Manix 2 VS ZT 0566

Heartland_edc

Heartland_edc

Joined
May 4, 2015
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I recently traded off my edc, so I'm about to buy a new one. I have owned pretty much every highly recommended edc out there except these two, and they're the only two i'm currently interested in. They both have exactly what I look for in an edc user, and i'm not sure which I want to go with. I work as a salesman at a dealership, and i'm constantly opening letters and boxes with lots of tape, and sometimes ties. Every now and then I need to cut string from banners. Heaviest task i'd use them for would be digging crap out of an engine, or prying up a warped dash for replacement. Doubt I'd ever need either to defend my life. So what's your vote for? I really like them both and I'm torn. I've had lots of great experiences with knives from both manufacturers. Never needed any send-in repairs or anything like that. Other knives from both ZT and Spyderco have held up extremely well in the same circumstances. Let me know what you think! :)
 
Heartland_edc said:
I recently traded off my edc, so I'm about to buy a new one. I have owned pretty much every highly recommended edc out there except these two, and they're the only two i'm currently interested in. They both have exactly what I look for in an edc user, and i'm not sure which I want to go with. I work as a salesman at a dealership, and i'm constantly opening letters and boxes with lots of tape, and sometimes ties. Every now and then I need to cut string from banners. Heaviest task i'd use them for would be digging crap out of an engine, or prying up a warped dash for replacement. Doubt I'd ever need either to defend my life. So what's your vote for? I really like them both and I'm torn. I've had lots of great experiences with knives from both manufacturers. Never needed any send-in repairs or anything like that. Other knives from both ZT and Spyderco have held up extremely well in the same circumstances. Let me know what you think! :)
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I'd get the ZT. Imho a little better overall quality, and if you do manage to break the blade, you can get it replaced where as Spyderco doesn't. Both would be good though.
 
I used my 0566 more than my Manix. Pocket size was the differentiating factor for me. The Manix does take noticeably more space in pocket, and I have the lightweight/S110V version (vs. the G10 version, which adds full liners). Ergos are solid on both. The CBBL on the Manix was rather stiff at first, but it did wear in a bit after some time.

Here are a couple of shots that kind of show the size differences.

MiniGrip_0770_0350_0566_Manix2_open_800x514.jpg


MiniGrip_0770_0350_0566_Manix2_closed_800x382.jpg


MiniGrip_0770_0350_0566_Manix2_length_800x500.jpg
 
I've had both, both are great knives and I was leaning slightly toward the Manix for your light EDC tasks, strictly because the FFG blade would slice a little better. That was until I read the part about prying and digging, ZT566 all the way. IMO the 566 is a tougher knife, which would benefit you more than a slight edge (pun intended) in slicing ability.
 
I'm a Manix2 guy and carry it over any of my ZTs pretty much ever time. If you've had all the other knives out there, I say go Manix2 because it's kinda unique. The 566 is very similar to other ZTs you probably already had IMO.

EDIT: I tried to resist...
26173975325_53cb55411e_k.jpg
 
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I have owned both, carried both, sold both.

I had a much more pleasant time with the Manix, the ZT was too heavy for its size and the framelock annoyed me (as a left-hander).

The Spyderco was a great cutter, I only got rid of it because it was redundant. FFG grind and a stout blade, plus the ambidextrous lock is sweet if a little stiff at first.

The only reason I'd get the ZT would be if you do a lot of serious prying, the ZT has a thick grind and is not a good cutter but it does pry well.
 
I don't have much to add, but i've used my delica to pry dashboard parts and stuff off just fine


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Lol damnit... you guys all made it harder haha. I might have to flip a coin. Leaning slightly towards the manix. Might have to sleep on it.
 
I like the Manix 2 and have a variety of them. One thing I like better about the Manix is its keen point. If you might use the knife as a pry bar or chisel you might like the ZT better. I have not handled the 0566 but I do own the 0561 and it has a thicker edge than the Manix 2. One thing I've liked about the Manix 2 since I got the first one is its ease of use one-handed. It is my easiest knife to pull out with one hand, use, close with one hand and put back in my pocket, even in the dark. I like my 0561 but it is hard to close smoothly with one hand. I also prefer the Spyderco hole for opening the blade over the ZT flipper.
 
Tough choice. While I carry one of my Manixes way more often than my 0566CF, if prying is ever a possibility, I'd go for the ZT. Its also thinner in the pocket. Manix wins hands down in terms of cutting performance, though.
 
Don't have a Manix 2 but have a 0566bwcf and its a knife that sees a lot of time in my rotation. Its almost the perfect EDC for me really....almost.
 
I've had both. The ZT looks classier, is chunkier, shorter, feels sturdier, and has better ergos IMO. The manix is a better slicer, lighter, pocket hog, and looks goofy. Either would work just fine, the 556 just feels more quality IMO
 
I guess I am in the minority, but having owned both I would put the manix 2 ahead of the zt566 in durability as well. My zt566 was ruined simply trying to cut a pumpkin stem, the lock face on both the scale and blade have damage now and it doesn't lock properly. The manix has done this task a number of times no problem.

Just an FYI, I would also put the new g10 griptillian against the 566 all day, but the manix is still a step ahead ergonomically.
 
The Manix is the better cutting tool, in every way I can think of. Better ergonomics, better lock, better blade shape, better range of choices (many steels and handles vs. cosmetic differences in the 0566 models)

The blurple manix looks like my ideal knife as a cutting tool. I'm not really sure why I don't have one already.
 
Comeuppance said:
The Manix is the better cutting tool, in every way I can think of. Better ergonomics, better lock, better blade shape, better range of choices (many steels and handles vs. cosmetic differences in the 0566 models)

The blurple manix looks like my ideal knife as a cutting tool. I'm not really sure why I don't have one already.
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I would like to add to this, but the only thing I can change is my preference for my Manix 2 variety is a Cruwear version.

Depending on how much you want to spend, you can get everything from plain s30v up to a Cruwear or M4 for a bump in performance.
You can even tailor your steel choice for the job that you do and the environment you work in (stainless, tool steel, carbide rich/wear resistant or a more pure and "comparatively simple" alloy).
 
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