Manix 2 110v LTWT - best cutting tool on the market?

[Comeuppance]

Duplicate post, connection issues.

 

[DShiflet]

I'm gonna have to get one of these. I'm not a Spyderco fanatic(I know they're high quality, I just don't care for the aesthetics and I also much prefer flippers or thumbstuds to the Spydie hole), but S110V and blue handle scales(I love blue scales) for $110 I just can't pass up.

 

[SaintlyBrees]

...First impressions: Best overall knife I have ever seen...

[remainder of post redacted to save space]

Great write up. Thanks for taking the time to post it.

I've really enjoyed owning the earlier Manix 2 LW and, while CTS-BD1 is a very underrated steel IMHO, it was the sole weak point of the knife. Everything else about the knife was outstanding. The new version fixes that lone weak point and created a truly great cutting tool.

The older version got more pocket time than any other knife that I own. I have the S110V version coming in and should be here this week. It will take the place of my old Manix 2 LW as my favorite EDC.

 

[goodeyesniper]

This is the very definition of spyderco. Supreme performance, light weight, good value, and beating just about everyone else to the table.

 

[Comeuppance]

Like I said in the other thread, I think this one is a game changer. It's unreasonable. I think Sal and co are really going to catch the other companies napping with this one. How is this even feasible? A hundred bones for that beast? Unreal. I'm very impressed. I don't need it, even remotely, but I appreciate the feat. Look at the other knives at that price point. Look at the knives at twice that price point!

I can only agree strongly. This is unprecedented. 110v steel, incredible design, more than reasonable price, and flawless execution. This, friends, is the perfect product release. Catering to almost everyone simultaneously. Weigh requirements? 3oz. Steel snob? 110v. Warranty? Top shelf. Lockup? Rock solid. Functional? By design. Sturdy? Try 110v braced by steel braced by steel. Ergonomics? I dare you to find an uncomfortable way to hold this. Price? That's where it all becomes impressive. This is a price range where 154cm and minor CQ issues are typically acceptable. This is 110v and flawless.

This is a milestone. I want this to be big for Spyderco. If I had paid $700 and got a knife like this from a custom maker (obviously with a different handle material), I would have thought I had gotten a deal.

 

[fetzer85]

With some regular old Manix2s for comparison...

I used to own a lightweight but never the G10 model. Do you know if these blades are interchangeable?

 

[zhyla]

So... having carried Manix2's for a couple years and having bought and quickly sold a Manix2 lightweight, I have to say it: meh. I'm not a steel snob. The BD-1 steel gets the job done. My friend that I sold the lightweight to is getting plenty of use out of it. It lacks the authoritah of the weighty G10 version and I don't like the handle. It just feels bad. The G10 Manix 2 feels great. I've got FRN Natives that feel great. I don't like the texture and I hate the plastic jimping.

So yeah, better steel and FRN instead of FRCP (not sure the plastic variety matters much). And maybe most importantly, it looks cool this time. For $110? Really? Is an S30V FFG regular Manix 2 actually less of a knife than this?

 

[jac_solar]

This is a milestone. I want this to be big for Spyderco. If I had paid $700 and got a knife like this from a custom maker (obviously with a different handle material), I would have thought I had gotten a deal.

I know what you mean, but you're mostly paying for the time spent on the knife for a custom knife. That isn't really a factor in a production knife.

Since they have the entire folder production-ready, and have lots of experience with alternating between steels on a production model, they are probably very efficient at changing the steels on a folder; so, the costs of changing the steel on a folder is integrated into their overall workflow, and doesn't have to be reflected in the market price of any particular folder, at least not significantly..

So, I wonder how much S110V costs, in bulk, compared to S30V? 10$ dollars more is probably reasonable.

 

[whp]

I'IQUOTE t=Comeuppance;13429070]I can only agree strongly. This is unprecedented. 110v steel, incredible design, more than reasonable price, and flawless execution. This, friends, is the perfect product release. Catering to almost everyone simultaneously. Weigh requirements? 3oz. Steel snob? 110v. Warranty? Top shelf. Lockup? Rock solid. Functional? By design. Sturdy? Try 110v braced by steel braced by steel. Ergonomics? I dare you to find an uncomfortable way to hold this. Price? That's where it all becomes impressive. This is a price range where 154cm and minor CQ issues are typically acceptable. This is 110v and flawless.

