Manix 1 vs Manix 2

J

Josephldoyle

Joined
Dec 30, 2008
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184
I recently found a Manix 1 hiding on the shelves at my local knife shop.

I have read the spec differences on the Spyderco website, but wanted to know the forum's opinion on the original Manix vs the new Manix 2.

Which is considered the better knife, and why?

Thanks in advance to any replies.
 
I much prefer the first Manix.

I like the lock, the thicker s30v blade, and think it looks much better.
I don't care for all the jimping, or lock on the ManixII at all...but thats just me.
 
Ken44 said:
I much prefer the first Manix.

I like the lock, the thicker s30v blade, and think it looks much better.
I don't care for all the jimping, or lock on the ManixII at all...but thats just me.
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i'm with you,it is built like a crowbar,it takes a edge like no other,
 
In my opinion, the choice rests on how much they are asking for the Manix 1. It would be very difficult to out price the 154CM Manix 2 even without debating the merits of each knife.

If the Manix 2 is well under $100 and the Manix 1 is anywhere close to the "going price" the Manix 2 is a much better value IMHO. In fact, the Manix 2 is a better value compared the original price of the Manix 1 back when. Just my opinion of course.
 
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Manix 1's blade is larger and better cutter in my daily use. The lock of the Manix 1 is good but I prefer ball lock but talking about ball locks I prefer the ball lock of the D'allara and poliwog and not s omuch the polymer encased version like for now.

Also the lanyard end of the Manix 2 is not screwed together and is free to move. I dislike this immensely.
 
As compared to the current CPMS30V FFG Sprint?

I think I may prefer the CBBL although I love back locks. Open back, strength and ambidexterity compensate for the "feel" of the midlock that I like.
 
Tip down option and full flat grind push the Manix over the top, IMO. Also consider resale value. Manixes (Manixi?) in NIB condition are worth three goats and a pint of virgin blood, right now. If you can snag it for any kind of reasonable price, I'd say do so.
 
I really like the top and bottom jimping on the Manix 2 for choking up on the blade.

The Manix is very nice too, but I tend to go to my ZT0301 for heavy-duty use.
 
wongKI said:
As compared to the current CPMS30V FFG Sprint?

I think I may prefer the CBBL although I love back locks. Open back, strength and ambidexterity compensate for the "feel" of the midlock that I like.
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Well compared to that edition then the gap's smaller but Manix 1 is still in the lead IMO :)

One thing that is really important to me is the Manix 1 is fully screwed from front to lanyard hole end. The Manix 2's lanyard end is not screwed secured.
 
Manix 1, hands down!

Full flat grind, bigger blade, S30V, period. The only think the Manix 2 has it better is the superb ball lock.
 
Manix 1 is pretty boss, got mine at Bloomingdales in Manhattan of all places!

That being said, the Military is far and away the more practical EDC. Manix is just way too much of a pocket hog in terms of width and girth, and its pretty heavy as well.

You could carry a military PE (4.4 oz) and a Salt SE (2 oz) for almost the same ammount of weight as the Manix 1 (6oz).

Of course, as far as rounding out the collection goes, Manix 1 is bragging rights.
 
I have all 3. I wish spyderco could have made the manix the weight of the

mini.I do notice the little weight difference the m and mm.

The manix and the mini manix are more heavy duty IMO.The ONLY thing

i like better about the 2 is the lock.
 
I've had the mini, full size and manix 2. I actually prefer the manix 2. Thinner, lighter, better lock and can't argue with the price. S30V and flat grind is a bit better than 154CM with a saber grind but the sprint runs of the M2 should keep afi's covered. The thinness and lightweight of the M2 make me carry it much more than the original. Caged ball lock is the best lock too IMO.
 
Vivi said:
I've had the mini, full size and manix 2. I actually prefer the manix 2. Thinner, lighter, better lock and can't argue with the price. S30V and flat grind is a bit better than 154CM with a saber grind but the sprint runs of the M2 should keep afi's covered. The thinness and lightweight of the M2 make me carry it much more than the original. Caged ball lock is the best lock too IMO.
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I'm with you. I actually hoarded 4 of the old Manixes, a black mini, black large and two FG's. I sold them becauase they didn't get any carry time.

