Manix 2 154CM Impressions

jonnymac44 · Nov 24, 2009

Well, my Manix 2 in 154CM showed up this afternoon. I know this isn't earth shattering news, but I wasn't in a position to pick one up when they first hit the streets.

Anyway, now that it's here, I must say I'm really glad I grabbed one. This thing is very stout, but sits in the pocket very nicely and isn't too heavy. I love the stonewashed blade, and the profile is great. It's like big 'ol beefy Native:thumbup: This knife has got jimping in every nook and cranny, which combined with the grippy G-10 gives it lots of traction in the hand. The lock is different than what I'm used to on most knives I carry, but it feels like it should be easy to get used to. The operation is pretty smooth and it locks up like a vault. Feels VERY tough.

Is it my imagination, or is the backspacer made of titanium??

Overall, my first impressions are really good. This one will definitely get some pocket time. It's tough, sharp as hell, and looks great. I think I'll grab another one!

Edit: OK, here are a few quick pics.

amen74 · Nov 25, 2009

Great pics. Thanks for sharing. :thumbup:

bladebertt · Nov 25, 2009

Congratulations, the Manix 2 is one of my favorite Spydercos.

Cotherion · Nov 25, 2009

I just got mine and it is nice however few issues.

Nothing much is securing the G10 and SS liners in the back portion (lanyard hole part). Mine came to me with gaps in the space between the G10 and SS liners. I fixed it myself.

Secondly it's rather small to take the torch from the original Manix (I own it too). It feels less substantial and the blade is not as great a cutter as the original.

Third the springs are too exposed if viewed from the inside while blade is opened. I like my Poliwog cause it's springs are in it's own compartment/tunnel/hole.

Fourth the lock is not too easy to open one handed. So far it's a strictly two handed operation. The polymer/plastic tab is questionable in longevity. Would have preferred a SS or Titanium version. However that would jack up the cost like crazy meknows.

However me likes it a lot as it is but feels it should be called something else, it isn't good enough to take the Manix name.

puyallupn8ive · Nov 25, 2009

Man I want one of those.

FlaMtnBkr · Nov 25, 2009

Mine was very stiff when new. Sitting in front of the TV and flipping it open and closed a few hundred (thousand?) times has really smoothed up the opening and it requires considerable less force.

I also don't have a problem with the BB cage. Many polymers are nearly as strong as some metals. No one has a problem with G10 or carbon fiber which is just a type of 'plastic' reinforced with fibers, yet look down on the cage. To my knowledge there has yet to be a problem with one and they are still trashed on.

Just thought I would throw that out there.

jonnymac44 · Nov 25, 2009

FlaMtnBkr said:
Mine was very stiff when new. Sitting in front of the TV and flipping it open and closed a few hundred (thousand?) times has really smoothed up the opening and it requires considerable less force.

I also don't have a problem with the BB cage. Many polymers are nearly as strong as some metals. No one has a problem with G10 or carbon fiber which is just a type of 'plastic' reinforced with fibers, yet look down on the cage. To my knowledge there has yet to be a problem with one and they are still trashed on.

Just thought I would throw that out there.

The lock cage definitely feels like it will hold up nicely over time. I'll keep ya all posted over the next 20 years!

Gotsouthern · Nov 25, 2009

I picked one up from a member on here about 3 weeks ago. Really like it overall, very beefy, mean feeling knife but carries very well. I'm not really huge on the overall grind, but a trip to Mr. Krein is in the future for this one, maybe a full convex or full flat grind. But overall, I love it!!

jonnymac44 · Nov 25, 2009

Gotsouthern said:
I picked one up from a member on here about 3 weeks ago. Really like it overall, very beefy, mean feeling knife but carries very well. I'm not really huge on the overall grind, but a trip to Mr. Krein is in the future for this one, maybe a full convex or full flat grind. But overall, I love it!!

Hadn't even thought about sending it to Tom yet, don't tempt me!!

Gotsouthern · Nov 25, 2009

jonnymac44 said:
Hadn't even thought about sending it to Tom yet, don't tempt me!!

