Manix 2 or Para?

M

Marc9910

Joined
Apr 25, 2007
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How do these two knives compare for EDC? I already have gentleman's folders for carry at the office and in town but I wanted something a little bigger and robust that could be more of a general purpose knife for the rest of the time.

Also how hard is it to clean the Manix 2 ball lock if it was fouled up with blood or dropped in the sand?

Any opinions or thoughts would be appreciated.

Cheers.
 
the more i see the manix 2 the cooler it looks but the smaller it looks as well which really gives up a lot for me. Every inch/mm makes a difference to me.
 
I've owned and used Paras, the original mini-Manix, and I've handled the Manix 2. For me, nothing beats a Para in that size and use category. It's simple, light, and very strong. I find that I prefer the Para's blade profile over the Manix/Manix 2 profiles (I've never had a problem with the tip on any Spyderco) and IMAO, nothing beats a flat ground blade both for cutting and ease of maintenance.

I'm also not a fan of spring activated locks, no matter who makes them. I sold off my Benchmades (AXIS locks) and my D'Allara. To me, a good folder lock is more a matter of reliability than outright strength, and I can't imagine anything more reliable than the compression lock under a variety of conditions.
 
dalefuller said:
I'm also not a fan of spring activated locks, no matter who makes them. I sold off my Benchmades (AXIS locks) and my D'Allara. To me, a good folder lock is more a matter of reliability than outright strength, and I can't imagine anything more reliable than the compression lock under a variety of conditions.
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Intresting food for thought. Thanks for your opinion.
 
Both great knives... You can't lose!

Para is a perfect EDC for someone who likes a lighter slicer, Manix for those who don't mind a few extra ounces in their pocket and prefer a stronger tip.

I'm still trying to figure out which lock is stronger, though both are strong enough no question.

I guess I prefer the Manix for extra heft and lower riding clip. But those are my preferences of course, and certainly would not make it a winner over the Para for everyone...
 
I've got and carry both. Tough call if I had to get rid of one of them, but I'd keep the Para. Overall better for EDC imho. It's kinda like having a hammer and a sledge. There are uses for both, one is just more flexible.
 
I like the ergos of the Manix 2 better. The shape gives the maximum amount of usable grip so I can hold the knife without the choil much more comfortably. The Para is great too, but it's a bit short on space where you're hand sits without the choil.
 
Para. :thumbup:

I really prefer the needle sharp tip and the FFG for edc. I have no problems with the Manix, but if I had to choose it'd be the para by a small margin.
 
I ordered an M2 last week. The reason that I picked it over the Para is because of its value... it just can't be beat!
 
The Para-military is a refined, field-proven classic. The M2 has yet to prove itself.

The Para is the perfect size for a small EDC. The M2's blade is too small to give it the size and power of a big EDC, and the body is too big to give it the carry advantages of a small EDC.

The Para will be faster, more flexible and easier to carry. The compression lock is far more elegant than having a hole/spring/plastic wart assembly sticking out of the handle.

The Para's FFG blade will cut better in a wider range of circumstances.

Looks are personal preference, but I'd go with the Para.
 
Twindog said:
The Para-military is a refined, field-proven classic. The M2 has yet to prove itself.

The Para is the perfect size for a small EDC. The M2's blade is too small to give it the size and power of a big EDC, and the body is too big to give it the carry advantages of a small EDC.

The Para will be faster, more flexible and easier to carry. The compression lock is far more elegant than having a hole/spring/plastic wart assembly sticking out of the handle.

The Para's FFG blade will cut better in a wider range of circumstances.

Looks are personal preference, but I'd go with the Para.
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That's it. :thumbup:

Not to put down the Manix 2, I love it. Exceptional ergos, built like a tank, great hard use knife, but not something I'd use for a casual edc.
 
That is for me at least a really hard question, one I don’t know if I’ll be able to answer until I get a Manix 2 in my hands.


What are the chances that someone who has both would be willing to give is some good comparison shots?
 
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J.Mattson said:
That is for me at least a really hard question, one I don’t know if I’ll be able to answer until I get a Manix 2 in my hands.


What are the chances that someone who has both would be willing to give is some good comparison shots?
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I can but not until I get home from work. No problem unless someone beats me to it :) Meanwhile I had these bad pictures available with both, along with my Tim Zowada:

DSC02302.jpg

DSC02303.jpg

DSC02304.jpg
 
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Para is a great design. S30V is a great steel. The compression lock is a winner IMO.

The only thing against the Para is the price - expensive.

You can still find CPM D2 versions available though, at a good price.

However, I prefer S30V myself. A Para in S30V is a thing of wonder.

ParaMillie002.jpg
 
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i was having a similar dilemma earlier this week. ended up going with the d2 para, and glad i did after reading this thread i think. at 100 bucks which i knew wont last for much longer i just had to. BUT the manix 2 is up next on my list to try out.

now if a ffg/s90v version of the manix comes out...its game over lol
 
Twindog said:
The Para is the perfect size for a small EDC. The M2's blade is too small to give it the size and power of a big EDC, and the body is too big to give it the carry advantages of a small EDC.

The Para will be faster, more flexible and easier to carry. The compression lock is far more elegant than having a hole/spring/plastic wart assembly sticking out of the handle.
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A lot of what you've stated comes down to the subjective. I feel the two knives are very similar in size, which puts them in my pocket just fine.
I'm not sure how a Para is faster. Faster how? What about the power of a bigger blade? Are we talking He-Man sword power, horsepower?
 
Ooh, ouch. I have, and I don't find the differences to be enough to put one over the other. They can both be operated quite easily and quickly. Speed isn't even an issue.
 
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