Manix 2 vs zt 0566 vs zt 0450

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Prospect708

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May 9, 2015
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So I put up a post yesterday on dragonfly 2 vs Manix 2 and the majority said manix 2 would be a better all around knife for edc, camping, fishing, and hunting. Well what about the manix 2 (in s110v steel) vs zt 0566 (g10 scale and elmax) vs zt 0450 (titanium handle and s30v)? What would be the best for those tasks and why? Thanks in advance for any advice and tips on the above knives. I know there is a bit of a price difference between these and that's fine I'm just looking for info on comparison in rust resistence, edge retention, and overall carry and handling. Thank y'all
 
I would still go for the Manix 2 out of those options. Stronger lock, better steel, lower price and, for me at least, better ergonomics. The FRN scales of the Manix 2 will also offer better grip in wet conditions and won't transmit heat/cold to your hands nearly as much as the stainless steel lock side of the 0556 or the titanium scales of the 0450. Another benefit of the Manix 2 is that the height of the blade and the full flat grind will give you much better cutting geometry than either of those alternatives. The ZTs are almost undeniably sexier, but the Manix 2 Lightweight in S110V will cut better and cut for longer than either one.
 
See that's exactly how I was thinkig too. My wife loves the look of the ZT's but something about that Manix I love and that lock and steel are so awesome...
 
No one can answer theses questions but you. If there was an answer we wouldn't have choices. Those 3 are all extremely different knives, from size to locking mechanisms. You probably don't know this but you'll likely end up with them all in due time. Watch the exchange for good deals, buy them and sell what you don't like for little to no loss.
P.S. I've had all 3 (numerous times actually) and the only one I have left is the 450. YMMV
 
wtlj said:
No one can answer theses questions but you. If there was an answer we wouldn't have choices. Those 3 are all extremely different knives, from size to locking mechanisms. You probably don't know this but you'll likely end up with them all in due time. Watch the exchange for good deals, buy them and sell what you don't like for little to no loss.
P.S. I've had all 3 (numerous times actually) and the only one I have left is the 450. YMMV
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Yeah I figure I'll end up with all at some point but I'd like to purchase the one that will handle my tasks best first. I know this has a lot to do with personal preference but I would like to hear everyone's thoughts. Thanks for the info though. Why did you keep the 0450 over the others?
 
Prospect708 said:
Yeah I figure I'll end up with all at some point but I'd like to purchase the one that will handle my tasks best first. I know this has a lot to do with personal preference but I would like to hear everyone's thoughts. Thanks for the info though. Why did you keep the 0450 over the others?
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I like it more [emoji10].
Sorry, I just don't have a better answer. I've had nearly every ZT, BM, Spyderco and they all did what they were supposed to do the rest is just decoration. Which one appeals to you most? What kind of knives do you carry now?
What I can tell you is you have very good taste! Those were all my "favorite" at one time!
 
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Right now I have a rotation with my zancudo, kershaw cqc-6k, buck vantage force pro, and Vic Hunter but I've carried a SOG Trident, BM grip, BM presidio, Spyderco Delica, Kershaw Skyline, and RAT 1. I really dig the buck but it doesn't slide in the pocket easy the handles have really aggressive grip.
 
I've had all three of those, liked the 566 best. fits the hand well. If you choose that one, I have one for sale :) lol
 
Prospect708 said:
... zancudo, kershaw cqc-6k, buck vantage force pro, and Vic Hunter ... SOG Trident, BM grip, BM presidio, Spyderco Delica, Kershaw Skyline, and RAT 1. I really dig the buck but it doesn't slide in the pocket easy the handles have really aggressive grip.
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Lots of experience! :thumbup:
All three knives seem plenty capable of outdoor use, I'm just checking on what you're really looking for in this next purchase... For the tasks described, I'd worry less about the steel and more about other aspects of the design, e.g. handle shape and texture, or deployment method.
You like the Buck vantage force you have but not the aggressive grip under the clip for pocket-carry - have you tried a vantage with smoother scales, e.g. the Select or diamond-wood models? Do you prefer liner/frame-locks? Do you prefer flippers? Do you prefer the thumb-hole option and the hump it creates?
The ZT's will slip easily into the pocket (smooth frame side), and they should be sturdier than the buck and Manix LW for outdoor use. The 0566 is 5.3 oz fat and thick but with a good grip, the 0450 is 2.9 oz slim and light with just as much blade but a more slippery handle.

