Manix 2 or Para?

Sword of Morning said:
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.
Click to expand...

I agree. Having owned both and comparing them directly there are no discernable differences in blade length, handle length, speed, or carry comfort that I can detect.

Actually, I don't know what you guys are cutting but I couldn't even see much difference in cutting comparing a buddies Para and my Manix 2 today.

I think the main "carry comfort and use" factor is ergos, and whether you like a low riding clip or not. (Steel choice and lock choice are also an issue, but not for me with these 2.)
 
I have a Para already, but the Manix 2 does look really cool. I would prefer a FFG, but I could get used to the Manix 2 as is. That or just have it reprofiled. The Manix 2 is also $60 or so cheaper than the Para.
 
The Manix 2 is cheaper and I'd agree a better bargain for sure. Like I said, I own both. The Para is just a higher quality knife, mainly due to blade shape, grind and material. Only you can decide if that's important. The FFG without question is a WAY better cutter. As far as carry? Pretty much the same form factor, although the Manix 2 feels like it weighs 2x as much and does take up more pocket space. It also tends to not carry with the clip vertical, due to the way it's mounted on the knife. The clip/lanyard hole is awkward.

I had to dig a friend's dog out of a trench the other day, was VERY glad I happened to be carrying the Manix... it digs hard clay nicely and I wasn't concerned about damaging it. The Para? Glad it was at home, I love the knife, lol.
 
I own both and the M2 feels heavier and just bigger in my hand regardless of the metric similarities. IMHO the Para is way more svelt and nimble feeling to deploy and use while not feeling weak. The Para goes snap and the M2 goes kerchunk.

The M2 is VERY smooth due to the BBL. The heavier blade has a lot of inertia when opening too. If I had to judge them for which is the better EDC for my typical use the Para is the hands down winner. The M2 is a tank that doesn't feel like one when carried but I don't need a tank everyday. It's also one of the best $80 heavy use knives on the market today and still under 6 ounces.

I think it's futile to be comparing these two knives side by side though. Just me maybe but it's just not a match. It's a heavyweight versus a welterweight.

I'm going to start carrying my M2 in my portable BOB so I have it anytime I need it but the Para, Military or currently my Sage 2 will be in my pocket if not one of my many other Spydercos.

If just having a pocket knife on you is the goal and being truly heavy duty is not your primary criteria, you are getting more knife for the money in the Para, especially if you snagged a D2 para recently.
 
Last edited:
Eikowan said:
I had to dig a friend's dog out of a trench the other day, was VERY glad I happened to be carrying the Manix... it digs hard clay nicely and I wasn't concerned about damaging it.
Click to expand...

Dang man, ya'll do have some rough terrain out there!

And please tell me you took pics:p
 
I've been EDCing a Manix 2 for about a week and I like it a lot. Being able to tighten the screws down completely is a big plus. It's too early to give a definitive opinion on the ball bearing lock, but it's been working well so far. I think it's broken in a bit and gotten easier to use. It is kind of disconcerting that the "cage" for the ball is plastic, but Sal has mentioned that it's actually a very strong material. My only complaint really is that the knife has been chewing up my pants pockets like crazy. :o

If you're going for speed in opening and closing, you can "cheat" and use the lock release. It works a lot like the axis lock.

[youtube]MnxLUldJB44[/youtube]

My experience with the Paramilitary was pretty negative, though I'm sure I just got a lemon. Mine had a very rough opening (the Manix 2 is extremely smooth) and some other problems that caused me to return it. The ergos didn't work for me either, but it could be that I was just too used to the full-size Military. I should probably get over my prejudice against the model and handle some newer versions though; a lot of people love it.
 
I have been wondering about the para as well...is it really worth the price tag? I have not handled one but they look very nice and very useful...I like the grind
 
And conversely, I have four D2 Paras and honestly they are amongst the smoothest opening knives I have ever owned. All four of them. If I had to compare them to a smoother opening knife that isn't a BBL r Axis knife it would be my D2 Military and my teo orange Militarys. They are especially smooth as well.

Although I try not to flick, each of the Paras I own will open and lock up with just a slight flick of my thumb.
 
I got excited about the Manix, but was hoping the blade would be longer. Still waiting to find one to handle at a local dealer. I like the Para, in theory, but there's just something about the angle of the handle/blade that just doesn't suit me. I really need to buy one and give it a try, but just can't do it. I have the same "grip angle" problem with the Military and the two Benchmade 806's I've had. I also like the lower riding pocket clip on the Manix, once I see one in person, I may have to have one. I liked my full sized Manix, but just too darn heavy & wide.

I vote for the ManixII, unless you love the grip angle of a Military and/or an 806. Also, figure out out which lock you prefer, as well as the clip position.


GregB
BaconBeavers
 
Thanks for your thoughts and opinions so far...

What are your thoughts about the strength/durability of the polymer in the BBL of the Mannix and the ease of cleaning the lock/spring?
 
Marc9910 said:
Thanks for your thoughts and opinions so far...

What are your thoughts about the strength/durability of the polymer in the BBL of the Mannix and the ease of cleaning the lock/spring?
Click to expand...

See my response to your last post for the first part. Second, I've found that a toothpick or good blast of air work fine. Never had a reliability problem with it though.
 
Josh K said:
See my response to your last post for the first part. Second, I've found that a toothpick or good blast of air work fine. Never had a reliability problem with it though.
Click to expand...

Thanks Josh, I am really after a bitmore information on the polymer. Has it been offically rated for strength? Is it likely to wear? I like the Mannix 2 but I am not sure if the polymer is a weak point?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top