Mini Manix – Quick Review

Stockman

Stockman

Joined
May 23, 2004
Messages
1,175
Just received the not so “Mini” Manix this morning and thought I would share some thoughts and a few pics with the BF crew.

First, a quick thanks to New Graham - as usual, exceptional service, speedy delivery to Australia, great prices with conservative freight charges. I have now collected a box full of bandaids and have never received a flawed knife – Thank you Mike, Mary Beth and the other staff that continually provide the highest level of service.

First Impressions: “This is not a Mini” version of the original Manix, its a marginally trimmed down version, shedding any excess whilst maintaining all of the brute strength and character. If you expect Mini, aka Griptilion - Mini Grip, you will be off the mark.

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In the tip down clip position, less than a quarter of an inch protrudes the pocket, making it far more discreet ( concealable ) than its bigger brother.

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The reduction in handle size has not reduced the full grip and form fitting secure hold, the shorter blade length, yet similar width, has not compromised much cutting power.

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As with all of the Spyderco’s that have passed my hands, the edge was shaving sharp with a nice toothy bite whilst slicing. The tip is pointy and due to the overall length, leaf shape and width, implies strength.

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Overall fit and finish is extremely good for a $100 production knife, the grippy G10 scales are fitted truly, the blade grinds are even, it is centred and there is next to no vertical or horizontal play. Although the Mini is still a fair sized folding knife, it carries well and there are no sharp edges or protrusion. The original Manix was a little too much knife for my EDC, the not so Mini is close to perfect.

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I have read so many threads asking - What is the best value for money, the toughest, the sharpest, best EDC, tactical etc. etc. For me, the best knife is the one that spends the most time in my pocket, the one I want to use daily, the one I am not worried about dropping, scratching or using to its full potential. The Mini Manix will get plenty of pocket time, it is a no nonsense, solidly built, well designed user.
 
Stockman,

Thanks for the comparison pics illustrating size - very helpful.

It is good to see that it has deep pocket carry - thanks for pointing that out.

How is the blade play?

Thanks,

--SAK
 
Thanks Stockman - good review.

That's how us cowardly late adopters survive - on the bold risk taking of you early adopters.
 
That is a good looking knife! Congrats. I was hoping it would have been smaller too. In that side by side pic with the Caly it doesn't really look that big. I would like to see a UK Pen knife sized Manix with a low ride clip. My Manix is a jewel for woods carry I just need a smaller discreet version for EDC.
 
Thanks for your info, Stockman. Looks like a decent little knife.

I guess by your text, that the first photo shows a Benchmade Mini-Griptilian beside it. But I cannot identify the different Spyderco models by sight, so if you get a chance, could you tell us what those other ones are, in your last 2 photos?

Thanks in advance!
 
Pocketknife said:
Thanks for your info, Stockman. Looks like a decent little knife.

I guess by your text, that the first photo shows a Benchmade Mini-Griptilian beside it. But I cannot identify the different Spyderco models by sight, so if you get a chance, could you tell us what those other ones are, in your last 2 photos?

Thanks in advance!
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Looks like a BM Mini-RSK (Ritter Survival Knife), a Carbon Fiber handled Spyderco Police model, and a Spyderco (Gray FRN) Calypso Jr.

Best wishes,
3Guardsmen
 
Pocketknife - 3Guardsman is 100% correct.

SAK - Blade play is minimal. Like all lockbacks I have owned, there is a slight vertical movement, very slight. This is something that I expect when buying a lockback and I believe this is the norm for this type of lock. The lock up is strong, I doubt it would ever fail with the type of use I would use a folding knife for. No left to right play at all.
 
tip down only? i never understood that ! damn. only knives that ever cut me hand-in-pocket are tip down as the blade is not held against the pocket.
 
vactor said:
tip down only? i never understood that ! damn. only knives that ever cut me hand-in-pocket are tip down as the blade is not held against the pocket.
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I believe you can move the clip for tip-up on these. But--and this is a big but--it's a lockback, so it's not going to fall open like a linerlock might, and it has The Hole, which makes for interesting openings in tip-down carry.
 
Blop said:
Believe it or not but pic 2 shows the holes for tip up carry.
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had to squint just right, but i saw them!! looks like i will have to try one of the (smaller) brutes! thanks!!
 
I was wondering if you could help me out with a measurement. With the blade closed, how wide is it from the back of the hndle to the top of the Spyderhole. On the Manix it's about 1 3/4 inches or about 5.8mm. I ask because I like the design of the Manix but it's just so wide in my pocket and it's uncomfortable when I need to get something in there.
 
Thanks. Not too much of a difference in width then. That's just too wide in my pocket. That sucks because I like the Manix alot and I was hoping the mini would be a little narrower. Oh well.
 
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