The Manix 2 LW is less sturdy but light and built with a neat lock (did you prefer that about the BM grip?), a wide handle for a full grip... It's also very wide when folded so it takes up a lot of pocket-space and doesn't slide too smooth into the pocket. The blade is S110V steel but how would that impress you in the use you describe? It'll be about as tough (or less) than 440C and D2, and I'm not sure you'd see any advantage over S30V or even 420HC in the use described *shrug*

What about a Paramilitary 2?
 
I've used a buck 110 with 420hc (my father's knife) and just wasn't impressed with edge retention. I was using it during a camping trip plus it's a heavy knife which is why I think I'm leaning towards the manix or 0450 I think. I like both of the locking mechanisms but I've never had a full titanium handle like the 0450 so I don't know how the grip feels. I also like both deployment methods. I think I would like the manix but I think the 0450 looks good and sleek and that blade shape is nice. I think the 0450 is more aesthetically pleasing but there's something about the manix that is just awesome.
 
For me the it's the Manix 2. Love the blade shape, lock, and ergonomics are superb. Love it so much I got 2...S30V FFG and Cruwear versions.
Both others are great also. 0566 is solid but feels heavy for its size. Only things I don't dig about 0450 are the KVT and its a flipper. I prefer washers and non flippers.
 
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Yeah washers are definitely easier when it comes to reassembling the knife after taking it apart to clean. I never thought of this till now. This makes me lean a little more towards the manix.
 
Just got a Manix 2 LW in S110V and luvin' it so far. Fantastic slicer.

But, for camping, I'd go with a fixed blade like the KaBar BK24 (3.25" D2), BK16 (4.4" 1095CV) or BK15 (5.5" 1095CV and my fav).
 
TravisH said:
Just got a Manix 2 LW in S110V and luvin' it so far. Fantastic slicer.

But, for camping, I'd go with a fixed blade like the KaBar BK24 (3.25" D2), BK16 (4.4" 1095CV) or BK15 (5.5" 1095CV and my fav).
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I've been looking at the bk15 for a little while now but I don't always have a fixed blade on my belt when camping but I always have a folder in my pocket.
 
Prospect708 said:
I've used a buck 110 with 420hc (my father's knife) and just wasn't impressed with edge retention. I was using it during a camping trip plus it's a heavy knife which is why I think I'm leaning towards the manix or 0450 I think. I like both of the locking mechanisms but I've never had a full titanium handle like the 0450 so I don't know how the grip feels. I also like both deployment methods. I think I would like the manix but I think the 0450 looks good and sleek and that blade shape is nice. I think the 0450 is more aesthetically pleasing but there's something about the manix that is just awesome.
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Excellent assessment!
With all its brass, the buck 110 is heavier than even the 0566. To me, the 0566 is like an upgraded Vantage, so you may like that or it may seem too similar.
To me, the 0450 is the prettiest but a bit more dressy and has the look of a fighting knife, the swedged spine may not be the best for camping uses.
The manix 2 has a really nice drop-point blade for hunting, and the light weight and S110V will be a big step up from a Buck 110, and the lock-style is something new for you. IMHO you should go this route of the options you presented. Whichever you choose, enjoy and post pics if able! :thumbup:
 
chiral.grolim said:
Excellent assessment!
With all its brass, the buck 110 is heavier than even the 0566. To me, the 0566 is like an upgraded Vantage, so you may like that or it may seem too similar.
To me, the 0450 is the prettiest but a bit more dressy and has the look of a fighting knife, the swedged spine may not be the best for camping uses.
The manix 2 has a really nice drop-point blade for hunting, and the light weight and S110V will be a big step up from a Buck 110, and the lock-style is something new for you. IMHO you should go this route of the options you presented. Whichever you choose, enjoy and post pics if able! [emoji106]
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Yeah right now I'm really leaning towards the manix. I've heard nothing but great things about it.
 
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