Manix 2 XL, should i have purchased a PM2

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Mar 30, 2016
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I just purchased a Manix 2 Xl over a PM2 and the main reason I did was for the additional length on the blade, which for me was the main reason for making a new purchase in the 1st place. As we all know though(bc we belong to a forum all about blades... lol ) you are always going to wonder, did I make the right choice? I am just wondering if you all more experienced with these 2 models can weigh in and offer me user experience and opinions on both of these great knives! also if you have any cool photos or action shots please feel free to share :)!!
 
I had a manix 2 xl, but sold it off has I could not grasp it firmly without gloves on. the fangs it bears on the palm swell section are an instant hot spot. without these the blade would have been a 10/10. The para2 on the hand, is pretty close to perfection in all honesty.
 
The answer is something only you can decide but I bet it will come down to size. The Manix2XL is a beast both in the hand and in the pocket. The Para2 will have less blade length but ride better in the pocket. If it was a larger blade you were after then you found it. I think you will be happy with your choice. Of course, I also think you would be happy with either one. I don't actually have a Manix2XL because I prefer the Military and have a bunch of them but I have handled a Manix2XL quite a few times and I have a regular Manix2.
 
I own a Manix 2 XL and it gets the most pocket time of any of my folders. I owned (past tense) a Paramilitary 2, that should pretty much tell you my preference.

For me, the XL is more comfortable in hand and, given the broader blade and slightly thinner stock, it's a better slicer. It definitely takes up significant pocket space, but I'm a big guy so it doesn't bother me much.
 
awesome great insight! I do think I will love the bigger blade better and also like the wider profile top to bottom of the Manix. I feel like I will have a PM2 in my life in the next month or 2 but I wish I could get in the inside track on some of the sprint runs, how do I get info on when there may be a run like that, so that if it doesn't become a user it has a cool collectability factor? I watched a youtube video of a guy with wooden scales on his Manix XL those were sick would love to get something like that, that would be pretty unique
 
awesome great insight! I do think I will love the bigger blade better and also like the wider profile top to bottom of the Manix. I feel like I will have a PM2 in my life in the next month or 2 but I wish I could get in the inside track on some of the sprint runs, how do I get info on when there may be a run like that, so that if it doesn't become a user it has a cool collectability factor? I watched a youtube video of a guy with wooden scales on his Manix XL those were sick would love to get something like that, that would be pretty unique

there are many after market scales for the manix 2 xl out there, Bladescale from allen putman is one of them. But he makes them out of G10 only for that model. There's a also a Italian maker, ''custodi'' something, they make some scales out of natural material, but they might be a little pricey
 
If you were referencing Cuscadi, the scales are great, and the prices reasonable (yes, aftermarket scales are expensive...and can cost as much as, if not more than, the knife for which they are purchased; I meant in comparison to scales by other makers).

PM2 vs Manix2 XL? It's a personal choice, as has been said. My only experience with the 2XL was with the S90V/CF version. I thought the knife itself was great...but I hated the scales. I felt the same about the PM2 - I wanted to like it, but I disliked the scales. Ultimately, I swapped them out; and I like the PM2 now. I'll have to get my hands on a regular g10 2XL at some point.
The Military is another good option, if you want more blade than the PM2 provides; and it is less wide than the 2XL (so it feels smaller in the pocket).
 
I have the Manix2 XL in s90v and the only problem I have with it is with my medium sized hands it's a bit uncomfortable reaching the ball release lock. As a result I haven't carried it in a long time. I do prefer the PM2 and categorize it as a great all purpose knife.
 
I own both and I like both, I am carrying a Manix 2 XL today. The 2XL fits my hands well and is a big enough blade to do whatever I need. It does take up a lot of space at the top of my pocket and makes it hard to get my hand into my pocket, but I don't typically put anything into that pocket with the knife except for a cellphone. I also have a Military and a standard Manix 2 that I carry frequently.

Start with my comparison of the PM2 and Manix 2- I think the Manix 2 is a good work knife, the PM2 is a bit lighter and trimmer and to me feels better for EDC. To have the PM2 and want a longer blade, the logical next step is the Military. To have a Manix 2 and want bigger, the local next step is the 2XL. These roads diverge a little bit when you go the next step- the 2XL gets even bigger and possibly less friendly for EDC, but it isn't heavy. The Military seems even trimmer considering its size. Comparing any of these will depend on the outlook of the person and what characteristics they most like. Going from the Manix 2 XL to a PM2 will make the PM2 seem tiny. And BTW the PM2 is the smallest knife that I carry in my EDC rotation.
 
I own 4 Manix 2 XL, 2 Manix 2 LW...and one PM2.

The PM2 is the Blurple s110 model - it is slick opening, scary sharp, and a treat to cut with.

It is also just a tad too small for my hands. The Manix 2 is a better fit for me, and the XL is spot on. I'm just waiting for a Blurple S110 Manix 2 XL and I'll be good to go.

YMMV, they are all good - just different. The Manix is a hand filler, that feels more solid to me. The PM2 feels...like a tool designed for finer work?
 
I own both. I love my xl because the handle is comfortable, I've always loved the axis lock, so the spydie version bb lovkis perfect. The blade shape, size and grind is perfect. The PM2 is more sleek, lighter by a good bit and totally different in how it fits in your hand. I love both but if I had to give up one, it would be my pm2 by a slight bit
 
They are 2 ENTRIRELY different knives. To choose one, I'd go with the PM2, easier to carry, very capable blade, and great lock. That said, I won't be selling the Manix XL any time soon. I love collecting, and adding blades over time. Get the one you want the most now, and start saving for the other.
 
that is some great info and things to consider, thank you all!! I did purchase the Manix 2 XL and picked it up yesterday! Love it feels great, although it was a little stiffer then I thought it would be but I am hoping it will break in and glide soon enough!

then I couldn't stop looking at reviews for the PM2 so I went ahead and ordered that one today and will be picking that up on my way home from the office today! I will look to do a review on both and post with pics if anyone is interested in seeing that! you guys are awesome, thank you!!!
 
I just got a pm2 a few days ago, have had a manix 2 xl for a year or so. I love that the manix has the bb lock but the PM2 has the compression lock and the blade I love off the military.
 
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