Manix 2 FFG, Para 2 or Chowke for EDC ?

Joined
May 24, 2007
Messages
3,413
Which of these three would you recommend me for EDC and why ?

At the moment I EDC a UK penknife slipit with G-10 scales, but I'd like to add another Spyderco for EDC at work with a lock.

My choice has narrowed down to the three mentioned in the title. (the Manix would be a CTS-BD30P sprint version)

Primary usage will be (light) EDC tasks e.g. opening packaging, food prep, cutting down boxes, etc

Secondary usage might be emergency SD, but I also carry a dedicated small fixed blade for that and a handgun when at work, so this role is (almost) negligible,,,

Thanks for any advise, feedback and user experiences shared :D
 
I don't have any experience with the Chowke, but I do own several FFG Manix 2 and Para 2 models. Both have their own virtues, but I find myself reaching for my Para 2 models more frequently. The slimmer profile and ergonomics are probably what tip the scales for me.
 
I'm leaning towards the Para 2 aswell atm,,, 'cause I know I'm reluctant to actually 'use' a Sprint Run and I prefer a FFG in any case for EDC stuff,,,

The Chokwe, I've held in hand and liked very much,,,

Which one would be the less 'tacticool' looking for sheeple ?
 
My vote definitely goes to the Para 2. I like its ergos the best out of the three and find its blade design to be more versatile than that of the Chokwe (which is a superb slicer but very thin). I also prefer the compression lock to the caged ball bearing lock of the Manix 2.

Also, this isn't really a consideration for me since I'm fine with carrying bigger/heavier knives -- my most frequent EDC is a Strider SMF -- but the Para 2 is also lighter than the Manix 2.
 
The Manix 2 and Para 2 are two of my three favorite Spydercos, (also the Military) I feel with the manix 2's deeper choil it really locks in to your grip, I prefer the para's lock and slimmer carry profile, overall I'd say I prefer the Para 2 by a slim margin, I just have more Manix 2's because other Para sprints aren't out yet.
IMG_2064.jpg
 
^that's quite a family,,, congrats ! :thumbup:

So, that's another vote for the Para 2 it seems,,, anyone with bad experiences with the Para 2 or another view on these choices ?
 
Personally I find the Para to be a much more versatile knife allround compared the M2. I've always found the M2's grip very secure but somewhat limited, it also looses points with me for being a bit too "tacticool"... and the M2 has had it's share of adverse reactions from the general public. :rolleyes:

I'm yet to get my hands on the Chokwe, but as I understand it it's more of a dedicated slicer.

bo
 
I don't think the Chokwe compares well to the other two. That blocky handle isn't as ergonomic as the others. Personally I'm in love with the Para 2, but I'm also a Manix 2 fan as well. I just like the slimmer profile of the Para 2 in my pocket and it's more comfortable when you're really squeezing it hard.
 
The Para 2 is one of the few knives, let alone Spyderco knives, that I've heard anything...and I mean anything negative about. I have yet to own one, but just based on what I already own from Spyderco's line and the remarks of everyone else I know I'd love it. It's going to be one of the next knives I buy. You'd love the Manix 2 as well. I'm glad you're going for the BD30P sprint run with the FFG blade. IMO the Manix 2 looks BUTT ugly with a sabre grind. I love my Manix 2...it's probably the smoothest-opening knife I own with the exception of my Sage III. Good luck with whatever you choose!

PS: MichaelM466: That is one gorgeous group of arachnids there. I'd probably surrender a testicle to have that trio of Manixes, most especially the blue g-10 one! The blue Manix has been my dream knife since I became Spyder-bitten. Soon I shall have her! Oh, and care to show us what blades are to the right in that photo? :D
 
PS: MichaelM466: That is one gorgeous group of arachnids there. I'd probably surrender a testicle to have that trio of Manixes, most especially the blue g-10 one! The blue Manix has been my dream knife since I became Spyder-bitten. Soon I shall have her! Oh, and care to show us what blades are to the right in that photo? :D

Thanks, I do love the blue color, I'm looking forward to adding the Blue/M390 Para 2 to my wheel as well as the M390/CF Military, and I know how you feel about trying to find the blue Manix, I really wish I could find the S90V Manix for a decent price. Anyway, the sprint wheel + some regular productions...
IMG_2193.jpg

IMG_2194.jpg

IMG_2196.jpg
 
I have a digicamo para2 and I would have to say it's my favorite knife. The bushing pivot is extremely smooth, the ethos are nice and the compression lock with open scales are easy to keep clean.

I don't own a manic 2 but an original Manix and it is a great knife but big and heavy. I have been eyeing up that sprint Manix 2 though...

I just recently bought a Caly 3 carbon fiber/Zdp 189 and I'm really enjoying carrying it when I want something a little smaller and more discreet than my para2.
 
I have owned all three. The Chokwe is more or an unusual ethnic-inspired collectors piece for those who enjoying trying something new. I would rule it out for your purposes. The PM2 and the M2 are very similar to me, the difference being the Para Military 2 is more of a pointy tipped slicer and the Manix 2 is more of a beefier utility knife. If I was picking one for carry every day in my suburban office worker life, I would choose the Para. If I was camping or running cable or landscaping, I would pick the Manix 2.
 
Back
Top