Manix or SERE 2000?

J

JNieporte

Joined
Nov 1, 2004
Messages
3,352
If you could only buy one, which would you get; a Spyderco Manix or an Al Mar SERE 2000? They're both about the same size and price. Which would you get for a heavy duty, general-purpose blade?
 
I prefer the traditional lockback, but I've learned to operate just about any lock with ease. So it's not really a point. I'm considering a Mini Manix right now, after looking at all the statistics. I'm a bit confused as to whether the full-sized Manix and the SERE 2000 are designed for tip-up carry. I see them advertised as ambidextrous, tip up or down; but the only pictures I can find of the SERE are tip down right hand and the Manix as tip down, left or right.

I guess what I'm looking for is which one can be carried right-hand tip-up, as is my normal preference.
 
I have the mini versions of both knives. I think that all of the Manix series is designed for a 4-way carry. The SERE folders are ambidextrous TU only since the clips attach on the butt end of the knives instead of the sides.

Personally, I like both knives but I don't see them in equal terms. To me, the SERE series seems more oriented toward Survival primarily in terms of combat and then some other chores. The Manix series are heavy duty hiking/camping/hunting folders that do a lot of things very well, but combat may not be their greatest strength (not that they wouldn't serve, if needed).
 
I have both of these knives and think both are top notch. But the look, feel, functionality, locking system, etc. are just about as different as one can get for a couple of modern folders. You will get suggestions for both (mostly the Manix, I'm guessing) but only you can decide which is best for your intended use.

If you can possibly go to a local knife shop and handle them, by all means do it. If not, I think you will get the most use out of the Manix. However, the SERE is just as good a knife in its own way but the blade is more of "tactical" design. It also carries better than the Manix.

Hell, I don't know. Buy them both, like I did.

Regards and good luck in trying to decide.
 
I have both and like both. The Manix is more heavy duty but the SERE is very stout also. The Sere 2000 will sit very low and unassuming in the pocket where the Manix sticks out of the pocket some when clipped. If you want discreet get the Al Mar but I like the S30v steel of the Manix better than VG10 which the SERE uses.
 
I've had both, and they both have +- on either one. The SERE is cool because it disappears in the pocket, and it the smoothest opening knife I've ever had. The handle is very comfortable, but thick, like a hammer. And I prefer the VG10 of the AlMar to the S30V of the Spyderco. The minuses for me were no thumb ramp notches, and no way to choke up on the blade. Also the tip is too thin. The Manix has a finger choil which I love, monster lockback, almost infallible, but the grip is somewhat specified, it either fits you or it doesn't. ANd for me the manix is to thin in the handle, and the blade has a distal taper, which I am not a fan of, never saw the point in making a hard use tactical knife with an easily breakable tip. Both are cool though. Hope this sheds a little light. As always, YMMV>
 
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