Manix 2 in G10 and M390 vs PM2 in S45VN

E

ElQuijote139

Joined
Apr 19, 2021
Messages
3
Title says it all. Want a new high end G10 spydie folder for weekend EDC and house/yardwork, etc. I know there's been plenty written to compare the ergos etc elsewhere (and happy to hear your thoughts on the two knives in general) but specifically asking about these combos which are now available, first for just under and second for just over 150. This would be my first G10 spyderco. I have a manix 2 lw in BD1N and a Para 3 lw in 20CV and really like both.
 
Can't really go wrong with either. I like my Manix 2s a bit more than my PM2, but they're both great knives. If I had to pick one I'd get the Manix 2 in M390.
 
Manix people, UNITE!

w0CDFdB.jpeg


I much prefer the blade and handle of the Manix over the PM2. I find the broader leaf blade shape more aesthetically pleasing and the tip is a scooch stronger.

Only way I think Spyderco can really improve the Manix is to use Ti liners and hardware (maybe rethink the construction around the lanyard hole and tone down the jimping around the perimeter of the liners).

Looks like quite a few places have the M390/Earth combo... might have to snag one, as well.
 
Get the para 2, variety is the spice of life..yolo and all that.
 
That’s a hard choice to make. The right answer is to get one of each, that will leave no room for wondering if you made the right choice. Or, buy the one that makes you smile the most when you compare the two. Both are really good knives and to say which one is better is only a matter of opinion.
 
Ajack60 said:
That’s a hard choice to make. The right answer is to get one of each, that will leave no room for wondering if you made the right choice. Or, buy the one that makes you smile the most when you compare the two. Both are really good knives and to say which one is better is only a matter of opinion.
Click to expand...

How do the steels compare?
 
I haven't had a chance to use s45vn yet, but I like m390 (I'm so familiar with it and it's Brothers 20cv 204p I know what to expect)

For me the manix fits my hand better, pm2 sits in pocket a hair better and has a bit more cutting edge

I've heard s45vn is an upgrade from elmax and I like the toughness of elmax so can't wait to try it
 
Mister Coffee said:
How do the steels compare?
Click to expand...

They'll probably be pretty similar with the factory set angles. However, I tend to find that M390 fairs a bit better at lower edge angles (15 DPS and lower). The toughness of M390 (~10-15 ft/lb) is just a bit higher than S45VN (~6-10 ft/lb) at the hardness that Spyderco runs both those steel (it's around 60-61 for Spyderco, right? I think a few lucky people might get 62-63 for their M390 from Spyderco).

At 15 and below, I get a lot more micro chipping (unless I set a microbevel) when cutting wood (relatively soft, pine and cedar) with the SXXVN series of steels in production format.

(Numbers extrapolated from here, here, and here; definitely wish more notch numbers were available at a range of hardnesses so we can stop with the wish-washy language of which steel is "tougher").
 
Last edited:
Spears said:
They'll probably be pretty similar with the factory set angles. However, I tend to find that M390 fairs a bit better at lower edge angles (15 DPS and lower). The toughness of M390 (~10-15 ft/lb) is just a bit higher than S45VN (~6-10 ft/lb) at the hardness that Spyderco runs both those steel (it's around 60-61 for Spyderco, right? I think a few lucky people might get 62-63 for their M390 from Spyderco).

At 15 and below, I get a lot more micro chipping (unless I set a microbevel) when cutting wood (relatively soft, pine and cedar) with the SXXVN series of steels in production format.

(Numbers extrapolated from here, here, and here; definitely wish more notch numbers were available at a range of hardnesses so we can stop with the wish-washy language of which steel is "tougher").
Click to expand...

The second article by a Larrin you posted (third overall), he confirms that previous higher than expected M390 toughness measurements were due to retained austenite, by testing samples with a more controlled heat treat. All of his toughness charts since then have been adjusted down from the original values to basically right in line with S45VN, maybe a hair under.
 
