this caly 3. Thanks.
 
Manix2 g10, superleaf, PM2 and Sage3 should be on your list. If you are looking for a lock back, add the native g10.
 
The PM2 is truly great. The handle is uber-comfortable and the compression lock is fun - there are so many ways to open/close this one, safely. You should get one. The only caveat I'd mention, given the issue you had with the Manix - if you are prone to breaking tips, be aware that the PM2 has a pretty fine one and it will break easier than some others.

If you want a frame lock the Sage 2 is also awesome and I have no hesitation recommending it. But I enjoy the PM2 more than any other Spyderco I've tried so far.
 
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