Manix 2 or Native 5

IABIGBUCKGUY

IABIGBUCKGUY

Joined
Jul 7, 2011
Messages
753
Im wanting your input on both of these knives. Im trying to decide what knife is a better knife for me. Im a avid hunter and outdoorsman after work and on weekends and a mild manner janitor by day. Whats would be your choice between the to knives?
 
Manix 2 - Very solid knife with a tough lock and jimping everywhere! Feels great in your hands if you have mid - large hands. Hollow grind makes it a great slicer and a tough overall cutter. Also has more cutting edge than Native 5. Spine cusp allows for better control on spear-type cuts, if you're into that sort of thing. ;)

Native 5 - Smaller but also solid with a back lock which I find allows a little up down movement when applying vertical pressure. FFG makes it a great slicer and CPM S35VN is so far pretty tough and easy to sharpen. Handle shape\length requires the knife to be held more or less one way, optimizing the front choil.

I would get the Native 5 for work, and the Manix 2 for play.

or just get a PM2. :thumbup:
 
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I have or have had the Manix 2, Manix 2 Translucent, and Manix 2 XL, as well as the Native 5. In general, the Manix 2 Lightweight would be my first choice.

John
 
Both knives have great ergos and feel great in my hand, but I would take Native5 over Manix2 for EDC any day. I do not like caged lock, not a fan of hollow grind either. Midlock is my favorite and I strongly prefer FFG on most of the knives. In addition, Native5 is one of my favorite knives and certainly most used knife after I started to EDC it. I do not know about hunting, but for EDC, IMHO N5 is one of the best knives ever.
 
No offense to the Manix lovers, but that jimping is too sharp. That was a deal-breaker for me.
Also, if you're used to the BM axis lock, the Manix's ball lock is stiff, and harder to operate.
The Native is a solid little knife. Of those two, that's the one I'd pick. Great steel, nice lock,
comfortable ergos. Bit heavy for the blade length. Not interested in the Para 2? That would be
my suggestion.
 
My suggestion is to get a sprint run manix 2 with a ffg blade and skeletonized liners.
 
Both are great knives but the real difference to me is the Native 5 disappears in your pocket and the Manix 2 does not, you really feel that knife in your pocket. Being an avid hunter you will most likely want to disassemble the knife at some point after using it on game or other activities for a thorough cleaning. While this does void your warranty, if you do plan on disassembling for cleaning it is going to be easier with the Native 5. I have both and the Manix 2 is still sitting brand new, unused in the box. The other knife you may want to throw into this mix is the Super Leaf. Very similar size knife and was recently discontinued so you can pick it up for a pretty good price at a couple vendors right now.
 
I like my Manix but it is too heavy for EDC, at least for my tastes. My Native IV (very similar to the V) is a frequent companion. Of the two I would choose the Native 10 out 10 times.
 
I went with a Manix. What surprised me the most is how large the Manix seems while it is open and being used. Being able to choke up on the blade makes it seem small again. While it works like a big knife, I have no problem with the size while in my pocket. I wear either cargo shorts or blue jeans to work every day and have not noticed it being to large or in the way. I like the lock it seems very predictable and secure. I have not noticed it difficult to open or close. The jimping is not too sharp for my hands. Having said all that, I will probably buy a Native as my next Spyderco purchase.
 
I think you made a fantastic choice in the Manix 2. I can't get enough of mine. The jimping is perfect, not too sharp and not too subtle. The lock has just the right blend of bite and simple open and closing action you would want. I think my next Spyderco will be a PM2.
 
Thanks guys for your input. I just bought the Manix 2 Black G10 new for $69.00 on flee bay and I also bought a Benchmade Griptilian 550 in Orange new for $59.00 on flee bay. I'll be watching for a Native 5 and if the price is right I'll pull the trigger. The Manix 2 and Grip 550 will be my backup knives when Im in the outdoors Fishing and Hunting. When I get the Native 5 it will be my EDC for work.
Thanks agin for all your input.
 
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