manix 2 or manix2 lightweight

R

rulin96

Joined
Dec 30, 2012
Messages
29
Hey gentlemen

Which one would you go with. I am thinking about getting a manix 2 but unsure what model to go with. The manix2 lightweight seems to be a different steel than the manix 2. I am familiar with S30v on the manix 2 but I am not familiar with the steel of the manix 2 lightweight (cts bd1). What are your guys experiences with each steel?
 
BD1 is very corrosion resistant and super easy to keep sharp, but it dulls quicker than S30V. The Lightweight is amazingly light for its size, it really needs to be hefted to be believed. For a great, worry free EDC, I'd happily choose the Lightweight version. The other benefit is the full flat ground blade.

A compromise would be a Sprint run Manix 2. It'll cost more, but it'll have skeletonized liners, full flat ground blade, a steel upgrade, and a different color of G-10.
 
To me the FFG of the M2lw is far more important of a feature than the S30V, plus I have several S30V blades so its nice to mix it up.
 
I like the light weight and FFG that the FRCP version offers, and BD-1 looks like my kind of steel.

I'd personally rather an XL than either.
 
I love the idea of the XL but I don't like the clip placement or the handle at the end where it's not like the regular M2. To me the M2lw is the best choice from the manix line flowed by the G10 M2. I wish they made a M2lw blackout to match the XL blackout, that would be a great knife (but it'd have to be PE)
 
The Manix 2 XL is my perfect manix. Love the g10 of the Manix 2 and the FFG on the LW Manix 2. Lightweight Manix 2 gets my vote
 
I loved my ltwt. The ltwt's weight, ergos, blade, and carry/usability were off the charts! BUT, to operate the bbl, I caught myself resting on and bending the wire pocket clip. The clip was great. The knife was great. But operating the lock via a bendy wire clip just didn't feel right for me. Just a thought, from my observations. I had to let her go, but still find myself thinking about trying her again.
 
I think you need a G10 regular sized Manix 2, a lightweight, and an XL before you'll understand how this knife blows away others in it's price class. :)
 
I gave my g10 Manix 2 to a friend when he was moving. I've gone through a lot of knives and this is the one I miss most. The lightweight has some great benefits but there is just something about the g10 version and how solid it feels. I love it.
 
Buy both. I have 7 Manix 2's, including 2 light weights. And have the XL with the black blade. I love them all. Trying to score an S90V. But they are hard to find and $$$$
 
I had the LW, but I still have the 2. The LW looked neat and all but I didn't find it to open as smooth as the 2. The 2 with the g10 scales and full SE is what I carry everyday. It fits my hand better than any other folder I have. If I had to pick one(which I did) I'd pick the 2 over the LW each time.
 
I have the LW and it's a nice knife. I have a love hate affair with BD1 though. Why? Because it sets a standard for absolute insane hair popping, tree topping sharpness that I just can't quiiiite reach with my "better" steels. I have spent hours of time in full on OCD trying to get s30v and cts204-p that sharp and I just can't. Now don't get me wrong. I enjoy sharpening and all my knives are stupid sharp, but I can put a hair whittling "novelty" edge on bd1 that I just can't quite match on my other knives. That's why I hate it sometimes. It has become the standard by which I judge all my knives sharpness and it's hard to get anything else to match it.

P.S. Yes, it dulls quickly, but man, will it take a razor edge!!

Having said all that, I agree with several others on here...if I had it to do over again I would choose the xl version. I just think the manix design lends itself to a larger design.
 
I have the production M2 in S30v and a black M2lw. They're both great knives.

I admit that I'm obsessed with keeping my edges sharp so I usually never really let my edges get dull enough to matter. However, there have been times when I didn't have access to sharpening equipment for extended periods and I've used my knives until they've completely dulled, so I appreciate long wearing steels like S30v. Regarding the steel difference between the M2 and M2lw, I'd say if your obsession is with super-sharp edges, BD-1 will be right up your alley. I've had a lot of experience sharpening S30v blades (most of my knives are S30v...just so happened that my favorite knife designs used S30v), so S30v is not a problem for me to sharpen, but my goodness does BD-1 sharpen and polish extremely quickly and easily. S30v is probably a better working steel though if you do a lot of cutting between sharpenings.

Regarding the handles and feel of the knives, I really like the solid heft of the M2, and the rounded edges of the G10 really make it a very comfortable knife in hand. The edges of the M2lw's FRCP handles just aren't as rounded, so it's not quite as comfortable as the G10 version, but the ergonomics of the Manix handle pattern are still great. I find the bidirectional pattern on the FRCP to be less abrasive than the texture of the G10, but I find the bidirectional FRCP to be grippier than the G10 which surprised the heck out of me. The light weight of the unlined FRCP was disconcerting at first, and it does flex slightly if you grip it very tightly or intentionally pinch the middle of the handle to try to make it flex. But after carrying the M2lw for a while, I really appreciate the amount of knife you get for the weight you're carrying, and after some use the FRCP handle has proven itself to be quite capable. Overall, the finish and feel of the M2 seem a bit nicer than the M2lw. The edges of the blade spine and opening hole are slightly more rounded/broken on the M2, and the action is a little smoother.

In my opinion, overall, the M2 is a nicer knife. It has a reassuring heft, a beautiful stonewashed hollow ground S30v blade, and the rounded G10 scales feel very nice in hand. But the M2lw is a bit nicer in the pocket due to its light weight, the flat ground BD-1 makes it a great slicer, the bidirectional FRCP is just as grippy if not grippier than the G10, and the combination of BD-1 and a linerless design make it very easy to maintain (or, rather, neglect maintenance ;)).

I don't think you can go wrong with either knife =P
 
^ that's about as thoughtful and informative of a comparison as you're gonna find. Good luck. Let us know what you choose.
 
I would go with M2 lw. I like this knife more and FFG for me is more important than particular difference in steels.
 
Well since no one could sway me one way or the other I decided just to get both. Should have them in by next week. I have never been dissatisfied by spyderco yet and I don't think I will be with these two either.

Damn spyderco addiction anyways.
 
I had your same problem. That is why I also ended up with both versions. They're both great :D

Now I just need an XL....
 
rulin96 said:
Well since no one could sway me one way or the other I decided just to get both. Should have them in by next week. I have never been dissatisfied by spyderco yet and I don't think I will be with these two either.

Damn spyderco addiction anyways.
Click to expand...

Now you're talkin'. I did the same thing. :D
 
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