Manix vs Rukus vs Osborne

BlazenGem

BlazenGem

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Oct 19, 2007
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Well, its Christmas!

My parents decided I can buy myself another knife. Under a budget of about $130.

I have narrowed it down to the Manix(full size), the Rukus(full size or mini), and the Osborne.

I am looking for something with great fit and finish, strong and sturdy, great handle ergo, can take some beating (this will be my 'fixed' blade), and smooth.

Which one of these do you guys prefer when compared to?

:)

mike
 
For me, it's between the Manix/Mini & the Rukus/Mini. Overall, I prefer the Mini Manix. It's one of my all time favorite designs. But the Rukuses are one of my favorite overall designs as well. Here's how I rate them:

-Ergos: Manix/Mini
-Weight: Manix/Mini (are lighter)
-Slicing ability: I'd say about the same, even though the Rukuses aren't full flat ground. They have a thinner spine.
-Pocket carry-Comfort: Mini Rukus and Mini Manix
-Handle toughness: the Rukus handles seem tougher overall
-Lock strength: There might be a slight nod in strength to the Axis locks. Difference should be negligible
-Lock Reliability: Slight nod to the Back Lock because it has just proven itself over time. A negative aspect is the possibility of lint and other things getting into the backlock, decreasing the consistency of solid lock up. Regular check ups, shouldn't make that too much of an issue, though it should be noted that it is a factor that drives some people away from this type of lock.
-Blade: Both made of S30V. Manixes have a thicker spine and are full flat grinds. Rukuses have a high bevel flat grind with a swedge. They slice about equally, I think.
-Open/Close speed: Nod goes to the Rukuses
-Open/close practicality: About equal and I prefer the Manix.
-Rides in the pocket: Manixes show more when clipped. The Rukuses have a great low riding clip.
-Pocket Clips: Some complain about the flimsy feeling of the Rukus clips, I think it's more because the Rukuses feel so solid. The Clips are about equal for me with the Manixes feeling more solid and the Rukuses riding lower.

Again, overall I like the Mini Manix. But these designs are great. You cannot, I repeat, cannot gowrong any way you go.
 
which osborne.... there are several designs from benchmade designed by osborne the 92x series the 94x series and the 96x series.

Well being that the manix (both large and small) is discontinued id probably say pick on up. the rest you can probably get next year or whenever you want.

For me if i was only ever going to get one of these.. it would be no questions asked the large rukus. Itis big i like the bladeshape i like the handle it can be used for all sorts of outdoor activities and it rides well in the pocket. Plus the axis lock is great. However you will be hard pressed to find a full size rukus for $130

Id check your local knife laws for size limit and get the either rukus that follows your laws. That is unless you for sure want a manix sometime in your life then now is the time to get one and get the rukus next year or so.
 
So, when you say Osborne, which model do you mean? I guess I'll assume that you mean the 94x series... Also, I've never handled the Manix, so take my words with that grain of salt.

For ergonomics, I think all three are great, though each will be different. The 94x has great ergos for light/detailed/fine/etc. work. The other two seem to excel more where hard use, hard gripping of the knife may be involved. That is, they'll fill the hand better than the Osborne, which is a plus for hard use. From your description, I'm going to venture a guess that either the Manix or Rukus would suit you best here. Between those, I'd probably lean towards the Manix.

For the blade, the 94x may not be the best suited if you expect you'll be using your knife as not a knife. If you are indeed using it for cutting, though, any of the three will serve you great. I think the Manix would be my choice for blade grind and geometry, but I would likely go with the Rukus if it came to fixed blade replacement type of hard use.

Fit and finish is likely to be comparable and excellent on any of the choices, so no need to worry there. For materials, I guess it depends whether you prefer G10/micarta, or aluminum. My instinct is to go with one of the G10/micarta models, though I don't have any good reason to back that up. Aluminum is excellent stuff, too.

For me, though, lock type is a very important consideration. And for me, that means no back locks. They just don't feel right to me, and I always feel like other lock types permit better one-handed closing. So if it were me, I'd go for one of the Axis models. And between the 94x and the Rukus, the 94x definitely has the easier-to-manipulate lock, and so it would be my pick here.

