Manix2 XL or ParaMilitary 2 ... any suggestions?

Both are good knives, except one is quite larger than the other. Personally, I'd go with the Paramilitary 2 for everyday carry. It's just about the perfect size folding knife for everyday use and is very comfortable in the hand. Now, if size isn't an issue and you happen to like large folders, then by all means go for the Manix XL.
 
Very subjective as many questions posed here are. I use my Manix 2 XL on my range gear setup. Great utility/self defense blade. The Para 2 however is the clear winner for my EDC. Yup go with the Para 2 you won't be disappointed and if by some miracle you are you can most likely turn it over without any loss of funds. Welcome to the sickness.
 
PM2. The Manix 2 XL is great but the PM is one of the most ergonomic knives ever created. It works like a small knife and a large knife thanks to the multiple grip options. Get them both eventually, but start with the PM2.
There's a good reason PM2s are so hard to find in stock.....They're awesome! I wanted my boss to get into pocket knives so I bought him a PM2....done...new knife addict.

Here's the PM2 and the 2 other Spydercos I carry most often.
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Manix 2 and Para 2 are similar size. The M2 is a bit taller, the Para2 is a bit lighter. The Manix 2 XL is a good step larger. For EDC I think the Para2 suits most people the best, as a working knife I vote for the Manix 2, but if you want something larger such as if you have large hands, then go for the XL. Actually I am carrying my Manix 2 XL this week, to my office.
 
Welcome. I've owned both, and I say PM2 by a mile... mainly because it's lighter and more comfortable to carry, has a better blade geometry for cutting and slicing, and is generally just cooler. Of course, that's just my humble opinion.



 
Another voice on the side of the PM2. I have medium sized hands and to unlock the Manix2 XL one handed is a stretch where the butt sits too far back in the palm. My XL has s90v steel, which I really like, but the PM2 is my "go2" knife between the two every time.
 
I have both. The XL is one of my all time favorites as far as ergonomics and it is pretty easy to open with a middle finger flick. That being said, the PM2 is much less noticeable in the pocket, is easier to close, and is overall the better EDC (for me).
 
Mithril Shadow Blade said:
Knife noob here. Thinking about getting either Manix2 or ParaMilitary2.
Any suggestions?
Click to expand...

You sir, have opened the proverbial can of worms. You will get many different opinions here. I own both (PM2 in CPM-S30V, Manix 2 in CTS-XHP). I hate S30V, so with either I'd look for a sprint run. Anyway, they both have their merits and detractors.

My take on the PM2:

Lightweight, grippy G10, disappears in the pocket. Compression lock is worlds better than a liner lock IMO. I have XL hands, and the handle is a little skinny for my hands. Great slicer. The tip is thin and when misused, is prone to breaking. For many, the pivot has had to be adjusted to find that sweet spot between flickability and blade play. The S30V chips just looking at it.

Manix 2:

Quite a bit heavier than the PM2, thicker handle which is great for those with gorilla hands like me. Lots of jimping, which can be seen as a pro or con. Either way, you are not gonna lose your grip on this knife. Mine has the CTS-XHP blade, which leaps and bounds better than S30V IMO. If you buy the S30V, YMMV. Leaf shaped blade performs most tasks well, slightly thicker blade stock, thicker tip. The ball bearing lock is my favorite lock, though it takes a bit of breaking in.

All said, you can't go wrong with either knife, but my pick is the Manix 2.
 
Size-wise, the Military and Manix XL tend to be more comparable, and the Paramilitary and Manix 2 are more comparable. You might want to consider this when making a buying decision:

(Not my photo)
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As for my preference between the choices provided, the Paramilitary 2 is just better for overall EDC for my needs and wants. The XL is on the large side for regular carry. But the Manix series are some of the most comfortable in-hand knives I've ever owned and used. The Paramilitary is comfortable as well, but it's not as comfortable as the Manix series for my hands. The Manix XL is much wider in the closed position as well, so it takes up quite a bit more space in the pocket. You won't lose with either choice, so pick the one that you think you'll be most happy with, then save up for the other one later.
 
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PM2
And they're up on BHQ right now.
The ParaMilitary 2 is one of those knives you have to own, in my opinion. The Manix 2 is also phenomenal, but start with a PM2 if you don't already have one.
 
I like the PM2 more than the Manix2. I have the regular sized Manix2 though, not the XL.
 
EDC go for PM2. When I go camping or hiking however I always go for my Manix XL. It is an absolute beast.
 
I have a SOG Vulcan and Griptillian, which look similar to the locking system on Manix but I'm not familiar with PM2 locking system and haven't seen it used anywhere else. Is it any more sturdier than a traditional liner or frame lock?
 
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Para 2 by far over the Manix XL
Now if it was a regular size Manix 2....
Still a Para 2 would edge it out. :thumbup:
 
Para2 wins for EDC.

I rarely carry the XL, but I wouldn't sell it.

The normal size Manix 2 is to me the one of the all time best carry blades.
 
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