Manix LW, Manix S30V, PM2 negatives?

All Manix models: too fat and wide, the ball bearing lock makes the knife not as fun to flick out. The ergonomics don't feel as right as the PM2, partly because of the over-done finger grooves on the handle.

PM2: the holes in the handles for the four-way clip orientation are a bit unsightly.

All in all, I vastly prefer the PM2 over any of the Manix models. It's the superior knife!
 
In my opinion, they're both pretty good but not great knives. The biggest problem-- and this is shared with both-- is the grip philosophy. They're both set up so that your fingers go in a very particular location, and if for some reason your fingers are a little more widely spaced or uncomfortable at that particular location, well, those finger grooves are not going to be very accommodating. If you use the choil, your middle finger is forced too close to your index finger for comfort. If you don't use the choil, both handles are sized to put your little finger right on a ridge, forcing you to use a 3-finger grip on a handle that's easily long enough to accommodate 4. The other comfort issue, again common to both, is that both knives are so tall compared to thickness that it's like trying to grip a flat, sharp-edged rectangle. There's no lateral grip reinforcement, just a top-and-bottom squeeze using your thumb and knuckles. I'd be much more comfortable with a thicker, more rounded handle for both without the dictatorial finger grooves.
 
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The LW Manix in S110v is a great deal for the blade steel. I owned that one as well as the S30V G10 version and although the G10 version did feel more solid I still preferred the LW model. I had no gripes with the ball bearing lock, mine was fairly smooth to operate. I've owned a few PM2's and they were all great. At first the compression lock bothered me but I slowly warmed up to it and now can say I truly like it. (at least the version on the PM2)

I guess what I'm saying is I'd consider buying the PM2 or LW S110v again but probably not the Manix G10 - not because it's a bad knife, simply because it doesn't offer me anything that's more practical than the LW model and the slight cost increase is well worth it IMO for the steel upgrade.
 
I have the G10 Manix 2, the LW Manix 2, and the G10 Manix 2 XL. (I'm carrying the Manix 2 XL today.) I don't have any serious criticism of any of them.

Minor points that some people might notice:
1. The Manix models are somewhat tall and take up more pocket space. The G10 versions can be a bit heavier than some other knives.
2. The LW is real interesting because of its light weight but it doesn't balance as well as the others.
3. The PM2 doesn't seem like a hard use knife.

My general impression is that the Manix models are good for work knives, the PM2 is better as an EDC knife. YMMV so buy them all.
 
I have the translucent blue Manix2 and the Camo PM2. I think the PM2 has it hands down.

The lightweight Manix requires way too much force to unlock, and the frame is riveted, so not easily modified. Impossible to unlock and close like a BM Axis by thumbing one side. Both sides must be pinched and pressed into palm, or use two hands.

My PM2 has an amazing lockup, free floating blade (with lock depressed, blade falls closed on its own), and flies open with light thumb flick. I also like the blade shape of the PM vs Manix. I feel it's better for all around utility purposes.
 
craytab said:
I gave a manix a hold at a store. The lock didn't feel great to me. Could have just been that example was out of adjustment from all the fondling by noobs and uneducated workers.
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Nope. Both Manix 2 knives that I have owned have a lock that is very stiff and downright uncomfortable to manipulate. I was given the first one and didn't like it so I gifted it to someone who didn't know better. He likes it, but then, his other knife was a Maxam piece of junk. I won the second one in hopes that I was wrong about the lock and my 11y.o. son would like it. He can barely pull the lock back to disengage the blade. Needless to say, once I find a pocket clip and a spare body screw, I don't think it will be around for very long. I have a Benchmade Presidio and a HK14715 that do the same thing the Manix 2 does with a smoother lock and more cutting surface in basically the same length of blade.
 
My general impression is that the Manix models are good for work knives, the PM2 is better as an EDC knife. YMMV so buy them all.
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From what a few people have said it sounds like the PM2 is great EDC in urban areas, but it's probably not the best for hard work. I'm guessing that would especially be true for woods and camping?
 
