Manix 2 Lightweight vs Stretch Lightweight

K

kubelik

Joined
Oct 16, 2013
Messages
240
between the Manix 2 Lightweight in S110V and the Stretch Lightweight in VG-10, anybody have any experience with either/both to share? I can afford the slightly higher cost of the Manix 2 LW and I would like to experiment with the S110V steel. that being said, I don't have any VG-10 blades either, so the Stretch is also intriguing to me.

the only thing that gives me pause about the Manix 2 LW is that I've seen some reviews complaining about its ergonomics and blade steel/heat-treat; while it's not a lot of people complaining, it's surprising to me to see any complaints about Spyderco products in general. I do own an older Manix with the G-10 and full liners and given that I wear XL gloves the overall shape fits my hands great.

would love to hear what folks have to say about these two knives, looking to most likely finalize the purchase later today. Thanks in advance!
 
I have both Manix LW and Stretch, but my Stretch is the superblue sprint. I normally carry them while at home because they are light and comfy. They weigh about the same.

I like the Manix LW a lot, but I really **love** the Stretch. It fits my hand perfectly, the scales are more rounded for a more comfortable grip, and I prefer superblue over S110V. I have never heard of any heat-treat issues on S110V, mine performs very well as expected. I am not necessarily a huge fan of the back lock, but the one on this knife locks up well with barely a hint of up/down play under heavy pressure, so no complaints. Speaking of locks, the Manix's ball bearing lock is rock solid, and a whole lot more fun to flick open/close. Everything considered, I still prefer the superblue Stretch.

Both are very good, honest and affordable worker knives.

20141024_062040_zpsb2a24dbf.jpg
 
Last edited:
I own both, am a huge fan of the Stretch, but never carry the Manix 2. Main reason is that the "finger separator" on the Manix 2's handle makes gripping it feel unnatural.
 
Brock, thanks for the feedback. the photo makes it very noticeable how much more sculpted the corners are on the Stretch versus the Manix. just realized there's a green ZDP-189 version of the Stretch out there as well, which is a steel and coloration combination that I really like.
 
i don't own the manix LW only the G-10 version,but i just got a strech 2 VG-10 FRN/black and just love it,vary useful knife/shape,i didn't care much for the other green/ZDP-189 model so ended up getting this one!if the color is not a big deal i would get ether one of these,all around better user friendly knife than the manix shape blade! i would think.
 
kubelik said:
Brock, thanks for the feedback. the photo makes it very noticeable how much more sculpted the corners are on the Stretch versus the Manix. just realized there's a green ZDP-189 version of the Stretch out there as well, which is a steel and coloration combination that I really like.
Click to expand...

In your OP, I was thinking: 'S110V to VG10 is really no comparison, regardless of platform.'

However, you really brought the comparison back into the spotlight by mentioning the ZDP Stretch. I own the S110V Manix and I really like. I don't own a Stretch but am quite familiar with it. The ergos of both are about the same to these hands as far as overall comfort...very good, but not superb. I have zero experience with ZDP but my ZDP Endura will be here Friday :D....looking forward to comparing S110V to ZDP. Based on what I've read about ZDP (...being a little brittle and easy to chip, prone to staining in certain climates and circumstances) I'd imagine I'll prefer S110V, but I've been at this game long enough to know that my opinions often change dramatically once I actually experience things for myself.
 
This is difficult for me to decide. I LOVE my Stretches. I have a Manix 2 in S110V and I have to admit it doesn't see pocket time for me. I carry it mainly as a backup woods knife now. I will try to say why.

The Stretch handle is softer on the edges and more comfortable IWB carry.

The Stretch blade has more belly. When I use my Manix 2 I somehow feel like I am using a large utility razor blade.

The Stretch ergos fit 'my' hand much better.

Having said that I know my reasons are not really an issue for most. There is no doubt that when I use my Manix 2 it performs superbly for what it was designed for.

The Stretch, Domino, Dragonfly, and Pacific Salt are my favorite knives.
 
ZDP Stretch is my edc 90% of the time and I own over 20 excellent knives--- it just flips open effortlessly and becomes a natural extension of my hand. Have a VG-10 version as well, but never use it. My experience with VG-10 in my Delica and Endura is that it gets very sharp but dulls fairly easily. ZDP-189 stays sharp at least 5x longer for my uses.

You quickly get used to the green scales of the ZDP Stretch, but you can usually find the discontinued blue version on the auction site. I was very fortunate to also nab a carbon fiber version, my Holy Grail!
 
I much prefer the features of the Manix 2 and I have several different versions, but this is just personal preference and there are a lot of people that like the Stretch.

The main difference between them that I would use for making a choice is the lock type- one is a lockback and the other is not.
 
Looks like I am at the oposite end.

I prefer the LW manix over the Stretch.

