Manix and Military comparison request

Blue Sky

Blue Sky

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Jun 16, 2002
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Lots of talk about the Military these days. I've never handled one, but I am familiar with the Manix series. Would someone like to compare the two, as far as strengths, weaknesses, etc? I'd like to get a better sense of what the Military is all about vs. something similar I already have experience with. Thanks
 
main thing ...the military is a lot of blade in a light/slim ergonomic package, that can do a lot of hard cutting
its also designed for work with gloves, bigger hole, bigger handle ...
 
There is a huge difference in weight. The manix has some signifigant mass to it, as I'm sure you've noticed. When you pick up a Military you'll wonder why on earth it feels so light even though it's about the same size. While the military features a linerlock (usually a negative in a real hard use knife) the particular implementation has proven over the years to be one of the most reliable examples on a production folder. Other than that they actually fill similar roles, the biggest difference in real world use is the weight. While you won't mistake it for a pen knife, the Military is light and slim enough to almost forget you're carrying it till it's needed.
 
Think of the Military as a full-sized Manix on Weight Watchers. Thinner and lighter. Grips are slightly different, due to the thinness of the Military, but almost as good. The Military's ergonomics may make it the more versatile of the two, as far as grips are concerned. Cutting efficiency is very similar. The Military is much easier to carry in your pocket. There is none of that feeling that your pants will accidentally fall down around your legs.

The Military does not feel as impressive as the Manix. That "right hand of God" feeling just isn't there. The Military is more about finesse than brute force.
 
Thanks for the replies gentlemen. The lighter weight is a big plus, the fine point might not be, haven't decided about that yet. Thin grips are nice to carry but can be hard on your hands with a tight grip in a hard cut. I'm not a heavy-duty user like some folks seem to be but I don't want to baby it either. Buying a Military unfortunately means selling a Manix and I don't think I'm quite there yet...
 
Here's a couple quick pictures I just took. The Manix has replaced my Military as my EDC.

manixmilitary2.jpg


manixmilitary1.jpg
 
img3772.jpg


+lighter
+thinner
+longer cutting edge
+More material choices available and still in current production

-1 clip mounting position
-Lock is slightly easier to accidentally disengage
 
You may want to carefully consider selling the Manix, as it has a unique place in the Spyderco lineup. That said, the Military is faster, lighter, available in more steel varieties and has a greater number of effective grips. IMO, the Military and Para-Military are two of the best knives made by anyone.
 
stormyone said:
Here's a couple quick pictures I just took. The Manix has replaced my Military as my EDC.
Click to expand...

Great pic's, thanks. :thumbup: What is it that makes the Manix the better choice for you?

A.P.F. said:
You may want to carefully consider selling the Manix, as it has a unique place in the Spyderco lineup.
Click to expand...

It's only due to the universal good will about the Military that I would even consider it. It's surprising that I have considered it.

A.P.F. said:
IMO, the Military and Para-Military are two of the best knives made by anyone.
Click to expand...
And this is why. I've seen this sentiment posted so often it's hard not to want to see for myself.
 
Well, my Manix is in its box in my knife trunk, and there is a Military in my back pocket. ;) As others have said, the Manix is a very solid knife that inspires confidence. It sits in your hand, daring you to try to find something it can't handle, and laughing at you when you can't. That solidity comes at a price, which is more weight in your pocket. The Military is plenty strong enough for my use (and I'm not gentle with my knives) and the lighter weight means it sees a lot more pocket time.
 
I have owned 3 Manix and Mini Manix knives, and they have all had the usual blade-play. It bothers me a little, but the lock is very secure, and the ergos are absolutely fantastic. I am a big fan of Benchmade designs, but Spyderco really captured what an EDC is with both the Manix and Military. The Military has been in my pocket for the past month, the Manix was there for a year before I started buying all these other knives. I think they make a great duo (for choosing between, not carrying together): one is light and nimble, the other is hefty and tough. The Military absolutely disappears in my pocket, I don't know if I am used or big knives or something, but I can't ever feel it there. If I had to choose one it'd be the Manix because it is such a cool and unique knife.
 
Spyderco military is the best knife ,in s90v, that i have ever owned in my life for tough chores and carries like a feather.
 
Blue Sky said:
Great pic's, thanks. :thumbup: What is it that makes the Manix the better choice for you?
Click to expand...

Thanks. I've always had a thing for lock-back knives. I have more confidence in them than any other type of lock.
I think yablanowitz summed it up nicely - "the Manix is a very solid knife that inspires confidence. It sits in your hand, daring you to try to find something it can't handle".
The Manix is 2 ounces heavier than the Military, but I like that heft in my hand. And at only 6.2 ounces its still not too heavy for an EDC IMO.
 
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