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Military versus Manix
- Thread starter scottsman
- Start date
- Joined
- Sep 4, 2002
- Messages
- 2,177
G'day Scottsman,
Check out the sypyderco website if you want to compare size and weight etc but I've used both knives extensively and can offer a subjective opinion.
The military had been my primary EDC and bush knife for a couple of years before I got the Manix. The extra srength, thickness and ergos of the Manix certainly won me over when it arrived and it I used it almost exclusively for a few months. After a while (once the new knife novelty wore off) I started carrying my 'Millie' again and it's now won the battle of the two.
The Manix is stronger, a slightly better slicing blade and fills the hand better - it is also a better looking knife.
The Military is lighter, easier to choke up on for fine work and is easier to carry.
The liner lock on the Military is probably less secure but I've never had it fail in heavy use. But - beware. I recently returned a Military with a faulty lock for replacement - I think the line between one that works and one that doesn't is pretty fine and a faulty liner lock is a dangerous beastie. Luckily the customer service at Spyderco is exceptional and they'll look after you if there is a problem. A liner lock should have zero blade play and you should be able to wack the spine fairly hard without the lock disengaging.
Why did the Military win? - It carries better and I almost forget it's there until it's time to use. The Manix is a bit bulky for me and I reckon it needs a stouter clip (like the Military's). I'm keeping my Manix however and I reckon it will last several lifetimes.
Check out the sypyderco website if you want to compare size and weight etc but I've used both knives extensively and can offer a subjective opinion.
The military had been my primary EDC and bush knife for a couple of years before I got the Manix. The extra srength, thickness and ergos of the Manix certainly won me over when it arrived and it I used it almost exclusively for a few months. After a while (once the new knife novelty wore off) I started carrying my 'Millie' again and it's now won the battle of the two.
The Manix is stronger, a slightly better slicing blade and fills the hand better - it is also a better looking knife.
The Military is lighter, easier to choke up on for fine work and is easier to carry.
The liner lock on the Military is probably less secure but I've never had it fail in heavy use. But - beware. I recently returned a Military with a faulty lock for replacement - I think the line between one that works and one that doesn't is pretty fine and a faulty liner lock is a dangerous beastie. Luckily the customer service at Spyderco is exceptional and they'll look after you if there is a problem. A liner lock should have zero blade play and you should be able to wack the spine fairly hard without the lock disengaging.
Why did the Military win? - It carries better and I almost forget it's there until it's time to use. The Manix is a bit bulky for me and I reckon it needs a stouter clip (like the Military's). I'm keeping my Manix however and I reckon it will last several lifetimes.
Cheers to Ming65! Though I've never owned any of them, I've managed to handle both and Ming65's thoughts reflect mine exactly, in fact, i'd say spot on.
I love everything about the Manix. If I were to spend a lot more time outdoors, doing work as a SAR professional or serving as a soldier in the military, this would be my TOP choice for a quality folding knife that won't hurt the bank and is tough and reliable. To say that this would be a "poor man's Strider" would even be a disservice IMHO.
But as I'm more in the urban EDC mode, then the Military it is. It does carry a lot better (lighter and slimmer). What kept me from buying it over my Gen. 3 Endura was again the lock. After I've seen the quality of Spyderco's lockback, I've sworn never to touch a liner lock again. That's why I'm saving up for a Gen. 4.
As for a Military with a lock back? Ahhhhhhhh. . . a guy can dream, can't he?
I love everything about the Manix. If I were to spend a lot more time outdoors, doing work as a SAR professional or serving as a soldier in the military, this would be my TOP choice for a quality folding knife that won't hurt the bank and is tough and reliable. To say that this would be a "poor man's Strider" would even be a disservice IMHO.
But as I'm more in the urban EDC mode, then the Military it is. It does carry a lot better (lighter and slimmer). What kept me from buying it over my Gen. 3 Endura was again the lock. After I've seen the quality of Spyderco's lockback, I've sworn never to touch a liner lock again. That's why I'm saving up for a Gen. 4.
As for a Military with a lock back? Ahhhhhhhh. . . a guy can dream, can't he?
- Joined
- Sep 4, 2002
- Messages
- 2,177
untamed said:
Yep he sure can
Funny how the psychology works here. I have beaten the tar out of my old 440V Millie and the lock has never disengaged. The new S30V, which was to be it's replacement, had the disengagement problem and scared the life out of me when it nearly folded over my fingers. Despite my long history with a flawless liner lock it's taken one bad experience to scar me - I'm hesitant to chop or stab hard with the old Millie now. It's still me EDC however because that kind of use is quite rare.
It being summer here I'm down the beach most days and I'm using a P-Salt more anyway -can't beat a lockback.
Ming65 and Untaimed,
Thanks. This is exactly the insights I was looking for. The Milli was my first thought for a new EDC in a big folder (also was looking at a big Emerson), until I saw the Manix on the Spyderco web site and saw it mentioned in several posts. Looked interesting, but not being about to handle it I was concerned about carry size and shape. Sounds like the Milli will be the way to go. Got quite a few other liner locks, and am confortable with them (in part because I understand their limitation).
Again thanks! Exactly what I have come to depend on Bladeforums for.
Regards,
Scottsman
Thanks. This is exactly the insights I was looking for. The Milli was my first thought for a new EDC in a big folder (also was looking at a big Emerson), until I saw the Manix on the Spyderco web site and saw it mentioned in several posts. Looked interesting, but not being about to handle it I was concerned about carry size and shape. Sounds like the Milli will be the way to go. Got quite a few other liner locks, and am confortable with them (in part because I understand their limitation).
Again thanks! Exactly what I have come to depend on Bladeforums for.
Regards,
Scottsman
- Joined
- Jun 8, 2005
- Messages
- 4,761
I've played with both and they're both fantastic--nonetheless, I think they're in different classes.
As for as beefyness is concerned, the Manix would pwn a Military. They're both too big for me to EDC, but if I had to choose an EDC between them, it'd be the Military. It's so much thinner, and if I recall, lighter.
The Military has TOP NOTCH ergonomics, like the para. But the manix has the second best ergonomics I've ever felt--winning this area.
Judging from my experience using similar knives, I'm betting the para would outcut the manix big time. But again, you sacrifice some for beefyness.
As for as beefyness is concerned, the Manix would pwn a Military. They're both too big for me to EDC, but if I had to choose an EDC between them, it'd be the Military. It's so much thinner, and if I recall, lighter.
The Military has TOP NOTCH ergonomics, like the para. But the manix has the second best ergonomics I've ever felt--winning this area.
Judging from my experience using similar knives, I'm betting the para would outcut the manix big time. But again, you sacrifice some for beefyness.
- Joined
- Apr 25, 2002
- Messages
- 343
IMO Spyderco's two finest folders.
Details of the differences have been well covered - I will add only that the Military, like few knives I've owned before or since, tends to grow better with age.
It seems like the more you use it, the more its genius is revealed.
The Manix is a tank, a Strider at 1/3 the price, with the same size & weight issues - but strong and exceedingly sturdy.
Prime choice for a heavy duty folder, but a bit stout for EDC.
Get both, you won't be disappointed.
Details of the differences have been well covered - I will add only that the Military, like few knives I've owned before or since, tends to grow better with age.
It seems like the more you use it, the more its genius is revealed.
The Manix is a tank, a Strider at 1/3 the price, with the same size & weight issues - but strong and exceedingly sturdy.
Prime choice for a heavy duty folder, but a bit stout for EDC.
Get both, you won't be disappointed.