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Manix 2 LW gripe

Bumblingtinkerer

Bumblingtinkerer

Joined
Jun 10, 2013
Messages
107
Hey guys, it's been a while since I posted and I've got a question. I picked up a blue Manix 2 LW in November of last year, and at first I liked it, but I didn't love it, and eventually it just got to the point where I stopped carrying it, and now I just don't dig it at all. The blade shape doesn't lend itself to my uses. The only real use its ever gotten was on a hunting trip where the kitchen only had crappy Walmart knives and I had to cook one morning. The steel doesn't hold an edge like I expect, but it takes a good edge, which is great, but I expect it to hold that. Also , it's been riding in my truck in a dry environment, and I pulled it out this morning to take a picture to sell it with, and the blade had rust spots on it. I don't trust the polymer handles like I do Aluminum or G10 handles, they feel flimsy to me. The lock system feels cheap and rough, the clip seems like it will break off with only one attaching screw. Maybe I'm crazy but I just don't like this knife. It has great jimping though, and it's pretty comfortable with the forward choil. I can see why people would like it but I'm also used to carrying smaller blades like a Mini Grip or a leek, and it's just too damn big for me. I guess it's the way it's shaped because I carry larger blades on occasion and they don't bother me as much as this does. Heck I even have a Timberline 18 Delta that doesn't bother me so badly! I guess I'm just trying to figure out what the general consensus on this knife really is. Sorry if I'm whining guys, thanks for your time -Tink
 
Hey tink, welcome to the forum. I am a huge spyderco fan and I buy and carry their knives almost exclusively. Regarding the manix LW though I can completely relate to your feelings. A lot of people love the knife but it is probably my least favorite spyderco I have owned. I was pretty underwhelmed when i got it actually. So yeah, despite the love, it's not for everyone. I would strongly recommend that you try some more spydercos though! Amazing brand with amazing offerings. You should handle a paramilitary 2 and a military if you have the chance. Both are spctacular knives, and the list goes on...and on.
 
I'm sorry that you aren't happy with the Manix 2 LW. I had reservations about the LW version, so I went with the full steel G10 model. But if you are concerned about the size/shape of the Manix an even heavier version might not be your thing. I would recommend getting the new Manix 2 S110v LW version. It should be sturdier than the translucent LW and the steel will be much nicer.
 
The handles are actually quite durable, and if you take care of it, the steel will not rust. The reason why people love these knives is because people actually get out there and use the heck out of them. They might not look great to some people but you start to appreciate them once you use them. Spyderco is known for having a good heat treat on their steel. If your knife isn't holding its edge, it's probably not the steel to blame. Either you are comparing it to a superior steel, or you are using it improperly. My Manix 2 has an incredibly smooth action, and has never rusted. I would trust it with any cutting task.
 
The-Stig said:
The handles are actually quite durable, and if you take care of it, the steel will not rust. The reason why people love these knives is because people actually get out there and use the heck out of them. They might not look great to some people but you start to appreciate them once you use them. Spyderco is known for having a good heat treat on their steel. If your knife isn't holding its edge, it's probably not the steel to blame. Either you are comparing it to a superior steel, or you are using it improperly. My Manix 2 has an incredibly smooth action, and has never rusted. I would trust it with any cutting task.
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Yeah, I think that's kind of the point. That it doesn't compare well to superior steels...and most of the steels spyderco uses are superior in edge retention.

I personally didn't like the look or feel of the handles but like I said, that is something very subjective. The steel? Meh, it was ok. The edge retention wasn't great, but on the positive side that bd1 will get screaming sharp with very little effort. Like you, I found mine to be VERY corrosion resistant. I used mine plenty until I realized it was my least favorite spyderco to use so I let somebody else have it. Spyderco makes too many awesome knives for me to waste time trying to force myself to love one that's not for me when there are dozens of others that are. :)
 
Surfingringo said:
Yeah, I think that's kind of the point. That it doesn't compare well to superior steels...and most of the steels spyderco uses are superior in edge retention.

I personally didn't like the look or feel of the handles but like I said, that is something very subjective. The steel? Meh, it was ok. The edge retention wasn't great, but on the positive side that bd1 will get screaming sharp with very little effort. Like you, I found mine to be VERY corrosion resistant. I used mine plenty until I realized it was my least favorite spyderco to use so I let somebody else have it. Spyderco makes too many awesome knives for me to waste time trying to force myself to love one that's not for me when there are dozens of others that are. :)
Click to expand...

I agree with you there. I certainly think that there's something for everyone in the Spyderco range. It's so diverse, you'd have to be pretty picky to not find something you could use and enjoy.
 
Surfingringo said:
I would strongly recommend that you try some more spydercos though! Amazing brand with amazing offerings. You should handle a paramilitary 2 and a military if you have the chance. Both are spctacular knives, and the list goes on...and on.
Click to expand...

I agree, Surfingringo.

I'm not a big Manix fan, and also not a big FRN fan. I don't mind FRN on the smaller knives like the Dragonfly, but on the Delica, Endura, and UKPK, I just never grew to like it. I am a big fan of the PM2 and Military. You should give one of them a try.
 
My very favorite knife along with my PM2. I love the weight, the FRCP is super strong, love the wire clip, the action on mine is super smooth now that's it's broken in, it's the most comfortable and ergonomic knife I have ever held, and it's beautiful. I have zero complaints and it just so happens to be in my pocket now.
 
Pony up and get a PM2. It's got better steel, better handle materials and still lightweight. Oh yeah and its compression lock!
 
vg10blade said:
Pony up and get a PM2. It's got better steel, better handle materials and still lightweight. Oh yeah and its compression lock!
Click to expand...

Really?

DSC_4508.JPG


DSC_4504.JPG
 
I believe he has the transclucent blue handle with the BD-1 Carpenter steel. If he had the S110V I highly doubt he would be complaining about the edge holding. Also I don't believe the knife you have pictured was available in November of last year. The one you have pictured is a newer model. So I stand by statement above.
 
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vg10blade said:
I believe he has the transclucent blue handle with the BD-1 Carpenter steel. If he had the S110V I highly doubt he would be complaining about the edge holding. Also I don't believe the knife you have pictured was available in November of last year. The one you have pictured is a newer model. So I stand by statement above.
Click to expand...

Yeah we know what he has now, some of them recommended the S110V vers....

Both of them are regular catalog items...
 
Thanks guys for all the replies. I'm eventually gonna pony up to a PM2 and eventually a Yojimbo 2 but for now I'm gonna have to stick with my Benchmades. I really like the Spyderco community though, you guys are amazing.
 
I'd try the Para 2 or something with CF scales. Sold my Para 2 but one i'd like to get again cause it is a fantastic knife. Don't like the frn Spyderco knives just feel kinda weak and cheap to me.

I'm with you on the Benchmades but the Para 2 made me a believer in Spyderco. But Benchmade is where my loyalty lies. Everyone i've had is perfection.
 
I actually used it a pretty good bit when I first got it. And then I started noticing the flaws. This is the first time in almost 10 months I've seen any rust, and it was one small spot on the SpyderCo logo. I used it to do multiple things, including dig an expedient trench, cut medium roots etc. I just found the blade shape isn't right for me, the steel leaves something to be desired, and it's overall durability for my uses is questionable. I don't abuse my blades but I expect them to keep up with me. YMMV
 
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