Manix 2 Lock One Handed?

VermontEdge

VermontEdge

Joined
Jun 10, 2015
Messages
1,144
Hey everyone,
I really want to order a Manix 2 but my only concern is that my sweaty hands will make handed closing of the knife difficult. Are the two "buttons" on the lock at all difficult to pull back? Should I be worried?

I really like my ZT 0566 but the steel on the frame lock is so slick and the lock is so stiff that it's a pain to use most of the time :mad:
 
I wouldn't worry. The buttons are textured/grooved for a positive grip. The lock may be a little stiff at first, especially if you're used to an Axis lock as the spring is definitely stronger, but they break in fairly quickly.
 
I have a lot of them and they all work mostly the same way. The lock spring is a lot stiffer than the lock spring of an axis lock. I can operate an axis lock easily with the tip of my thumb, I have to use thumb and first finger to operate the BBL.

I generally hold the knife in my had with the point extending away from me and the edge facing down, the back of the knife against the inside of my palm, 3 fingertips on the back scale, the first finger on the lock button on the back of the knife and the tip of my thumb on the lock button on the closest side. This keeps fingertips away from the opening in the handle. I pinch between the thumb and first finger in order to get enough friction to pull the lock buttons. When I pull the buttons the blade falls at least halfway closed, then I close it the rest of the way with my thumb. I can close the XL version the same way.
 
this exactly



bdmicarta said:
I have a lot of them and they all work mostly the same way. The lock spring is a lot stiffer than the lock spring of an axis lock. I can operate an axis lock easily with the tip of my thumb, I have to use thumb and first finger to operate the BBL.

I generally hold the knife in my had with the point extending away from me and the edge facing down, the back of the knife against the inside of my palm, 3 fingertips on the back scale, the first finger on the lock button on the back of the knife and the tip of my thumb on the lock button on the closest side. This keeps fingertips away from the opening in the handle. I pinch between the thumb and first finger in order to get enough friction to pull the lock buttons. When I pull the buttons the blade falls at least halfway closed, then I close it the rest of the way with my thumb. I can close the XL version the same way.
Click to expand...
 
I concur. ... sounds really involved and complicated ... the manix 2 was my first folder and the lock disengagement, came totally natural to me . The levers are tapered and grip or slip has never been an issue with me . I will add that it does require you to grip it on both sides , unlike an axis lock . You can actuate it with just your thumb . But it is hard and awkward...
 
bdmicarta said:
I generally hold the knife in my had with the point extending away from me and the edge facing down, the back of the knife against the inside of my palm, 3 fingertips on the back scale, the first finger on the lock button on the back of the knife and the tip of my thumb on the lock button on the closest side. This keeps fingertips away from the opening in the handle. I pinch between the thumb and first finger in order to get enough friction to pull the lock buttons. When I pull the buttons the blade falls at least halfway closed, then I close it the rest of the way with my thumb. I can close the XL version the same way.
Click to expand...
^ This.
That's how I've done it, and it was more an intuitive process than a rationalized approach. If anything, I think it's easier with the 2XL than the Manix2.
Panzeron, if you like the Military, you should try the Manix2 XL. The only thing keeping mine out of my pocket is the creepy feel of the CF (I really need to get new scales for this thing, or sell it, because it's just taking up space)
 
Hhmoore. .. exactly. . That's what I said in different words ..when explaining how to actuate the lock . It sounds all involved and complicated. But it is actually very natural .. the thing that keeps me from the manix xl is .... I love my manix 2 . It was my first and I can't say anything negative about it . But for some reason out of all my knives it gets carried the least .. I can't explain it .. there is no practical reason .. it just is .. I don't want to get rid of it or anything ..so I feel that if I get the xl it'll just sit around also ...
 
bdmicarta said:
The lock spring is a lot stiffer than the lock spring of an axis lock. I can operate an axis lock easily with the tip of my thumb, I have to use thumb and first finger to operate the BBL.
Click to expand...

This has been my experience as well. On my first BD1 Manix 2 LW, the lock was a pretty big turn off. Even after 100's if not 1000+ cycles along with cleaning, a drop of oil...everything I could think of, that thing was stiff and sticky to disengage. I could certainly do it one handed but I had to think about it and work at it, which I don't like doing with locking mechanisms. Now, honestly, I purchased another Manix, S110v variety, and while it certainly hasn't broken in yet, I'm wondering if I'm going to feel any differently about the CBBL. But, it doesn't matter too much this time around, because the S110v Manix is such a spectacular knife...such much 'bang for the buck' that I can forgive it for possessing a lock I don't enjoy. I couldn't say that with the BD1 version.
 
There is a lot of variation.... the g10 and cru-wear manix variations I had I literally cannot understand how a normal person could close one handed. You had to position it just right, squeeze the lock between your fingers as hard as possible to get enough grip and pull back hard, I often got cut because I forgot to get my fingers out of the way as I was too concentrated in closing it. The s110v manix however arrived easy to operate, and got even easier as It was used and beat on some. I would say it might be 2-3 times stiffer than a broken in axis lock, which is still quite easy. while the g10 manix felt damn near 5-10 times more stiff.
 
I have to say these CBB locks were extremely tough to control on the regular and XL g10 models I just received today. I thought I might be able to handle them. I thought wrong.

The XL is even more difficult to control than the regular because it seems to stick once in the locked position and I can't push my palm against the butt of the handle in order to close it one handed (handle is too long). The regular I can close with much concentration, although I wouldn't say its particularly safe to do. The XL version I think I accidentally closed one-handed two times. After that it is just way too hard to grip the handle itself, not even mentioning the lock.

So the lock is very hard to push back, but that isn't my problem. My problem is getting a good grip on the knife without having my fingers in the way of the slicing scythe careening towards the handle once I disengage the lock. That's been my experience; I wish I had read this thread before I ordered two of them. I need to be able to close my knife with one hand, so I'll try out the Para 2 or Military instead.
 
In short, it's not a big deal to close one-handed, but it's tricky if you have your heart set on only using your thumb, like an Axis lock. Still doable, but like others have already pointed out, it's easier to use a sort of 2-finger "pinch" on the lock
 
I find it intuitive to use the finger and thumb pinch to disengage the lock, with the CBL and the Axis lock. Just happens without thinking about it.

My Manix XL has had lots of use and is nicely broken in. My Cruwear Manix however has had little use and is still quite stiff to disengage.

With the deep carry clip I have on the Manix XL, its easy to grip with 3 fingers on the clip, which not only provides the grip needed to easily flip it closed with one hand, but also keeps the fingers out of harms way. And a deep carry clip really suits the XL IMO.

DSC00048_zpsymaikbga.jpg
 
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