manix v paramilitary

S

samphire

Joined
Sep 10, 2005
Messages
34
I'm three days away from purchase of my first high quality folder. I had finally got myself settled on a Paramilitary after exhaustive fretting/research. But that damn Manix keeps whispering to me.
If only I could hold them I would know (I think) but no nearby dealer so it's mail order. I appreciate robustness but versatility would be the decider. Can anybody make the voices go away? :eek:
 
Sorry - can't help :) I hear 'em too, AND I already have a Paramilitary. Sort of the same boat for me - I couldn't pick up and fondle a Manix first. Despite the slightly smaller blade, it's (Paramilitary) still a handful for me, and so the Para it was. For what I do, I was thinking that the Manix would be almost too heavy for my EDC things. A bit of time later, I bought a Buck/Strider 887SBT Police Advocate and if that's even a close indicator weightwise, it's definitely going to be heavy. The Buck is in my daypack, though.

If I pick up a Manix, my opinion may or may not change - my requirements for a heavier duty folder with a larger are not that high and I already have several of larger folders. I'm figuring the cost of the Manix up here would be very close to the Al-Mar Sere 2K which has also been whispering at me for a long time now. It would be a pretty tough call for me. Now the upcoming mini-Manix....... :D A slightly smaller heavy duty folder would definitely be worth looking at.

- gord
 
Yeah, that's right. The MiniManix would clinch it I guess but I'm still not seeing any sign of them and when that paycheck hits my account I'm going to have to commit.
 
I've heard that they can share an aquarium if you keep them well fed, but in open water a Manix will kill and eat a Paramilitary if it gets hungry enough.

.
 
Poor little Paras, mother nature can be so cruel :(

I don't own a Manix, but I wouldn't want to carry anything bigger than the Para in my pocket.
 
fulloflead said:
I've heard that they can share an aquarium if you keep them well fed, but in open water a Manix will kill and eat a Paramilitary if it gets hungry enough.

.
Click to expand...

That's pretty damn funny. :p
 
I think my Para is one of the best knives I own. If a Mini-Manix hits the shelves, I might change my mind.
 
I've got them both and am eagerly awaiting the Manix 80mm (the official name of the "mini-Manix"). The Para wins in terms of weight and maintenance (cleaning), as it has an "open design" build, and dirt, lint, and other crud can be easily removed.

The Manix could, however, as one forumite stated earlier, "eat" the poor little Para for breakfast. Its THAT solid of a knife! For its weight, however, the Para is amazingly strong. So, as long as you keep your Manix well fed, you won't have to worry about finding your Para in your Manix's belly one day. That is why I rotate them both within my EDC. :D

Cheers,
3Guardsmen
 
Well I've gone for the Paramilitary for size, weight, ease of cleaning, versatility of blade AND the clip both looks better and would appear to be stronger because the fixings are in that nice open triangular arrangement around the pivot.
Really looking forward to getting it in my hand and putting it through its paces.
Thanks to everyone for your comments. Its a tough choice and probably would be equally good whichever way it went.
 
samphire

Welcome to the Spyderco Forum.

You've already decided on the ParaMilitary and I'm sure you won't be disappointed. However, one point where the Manix is much more versatile is the carry orientation. The Manix allows tip up or tip down, left or right hand carry. The Para is tip down, right hand only. This might not be a problem for you, (or many others) but I know that personally, I strongly prefer tip up carry.

Enjoy your new Spydie!

David
 
Thanks for the welcome David.

The carrying options were something I considered. Not for the left hand option because I am thoroughly dexter with knife use. This tip up/down business has me intrigued however and I did fancy exploring the two alternatives. I have never owned a clip knife so have no prior leaning and I did'nt give the factor too much weighting in the choice.
I gather it's mainly an issue of deployment speed. Is that correct? If so it really doesn't matter too much with this knife.

Regards
Chris
 
I can't decide which one to get first! I really want ao g-10 handle but I don't know if I can wait until the 80mm Manix ships because the Para Military is looking better everyday.
 
fulloflead said:
I've heard that they can share an aquarium if you keep them well fed, but in open water a Manix will kill and eat a Paramilitary if it gets hungry enough.

.
Click to expand...

:D Best laugh of the day! Thanks.
 
samphire said:
This tip up/down business has me intrigued however and I did fancy exploring the two alternatives.

I gather it's mainly an issue of deployment speed. Is that correct? If so it really doesn't matter too much with this knife.
Click to expand...

Chris

The tip-up versus tip-down discussion has been fought out on the forums (repeatedly) with no clear winner. It seems to be a matter of personal preference - a preference which seems to be set by the first knife that you carry for an extended period.

I personally prefer tip-up, which was the way my first pocket-clipped knife (a Delica) was oriented. Now it's so familiar that I don't want to mix a tip-down carry knife into my EDC. It even affects my purchasing patterns. That's why I always find it interesting when decisions about "which knife to buy?" (especially when it's going to be a user and not just to add to a collection) don't include consideration of tip orientation.

Both the Para and the Manix are great knives - but the Manix will let you try out all the carry variations. Just remember, a little heat (like a soldering iron applied to the clip screws) will loosen any factory applied Loctite and help prevent stripped clip screws.

Enjoy!

David
 
Well, it arrived today. What a really great functional bit of engineering. Fills the hand extremely well - I was concerned the handle might be too small. Very fine tolerances and a solid lock-up.
Glad I didn't go bigger but I bet the 80mm Manix will be the dog's bollocks as we say in Blighty (that's good by the way).
Another happy Spyderco owner.

Chris
 
Hey Chris,

Having owned both the Manix and Para, I ended up liking the Para better (I have a couple of them now). It's considerably lighter, the blade is shorter but plenty long enough, and it's easier to clean. I'll admit that the mini-Manix, when it comes out, may be of interest - but I'm also betting that its increased weight will cause me to return to the Para. Only wish it (the Para) was VG-10.. :)

My initial concerns with the Para was that it wasn't a lockback. But those concerns are long gone. That compression lock is completely "trustable" to me now...
 
Hey EDB
Thanks for your comments. I know what you're saying - the compression lock doesn't look like it would be that solid but it is. Size and weight is spot on for EDC I would say and I like the "airiness" of the open design over a grot collecting lockback.
Chris
 
I have a Para in my pocket, and I've played with the Manix. I think the Para is much more practical.

Maybe if the Manix were carry-legal in Colorado (where they make it), I'd get one, but I probably won't bother to get one if I can't bring it everywhere. I already have a 'Nook for my Super Heavy Knife I Can't Use.

For a heavier but practical knife, I'd sure like a Para with full liners and an Axis lock. :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top