manix 2 too hard to close

D

Dano1987

Joined
Jan 28, 2014
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263
I got a manix 2 tran blue scales and its really hard to close especially one handed. It tears up my fingers. What Do I need to do?
 
You could try adjusting the pivot. I have the G-10 version and the 2 Lightweights. The new 110V version is the stiffest. It has loosened up some. The blade moves less freely and the lock is a little sticky. I can barely disengage the lock with thumb only while I have no problem with my other ones. I prefer to disengage with thumb and index finger anyway. I haven't adjusted the pivot.
 
You need to toughen up your fingers and practice. It takes a reasonable amount of hand strength, dexterity, and smooth fluid motion. What I find is that a lot of people try to disengage the lock by trying to pull back on one side, it may work with an Axis lock but that is a different lock all together. You have to learn to "pinch" the cage and slide it back with your thumb and index finger, and trust me, you absolutely don't want a "weaker" spring in that thing.
 
It loosens with usage.

Also, as noted, as you use it, you get better at using the "sweet spot" (positioning parts in a fashion that requires the least force to open) plus you progressively learn that specific knife, and your fingers themselves adjust to slightly different usage. For example, while this lock has some similarities to AXIS, the actual positioning is slightly different as is the angle of motion. As you learn what works best and the pads of your fingers toughen, it will get easier
 
Like RevDevil said pinching both sides is how to work the BBC lock. Place the butt of the handle in your palm and pinch the polymer grips around the ball bearing and pull down. They are ramped perfectly for this placement. The blade will fall freely back into the handle. This is one of the easiest knives to open and close with gloves on that I've found.
 
Working the lock with both your thumb and index finger will break in the spring.If you're right handed a callus may develop on the little finger of your right hand and bingo,it's broke in.
 
alwayscarryaknife said:
Like RevDevil said pinching both sides is how to work the BBC lock. Place the butt of the handle in your palm and pinch the polymer grips around the ball bearing and pull down. They are ramped perfectly for this placement. The blade will fall freely back into the handle. This is one of the easiest knives to open and close with gloves on that I've found.
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I work mine this way and find it quick and easy to do. It is easier for me to close this knife in the dark than any other knife that I have. I don't think the design was intended to be operated with just a thumb although some people can do it. The spring is very strong, and also the ball can develop friction against the blade tang. A little lubrication might help that part of it.
 
Ditto in agreement with break-in; thumb & forefinger. I find this Manix much easier to break in and operate than the larger Manix2 XL s90v. Maybe that's because average hand size cannot support the butt of the knife securely in the palm to manipulate the bbc lock. But this Manix does not have that particular barrier, for me anyway.
 
Lube and adjust the pivot to your likings.Open and close the knife until you tone and build the muscle memory used .It will get easier with time and repetition....Stop and rest when blisters start and use the recovery time to re-profile and put a very keen edge on your new knife.I wish you the best of luck and may the force be with you.....
 
Dano1987 said:
This one doesn't have an adjustable pivot
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The BD1 model.Try thoroughly cleaning out the pivot area followed by compressed air and then lube the pivot with a quality lubricant.I had to send a PM2 to Spyderco because of a similar issue and it came back fixed to my likings.I suggest you call Spyderco and see what they advise if you cant get the action the way you think it should be after you break it in..I think some cleaning, lube , and elbow grease should do the trick.I am glad to see adjustable pivots on the newer pinned models like the Manix 2 S110V LW.
 
Well I did that and it's still very stiff to open and almost impossible to unlock it takes a lot of force to release the lock then finally with a fairly sharp ''click'' it becomes disengaged.
 
What did you lubricate it with?

While grease would be desirable, most likely a dry lubricant is the best option here. I really like a product called Eezox Knife Care. I find that in this sort of situation it can be helpful. Additionally, I've never used any product that give such fantastic corrosion resistance.
 
Dano1987 said:
I got a manix 2 tran blue scales and its really hard to close especially one handed. It tears up my fingers. What Do I need to do?
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I have the Blue, Black and soon will have the Green. I had the same issue with mine and I am here to tell you that it's just a break in period thing. Use it and deal with it for a while and you will notice it will become much easier as you use it. Not that patient? Well then just play with it incessantly and I am sure you will get it squared away. Also don't forget to oil it and adjust the pivot as needed.
 
I just got the manix 2 xl and had the same issue. I took the knife apart (only remove one side of the screws), cleaned the pivot area and then put it back together loosely, lubed it and tightened it the rest of the way. Then kept checking the pivot as i loosened each side evenly until it was perfect.
 
I just got a manix 2 in the mail today. It is 100% all black. I'm very pleased with the quality of this knife for the low price I paid for it. What is the catch ? I'm looking for something that sucks with this knife and just can't find anything. The LDC coating seems much smoother on this knife than a pm2 that I have. I think this Manix kicked the pm2 out of my pocket. I like a heavier knife also, It feels more solid. The lock feels nice and solid, it's smooth but isn't very loose. No blade play at all. I like the solid feel of this knife but it doesn't seem to flip open and closed very easy. Not a big deal, it seems to be part of the design of the ball bearing.
 
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I've decided to hold off on adjusting the pivot on my Manix 2 (G-10) yet. I'm trying to see if it will break in by opening and closing the blade, but it is not getting much easier so far. I will wait a couple more weeks and then try adjusting the pivot...
 
I adjusted my Manix and it flys opened and closed now. No blade play also. Great knife.
 
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