Manix 2 Variations

Recently watched a series of ZT test videos, the ZT200 vs, ZT301 and 101 I believe. The 154CM (ZT200) actually excelled in may areas of the test, but did break when beaten with a sledge into a large bolt. The S30V survived with chunks of the blade broken out.

Considering the fact that I'll never abuse my blades (sledge a bolt) and that the ZT200 actually did better than the others in more real-life tests, even with it's lowly 154... I bought the 200.
 
Josh K said:
That's because Benchmade's baseline steel is 154CM, Spyderco's is VG-10 or S30V.
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So true. For me 154CM in a Spyderco looks like a step backward. Now Benchmade, they'll probably keep offering the 520 in 154CM for another 10 years for all they care.
 
Eikowan said:
Recently watched a series of ZT test videos, the ZT200 vs, ZT301 and 101 I believe. The 154CM (ZT200) actually excelled in may areas of the test, but did break when beaten with a sledge into a large bolt. The S30V survived with chunks of the blade broken out.

Considering the fact that I'll never abuse my blades (sledge a bolt) and that the ZT200 actually did better than the others in more real-life tests, even with it's lowly 154... I bought the 200.
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S30V is actually tougher then 154CM if I'm reading the spec sheet right.

LorenzoL said:
So true. For me 154CM in a Spyderco looks like a step backward. Now Benchmade, they'll probably keep offering the 520 in 154CM for another 10 years for all they care.
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Is it really? What was the last S30V option from Golden for under $100? Spyderco is (seems to be, I cannot speak for the company) working on sub $100 knives that are fully USA made. I think the Manix 2 is a great start and leaps and bounds ahead of the Grips.
 
I like S30V and FFG's as much as the next guy, but my Manix 2 buy was a total surprise. If my dealer had said, "Hey Josh, I've got a PE Manix 2 sitting here that hasn't been taking. It's $135" I would have said "No thanks." But $79? Why not? What do I have to lose at that price?
 
It's not fair to compare the mini-grip or grip to the M2 but certainly for $20 or less more than a Grip or Mini Grip, in the M2 you are getting a folder that is borderline true heavy duty.
 
Reeek said:
It's not fair to compare the mini-grip or grip to the M2 but certainly for $20 or less more than a Grip or Mini Grip, in the M2 you are getting a folder that is borderline true heavy duty.
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I would take it a step further and say it is heavy duty. Comparing the Manix 2 with my Chinook 3 it feels more solid while being light weight. Wasn't the BBL originally MBC rated?

BTW: That RIL Sage avatar is killing me! Mine's getting here tomorrow or the day after. :D
 
Josh K said:
I would take it a step further and say it is heavy duty. Comparing the Manix 2 with my Chinook 3 it feels more solid while being light weight. Wasn't the BBL originally MBC rated?

BTW: That RIL Sage avatar is killing me! Mine's getting here tomorrow or the day after. :D
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I agree and yes but I was afraid to get flamed but since you said it first I'll concur!

The Sage RIL is a REALLY nice knife, Josh ;)


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The Manix 2 IS Heavy Duty with an MBC rated ball lock. I don't think there is anything borderline about the lock strength or security on this knife.

Mike
 
gunmike1 said:
The Manix 2 IS Heavy Duty with an MBC rated ball lock. I don't think there is anything borderline about the lock strength or security on this knife.

Mike
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I agree. Sal himself has said that the Manix 2 tested well into the MBC range and is actually stronger than the original.
Call me strange, but I actually like the looks of the Manix with the hollow grind better. Stranger still, this knife actually slices quite well! Many people would have us thinking FFG is the only way to go. :D Although FFG has its merits, I always felt that it stripped away much of the personality of certain knives (not all).
 
S30V is actually tougher then 154CM if I'm reading the spec sheet right.
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I agree... how tough is tough enough for a user? Is S30V the same toughness across several mfg's ? I guess I just don't use my knives hard enough to be all that concerned about the steel (although 154CM is my baseline steel)... of course internet bragging rights always come into play, but again, not concerned about it. If during my normal use the Manix fails, I'll let ya know. Chances are? My $80 M2 will handles it's duties as well as a $500 Strider.
 
Eikowan said:
I agree... how tough is tough enough for a user? Is S30V the same toughness across several mfg's ? I guess I just don't use my knives hard enough to be all that concerned about the steel (although 154CM is my baseline steel)... of course internet bragging rights always come into play, but again, not concerned about it. If during my normal use the Manix fails, I'll let ya know. Chances are? My $80 M2 will handles it's duties as well as a $500 Strider.
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It should be. I'm not concerned about my Manix 2 breaking, I'm saying for a large folder or chopper S30V would be a better choice then 154CM. Chances are right, but that Strider man, pull that thing out to open a Twinky and people will stop and stare at your hard core, high speed, tactical positioning as you slice that golden goodness free from that infernal plastic wrapper. :D
 
I'm saying for a large folder or chopper S30V would be a better choice then 154CM.
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And it would cost what? I think that's the point. The M2 JUST AS It IS is probably one of the all time "bang for the buck" folders ever made. Soon enough, there will be an end-all, blinged-out Manix of high grade steel and it will cost over $200. Not exactly a "working man's" knife. People will then complain about the cost of the knife they begged for.... and so the reason for knife forums.
 
Eikowan said:
And it would cost what? I think that's the point. The M2 JUST AS It IS is probably one of the all time "bang for the buck" folders ever made. Soon enough, there will be an end-all, blinged-out Manix of high grade steel and it will cost over $200. Not exactly a "working man's" knife. People will then complain about the cost of the knife they begged for.... and so the reason for knife forums.
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Don't misquote ;) , I never said S30V would have been a better choice, in fact I believe I said I like it quite a bit on this knife.

We're all waiting for the 4"+ Manix 2 with a S90V FFG blade. :thumbup: Just for us knuts.
 
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Eikowan said:
Misquote? Not sure I did, but whatever ... it's all good!
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Just realized how angry that sounded. :o I meant don't think I am saying S30V would have been a better choice, I don't think it would have been.
 
Eikowan said:
And it would cost what? I think that's the point. The M2 JUST AS It IS is probably one of the all time "bang for the buck" folders ever made. Soon enough, there will be an end-all, blinged-out Manix of high grade steel and it will cost over $200. Not exactly a "working man's" knife. People will then complain about the cost of the knife they begged for.... and so the reason for knife forums.
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Well said,and I agree :thumbup: all time "bang for the buck" folders "working man's" knife.
 
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