Manix 2 or Para 3

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Rabby

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Aug 21, 2018
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Thinking of buying of those, like both of them. Heard good things about both a well. Any advice?
 
Rabby said:
Thinking of buying of those, like both of them. Heard good things about both a well. Any advice?
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EDC? Work knife? Use environment?
 
For me: Para 3
Compression lock, size, weight.

I had the Manix 2 lightweight and it was a bit too big for me.
Size in hand and pocket.
Also the axis was not as smooth as the Para 3.
 
I use a Manix 2 lightweight for work. It’s very big in pocket, so I would use the Native 5 for non work EDC. I believe they would make a good team.
 
A good way to tell which you should get is a side-by-side test fit in your hand. If that's not an option, note that I can grip the Manix2 with four fingers behind the choil, but the Para3 only has room for 3.375 of my fingers when I don't use the choil--if that matters to you.
 
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^ Yep. Your hand size will come into play here. I can barely get my fingers into the curved cutouts on the Para 3. You can hang your pinky on the end though if needed.

The Manix offers a lot more handle real estate. Much larger knife.
 
Both are great but I prefer smaller knives and for the me, the Para 3 fits my daily carry better. You can't go wrong with either though.
 
Manix has excellent ergos and is tough as nails. Amazing work knife.
Para 3 is a fantastic EDC, though the handle is a bit small......can’t get a full grip with large hands.
You won’t be sorry with either one tho.
 
mb> said:
^ Yep. Your hand size will come into play here. I can barely get my fingers into the curved cutouts on the Para 3. You can hang your pinky on the end though if needed.

The Manix offers a lot more handle real estate. Much larger knife.
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Same here. The PM2 is a better comparison to the Manix2.
 
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Whatever fits you better. Seriously. You gotta hold them.

My P3 is too small and my Manix 2 is too big. An Endura or Gayle Bradley is just right for me.
 
Manix is a big knife. I have several, but it doesn't bother me because I'm a pretty big guy and the pocket real estate it takes up doesn't bother me. Great design, great ergos, lots of steel options.
 
The Manix 2 was the first "expensive" folder I bought and it's still one of my favorites. It's by far the most ergonomic knife I have. If you're like me and the only thing in your pocket is your knife, then the size really isn't an issue.

Also worth noting, the Manix is basically a modified wharncliffe (or "leaf" shaped, whatever, it functions like a wharnie), whereas the Para 3 is more like a clip point.
 
The Para 3 is basically the same general blade and handle length as the Delica, although it's thicker, wider and more substantial. If you can comfortably hold a Delica, you can probably comfortably hold a Para 3. I have medium-sized hands myself, and have no problem getting all my fingers on my Para 3, BUT my hand is just at the limit when not using the choil (sorry, no pics).

Jim
 
The Manix 2 is a better design than the Para 3 or the Paramilitary 2. I can get all of my fingers on the knife and it is more ergonomic. I prefer the back lock or the light weights in the Manix 2 line. If you like to clip your knives to your pocket they can be a tad wide, but not too bad. I simply drop mine down into my pocket. The LW is so light I do not even know it is there and I still have room for my smartphone.
 
Manix2 for heavy duty; PM3 for the offi.ce, IMO.
I've had a few Manix's and one PM3.
 
Between those two, I got the Manix 2.

After a short time, I realized I couldn’t get over the heinous blade, despite the incredible ergos. So, I used that as part of a trade.

Some time later, I went to buy a Para 2. I got one in hand, appreciated the ergos, and couldn’t stand the way the ... choil-thing is executed. Left without it.

Then, I ordered a blue weave Domino.

When I handle the Domino, everything in the universe feels so right.

Edit: my brain saw this as Manix 2 vs Para 2. I did a dumb.
 
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If you want something that is small and light go with the Para 3. You have your pick of blade steels S30V, M4, M390, Maximet, Cruwear, and Rex 45. I know I'm leaving some out. Ive owned a Manix 2. I liked it but after awhile it just became to big for my pockets.
 
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