I have both the Manix & PM2 in M390/CPM20CV. The Manix gets most the carry time & hard use, but the PM2 takes up less pocket space.
 
If you are able, since you said yard work was an intended use, I would recommend finding one in Cruwear. I love Cruwear as an outdoor user steel. Not stainless like M390/S45VN, but I've had no problem with corrosion, and it's a tough steel that sharpens easily. One of my favorites for outdoor use!
 
Spears said:
Manix people, UNITE!

w0CDFdB.jpeg


I much prefer the blade and handle of the Manix over the PM2. I find the broader leaf blade shape more aesthetically pleasing and the tip is a scooch stronger.

Only way I think Spyderco can really improve the Manix is to use Ti liners and hardware (maybe rethink the construction around the lanyard hole and tone down the jimping around the perimeter of the liners).

Looks like quite a few places have the M390/Earth combo... might have to snag one, as well.
Click to expand...

If they ever do a sprint or update that goes the full 'premium bruiser' route, I'll snag one. Maybe even nested micarta liners
 
I like both, but for around the house type stuff when you never know how much knife you might need, the Manix 2 gets the "edge" so to speak.

Here's mine. It started life as a Foliage Green CTS-XHP sprint like S Spears but much has changed...


https://imgur.com/yyisV13

Ironwood scales, Ti hardware, MXG shorty clip.
 
Spears said:
They'll probably be pretty similar with the factory set angles. However, I tend to find that M390 fairs a bit better at lower edge angles (15 DPS and lower). The toughness of M390 (~10-15 ft/lb) is just a bit higher than S45VN (~6-10 ft/lb) at the hardness that Spyderco runs both those steel (it's around 60-61 for Spyderco, right? I think a few lucky people might get 62-63 for their M390 from Spyderco).

At 15 and below, I get a lot more micro chipping (unless I set a microbevel) when cutting wood (relatively soft, pine and cedar) with the SXXVN series of steels in production format.

(Numbers extrapolated from here, here, and here; definitely wish more notch numbers were available at a range of hardnesses so we can stop with the wish-washy language of which steel is "tougher").
Click to expand...
Also should be noted that Larrin doesn't use the same Charpy C-Notch test that the numbers in the first BF post were taken from. In the 3rd article, he shows M390 being around 4 ft/lb compared to S45VN being around 6 ft/lb which makes sense given the difference in carbide volume between the two.
 
My vote is the PM2 in S45VN.
I was super impressed with the factory edge. Stays sharp for a very long time. Wayyyyy better than S30V. Seems pretty tough too with EDC. Light metal contact or cutting hard materials seem to have no effect.

I just resharpened mine recently. Gets nice and sticky sharp quite easy.
I'll probably order a bar of this steel. I like it.
 
I like them both... I'm carrying a manix 2 cruwear now.
But... my vote goes to pm2 only because you don't have one.

They are both great knives.
 
Gtscotty said:
The second article by a Larrin you posted (third overall), he confirms that previous higher than expected M390 toughness measurements were due to retained austenite, by testing samples with a more controlled heat treat. All of his toughness charts since then have been adjusted down from the original values to basically right in line with S45VN, maybe a hair under.
Click to expand...

tomhosang said:
Also should be noted that Larrin doesn't use the same Charpy C-Notch test that the numbers in the first BF post were taken from. In the 3rd article, he shows M390 being around 4 ft/lb compared to S45VN being around 6 ft/lb which makes sense given the difference in carbide volume between the two.
Click to expand...

Correct and correct. That's why I used the word "extrapolated" for hardness between 60-61.

Given the small data set that we do have, the various anecdotal evidence that's out there, I figured it would be safe to guesstimate those numbers and still give the slight edge in toughness to M390 at that range of hardness. We also don't know the HT protocol used by Spyderco so maybe some RA is left, maybe some isn't (if you know of someone who has done the quantitative metallography for a Spyderco sample of both steels, that would be excellent to add to the conversation).
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top