Manix 2 xl or BM 710

[AlpacaWrangler]

Hey Guys, How's it going?
Sold some comics on Fee bay so have a couple bucks to spend on a knife. Currently all I own is two Militaries. After reading the axis lock thread I was thinking about giving it another try. I was going to pick up a 710. (Does any one know if they make one with a non-combo edge black coated blade? ) But then I stumbled on the Manix 2 XL. Also looks awesome? What do you guys prefer?

 

[Sonnydaze]

The BM 710 axis lock, satin four-inch blade, is a very competent and famous EDC candidate.
The Spyderco Manix 2 XL is a horse. Depends on what you want to do with it.

 

[spketch]

Between those too I'd go with the 710 for regular daily carry.

The Manix XL is an excellent knife, but its heavier and takes up a lot of pocket space. (I have an original XL with solid liners, the newer ones are milled and a bit lighter.)
The manix also has very aggressive jimping all over the handle, making it uncomfortable for prolonged or heavy cutting without gloves.

The military is my go to edc, and I much prefer it over the 710 or manix XL. You might want to take a look at the benchmade contego as well. That one is a close second to the military for me.

 

[nickites]

710 is slim, light, great EDC.

 

[eb1118]

The 710 has a narrow handle and the ergonomics aren't as good as on the Manix XL. I also don't like the recurve on the blade. They both have good steels, and the locks ate ready to actuate, but unless the width is a concern, I'd go with the Manix XL. It's also about forty dollars cheaper.

 

[jstrange]

I don't think the currently make that combo (the black coated blade is only serrated now), but it can probably be found used. The 710 is awesome and probably my favorite knife right now. Slim, light, and long. I have never had the Manix XL, but did have the regular. It was a really nice knife, but a tad chunky (the XL must be a real pocket filler). Either way , you cant go wrong, but I prefer the Axis lock to the caged-ball lock.

 

[RamZar]

Like others have said the 710 just occupies a lot less pocket space. The width of the Manix2 XL is 1.83" vs. 1.27" for the 710!

 

[AntDog]

I've had both and I prefer the 710. It's slim, sleek, sexy, but still plenty tough. The Manix has excellent ergos, but the jimping IS very aggressive. It's a tank. Think sleek and sexy vs. bombproof. The choice is yours..... Which aspect appeals to you?

Also I have seen the 710 with a black plain blade. I used to have one. I believe the blade steel was M2? It was fantastic! No idea if they are in current production though. You might have to look around a bit for that one.

 

[spketch]

Military and manix 2xl:

 

[AlpacaWrangler]

Thanks for the photos guys. That helps a ton! Might just have to stick with my military.

 

[mw397]

never had the 710 but just sold the Manix XL yesterday. Bought it but never carried it. It is big the pictures don't do it justice. However, good price for a big slab of S30v or great 2nd knife for putting in your go bag or backpack if you need to chop down a Redwood tree. If you like the look of it get the regular one this one takes up your whole pocket.

 

[Sonnydaze]

Alpaca, just to note that the 710 is also available in M390...which far exceeds most other steels in today's market. Yes, it costs more, but it's a super-knife. Here is the KnifeWorks exclusive model 710-1401 for $200. Actually, ones that I've seen in the exchange were more expensive than the new ones... This is a gorgeous-looking blade with first-class blade-steel.
http://www.knifeworks.com/benchmade710-1401-M390.aspx#.VCh_qPldVBY

I have only owned the 710 in D2...the cheaper model, but it's a fine knife. This model has one of the very highest blade-to-handle ratios, which means you are packing a lot of blade in a handle just a bit longer. Not everyone NEEDS/WANTS a 4" blade. But you might.

 

[Rasco]

If you're into the larger knives, like the Military or the 0560 line, may I suggest the KW 810..?
I recently picked one up and it's quickly becoming one of my favorites.

For me, it carries better than my Military just due to the tip-up option.
But the M390 steel is fantastic and the G10 is a lot better on this version than it is on the standard 810, in my opinion.

If you're looking for something new and awesome with an Axis lock, I seriously do not think you'll be disappointed with one of these KnifeWorks Contegos.

 

[RamZar]

If you want a narrow width Spyderco check out the Ulize. Here's an old picture of mine alongside the Military.

 

[Arredondo]

My edc is a 710, I have two, both black in D2. The serrated I carry around the farm, the plain blade elsewhere. I cannot speak to the Manix and I really like my military but still go to the 710. It is comfortable, not unreasonably expensive and carries well in jeans or khakis. The lock is excellent and it opens easily.

Tom

 

[Pyromancer]

The 710 and Manix 2 XL are my current two large EDCs. I've owned 710s for the last 8 years, and the Manix for the last year. Here are my impressions:

710
-A LOT of blade in a small package. Easy to carry, barely noticeable. Better for the city slicker.
-The axis is way smoother than the ball bearing lock.
-Handle is good for a medium-large hand. G10 and gimping is on the smoother side. Not great traction, but won't tear up your hands or clothing.
-$150??? When did this 15+ year old knife design get so damn expensive?
-Overall a great knife; more "tactical" than "outdoors."

Manix 2 XL
-You will notice carrying this thing around. The width of the handle is what gets you.
-If you have large-extra large hands you'll appreciate the handle width. I know I do. Gloves? No Problem.
-The G-10 is rough, the gimping is not cosmetic (my girlfriend hates it. If you have soft hands you will too).
-$100!!! For all these great components, and made in U.S.A. Enough said.
-This is a real outdoors, working knife. I carry this out in the woods, and in the wintertime.