Oh yeah, got a trifecta headed to him soon...Manix 2, Endura and a BM LFTi. Be a wonderful little after Christmas surprise.

nate3993 · Nov 25, 2009

hmm. this intrigues me. i do love stonewashed blades

how big is the blade btw? thanks

Thalestin · Nov 25, 2009

I handled one and thought it was a great knife but 3 things made me decide against it:

1) I found it was very difficult to close one handed
2) The grind just was too thick to me. Wouldnt be a good slicer imo, and judging by reviews of users this is true.
3) I didnt like the plastic on the cage. Im sure it is strong, but was aethetically not pleasing to me

Im pretty sad I missed out on the first manix. That guy seemed like a real pro, I loved the mini very much but never picked one up =(

zackfraser · Nov 27, 2009

I just got my Manix 2 Serrated in the mail today, and I have to say I like it a lot. Very good weight in the hand, and fills my hand nicely. I feel I can really work with this knife due to the jimping that seems to be everywhere. All in all I feel like it is a solid folder, definitely worth what I traded it for.

amen74 · Nov 27, 2009

nate3993 said:
how big is the blade btw? thanks

3 3/8" from the Spyderco website. :thumbup:

bodankers · Nov 28, 2009

Thalestin said:
I handled one and thought it was a great knife but 3 things made me decide against it:

1) I found it was very difficult to close one handed
2) The grind just was too thick to me. Wouldnt be a good slicer imo, and judging by reviews of users this is true.
3) I didnt like the plastic on the cage. Im sure it is strong, but was aethetically not pleasing to me

Im pretty sad I missed out on the first manix. That guy seemed like a real pro, I loved the mini very much but never picked one up =(

I keep hearing these sort comments about the manix 2 being hard to operate one handed, I'm really left wandering whats difficult about it. My CF manix 2 has but buttery smooth action and beautiful easy lock up. IMO its no different to operating an Axis lock, which everybody seems to love...

Care to elaborate some more?

bo.

zackfraser · Nov 28, 2009

I can see what the poster said about it being difficult to close one handed. The lock can be a little difficult to pull back to disengage. Unlike an AXIS where you can do it with only your thumb. I think once the spring breaks it it will get easier and easier. But, for now I just close it with the back of my leg, while my thumb and forfinger do all the work of opening the lock.

JNewell · Nov 28, 2009

bodankers said:
I keep hearing these sort comments about the manix 2 being hard to operate one handed, I'm really left wandering whats difficult about it. My CF manix 2 has but buttery smooth action and beautiful easy lock up. IMO its no different to operating an Axis lock, which everybody seems to love...

Care to elaborate some more?

bo.

I have two of these, one in 154CM and one in S90V. Both have a high number of open/close cycles. Opening with one hand is easy. Closing with two fingers of one hand is nearly impossible. I have big hands and I have to use thumb and middle finger on the cage, index finger in the Spyderhole and have to have the rear of the knife wedged against the heel of my hand to push the ball cage against. That is very different from the slick, fast and easy unlock of an Axis lock.

ousanas · Nov 28, 2009

JNewell said:
I have two of these, one in 154CM and one in S90V. Both have a high number of open/close cycles. Opening with one hand is easy. Closing with two fingers of one hand is nearly impossible. I have big hands and I have to use thumb and middle finger on the cage, index finger in the Spyderhole and have to have the rear of the knife wedged against the heel of my hand to push the ball cage against. That is very different from the slick, fast and easy unlock of an Axis lock.

strange, my 154cm model is buttery smooth, and was from day one. Thumb and side of index finger, holding the knife straight out in front of me, pull them back and the blade falls in smooth as silk.

JNewell · Nov 28, 2009

ousanas said:
strange, my 154cm model is buttery smooth, and was from day one. Thumb and side of index finger, holding the knife straight out in front of me, pull them back and the blade falls in smooth as silk.

I'm not saying it's not smooth. Both are smooth as ball bearings on glass - these are probably the smoothest folders I own. However, the springs that drive the ball are quite strong and the plastic cage on the ball is small, slick and almost flush with the scales. There is no way I can reliably release the lock as quickly, easily and with as little of my hand as I can an Axis lock.

OTOH, if I understand what you're saying, yeah, I could do that, too. But then you're using gravity to close the blade. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with that, but I prefer to have the blade close under my control, which means the index finger is on the Spyderhole.

ROBB · Nov 28, 2009

This folder is as smooth as any axis lock. The problem is it cannot be closed with just using your thumb. The spring is very strong and you have to use your thumb & forefinger to pull back both sides of the CBBL. Its not so easy to do one handed. I also have the P'Kal folder and the spring is much easier to pull back- it can be done with just the thumb.
I've had the Manix II for close to 2 months and opened & closed it hundeds of times and the spring is still as strong s when I 1st got it. I love the folder, the only problem is its tough to close one handed. Also the flat grind would be much better. I know they made a spint run but they are going for over $200.
Also closing the Manix II with the thumb & forefinger and letting the blade drop can cause a cut on your 4th or 5th finger that are wrapped around the hande. You have to be carefull and move them out of the way.