Manic 2 XL, mechanism reliability.

[Houlahound]

ETA: Can mods plz change spelling in title to manix. Dam autospell.

I am that close to purchasing one, the ball bearing/spring mechanism thing really worries me. Looks like it's built to collect crap and need cleaning

What's it like to use from the perspective of someone does zero maintenance on a knife other than sharpening, wiping the blade and a bit of machine oil occasionally.

Also not uncommon to find my knives on the floor of my truck or in a tool box.

Would this knife be a good fit?

 

[cut it out]

Always wanted one myself but had same concerns with mud and dirt in it so will be following this myself.

 

[Insipid Moniker]

Carried an XL almost exclusively for about 2 years and never had any issues and never disassembled it, just blew it out with canned air every once in a great while.

 

[Houlahound]

Always wanted one myself but had same concerns with mud and dirt in it so will be following this myself.

Might be a case of choosing a knife for the environment it will live in.

 

[cut it out]

I do that with all my pocket knives at work with a air compressor already so that’s Easy for me to do.

 

[JJ_Colt45]

Not the XL but I've carried a Manix 2 for several years and they don't collect too much in the lock. I have blown it out with a compressor a few times just to keep it clean but it isn't a big worry on them IMO. They make great work knives.

 

[Houlahound]

How does this translate to outdoor use say for hiking/hunting in all weather and all terrain?

 

[Goose 7279]

I have carried them for about 10 years in a underground mining and mill environment and never had any issues. I won't say it is impossible for bearing manix lock to have a problem. I will say it is no less reliable than any lock on any knife. It will be more dependable than most but not as reliable as a fixed blade. That being said I have abused my work knife batoning 2x4s and driving it through poly deck material with a hammer on the spine of the blade it still locks up solid and tight and never let me down

 

[JJ_Colt45]

Mine get carried outdoors too ... I don't limit my Manix 2s to work but they are much more apt to get exposed to dirt, dust, and all sorts of things than they are in the woods or fields hunting.

How does this translate to outdoor use say for hiking/hunting in all weather and all terrain?

 

[Steely_Gunz]

I bought a Manix 2 a couple weeks ago. Very good knife, and the carry knife of choice of a good friend and combat vet for several years.

I have nothing negative to say about it, but I just couldn't get used to the lock. There is nothing wrong with it, and it's hella strong. However, I ended up giving it to my little brother. He loves it, and if he doesn't manage to break it in a week, then it should last anyone else a lifetime

 

[bigsurbob]

The Sage 3 is similar and I cleaned it for the 1st time in 10+ years just with a Qtip and alcohol. Seems fine.

 

[K.O.D.]

I've had my Manix 2 for over 6 years, never an issue. Very well designed in my opinion.

 

[Buster Dawid]

I bought a Manix 2 a couple weeks ago. Very good knife, and the carry knife of choice of a good friend and combat vet for several years.

I have nothing negative to say about it, but I just couldn't get used to the lock. There is nothing wrong with it, and it's hella strong. However, I ended up giving it to my little brother. He loves it, and if he doesn't manage to break it in a week, then it should last anyone else a lifetime

I did a common mod -- snip off two coils off the spring and swap the steel for a ceramic ball -- and it is a MUCH better performer!

 

[sabre cat]

I did a common mod -- snip off two coils off the spring and swap the steel for a ceramic ball -- and it is a MUCH better performer!

Maybe I should clip the spring on my D’Allara 3.

Thanks for the idea.

 

[GatorFlash1]

I found it to be a very useful and reliable mechanical bemouth of a knife. I liked the size and handle feel and the blade holds an edge. I didn't dig dandelions in the yard with it or anything so never had any clogging of the action problems. I purchased mine about five years later than the ones shown in the videos and didn't seem to have the problems noted.

 

[Black Oak Bladeworks]

ETA: Can mods plz change spelling in title to manix. Dam autospell.

I am that close to purchasing one, the ball bearing/spring mechanism thing really worries me. Looks like it's built to collect crap and need cleaning

What's it like to use from the perspective of someone does zero maintenance on a knife other than sharpening, wiping the blade and a bit of machine oil occasionally.

Also not uncommon to find my knives on the floor of my truck or in a tool box.

Would this knife be a good fit?

I do construction and I have never had to clean the ball bearing mechanism. (I have been carrying it every day for 1.5 years or so.) I have taken it apart and cleaned it twice I think. I got caulk in it once, the other time it just needed cleaned. I find the pivot area builds up the most junk. I dont remember ever having anything in the locking mechanism. It is a very robust mechanism with a very solid lock up. I dont really like the S30V, but the knife is phenomenal! It has definitely been my favorite pocket knife to date. I would highly recommend it.

 

[Black Oak Bladeworks]

Always wanted one myself but had same concerns with mud and dirt in it so will be following this myself.

I have had mine in dirt several times no issues with the locking mechinism. The only issue I recall having was dirt stuck between the blade and the frame not allowing the blade to open all the way. And no knife would have done any different in that situation.

 

[Razor]

Spray the pivot area every couple weeks with brake parts cleaner and put a couple drops of oil in the pivot area and you are good to go.

 

[marthinus]