Manix 2 or wait for Para 2?

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uid13

Joined
Dec 8, 2007
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26
Hey all, first time posting here.

I really like the Para1, the action is probably one of the smoothest I've seen. From what I've seen, the Para2 only improves on that.

However, I've been a little tempted by a Manix 2 in black

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Does anyone know how the action for that knife is like compared with some of the other folders? What are the smoothest folders you dealt with anyways?
 
I don't have a para but I have a regular manix and a CTS-XHP manix and the both have incredible smoothness. It is so smooth that if you hold the knife upside down and pull the lock the blade will fall open. I don't own a sebenza, hinderers, or benchmades but I can tell you that the ball bearing lock is as smooth as you will find. The downside is that you must use two fingers to disengage the lock and it is difficult to do if you have gloves on or slippery hands but for EDC it is great. I own a Carbon Fiber Sog Tomcat and the arc lock is much easier to disengage and the blade can be flicked open without even touching the lock. Depending on the laws where you live this could be a good thing or a bad thing but i like it. You will love the manix 2, It has great ergos and is a phenomenal cutter. I cant comment on the Para but If I could only have one as of now I would chose my manix 2.
 
The obvious solution is to buy the manix 2 AND wait for the next run of the Para 2. :p

The Manix 2 is by far the smoothest folder I've ever used. I don't know of any that compare, not even axis lock knives, which are reputed to be some of the smoothest out there. It also has ludicrous amounts of jimping, if you like that sort of thing (I honestly don't really mind one way or another, but it certainly looks cool). I think the next Spyderco I buy will be a Para 2, once I a) get the funds together, and b) find one.
 
Yeah thats the other thing, good luck finding a Para 2, they are seldom seen in the wild ;)
 
Both are great knives...if the Manix suits you, it is probably more bang for the buck than the Para.
 
Dorito Monk said:
The obvious solution is to buy the manix 2 AND wait for the next run of the Para 2. :p

The Manix 2 is by far the smoothest folder I've ever used. I don't know of any that compare, not even axis lock knives, which are reputed to be some of the smoothest out there. It also has ludicrous amounts of jimping, if you like that sort of thing (I honestly don't really mind one way or another, but it certainly looks cool). I think the next Spyderco I buy will be a Para 2, once I a) get the funds together, and b) find one.
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I agree with the Monk, get the Manix 2 now and when the Para 2 is available again you can get that one as well.

The Manix 2 is really superb and I feel that you won't regret the purchase. It feels good in the hand, smooth action, beefy yet light in the pocket.

The Para 2 is also a nice piece to have, the refinements from the first Para are very well noted and practical. The Para opening and closing is not as smooth as the Manix 2. The closing on the Para can be slightly awkward at first but the lock detent loosens up and smooths out after about 2 weeks of use. I do really like the slimmer profile of the Para 2 and feel it is also a winner in anyone's EDC rotation.
 
I have both, and in my opinion the Para 2 is a much better knife. The action is smoother and the lock is easier to operate. Both locks are exceptionally strong though. The Para 2's FFG blade is a much better slicer. Ergonomics are subjective, but I prefer the Para 2's handle shape and smaller choil. The choil is big enough to be comfortable, but small enough that it doesn't take away too much cutting edge.

So I would recommend the Para 2. It's tough waiting though.
 
I have a Para 2 on the way, so I can't make any real comparison. That said, the Manix 2 is one of, if not my favorite knives. Very smooth and fits my hand perfectly.

As suggested above, the best way to rectify this situation is get both.
 
I own both and can say without a doubt that they are both excellent choices for a solid carry knife. The Manix2 is ergonomically sound in its design and slices with the best of them. The Para2 is a classic design revisited and improved upon. Ergonomics again are excellent, it melts into your hand and the lock up is perfect and very secure. The original design is also a winner (I own 6 of them).
Any choice you make is a good one.
 
I have both. The are both good in there own right. It depends on what you want to use it for doesn't it? They are both smooth in action, but then again aren't they all? I think that I would look at blade shape, weight, ergonomics, and type of lock in addition to the action. I'll tell you what, another great knife you should consider is the Gayle Bradley, it's an extraordinary design and fantastic value. -P
 
I have larger hands and I think the Para 2 feels better in the hand. I've only had a Para 2 for a day but I do like how it feels in my hand more than the Manix 2. I prefer the caged ball lock on the Manix 2 to the compression lock on the Para 2, though. I love both of them. They're very nice.

I think the Para 2 will probably end up being the better value when it is more widely available unless Spyderco makes a FFG Manix 2, apart from sprint runs, that is also widely available and similar in price. I bought my limited run CTS-XHP Manix 2 for almost the same price as what a normal Para 2 goes for at most stores, when available, and I think I got more bang for my buck with the Manix 2.
 
Be patient and wait. Youll be glad you did. Not that there is anything wrong with the Manix 2, but the Para 2 IMO is a much better knife.
 
I have both para1 and manix 2 and they are completely different knives , but if I had to choose one for edc it would be the para , the manix is just a bit of a pocket hog IMO , I love it as a work knife but it's a bit cumbersome if u need to keep anything else in the same pocket!
 
softrockrenegade said:
I have both para1 and manix 2 and they are completely different knives , but if I had to choose one for edc it would be the para , the manix is just a bit of a pocket hog IMO , I love it as a work knife but it's a bit cumbersome if u need to keep anything else in the same pocket!
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Yes, that sums up my opinion, too. But it's just an opinion, meaning that it boils down to personal preference. I also much prefer the compression lock, which is one of my favorite locking mechanisms. The detent of the Para 2 is stronger, too, which I also prefer.
 
I own both. I like both as well. Both of them have nice locks, blade length is about the same. Blade on Manix2 is thinner. Para has a little longer handle, Manix2 is a little heavier. I EDC is original C83 for several years, which is even heavier than Manix2, so weight is not a concern for me. The only thing I do not like about production Manix is the grind. But this is easy avoidable due to availability of various limited run, especially if you are looking for black-bladed M2. Just recently I bought my Stag Arms Manix2. This is limited run of 400 pieces. S30V FFG coated blade. All marking is silver. Handle is dark green, the same color like Lil T, but different texture. Lock is smooth like butter.

M2NC.jpg


M2C.jpg
 
softrockrenegade said:
I have both para1 and manix 2 and they are completely different knives , but if I had to choose one for edc it would be the para , the manix is just a bit of a pocket hog IMO , I love it as a work knife but it's a bit cumbersome if u need to keep anything else in the same pocket!
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In my opinion, that's the real distinction between the two, in practical terms. But YMMV...
 
let me know what you decide and how it works out for you, i am looking at the para2 and manix for my next purchase as well.
 
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