Manic 2 - lock is very tight

J

jaseman

Joined
Jul 28, 2016
Messages
1,027
Just bought my first Spyderco - A nice black on black Manix 2 - which so far I absolutely love! But the lock seems very hard to release when the blade is open. Is this normal for the Manix 2, or will it loosen up over time as it wears in?

I tried 2 or 3 of them out of the box, and they were all this way (the display model I tried was marginally better - I'm assuming from handling). All of them were very tight, to the point that you can't just use one thumb to release it. I have to put my index finger on the other side of the release as well to close the knife.

Is this normal with a brand new ball bearing lock? And will it get easier with wear?

Just curious.
Thanks.
 
It will break in and become smoother with time. The CBBL is not really meant to be unlocked using just one finger. The spring is too strong but it also makes it almost immune to lock/vertical play. Congrats and enjoy!
 
You are basically going to need to use two fingers with the stock spring. It will get marginally easier but still not easy enough to comfortably use just one finger in my opinion. You can put a weaker spring in there if you like but I like how strong it locks up. Your fingers will get stronger and more used to using it shortly and it wont bother you. After you work it for a while you wont want to go back to an axis lock. You can't compare it to one of those.
 
Normal. Expect to have a chewed up thumb and index finger while you break it in. While the CBBL acts similarly in operation to an AXIS lock, it is a totally different design, the spring is much stouter and most (if not all) will not be able to be operated with just the thumb, even after being thoroughly broken in.
 
4844889345853489-435 said:
Normal. Expect to have a chewed up thumb and index finger while you break it in. While the CBBL acts similarly in operation to an AXIS lock, it is a totally different design, the spring is much stouter and most (if not all) will not be able to be operated with just the thumb, even after being thoroughly broken in.
Click to expand...

I currently have 5 Manix 2s and I can unlock them all using only my thumb. You just need to push the back of the knife into the palm of your hand to give you more leverage. Some are easier than others and none of them are as easy to use only your thumb as an Axis lock. That said, I generally use my thumb on one side and my index finger on the other because it is easier (I do the same for an Axis lock) but sometimes I'll use just my thumb to unlock and let the blade fall closed or give the thumb ramp a tap with my index finger to push it closed.
 
Sharp Guy said:
I currently have 5 Manix 2s and I can unlock them all using only my thumb. You just need to push the back of the knife into the palm of your hand to give you more leverage. Some are easier than others and none of them are as easy to use only your thumb as an Axis lock. That said, I generally use my thumb on one side and my index finger on the other because it is easier (I do the same for an Axis lock) but sometimes I'll use just my thumb to unlock and let the blade fall closed or give the thumb ramp a tap with my index finger to push it closed.
Click to expand...

You must have some strong fingers. I have 4 M2s and cant do that with any.
 
luke86 said:
You must have some strong fingers. I have 4 M2s and cant do that with any.
Click to expand...

Ok well turns out I can do it with one finger but its certainly not practical to do regularly. If your going to own an M2 you better plan on using 2 fingers for the most part. Its really designed to be used that way.
 
Same here. My Manix 2 is broken in IMHO I can use a thumb to close it. However it isn't a great feeling or a method I would regularly employ. Just the nature of the beast with this knife.
 
Just an update....

After about a week and a half, I have to say, I really like this knife! Extremely sharp right out of the box, and has cut through everything I've asked of it, like going through butter (mostly cardboard, packing tape, a few zip-ties, and a bagel sandwich - roast beef and bacon on an asiago bagel if you must know). Action has gotten a bit smoother with use, and I suspect it will continue to do so.

As for the lock... It still requires two fingers, but it too is smoothing out. I doubt it'll ever be a thumb only, but it glides nicely, and I've gotten the hang of working it one-handed, and just letting the blade fall closed.

Quite a knife, if I do say so....
 
jaseman said:
Just an update....

After about a week and a half, I have to say, I really like this knife! Extremely sharp right out of the box, and has cut through everything I've asked of it, like going through butter (mostly cardboard, packing tape, a few zip-ties, and a bagel sandwich - roast beef and bacon on an asiago bagel if you must know). Action has gotten a bit smoother with use, and I suspect it will continue to do so.

As for the lock... It still requires two fingers, but it too is smoothing out. I doubt it'll ever be a thumb only, but it glides nicely, and I've gotten the hang of working it one-handed, and just letting the blade fall closed.

Quite a knife, if I do say so....
Click to expand...

Glad to hear you're happy with it. Just wait until the addiction strikes again and you pick up big brother. The Manix 2 XL remains probably my most carried and used folder.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top