Manix 2 or Paramilitary 2???

J

JustinP

Joined
Feb 11, 2015
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Hey guys. I have been pondering my next knife purchase for a few weeks now and I've almost come to a decision. I've decided to spend a little more cash than the 30 or so bucks I usually do. I've narrowed it down to the Manix 2 and the Paramilitary 2. I've never owned a Spyderco before so I'm trying to make the best decision. I like the looks of both and all that but I'm worried about the locking mechanisms. I've never dealt with either of them before. I once had a Buck Redpoint that had a lock similar to the Manix 2 and the switch fell off and it was stuck closed. So I have my doubts about that. And I've never used the compression lock that the paramilitary 2 has. I was hoping to get some opinions of you guys out there that have had both and what you think the best choice for a first spyderco is. Which one is easier to open with one hand? Which lock is better? Blade shape preferences? That kind of thing. Also...if there's another model out there you think is better, throw it my way. Eventually I'll probably own both, but I want to get the best one first. [emoji2]. Thanks in advance for any info.
 
I couldn't make up my mind on those two knives either, so I bought both...lol!

I love both. I don't think you can go wrong with either.
 
That's tough. I was all Para2 for a long time, but then I got a Manix 2 in Cruwear and it started to get more carry time since I'm a lefty and it's full ambi. Lately though I carry a Native lw most often. (Not that I have any plans to get rid of the others :)) I guess if it weren't for the lefty situation I would still prefer the Para2 over the Manix, but it's really close.
 
Spyderco's ball bearing lock is my by far and away my favorite locking mechanism. It takes some breaking in. Can be a bit sticky at first, but has a beautiful action after a short break in. Blade shape I think is really just a personal preference. I like the shape of the PM2 a little bit better, but it's outweighed greatly by the locking mechanism and ergonomics. Did I mention that the handle shape in the manix is perfect? It's perfect. Plus, it comes in lightweight versions with pretty blue handles.
 
I personally like the Manix 2 more than the Paramilitary 2. That's because I don't like the pocket clip in the paramilitary 2. Again that's just me the paramilitary 2 is a fantastic knife. Really you cant go wrong with eather one.
 
Man....what a tough decision. Haha. I guess it's going to come down to which one I like best in my hand. Luckily I live about 40 minutes away from Smoky Mountain Knife Works. I'll handle both and HOPEFULLY make a decision. Thanks for the info!
 
Paramilitary 2 no question. To me it feels a lot better in the hand, has a better blade shape, and is much more fun to flick open and close (the compression lock is a lot better than the ball bearing lock, in my opinion).
 
You can't go wrong with either one...but, right out of the box, I prefer the manix (G10 versions - I've never tried the LWs).
It took changing the scales on a PM2 to finally get one in my pocket.
 
I have both. You should too.
Para2 first choice. (My opinion, others will differ).
Unless your a south paw, then the Manix is for you.
Check out the Manix 2 XL, my favorite Manix.

Come back and post a pic of what you get and tell us what you think of it.
 
For me it's the Manix by a lot. As mentioned the CBBL may take some breaking in but it hasn't been bad with my 2. Spring/cage is definitely stouter than an Axis lock, but not cumbersomly so...I find it more reassuring, TBH. Feels fantastic in hand and slices like a laser. The only downside is that it is wide in the pocket. Not thick by any means, but wide.
Both are great, though. Can't go wrong with a Spyderco.

Oh yeah, don't worry about either lock.
 
I love and own both, but I have larger hands and when I tried a Manix 2 G10 my PM2 got kicked out if my pocket.
 
Hands down, PM2. Both are great, but in my opinion, the pm2 shape, design and function better suits a wider range of duties.
 
Both great knives owned both, still got PARA 2 . It takes time, experimentation , and money to decide what works for you . All the best Faron. Worth owning / trying both knives for sure . Over and in.
 
The PM2 is just a classic, and should be tried. Handling both will tell a lot though. Be sure to ask if you can try each in your pocket - I dislike it when I can't get my hand down into my pocket with the knife clipped in place, and the Manix could be an issue in that way. Don't be surprised (or overly bothered) if the PM2 compression lock feels odd to operate on initial handling - it becomes second nature quickly.
 
I like the ergos and blade shape of the para 2 more than the manix. Idk why, I just feel like those leaf shape blades are more like chef knives. I feel I should be cutting up food with those knives haha. With that said, I really like the looks of the Native 5 in G10. And you can go wrong with the Sage line.

I like the compression lock on the pm2. If you're right handed, it's really easy to use one handed, and there's different ways of deployment. Using your thumb to flick it open, the spydie flick with your middle finger or ring finger (however you prefer) and then disengaging the compression lock and using a wrist flick to snap it open. Really fun to play with.

The manix 2 is great, but I don't like the frcp. I prefer frn over the frcp. So if you plan on getting the manix 2, get g10.
 
I love this debate! Both knives are so complete in what they can do it makes choosing difficult. My knife addiction has caused me to get many variations of both (Manix 2 lightweight CPM S110v, Manix 2 G10 CPM S30v, Para 2 CPM S110v, Para 2 Blackout CPM S30v, Para 2 CPM S35vn) but I find the G10 CPM S30v Manix 2 in my pocket more than anything (possible tie with the Buck Marksman). The knife was a little heavy at first so I skeletonized the liners with a Dremel tool and brought the weight from 5oz to 4.25oz. I'm a large fella (6'4", 310lbs) and wear XL gloves and the Manix 2 just seems to fit my hand perfectly in any grip. The locks on both knifes are very strong and the fit and finish is typical Spyderco (awesome). After watching the "lock strength test part 2" from Bladehq, I was surprised on how much stronger the ball bearing lock was compared to the compression lock (total abuse obviously). The Para has a more precise tip but I've never had a problem with the Manix in fine detail work. Any lock issues you may have seem on YouTube with the Manix 2 were simply due to a lose pivot (locktite makes it all good). Get to a shop and handle them both if you can! That might make the decision easier. P.S. Love that many people chimmed in about how good the Native 5 lightweight is. I'm shocked I could love a non-Cold Steel lockback this much!!! That's worth a look but I may have just made your decision difficult again. Damn knife addiction!
 
Looks like I convinced the girlfriend to go on a trip to smoky mountain knife works on Valentine's Day! Headed out in a few. I'll post a pic of what I end up with.
 
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