Mantra 2

D

Dsun

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Sep 6, 2015
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Who else is exited about the new Mantra/Mantra 2 !! M4 and Titanium, what's not to like!😄
 
I was going to grab one but the rumors of a weak detent and the fact it's kind of small will keep one out of my pocket.
If those features aren't an issue for you then grab one. Everything else about the Mantras look great.
 
The 2 has really caught my eye..
It's a bit smaller than I prefer but there's a good chance I'll pick one up.
 
I just ordered a Mantra 2. The small size, slim profile is what sold me. I hope I get one with a good detent and that the grind is thin.

I was looking at the new offerings out there from multiple manufacturers and the Mantras seem like excellent values, even with the new pricing policy. You get a edc flipper with, CPM-M4, bearings, a frame lock with a steel insert and Taichung quality for under $170.00. Great job Spyderco. :thumbup:
 
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I've got one on the way. A 3" blade is more versatile and will see much more carry time than bigger or smaller folders for me. AND - I really like the blade shape and otherwise slim profile of this one. I'm a bit concerned about the flipping action and the detente too but the Mantra 2 is unique enough to compel me to risk it. "M4 and Titanium (on both sides), what's not to like!" ? Exactly :cool:

The Mantra on the other hand is pretty ho hum to my taste.
 
:D My MANTRA 2 arrived today courtesy of Brian at River's Edge and I am pleased to say that this is a sweeeet knife :thumbup: :thumbup:

The rocket shape (maybe shark shape is more accurate) it's compactness, the great flipper action - snaps out effortlessly and lands with a snap, and the detailing - fit and finish of the 2 sided titanium folder all just right - makes this a PERFECT EDC for me. Here are some comparison photos to give a sense of its size.

ENDURA - DELICA - MANTRA 2



I have been EDCing the Endura above as my work knife for the better part of the last 6 years with a few attempts at downsizing. The Delicas proved too delicate, the SageII was great size wize but the blade shape didn't work very well. The Mantra2 has the perfect blade shape and length - fully useful in its length, pointed and slim AND can be deployed easily with one hand BUT JUST AS IMPORTANTLY compared to my lock back Endura - I can close it with one hand too because of the liner lock. No need to shift my hand position and use some other body part to finish the close.

Just with the DELICA



And a few in hand comparison shots with the DELICA.



To my medium to large hand shape both of these knives are good fits. Would not go smaller though for an EDC.

The Delica has the jimping behind the hole which is a natural stop for my thumb. Makes for a very secure grip BUT does not really allow for choking up to the tip for detail work. I tried to illustrate that with the M2 I can move my thumb (or my forefinger) along the straight spine closer to the tip while my grip on the knife behind the flipper is still very secure. This thumb position allows me to sneak up on the tip to control the blade action for nibbling at a bit of carving or just guiding a cut with more control. I like this very much and was often frustrated by the Endura being too big for this kind of control.







A few final thoughts.

• There is NOTHING about this knife that I can see or feel today, that I don't like. :D This is a real treat!

• I thought going in that it was a bit priced on the high side but with the knife in hand I know I've gotten my money's worth. AND it helps to take away some of the sting that Spyderco is donating a portion of the proceeds from Mantra sales to the National Parkinson Foundation. :cool:

• The wire clip presents no hot spot compared to the really nice but heavier solid clip on the Delica - which definitely makes itself known in my palm.

• The Mantra 2 slips nicely and a bit more discreetly than the Delica into my jeans "watch" pocket. This is a bonus as it keeps my front pocket free for other stuff but leaves the M2 readily available and in its very own pouch for my EDC.

• That one handed closing thing again - :thumbup:

• I know that the Titanium will get scratched and the M4 blade may take some patina but the more I use it the more all these "blemishes" will even out and make it even nicer to my eye. This will not be a safe queen.

• Yes - it is a relatively small and light weight knife but with a blade as thick as the Endura's and the cutting length equal too, the M2 is certainly rugged enough and a useful size for any purpose that I might require (based on my Endura use as a work knife over the years).

• For those of you who have been asking for a discreet and classy "dress" knife. The M2 could certainly meet this requirement too. :cool:

OK 'nuff said. I like The Mantra 2 and so I thought it worth a share.
 
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Excellent overview RayseM, great comparative photos as well. I have one question,how id the edge compared to the delica? Is it ground thicker?
 
fq55 said:
Excellent overview RayseM, great comparative photos as well. I have one question,how id the edge compared to the delica? Is it ground thicker?
Click to expand...

The M2 and the Delica blades are considered full flat ground but the M2 grind is more consistent all the way to the sharp edge which has a very slight bit of edge angle, whereas the Delica edge breaks away a bit higher up from the edge with a more noticeable (you might say) obtuse angle.

You can actually see in the first in hand comparison photos - the cutting edge of the Delica is quite visible but hardly shows in the M2 photo.

I don't have the instruments to be precise with my description and have not needed to take either for their 1st sharpening but thin and 30° inclusive (or less) is what I expect.
 
I'm so tempted to get one and do this to it.

ModMantra_zpsy74xsmxp.jpg
 
That would be a pretty cool mod especially with a sharp swage - add some interest for sure - though I'm pretty happy with the factory issue.
 
RayseM, thanks for the review. I've been eyeing a new flipper. I've had a ZT 350, 556 and Boker Kwaiken, but all were just too large for EDC. I've been thinking about a ZT 0450 and the new Kizer Gemini, but both of these had a few aspects I didn't care for. I had just been made aware of the Mantra 2, and found your review, and now I think I've found my next flipper.
 
It's been with me at work every day since I first posted the review, slicing cardboard and sheet plastic, whittling at wood (and plywood) and nicking out chunks of drywall mud, and at the lunch table too. As far as I've been with it the M2 is treating me right. I have been maintaining the edge with my Sharpmaker and so it is ready sharp. I am very happy with this knife :thumbup:
 
I'm right there with you, RayseM...love my M2! I manage a retail store and have recently really come to the conclusion that I'm going to stay away from blades over 3.25 inches. There's just no need for more since all I'm really doing at most is cutting through cardboard now and then. So having a very capable slicer in a small package with a non-threatening blade shape (should a customer see it) is just the ticket for me. The utilitarian edge (with just a bit of belly), thin stock and full flat grind melts through cardboard stock, and the M4 holds a working edge (if not a hair shaving one) quite nicely. The detent is indeed "domino-ish" in that you won't deploy to lockup if you lightly flip it...this is undoubtedly due in some part to the light weight of the blade not carrying a lot of inertia. But if you push button it, or flip with some oomph, it jumps right to attention and locks up solid.

If you're a fan of smaller flippers, this is a great pick! :D
 
Loving my Mantra 2. Been getting more carry time as the tip on my Caly 3.5 broke. Hopefully it can be sharpened out. The Mantra 2 is light, strong, disappears in the pocket, and has a full length cutting edge. Also love the pillar construction. A great knife.
 
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