And I had three versions of stretch's in
VG10.Nothing special.
SB Super sharp but it rusts easily if "" I "" carry it
ZDP as sharp as SB but still rusted. Not as bad as SB.
The ergos where. Meh...Nothing to brag about.

As for the Manix LW.
Just right.
I am very happy with the BD1 steel.
No rust. Super sharp. Fits in my hand better than a Stretch.
Ergos are just right.
No back lock.


You will be happy with BD1 steel.
 
I have the S100V Manix in my pocket right now, but I do think that I slightly prefer the Superblue Stretch that I have as well. The Stretch ego's just fit my hand better. Both are great and I'm glad I own and can carry both...you should get both too! Lol
 
I have a BD1 Manix2 LW and had both a ZDP and a VG10 Stretch. I really like the look of the Stretch but the handle just doesn't fit well in my hand so I ended up selling the VG10 to another member on here. The ZDP Stretch I got from the river site came with a lot of up and down play that just would not go away, so I sent it back.

I really like the Manix 2 LW, BD1 is a good mid level steel. It is very rust resistant, easy to sharpen and takes a very nice edge. My M2LW is sharpened on the SharpMaker to 30 degrees inclusive and works great for a whole variety of things. It especially excels at trimming raw meat like steak and chicken. BD1 won't hold an edge like ZDP or Elmax/M390, but it is a lot cheaper and is a LOT easier to sharpen with basic tools.
 
I have several Stretches and a regular Manix 2. I like them all, probably the Stretches a little more. I also have a Manix LW. IMO Spyderco laid a goose egg on the handle.
 




Kinda the same thing that Brock O Lee said. Notice how we both changed the clips on the Stretch (and couldn't find one with a lanyard hole in it). I love the Stretch but I carry that Manix 2 and beat on it - and it asks for more. And yes, I haven't cleaned the Stretch.


If I can figure out how to post photos
 
Last edited:
I say Stretch. I've had both the LW and G10 Manix and neither are with me anymore. I've had Vg-10, Zdp-189 and SuperBlue Stretch's. As a matter of fact I traded into a Vg-10 Stretch today so I wouldn't be without one while I sent my SuperBlue Stretch out for sharpening. They are by far my favorite Spyderco
 
i wish that the OP would let us no witch one he ended up getting! would help others' ...
 
acafa04ac11885d4a7b7fc7664dfe0c4.jpg


I have both a Manix 2 S110V and a Stretch SuperBlue, both were $110 and while I love the stretch, I can't say enough about the S110V Manix. In my opinion it's by far the best value in a folder available. Strong, very good size for its weight, the wire clip is awesome and S110V steel.
 
thanks again to everyone for the feedback - especially the photos, they helped a lot. I had originally put off my purchase for a few days so I could EDC my old-school G-10 Manix 2 w/ liners (I know the weight is totally different from the Manix 2 LW, but still a comparable body). based on my feelings from this week, I am going to go for the VG-10 Stretch, with the reasoning as follows:

- shape: I really love how the Manix looks from a design/aesthetic perspective, but every time I EDC it I remember how cumbersome it is in my pocket. I'm not talking about weight, but sheer width. I keep my XL-sized cell phone (Galaxy Note 4) in my left pocket, which means keys and knife have to share my right pocket. with the Manix, I can barely get my hand in, and once I get my hand in, it's hard to get anything out. the PM2 is about as wide of a shape as I can comfortably use in a realistic EDC, unless I'm out hiking, in which case I have extra space and the keys take a lower priority. I think the more streamlined shape of the Stretch is going to work much better for me in my typical usage.

- steel: I'm equally interested in S110V, BD-1, and VG-10, since I own no knives with any of these steels (I own mostly S30V, CTS-XHP, 440 and 420 variants, and then some singletons in S35VN, CPM154, Cru-wear, and ZDP-189). So that didn't wind up being a deciding factor for me. lately I've been trying to get more familiar with the non-super-steels, trying to appreciate the simpler things in life, so I'm going to save the $25 or so and get the Stretch VG-10 instead of the ZDP-189

- ergonomics: I'm on the fence between the two camps here. on one hand, I don't think the Manix ergos are horrendous, although I think this has a lot to do with how large your hands are. if you have smaller hands, it could definitely be a mess ergonomically. for me, I can definitely use the choil to hook into my index finger and choke up. however, at the same time, with more use, I really do notice that even though my fingers fit, they would be a lot more comfortable if there was some sculpting/rounding to the scales in that frontal area, similar to what you see on the Stretch (I used my Delica 4 for reference, which has the same eased edge for the FRN). I guess some people refer to this as having hot spots. I'll have to compare the Manix geometry against the Domino to see where they differ - I can carry and use the Domino all day without getting the feeling of it digging into my fingers the way the Manix does.

so there you have it - my thought process, anyway. everyone's will differ. knowing me (and knowing how Spyderco aficionados work in general) I'll still wind up with a Manix LW sooner or later... thanks again for all the help, everyone!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top