This is a milestone.

I agree this is a milestone

 

[Jonny1801]

This is one of rwo knives I seriously want to own this year along with Stretch SB, I really hope I get lucky and can get hold of them over here in Europe for a good price.

 

[Stays Sharp]

Spyderco (like myself) obviously believes in FRN to put such a desired steel in this LWT version. G10 version with K390 and S110v you have to assume is also in the works so dont fret FRN haters. Maybe give this knife a chance and use it, dont be afraid of advanced polymers... We are happy with them in Glocks, why not knives? Im into G10 and Ti also but I do appreciate FRN's benefits, light, thin, surprisingly strong, grip pattern, colors, etc.

 

[AF]

My Manix2 Lightweight CTS-BD1 is very smooth in operation. It's a pleasure to open and close. The ball bearing lock seems like a good design.
I've wondered of the durability of the polymer cage that houses the ball bearing. However the only report of a broken cage I've seen was from someone who disassembled the knife. It would be interesting to see a video of someone dropping the knife for testing - any volunteers?
I've grown to really like Spyderco's FRN knives. It's a great material for knife scales.

 

[Random Dan]

Does this have steel liners? Also how does it compare to the Stretch in Super Blue or ZDP-189?

 

[Hairlesstwinkie]

This knife is just another good reason why I love Spyderco. They offer up so much for so little. I use to be a steel snob, but from good HT, it really doesn't matter. Regardless, I'm still interested in trying out a S110V. It's one of those steels that I never thought that I can get my hands on without paying for the rapey secondary market price for sprints or go custom. FRN haters should just take a backseat. FRN is a great material, it's lightweight, durable, and affordable. Good stuff is just good stuff.

I just got my shipping notification for mine. I haven't been this excited since my Andre Thorburn custom.

 

[Comeuppance]

I first experienced 110V through the 2013 forum native. I was more than happy with the edge retention - even using it every day on paper and cardboard for a month straight, I only needed to touch up the edge once via stropping to bring it back to a razor edge.

The 0560CBCF, however, did not impress me. The edge retention was closer to Elmax - which, while still good, is not the best 110V can be. It's one of the few times I could actually tell the difference between heat treatments.

 

[Brisket]

The CTS-XHP and the CPM M4 variations of the Manix 2 are among my favorite knives and when the FRN Manix 2 was introduced I was really interested in as I like FRN for lighweight users but the CTS-BD1 part held me back. I know I was not alone in my sentiments as it has been discussed many times on the forum and this version is another testament to how Sal is the best in the industry when it comes to listening and responding to his customer base of steel junkies. I would have been happy with a lesser steel upgrade for the Manix 2 FRN than S110V at this price point but Sal swung for the fences with this one and although I don't yet have my knife in my abrasive slurry coated mitts I can safely predict that this knife is a game changer.

 

[Cameron_]

I've wondered of the durability of the polymer cage that houses the ball bearing. However the only report of a broken cage I've seen was from someone who disassembled the knife.

This one was never disassembled.

 

[Comeuppance]

I find myself in kind of a dilemma now. I have a Lionspy for heavier duty cutting and a 110v Manix for lighter duty cutting...

...What else do I need for daily carry? I feel like that kinda covers it. Smooth operation, tight lockup, great steel, carries well, looks good, has a good warranty, low corrosion concerns, and good ergos.

I'll probably switch out the Lionspy for a 0562CF when they are released, but, still, I think I have some static pocket residents for the forseeable future. I might sell off my Kizers.

 

[AF]

This one was never disassembled.

I suspect that while polymer cage breaks are rare, it is a weak point in the overall design. My concern over this is why I carry a Pacific Salt when backpacking rather than the Lightweight Manix2.

 

[chrispy513]

Does anyone know if the blade from one of these could be swapped into an original manix2 body? I got a manix2 in DLC 154CM back when they first came out but the grind is just too thick for my liking nowadays. Would be interesting to see if I could put together a frankenmanix.