Manix 1 surrogate

T

The Black Knight

Joined
May 31, 2011
Messages
7
I recently handled a Manix 2 and just love the feel of that knife. I was seriously thinking about getting one as my new hard-use knife for backpacking and camping, but the ball bearing lock is less than ideal for carry in the backcountry where you might have gloved hands or wet, frozen fingers. Also, that little frame hole looks about perfect for clogging up with mud, dirt, or sand. This knife with a back-lock would be perfect. Well, I guess it was in its first iteration, but alas the Manix 1 slipped by me.

Does Spyderco currently make anything comparable? I'm looking for a substantial knife, 3" + blade, steel that doesn't take hours of work to sharpen by hand (i.e. no S-90V or anything like that - 154CM or even 440C would be just fine), G10 scales with liners, combo edge or SE, a back-lock, and made in Golden. I've seen the Native 5 advertised, but haven't handled it in person. Does anyone out there know if it's a "beefy" knife like the Manix 2?

So do they have anything like this out now, coming out soon, or should I just start looking around at the used Manix market? Thanks for any advice you can offer.
 
Superleaf? The blade size and shape is quite similar to the Manix 2 (and it's thicker), and VG10 isn't hard to sharpen. The compression lock is significantly better than a back lock, and should be about as easy to handle with limited manual dexterity.
 
The Native 5 is your best bet, if you want the Manix "feel" in a back lock. It only comes in PE, though.

You might also look for the original C101 Mini Manix. The PE is hard to find, and you'll pay through the nose, but the CE is more readily available, at a (somewhat) reasonable price.
 
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You should also check out the spyderco junior...I haven't held one yet but it looks extremely ergonomic and has the compression lock
 
Well if your willing to wait a little while Sal said they are planning on releasing a version of the Manix 1 again.
Im not sure what changes will be made but he said it will remain a back lock.
 
Spyderco have been playing with big, beefy folders at the prototype stage and, as above, the Manix 1 may reappear.

If you can't wait, the Native 5 is certainly solid but not as big as the C95 Manix 1.

The Perrin PPT is a beefy knife- effectively a frame lock. I found it easy to use the lock as there is a generous cut-out in the "scale". The textured G10 is very grippy, too.

If you think you could look after M4 then the Gayle Bradley is an excellent choice (I just carry a strip of oil-soaked rag in a spy-capsule on my belt.)

EDIT: I just realised you want SE or combo blade, which is going to limit the options above.

Finally, a Mili or Paramilitary 2 are excellent options (I find the locks easy enough to operate with gloves on.)


Of course, you'll need a fixed blade, too...
 
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I carry an Endura when I hunt and in cold weather because the Manix is a pain to open and for a fixed blade a Ka-Bar Becker BK2 will do just about anything you want it to as it is a stout knife for around $65.00 or you might one used for less. Can't beat those two though.!* If you have any questions email me.
wolf.man@charter.net
 
The Black Knight said:
So do they have anything like this out now, coming out soon, or should I just start looking around at the used Manix market? Thanks for any advice you can offer.
Click to expand...

You should be able to find an original Manix without too much trouble. They are for sale here on the forum occasionally. I see them on eBay as well. If you really want one they can be found.
 
The Native5 barely has a 2.5" cutting edge.

What I think you're looking for is the Superleaf.....3" cutting edge, flat ground, beefy Stainless VG-10 goodness that holds a nice edge yet presents few difficulties when sharpening. A flow-through handle design allows one to easily flush out the detritus.

The Compression Lock is flawlessly executed and simple to disengage, and the handle design allows for a variety of comfortable grips. In other words, one is not limited to JUST a "choil hold".

The Superleaf probably is the smoothest opening Spyderco I've owned....and construction is virtually "bomb proof".

- Regards
 
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Thanks for all the replies - some good advice.

Part of my problem is, I've rarely met a knife I don't like. That's not entirely true, but a huge portion of Spyderco's catalog, for example, appeals to me in one way or another. The Native, Superleaf, Military all might end up in my collection. The Manix 2 as well - for EDC I have no issues with the ball bearing lock. For this specific purpose, I still am leaning towards a back lock, but I haven't actually handled a compression lock knife yet. I'm going to see if I can find a Superleaf "in person" to check it out.

Xavierdoc, re: fixed blade: LOL, I just ordered a Caspian Salt to see how well it would perform as a super-light wieght fixed option. Usually I carry a Buck 119 , SOG Government, or something similar, but Gladiator, that BK2 looks like a great fixed blade. Great price too. So many knives, so little money!

Gramps, you're absolutely right about VG-10. I have a couple of kitchen knives made of it, as well as a Viele design Spyderco (which is probably the smoothest opening knife I have, BTW). It's great steel.

I'm very impressed with the modern metallurgy of knife steels. Seems like knifemakers and steel suppliers are constantly raising the bar with toughness, abrasion resistance, hardness, etc. Likewise with opening and locking mechanisms, and handle materials. Having spent some time in the backcountry, I've seen plan A fail, plan B disappear, plan C go the hell in a handbasket, and plan D...well, there never really is a plan D. So in a hard use backup knife (the fixed blade is the primary blade), my opinion is that simpler is better. I love the grip of G10; steels that are relatively easy to sharpen in the field; the way the Spyderco serrated edge zips through line, plastic, thin wire, nylon and even sheet metal; the Spyderco hole (the most foolproof one-hand opening design, IMO); and the backlock because you can easily manipulate it with gloves or when your fine motor skills desert you, like in the middle of a major adrenaline dump or when you're wet and near hypothermic.

The knives I usually carry for this purpose are either a full size Sebenza or a Microtech Amphibian. Both great, heavy duty knives. The Sebenza's weaknesses are a lack of serrations, steel that takes all day to sharpen, a smooth handle (could be remedied with some skateboard tape, I suppose) and the frame lock, which is a great design and very strong, but can be tough to use in the above-described conditions. The microtech's weakness is mainly the microbar lock. Again, it's very strong, but small and susceptible to clogging. I've never had either one fail, FWIW.

Of course, it's always a great idea to throw in something small and light - like a Delica - as a backup to the backup. Even mountaineering, the extra 2.5 oz are manageable (though, OMG - you'd be surprised how quickly your pack can amass 50 lbs of gear if you're not careful!).

All in all, I'll poke around in the used Manix 1 market, try to check out the Superleaf, Native, or Para, and maybe see what the new Manix looks like. This is not a knife I have to buy in the next couple of weeks.

Thanks again for the advice guys.
 
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