Manix vs Paramilitary

mckrob

mckrob

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Jan 15, 2007
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I having a hard time making up my mind between the Manix 83mm and the Paramilitary. I am used to the Spyderco lockback so I am leaning toward the Manix, but I like the blade profile of the Paramilitary. Is the Paramilitary's "compression lock" as good as the lockback? Any pros or cons to either one ? Help, I can't make up my mind !
 
I don't think anyone else can tell you which is best for you. The Compression lock is strong, but not quite as strong as the Manix family lockback. Either will take more pressure than the handle they are mounted in. The blades are similar length, but different widths and shapes. The Manix 83mm is much heavier than the Para if that matters to you - it does to me. I have both, and find that I carry the Para more often because of the lighter weight.

But if you want something that just screams "USE ME! USE ME FOR ANYTHING! I CAN TAKE IT!" you might be better off with the "Mini"-Manix. It is one solid hunk o' knife.
 
I have knives with all sorts of locks - lockback, linerlock, axis, framelock, etc. Of all of them, the compression lock on my para is my favorite. Solid lockup and very easy to use (it takes a little getting used to because it is on the back of the handle).

I haven't handled the mini Manix, but I did get to play with the full size Manix. The Manix is a much heavier folder. So if you prefer something that can derail a train, the Manix is the way to go. I personally prefer the Para. It is easier to operate (open and close) and lighter. The blade has a finer point for detail work.
 
The Para will be easier to carry, as it's a bit thinner in the pocket and lighter as well, IIRC. What do you intend to use the new knife for? That may help us recommend one or the other.

Otherwise, you can't really go wrong with either. Both are great EDC knives.
 
The Paramilitary has a reputation for being strong -- but for my money, I prefer to see my blade pivoting in a sturdy metal sandwich, rather than rubbing up against some fiberglass. I recommend to giving some extra thought about buying a knife with only one liner, unless weight is a major consideration.
 
vanadium said:
The Paramilitary has a reputation for being strong -- but for my money, I prefer to see my blade pivoting in a sturdy metal sandwich, rather than rubbing up against some fiberglass. I recommend to giving some extra thought about buying a knife with only one liner, unless weight is a major consideration.
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The Paramilitary absolutely has two liners. They don't run the full size of the handle slabs, but are more than sufficient to grant the design strength where required. The liner size also helps cut down on weight.
 
Yeah... eojk is right. I have both knives and the Para does have dual liners, they just aren't full sized like the Manix family. But the Para is a very firm handful.

I end up carrying the Para more than the 83mm Manix for two reasons;

1. Weight - the Para is much lighter and my wife and I both carry it (at different times) when we're in the woods camping or hiking.

2. Open construction - it's easier to keep clean or to clean out when it needs it. The compression lock seems to be less affected by gunk than the lockback on the Manix.

Both locks are more than stout enough for anything that I'm likely to do with a knife. In my case, all the lock has to do is keep the blade open against accidental bumps or slips that might close it if it were a slipjoint.
 
Other than a Spyderco kitchen knife my only Spydercos are my first gen Endura and my co-pilot. But I am also really tempted by the full size Manix.To me it looks sorta
like an Endura on steroids. lol! But is the Manix really so heavy as to be a sheath only knife? Is it really too heavy for pocket carry?
I carried my first Generation SOG Tomcat for 2 or 3 years in a belt sheath. That knife is 8 ounces and the single sturdiest folder i have even seen/used. The main thing that kept me from carrying that in a pocket was that the kraton panels would stick to cloth.

Exactly how heavy is the Manix?

(Edit)
D'oh! FYI Answered my own question, according to Spydercos website its 6.1 ounces. Heavy but not as heavy as my Tomcat. I definitely need to get a Manix!
 
I haven't been lucky with my compression locks/frame locks. Both my Paramils and ATR's devellopped vertical play after a short while.

If the Mini Manix only came fully serrated:grumpy: , I think it would kick my favourite D3/SE out of my pocket:D
 
I have both and it is VERY hard to decide between the two. I have flip-flopped between which one I like better for a couple of years now. Get one, then buy the other later. That doesn't help does it.
 
I have both the Para and Mini-Manix, and of the two, I prefer the Para-Military due to it's lighter weight. Make no mistake, both are fine knives, but for EDC, the Para is the way to go, IMHO.
 
I have to say that I like both very much. After carrying the para for months, I got the manix 83. I am a lefty and the 4 way clip option won it out for the manix. It also is more comfortable in hand. But you really can't go wrong with either.
 
mckrob said:
Is the Paramilitary's "compression lock" as good as the lockback? Any pros or cons to either one ? Help, I can't make up my mind ![/COLOR][/SIZE]
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Lockbacks *can* have a hint of blade play. The compression lock however locks the blade up tight as a drum.
 
Thanks all for the words of advice.

After much contemplation I think I will buy both !

I will start with the Paramilitary, and pick up a Manix at a later date.

 
mckrob said:
Thanks all for the words of advice.

After much contemplation I think I will buy both !

I will start with the Paramilitary, and pick up a Manix at a later date.
Click to expand...
That's a decision worthy of King Solomon. :thumbup:
 
tholiver said:
Other than a Spyderco kitchen knife my only Spydercos are my first gen Endura and my co-pilot. But I am also really tempted by the full size Manix.To me it looks sorta
like an Endura on steroids. lol! But is the Manix really so heavy as to be a sheath only knife? Is it really too heavy for pocket carry?
I carried my first Generation SOG Tomcat for 2 or 3 years in a belt sheath. That knife is 8 ounces and the single sturdiest folder i have even seen/used. The main thing that kept me from carrying that in a pocket was that the kraton panels would stick to cloth.

Exactly how heavy is the Manix?

(Edit)
D'oh! FYI Answered my own question, according to Spydercos website its 6.1 ounces. Heavy but not as heavy as my Tomcat. I definitely need to get a Manix!
Click to expand...

I bought the big Manix and wasn't bothered in the least by any weight issue. It's a big, solid, man sized folder. I gave it to my son, but now I want one again.:D I just don't get why people complain about a knife that weighs less than half a pound. Half the time I had mine clipped into the chest pocket of a "Lumber jack" shirt and didn't think twice about it.
 
When I was in the market, I considered these two knives as well. After handling both, I went with the Para for the same reasons. Mostly weight and the compression lock. I've never looked back.
 
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