Manix 2 lock difficult to use?

M

MrPres

Joined
Sep 12, 2005
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I used to own an original Manix, and I loved that knife. I would love to pull the trigger on a new Manix 2, but that lock looks difficult to use. Looks like you must use two fingers to get it disengaged (which would mean that you also have to use two hands to close the knife). That would be a deal breaker for me. Any thoughts?
 
Nope, grasp it in one hand, either side of the lock, between your thumb and forefinger, and pull back.

Not difficult to use at all, although it might take you a few openings/closings to get the exact hang of it.
 
I wouldn't call it hard, but you do have to get used to it. I wouldn't say it's much more difficult than an axis lock.
 
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It can be closed with one hand as well. While you do seem to need both your thumb and forefinger to pull the lock back, you can hold it there with just your thumb once it's disengaged and use your forefinger to push the blade back into the handle. Though I have to admit it's not as smooth as an Axis lock.

Perhaps you should have a look at the Sage 3 instead?
 
Mine was very hard to work out of box and didn't loosen up much after a few weeks of use. When I took it apart I noticed the plastic rod which holds the spring had some flashing left on the end. This didn't leave very much room for the blade to clear the ball bearing. Once I trimmed it down the lock worked fine although its still not as easy to manipulate as an axis lock. I think it may just be due to the shape and slickness of the plastic.
 
I am going to give my opinions be brutally honest here. I find the axis lock is superior to the cage ball lock in pretty much every way. With the axis lock, you can unlock it with your thumb and push the blade back into the handle with your index. With the cage ball lock, you need to use your thumb and middle finger to unlock and push the blade into the handle with your index. I am now thinking of using the lock with gloves. I traded all my Manix 2's and I don't think you would be able to depress the lock with gloves on. Maybe you could, but it would not be as easy as with the axis lock.
 
Nikkogi said:
I am going to give my opinions be brutally honest here. I find the axis lock is superior to the cage ball lock in pretty much every way. With the axis lock, you can unlock it with your thumb and push the blade back into the handle with your index. With the cage ball lock, you need to use your thumb and middle finger to unlock and push the blade into the handle with your index. I am now thinking of using the lock with gloves. I traded all my Manix 2's and I don't think you would be able to depress the lock with gloves on. Maybe you could, but it would not be as easy as with the axis lock.
Click to expand...

On the contrary; nothing could be simpler. I spent all summer using (and opening, and closing) the knife with thick leather gloves on. Gravity does all the work, for crying out loud. :p

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnxLUldJB44
 
I've had a Manix for a bit and have tried the method shown in the videos above. My hands must be too small to fully "cup" the tail end of the knife and with the lack of jimping in that area, it just slips out of my hand when I try to pull back on the lock. MUCH more difficult than an Axis lock.

(I have large slender hands)
 
There's a little more spring force compared to the BM omega spring but the mechanics are similar. You can actually disengage the lock with just one finger on a broken in Manix 2 but the thumb and index finger "pinch" is much easier.

I just got the Sage 3 with the bolt action lock. Similar mechanics and even easier to operate. I'm plenty happy with both locks.
 
I never got the hang of it. Dont know if mine had the flashing problem or not, but it was extremely hard to open or close. Also never liked the look of the clear plastic on a hard use folder. It was the deal breaker for me and I sold it off. Shame though, I liked it otherwise.
 
took mine apart initially to drill out the liners and loose a little weight in the process i tuned the lock by judicious polishing here n there and wow, made it much better than stock though id say this still will require 2 fingers on the lock to close. ive got no knife assisted or otherwise that will open as fast as my manix 2. the only knife i have thats as smooth is my gayle bradley.
 
I've had a the Manix 2 for over a year and it's very easy to open and close one handed, even with gloves. It can be a little stiff at first but it will wear in.
 
Well, I did not think from memory that the Manix 2 could be unlocked with gloves but I was wrong! It's a very strong lock as well but I just wish they made a metal slide release/cage instead of polymer. I know that Glocks, Griptillians, and a lot of other proven hard use gear is made of plastic but I would just prefer metal.
 
rattler12 said:
Nope, grasp it in one hand, either side of the lock, between your thumb and forefinger, and pull back.

Not difficult to use at all, although it might take you a few openings/closings to get the exact hang of it.
Click to expand...

This is what I do, too...more reliable for me in most cases than trying on one side only, though that's possible.
 
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