Mini-Manix or Mini-Skirmish Hmmmmm??????

Tolly

Tolly

Joined
Jan 1, 2006
Messages
555
Okay guys, I really don't need either one of these knives, but I do want to buy one or both of them. I would like to hear y'all's thoughts on these two models, likes, dislikes, pros and cons. I have always been a Spyderco guy in the past and I am sure I will probably wind up buying the mini-mainix sooner or later anyway, but I have never owned any Benchmade folders. I really don't know why though, other than the complete and total confidence I have in my Spyders. Anyway, I know these two knives might seem like two very different knives to be comparing, but I would like to do just that, and I am interested in everyone's thoughts. Please do not let price be a factor in your comparisons. Thanks
 
I don't have any experience with the mini-Skirmish, but I have been EDCing a mini-Manix pretty often for the past couple months.

I love it because it's lockback, has S30V, G10, has great ergonomics, and is built very solidly. I feel very confident using this knife due to the heft and smooth action. It's a bit on the bulky side but it still rides pretty comfortably in my pocket.

I haven't put it through much abuse, but I've cut cardboard, paper, plastic containers, blister packs, thin branches, and loads of other stuff and I still haven't had to sharpen my mini Manix.

You should definitely get one, and after looking at some specs for the mini-Skirmish, you should definitely get one of those too :D
 
Tolly said:
Okay guys, I really don't need either one of these knives, but I do want to buy one or both of them. I would like to hear y'all's thoughts on these two models, likes, dislikes, pros and cons. I have always been a Spyderco guy in the past and I am sure I will probably wind up buying the mini-mainix sooner or later anyway, but I have never owned any Benchmade folders. I really don't know why though, other than the complete and total confidence I have in my Spyders. Anyway, I know these two knives might seem like two very different knives to be comparing, but I would like to do just that, and I am interested in everyone's thoughts. Please do not let price be a factor in your comparisons. Thanks
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Having owned both, I liked the mini-Manix more, and here's why: My mini-Skirmish (now someone else's) was just a little too small for my medium sized hands. I did, however, like the fact that the handle on mini-Skirmish was so small (barely larger than the blade), making for really convenient carry, but I couldn't stand the pocket clip. I also didn't like the really gritty, coarse edge Benchmade left on the blade of the mini-Skirmish. I've never had that problem with Spyderco's S30V.

The mini-Manix just seems more usable to me, probably because the grip conforms to my hand perfectly. I've also found that the full, flat-ground blade of the mini-Manix cuts a heck of a lot better than the sabre, flat-ground blade of the mini-Skirmish. The 4-way positioning clip on the mini-Manix beats the right-hand, tip-down only carry of the Mini-Skirmish.

Don't get me wrong, the mini-Skirmish is a good knife (and a good value for the money), it just wasn't the one for me. I think that, basically, the mini-Skirmish is a lot more of a "mini" version of its bigger brother than the mini-Manix is of its bigger brother. Good luck with your choice.

Regards,
3G
 
I have never handled either of these knives as I don't have any dealers in my town who sell them, so I appreciate the info. This is the first time I have noticed(read) that the mini skirmish is tip down only, that alone is a deal breaker for me. Is that common for Benchmade knives? If it is, I will never own one.
 
I don't think it is too common. I have a Benchmade Griptilian and that can be set up for tip-up carry. Lots of Benchmades I have seen can have multiple clip positions so don't let that turn you away from their knives.
 
the mini-manix will definitely cut better due to the full flat grind.
 
you cant really go wrong with either so handle them both and see which fits your hand better.

My preference is the mini-skirmish but that is mostly because i like titanium frame-locks and open backs
 
Tolly said:
I have never handled either of these knives as I don't have any dealers in my town who sell them, so I appreciate the info. This is the first time I have noticed(read) that the mini skirmish is tip down only, that alone is a deal breaker for me. Is that common for Benchmade knives? If it is, I will never own one.
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It is common, from what I've read, for BM to make their liner & frame lock knives in the tip-down carry only configuration. From what I've heard, there are safety concerns regarding tip-up carry, liner & frame locking knives, however, I have yet to notice any problems with my Emersons (tip-up, liner locks).