Fuori said:
From what a few people have said it sounds like the PM2 is great EDC in urban areas, but it's probably not the best for hard work. I'm guessing that would especially be true for woods and camping?
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There is some basis for that. The Para2 tip is more delicate. However, as far as the Para2 standing up to reasonably hard use goes, here's a post I made a while ago on the subject. It's more about DLC durability but shows what a Para2 can take.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1309765-DLC-damage?highlight=dlc+damage

But I will add that if I was going bush I would take the Manix XL over the Para2.
Sorry if I'm just muddying the water for you friend.
Honestly, you really can't call any of these a wrong choice IMO.
 
I think the manix is one of the best coolest knives for the budget. However, if you are looking for the BBL to perform like an axis lock you will be disappointed. It is harder to.manipulate because there is lots of spring tension compared to the omegas of an axis. But those omega springs are also the Achilles heel of that lock. So some might consider the BBL better for that. I love both. PM2 is great as well.
 
I saw a video where someone put the LW in the snow for two days and it didn't have any rust. Will the 30v work as well in that regard?
 
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If I do buy the Manix 2 is it worth the $25 bucks or so for the coated version?
 
Is the PM2 lock normally stiff? It arrived today and I was able to flip it open and closed a few times with the lock, but then it really tightened up and that doesn't work anymore. Even when I try and close it one handed it just kind of hangs there before it starts to drop. I expected some, but not for it to stiffen up after I used it a few times.

I really like the LW, but how strong are those plastic handles? I'm sure they are tougher than they feel, but they are light and live up to the name. It's too stiff to open with my thumb, but hopefully that changes.

The Manix S30v doesn't feel as heavy as I thought. The PM2 feels better in my hand, but that may just be a weight issue. It's not even close to as stiff as the LW and feels like it could handle tough work if it needed to.

Now I have to pick which one I want to keep :(
 
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Fuori said:
Is the PM2 lock normally stiff? It arrived today and I was able to flip it open and closed a few times with the lock, but then it really tightened up and that doesn't work anymore. Even when I try and close it one handed it just kind of hangs there before it starts to drop. I expected some, but not for it to stiffen up after I used it a few times.

I really like the LW, but how strong are those plastic handles? I'm sure they are tougher than they feel, but they are light and live up to the name. It's too stiff to open with my thumb, but hopefully that changes.

The Manix S30v doesn't feel as heavy as I thought. The PM2 feels better in my hand, but that may just be a weight issue. It's not even close to as stiff as the LW and feels like it could handle tough work if it needed to.

Now I have to pick which one I want to keep :(
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Sounds to me like you just need to adjust the pivots on these knives to your liking. The "issues" you describe have to do with pivot screw tension, not necessarily lock engagement.
Personally, I've had a PM (original version) in the past and loved it, and currently have a M2 LW that I love. Enjoy your new knives, I don't think you can go wrong with any of them! :thumbup:
 
puukkoman said:
Sounds to me like you just need to adjust the pivots on these knives to your liking. The "issues" you describe have to do with pivot screw tension, not necessarily lock engagement.
Personally, I've had a PM (original version) in the past and loved it, and currently have a M2 LW that I love. Enjoy your new knives, I don't think you can go wrong with any of them! :thumbup:
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I don't think I can either...which is why it's hard to send the PM2 back. It's been sitting in a box with the return label on it for two days now ;)
 
Fuori said:
I don't think I can either...which is why it's hard to send the PM2 back. It's been sitting in a box with the return label on it for two days now ;)
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Try putting a drop or two of oil in the pivot and maybe even hit the locking area to. My pm2 developed a sticky lock but once I cleaned it up and put a little oil on it the knife has been great. Lock stick went away completely, and it has been smooth as silk ever since(2 months or so of everyday carry).
 
I've never had issues with any delicate tip except when I lend knives to people.
It even stings when I see one gifted then abused.
My girl broke a leek and a dragonfly tip. I bought her a pry bar.
 
The S30V Manix came extremely sharp, but it has a decent sized chip I have to get out. It shouldn't take long to fix, but it was surprising. The only thing I've done is test it on some paper.
 
Was that just bad quality control on my Manix, more a result of the 15 degree factory edge, or will it be prone to do that?
 
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