In the end, I expect either the Manix or the Rukus could fill the spot you're looking for perfectly. While I might lean towards the Rukus as a fixed blade replacement, as you said you were looking for, I think it may be wiser, as an above post stated, to go for the Manix. Better to buy a discontinued knife early, then get the ones still in production later.
 
Best prices I have found on the 610 and the 615 Rukuses puts them over the $130.00 limit. Of course that $130 limit can always be exceeded by the small amount more it would cost to get a Rukus. My suggestion is a 610 Rukus. I have 2 of them, each with a new set of inlays, and like them as an edc. If you need a blade length under 4.0", then the Mini Rukus is a good choice. I do not own any Spyderco's, although I have nothing against them, just never have gotten one. As for the Manix, you may want to go with that choice as they are being discontinued and will get very difficult to find as time goes on. Also, I have read very little negative comments on the Manix. There is much more positive about this knife than there is negative!:thumbup:

Any of the three will make you a fine Christmas present!!:D
 
I like the Manix and the Rukus in full-on size. I seldom carry the Manix because its width makes it difficult to get both the knife and my hand into my pocket. The Rukus is a joy to use. That big blade swings out fast and easy with the axis lock. The handle is also more comfortable because it is more round than flat and wide, although the Manix handle is more secure and it allows the knife to be used in a natural position for the hand.

However, none of us can answer your question. These are all great knives, but the question you are asking is one of preference. The only way to know which one you will like best is to handle them for a while.
 
I wouldn't get the Manix because it's being discontinued, unless I was getting it for collecting purposes. If you're going for EDC, you'll want to pick based on what'll work for your situation and preferences best.
 
I think the Manix is a far better user based on my own preferences. Kaizen1's review was excellent, and I feel similar, but the little things make the Manix a far and away better choice for me.
 
So I will break down the choices to either the Rukus or the Manix.

searched the rukus up on Ebay, the rukus is pretty darn expensive.

how does the rukus and manix compare to the 511 griptilian?

It is half the price of the manix and 1/3 the price of the rukus.

what about the mini manix compared to the big?

happy holidays!

mike

mike
 
BlazenGem said:
So I will break down the choices to either the Rukus or the Manix.

searched the rukus up on Ebay, the rukus is pretty darn expensive.

how does the rukus and manix compare to the 511 griptilian?

It is half the price of the manix and 1/3 the price of the rukus.

what about the mini manix compared to the big?

happy holidays!

mike

mike
Click to expand...

If budget is an issue, the Griptilians are a great option. The quality isn't as nice, but their value for the dollar is very good and they get the job done.
 
I haven't handled the Rukus but I'll say that the Manix is an excellent knife that nobody should miss out on. It is an excellent slicer and the flat grind makes it excel at deep cuts. The handles are incredibly comfortable and the choil by the blade lets you "choke up" towards the front of the knife giving you great control over the blade, letting you use it like a smaller knife. You can grip it in any of the four "standard" orientations, saber, icepick, etc, and it will feel "molded to your hands" in all of them. It is well-balanced and I find myself able to flip the knife "safely" between different grips. It opens and closes easily one handed and I can do it without fear of cutting myself blindfolded. The lock is rated at 400lbs per inch so I wouldn't worry about its brute strength. The pommel on the back of the Manix, with its solid backspacer, is excellent for hammering. For all intents and purposes, I think the Manix is going to be as close to a fixed blade as you can get in a folder.

Whichever you choose, make sure that the seller tightens the pivot so your knife passes safely through customs. I read somewhere that Canadian customs has confiscated dozens of Axis lock Benchmades because they tend to open very easily in stock form. I'm sure there are plenty of Spydercos that missed out on good homes as well.
 
thanks for all the input guys. I have decided to either get a benchmade mini rukus or the mini grip David was selling. Depending how fast he needs the money(echeck is slow) will determine if it falls thru.

I also searched a bunch of online stores for the mini rukus, and I cannot find one under$130. I read before people were getting them for $100ish. Know any cheap stores?
 
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