Maxx vs. Manix

Knave

Knave

Joined
Dec 29, 1999
Messages
796
I'm interested in a (obviously) large, sturdy folder for defensive carry/general utility. It most likely will not see a lot of use except for being there in the pocket if necessary. I like what I've seen/read about both the CUDA Maxx and the Spyderco Manix. Any thoughts? Thanks.
 
I don't want any flaming but this thread could get hot very quickly. It should be interesting to see the different points though.
 
I'm certainly not trying to start a flamewar. I'm actually hoping to get input from people who own both knives, as they're apparently both high-quality folders with many devoted followers. I'm confident I could be happy with either (or both, wife permitting), but I'd just like a little help deciding. :)
 
There's no need for flaming unless the groupies decide to get up and paint their faces in their team colors and scream and throw things for fun. :p

It's a good question: two big, solid folders, what are their individual advantages? Slightly different concepts but both are easily worth the price.

The Manix is massive and designed for a very positive grip. The blade is relatively short and very thick and strong.

The Maxx is lighter, quicker, and can be gripped well in a variety of ways. The blade is strong, but thin enough to slice extremely well. My personal experience with it in the kitchen is that the D2 does not stain, and it holds its edge through months of use.

For defense, I prefer a big stick. :) For a defensive knife, it depends on the circumstances and your personal style. If you're good, I suggest the Maxx is the better knife in terms of finesse. For a long blade, it carries pretty easily and the blade length can be an advantage in itself.
 
look into local laws.

i love my maxx. but it's illegal to EDC here, so i carry a bm710 instead.

also, note that the price on the maxx has gone up recently. when i got my 5.5 stiletto it was $130.
 
i own both and both are great.

for SD the edge goes to Maxx....but not by a great margin. dont forget its tip down only whereas the Manix is your choice...up or down.

for general EDC and as a utility knife, the Manix wins by a big margin. the Maxx is too big and unwieldly for general utilty or field use (IMHO). the grip and ergonomics on the Manix are the best of any folder i own!

also, the Maxx is not lefty friendly, but the Manix is.

i'm lefty and am having someone move the clip on the Maxx to tip up left handed :)

hope this helps..............Bill
 
I own a Maxx, and have handled a Manix. The Manix feels more sturdy, but the Maxx is way more cool. :cool: For general utility, go with the Maxx. For SD or just plain coolness, get a Maxx.
 
bill_G said:
for general EDC and as a utility knife, the Manix wins by a big margin. the Maxx is too big and unwieldly for general utilty or field use...
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I would also take the Manix for utility but not because the Maxx is too big, but the handle is not suitable for extended use, it is way too thin and slick and the lock is unstable under torques. The Maxx opens much faster/easier inertially and is available partially serrated.

-Cliff
 
I have never owned a D2 blade, but I am thinking of getting a Maxx. One thing that concerns me is I do a lot of canoe trips, and on the long distance bicycle trips I go on, gear often gets quite wet. I have read D2 is prone to rust. Somebody please tell me, could a Maxx stand up to a wet environment without constant oiling? Or maybe take a dip in freshwater, get a CLP bath within an hour or two and be fine?
 
M1911A1JohnBrowning said:
...I do a lot of canoe trips
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D2 rusts readily, and pits *badly* once it rusts. However if you use a decent protectant like the Marine Tuff Cloth, the knife will easily take such conditions. However note that with even light use any corrosion inhibitor will get burnish off almost immediately and needs to be reapplied.

-Cliff
 
The Maxx blade, in the bowie style, has a sorta stonewash finish which will help to seal the pores and help against rust, while the stilleto version has a polished blade that will offer the same protection.

I would go with the Maxx and add a deep pocket clip. From what you've said about the knife not being used extensively, the Maxx seems the better choice. Esav is correct about it being a slicer! :D :D :D
 
I have a Maxx, and am a huge admirer of the Manix. With a 5.5" blade, for defensive use, it's hard to beat the Maxx. Carries deceptively easily due to the thinness, but the handle is still 6.5" long.

I find the Maxx a pain to use for utility use. Pulling out 6.5" of handle, swinging that giant machete open, making a quick cut -- especially if it's got to be precise, keep in mind the blade tip is like a full 6" from your hand! -- and then closeing and returning to pocket. That is a freaking chore. Normally when I carry the Maxx, I always also carry a smaller blade for doing most of my actual cutting (something easily carried like a Chive or Spydercard).

So, in summary:
Pure defense: Maxx if it's legal in your area, otherwise Manix
Defense/utility: Manix by itself, or (if it's legal in your area) Maxx supplemented with a smaller knife

Joe
 
I haven't gotten a chance to handle a manix but I am a huge spyderco fan and I am sure the manix would make a good defensive/utility knife. That said, I own a max and I don't think there is a better folding fighter made. The handle is excellent for multiple grips and as use as a striking device, the blade is long and pointy and sharp with a good guard. So pretty much I am with Joe on this one, the max as a pure folding fighter, especially if you have the tip down clip added but the manix is a better multi-purpose knife. The max and a SAK though should cover you well.\

Not considering any fbs? If its due to legal issues then ok but if you can legally carry an fb then consider it. When you get into folders the size and weight of these two (that isn't to say that they are hard to carry() then it is at least worth it to look at some of the smaller fb offerings for strength and speed of deployment. Also I dare say you would get fewer raised eyebrows pulling a four inch fb then opening up the max.

Good luck they are both awesome knives.
 
Thanks guys. I was already leaning toward the Maxx and all this just confirms it for me. I love titanium and the size isn't a problem around here.
 
I've never tried a Manix, but I do really like large folders. Here are a few of my favorites.

Baer TRS with Esmeralda grips and Benchmade/Blackwood Skirmish.

TRS_esmeralda_left_small.jpg
 
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