My Manix 2 arrived last night, and I have to say I'm disappointed.
I'm disappointed because the knife caused me to lose the challenge of carrying only my small Sebenza for a year. I lasted 7 months with my small Sebbie, and the Manix 2 kicked it out of my pocket.
Anybody who complained about the loss of the old Manix models is going to eat crow when they handle this new one. Everything there was to love about the old Manix is still there (except the gonzo size of the large model)- and more. The new lock is ridiculously rock-solid. The ergos are great. The review in the OP was correct in that the lock can't be disengaged with just your thumb. You just have shift your grip and pinch the lock's cage with your thumb and index finger. Not a big deal. A small price to pay for a folder that can probably do almost anything a fixed blade can do. My one complaint, design wise, is that there is a whole lotta jimping going on with this knife. There are 3 different jimping types on the knife- liberally applied. They feel great, and probably contribute to the function. But they look a bit fussy. They make the knife look a bit more aggressive than I like. But I'm sure they'll grow on me. The jimping helps "lock" the knife into the hand. I don't see the thing slipping, ever, no matter what grip it's in. Wet, slimy, whatever. You're not gonna drop the thing unless you want to. The grip is quite amazing in that even though it has distinctive finger grooves, it feels perfect in several different grips. The only grip that feels a little bit awkward is Pikal- but this knife isn't designed for that.
Overall, the new Manix is one heck of a knife in terms of value, design, quality of construction, materials, and fit & finish. :thumbup: Very cool.
for a moment. Sure am glad it's a keeper, mine should be in the mail Thursday.