The M2, and especially the S90V CF, is WAY nicer in the pocket and the S30V and CTS models should make the switch to the M2 a little easier for some.
 
Reeek said:
I'm with you. I actually hoarded 4 of the old Manixes, a black mini, black large and two FG's. I sold them becauase they didn't get any carry time.

The M2, and especially the S90V CF, is WAY nicer in the pocket and the S30V and CTS models should make the switch to the M2 a little easier for some.
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I understand where you guys are coming from here...
I always liked the Mini Manix's tank like build quality, the only thing which stops me using it more is S30V (I'm can be pretty hard on my blades at work and generally need a blade with better edge retention). It still gets used plenty at home, in the yard etc....

Naturally I jumped at the chance to grab the S90V version. I gave it a couple of weeks evaluation at work. The standout features for me were:
  • CPMS90V. This steel exceeded my expectations in every way, only ever needing a light touch up the end of the day. I honestly can not say enough good things about this blade steel
  • The added Jimping was another huge bonus to me, not once did my grip ever slip, this really feels secure in hand.
  • The Ball lock, Easy to manipulate and solid lock up. The only downside for me that the nature of this design means tip up carry only. Thats not a deal breaker for me though, rather something I can learn to live with.
  • The Cf scales are another nice touch and hopefully would wear down less over time when compared to G10.
  • The extra blade length was more noticeable than I would have originally thought.
  • The skeltonised liners make for a very noticeable weight reduction.

Overall I feel that the Manix 2 is a very lively yet robust high performance utility knife, an awesome knife in it's own right.

Now that my "honeymoon" period with the S90v Manix 2 is over, I've found that I still reach for my S30V Mini Manix at home around the yard and at the workshop.
When I head to off to work my CPM D2 Para still jumps into my pocket every time paired with it's big brother a 440V SE Mille. The CF S90v Manix 2 stays behind.
WHY? I guess it' hard to teach an old dog new tricks, but while the Cf Manix 2 is much livelier in hand than the old version IMO it's still not on the same level in that respect when compared to the Para's all round agility. When I reach for a Manix it's usually because I have a need for it's "beefcake" qualities, which is something IMO this CF Manix 2 lacks, but doesn't necessarily need ...if you get my drift.

I couldn't bear to see a knife of this calibre just sitting in my drawer unused so it's currently being traded for one my long term "grails".

I guess what I really need is an S90v Para, hopefully the Bradley M4 will satisfy my lust for premium steels in the interim.....

My 2 cents

Bo.
 
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I just noticed the Manix 2 has a thinner blade. That probably means I'll like it better.
 
I have never had the pleasure of handling a full size Manix. But man o man do I love the mini Manix and Manix2.
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No question, the old one is better. :thumbup:
Although technically the M2 is superior, I didn't felt the "tank-like" feeling. :( It's thinner, lighter more EDC than HD. (So yesterday I sold my sprint Manix2 S90V/CF. :()

Gimme 4 mm strong FFG S30V CBL Manix 3, and I'll be happy. :thumbup:

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Golbat said:
No question, the old one is better. :thumbup:
Although technically the M2 is superior, I didn't felt the "tank-like" feeling. :( It's thinner, lighter more EDC than HD. (So yesterday I sold my sprint Manix2 S90V/CF. :()

Gimme 4 mm strong FFG S30V CBL Manix 3, and I'll be happy. :thumbup:
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I agree 100% with Golbat. I also sold my S90V/CF Manix 2 due to my preference for the Mini and Para.
 
proud2deviate said:
Tip down option and full flat grind push the Manix over the top, IMO. Also consider resale value. Manixes (Manixi?) in NIB condition are worth three goats and a pint of virgin blood, right now. If you can snag it for any kind of reasonable price, I'd say do so.
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What would be considered a reasonable price?
 
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