Manix 2 or Para 2

Hotshot10

Hotshot10

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Dec 23, 2012
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I don't own any Spyderco knives, but I am going to be visiting Grand Prairie on Friday. There's a chance that one may follow me home. So, for those more learned than me in the ways of Spyderco: do you prefer the Manix 2 or Para 2? Why?
 
I have both and like both. It really comes down to personal preference. I find myself carrying a Manix much more than my PM2 for whatever reason.
 
I prefer the Manix blade shape a tad more, but the compression lock of the PM2 is easier for me to use. Then there's the issue of weight. The standard black G10 manix weighs about an ounce and 1/2 more than the PM2. However, the sprint run versions and the new s110v G10 version of the Manix 2 have milled liners, which cuts almost an ounce out of the overall weight. The LW version is of no comparison as 2 ounces in that size of a blade is pretty awesome(I cant get used to FRN handles though).

Probably doesn't help in your overall decision. Ive owned variants of both, and I still have my PM2's. The Manix 2's have found other owners, so there's that. Honestly though, you can't go wrong with either one.
 
I have both and like both. The main differences I see are that the PM2 is lighter and the M2 takes up a little more room in the pocket. I carry my PM2 in my EDC weekday rotation, I carry my M2 as a work knife on weekends.
 
I would guess that if you would/could compare the number of sales, BF threads, etc...that you would find that the PM2 is selling at least ten times more often than the Manix 2. My opinion, but check it out.
I have had both models. I have owned perhaps seventy PM2's (at least) as I had a pretty nice collection of them at one point. I've only owned one Manix 2 in M4 steel, a nice folder, but I sold it fairly quickly.
 
I think PM2's are certainly more popular and that was the primary knife that I would buy...until I bought a Manix 2 model. I really like the blade shape of the Manix 2 much better and the knife just feels tougher to me. Only downside is the weight..slightly heavier but not a deal breaker for me. Plus, you can always get the lightweight version.
 
Have both...think the Manix just feels, looks beefier. Nicer design to me, but just an opinion.


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Have both, got them within a couple months of each other. Both are standard G10/S30v.

My Para 2 has been used a ton over the past year and a half. My Manix 2 has been carried mabe a half dozen times.

It now sits in it's box on the topshelf of my closet.Just waiting to be gifted during my recent decission to purge,keeping just four folders and one fixed. ( I just gave a Native 5 LW to a co-worker yesterday)

I am not a fan of the BBL, or the amount of space the Manix 2 takes up in the pocket.
 
They are both excellent designs but I prefer the slimmer ergonomics and blade profile of the Paramilitary. The only exception is when I am carrying IWB in board shorts (which is relatively often down here). Often I am in "post surf/fishing" trunks that are still wet and salty from the ocean. Even when not then sweat is an issue. I find that the Manix 2 LW rides very flat and comfortable IWB and aside from steels like H1 and lc200n, S110v is the most corrosion resistant stainless steel I have found. So yeah....get both. hahaha
 
As Surfingringo stated.

PM2 or a LW Manix 110.

If your lucky. A G10 Burple Manix.
 
I prefer the Para2. I like the blade shape better. I like the lock better. I like the way it rides in the pocket better. I have quite a few Para2s.

The Manix2 is a little bit of a pocket hog and I don't care for all of the superfluous jimping all over it. That said, I do own a Cruwear Manix2 and I have no plan of parting with it.

There is no right or wrong answer here, just personal preference.
 
the PM2 hands down. I never warmed up to the fangs at the handle's palm swell. It makes for an instant hot spot. just by squeezing it hard it's an instant thing. The manix needs gloves on to work anything that as some resistance to it...that's a deal breaker for me. You could just grind them off.
 
Good feedback so far. I didn't realize that the Manix was heavier. On a related note, I like S110V but not the burple scales. I haven't seen them in person, yet, so that may change.
 
I had a Manix 2. I sold it and don't miss it... Too heavy, carries bigger, too aggressive of jimping, partial open construction, and prefer the compression lock over the caged ball bearing lock.
 
Hotshot10 said:
Good feedback so far. I didn't realize that the Manix was heavier. On a related note, I like S110V but not the burple scales. I haven't seen them in person, yet, so that may change.
Click to expand...

For me weight isn't as much of an issue with the M2 G10 as I thought it would be. I do tend to carry that more in the cooler months when I wearing jeans though. Same for my PM2. If weight is an issue for you consider trying out the dark blue M2 LW S110V. It's very light weight, gimping isn't so severe, & a nice color. I like my M2 LW's in the hot months when I'm wearing shorts. As Surgringo mentioned, the LW's do carry nicely IWB when wearing light shorts.
 
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i own both,but my PM2's get alot more pocket time,as the manix 2 is just to dam heavy for me!and take up to much realestate for my liking!so i vote PM2.
 
I own both in several variants and would recommend the PM2.

The PM2's get way more pocket time for many of the same reasons already listed. Compression lock is easier to use vs the CBBL. PM2 takes up less pocket space. The PM2 feels & is much lighter when comparing G10 vs G10 versions. While the lightweight M2 models are lighter, they don't feel as smooth (blade deployment) in my hands. If you like flicking the blade to open your knife, the PM2 is much easier IMO.
 
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IMO the PM2 feels like a toy compared to a M2, the PM2 is a great solid knife, but the M2 feels more solid made (full liners).
The weight is for me negligible, the ergo's are better (more contoured G10).
Detent on the manix is also stronger, flips out like a rocket.

Good luck :D
 
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