Manix 2 xl Problem?

N

nlewman

Joined
Dec 26, 2015
Messages
595
Hey all, I'm new to this forum, but I've been with knives a while. I recently acquired my first Spyderco, (frankly overjoyed) however the ball bearing lock is incredibly stiff. I have viewed several other posts about this same issue, but none of them seem to propose an actual solution. I have carried this manix 2 xl constantly since I got it, but I'm really bothered that I have to use both hands to take the knife down. I don't have weak fingers, I have rather strong fingers. Most every video has a guy Flipping his manix open like it's nothing, and I cannot seem to do that. I just follow the blade to the open position with my thumb, but then when it's time for closing, I have to use my other hand. Most of the time I'm using a knife, I'm doing something with that hand.. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!
 
Welcome to Blade Forums.

Have you ever handled another Manix to compare the lock stiffness?
Are you expecting it to be as easy to use as an Axis lock? Because it won't be, they are much stiffer than that.
The CBL lock is definitely a thumb and forefinger on each side to disengage.
The Manix XL handle is large and difficult to grip in such a manner as to close it one handed.

I have a well used and much loved Manix XL. I have a deep carry clip on it and the clip is great to grip with my fingers and hold the knife in one hand while I use the thumb and forefinger to pull the lock back, with a little wrist action to close it one handed.
If I didn't do that then it is definitely a two handed thing to close it.

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It's a strange thumb movement, your muscles probably aren't used to it. After time it'll get easier, micro tech otf are hard at first too. Work on your grip, I have to use the clip to get the right leverage. Time breaking it in and building the specialized finger strength will make it easier.
 
I'm left uncertain about where your difficult lies - is it the relative stiffness of the lock mechanism, or that the blade does not drop freely when the lock is released? If the latter, I rather prefer it that way...I press the spine of the blade against my leg to close it.
 
hhmoore said:
I'm left uncertain about where your difficult lies - is it the relative stiffness of the lock mechanism, or that the blade does not drop freely when the lock is released? If the latter, I rather prefer it that way...I press the spine of the blade against my leg to close it.
Click to expand...

I'm with hhmoore. Need more info. Do you mean spring is too stiff or is it exhibiting lock stick?
I own two Manixs whose locks are slightly different in operation. The plain jane has zero stick and feels like the spring is slightly weaker than the Cruwear's, who also has a small amount of lock stick. Both blades fall freely once disengaged with no play when open.
 
My XL spring loosened up a bit with use. Can open/close it one handed easily without the clip now. Give it some time and practice.
 
Thanks all - I notice now that I kind of jumbled two problems into one. Sorry, I am surprised by both of those things. Hhmoore, I operate on a fairly strict budget and as such did a lot of research before purchasing my manix. I watched many a video, and none of those people seem to have as much trouble as I do opening and closing.


Thanks to all, I will try improving my grip. Appreciate it, and pleasantly surprised by my reception onto this forum.
 
i have 5 of them- 2 XL and 3 std. none are hard to open, most. flick open w/ my thumb. Thumb and forefinger to close. It takes a lot of pull but is easy for me to pull.
 
When you get a new knife, you have to give yourself time to get used to it. As not all of the features will be able to be "seen" in the pictures and specifications.

Part of the problem may be that the rounded back end of the handle doesn't give very much traction to grip against as to get leverage to close the knife, even when using thumb and index finger on each side.

Give it more time and keep working with it, it will get easier to handle, as you get used to it and the action smooths out.
 
Ive been practicing with this lock all day, and while it now seems easier to disengage in the closed state, it sticks and clicks when it is disengaged with the blade open. As in, its a hard pull that makes an audible clicking noise and then slides the rest of the way with slightly less effort. Does every manix do this, or is it just mine?
 
All of my g10 models did. I took it apArt abd spun the spring 180. It stopped it. The spring will catch on the lock body sometimes. Ny wife has a two year old lw model. No click and super smooth,
 
I got a regular sized manix for my gf last yr and the lock was very hard to use. Even for me, I could barely pull back on the damn thing. I ended up pulling the lock back then jamming a bunch of toothpicks in front so it couldnt spring back. Kept that spring compressed for a few days. Not 'easy' still, but way better than it was!
 
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