BM is usually pretty good about making their Axis lock knives in tip-up/tip-down carry configurations, but the Skirmishes (full sized & mini) are both tip-down only.

Regards,
3G
 
The manix series is a wonderful lineup of knives, but for me, the mini skirmish would be an easy win. Here are some of the attributes I love about it:

Huge blade for handle size
Super smooth action and easily flickable
Mild recurve blade

But in the end, the mini manix and mini skirmish are wholly different beasts. The mini manix is physically larger, heavier, grippier, more ergonomic and slower to open and close. The mini skirmish is much more slippery, has a far superior action, is lighter and smaller and has a more radical blade shape.

So they both have pros and cons. I hate lockbacks, so it makes it easier, but I really think the mini skirmish is a wonderful knife regardless. I also love flicking out that huge blade hidden in its tiny handle. One of the most space efficient knives ever made.
 
No contest at all for me. I hate metal handles in general, I can't abide framelocks (they look to me like a liner lock that didn't get finished) and I'm not a fan of recurves, especially at sharpening time. The only plus for the Skirmish is tip down carry, but the Manix can do that, too. The Manix also does left-handed much better, which increases the range of carry possibilities. I also prefer a full flat grind, which racks up another point in favor of the Manix.

For me, the Mini-Manix wins hands down.
 
Okay, I have decided to order a mini manix today, but I have also decided that I should probably buy at least one Benchmade folder just to give them a try. I am thinking about buying a mini griptillian or something along those lines. Any recommendations?
 
Although I dislike lockbacks, I would say the Manix is a better choice. It will cut better, more than likely come sharper NIB than the mini Skirmish, and will be much easier to sharpen (at least for me) than a recurve.

Tolly said:
Okay, I have decided to order a mini manix today, but I have also decided that I should probably buy at least one Benchmade folder just to give them a try. I am thinking about buying a mini griptillian or something along those lines. Any recommendations?
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I would give the 94x series a try, very smooth, light, and thin. Probably the smoothest axis lock. However, the mini grip is not a bad choice if you are looking to keep the cost down.
 
The mini-Grip is a fine choice for your first Benchmade. It's definitely one of the more popular folders on these forums and for good reason: relatively inexpensive, Axis lock, 154CM.

For your first BM, regardless of what you get, just try to find one with an Axis lock :thumbup:
 
Tolly
Depends on what you want to spend on your benchmade experiment. If you want to keep it fairly cheap you cant do better then a mini-grip ($60) however if you want to spend $100+ the choices are bountiful. My personal reocomendation is to stay with the blue class benchmades with the axis lock. Like the 707, 710, 610, 615, 740, 760 but most of those are over $100 so its really up to price.
 
Mini manix

Lock back has my preference, altough slower to open a back lock is much stronger than any frame or liner lock. Manix is a ful flat grind that has a distal taper, which means blades becomes thinner near the tip, subsequently less cutting drag. The folder also incorporates a finger choil that allows you to choke up on the blade for precise cutting task's. IMHO frame locks messes up the handle geometry and therefore the ergonomics. the leaf shape of the manix blade is a very versatile configuration that will perform a wide range of tasks, except maybe skinning where the skirmish might be more suitable. I've had my full size manix for three years now, it is a well thought out design that leaves not much to desire for as far as no nonsense hard working knife goes. Oh, and the handle on the knife is very anatomical, some like and some don't, but when you hold it with the thumb on the ramp it feels like a bank vault and cut's like a scalpel;)
 
Boy, you just happened to name my two favorite knives. I'm glad I have both and don't have to choose between the two.

Your mind is already made up in favor of the Manix -- can't go wrong there. If I had to boogie out fast and could only take one folding knife, it would be the mini-Manix.

However, if you're ever able to handle a mini-Skirmish, be sure to give it a test drive. The amount of blade for the small handle size is amazing. Ergo's are great, but I should mention I have small hands. It's also an amazing slicer, due to the long recurved edge. It's a very refined and beautiful knife, while also being tough and hefty. It's a pleasure to carry and use.
 
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