Mini Manix size..

A

Applejacks

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I am really interested in the Mini Manix. I think it is a great looking knife with the untraditional Spyderco handle and thicker profile.

I am a regular guy, and was looking for a casual edc. I have searched the forum and read countless threads. Everyone refers to it as a 'tank', which is good.. but now has me paranoid that it may be too big for edc?? I don't want a huge knife... and now I am worried it is going to be like a Buck Alpha that I stupidly purchased without handling first. That thing was HUGE by my standards.

Any thoughts on size for someone like me, knowing what I just posted?
 
What I would do is consider all the qualities about the knife that so far have attracted you and then browse Spyderco's other offerings to find knives with similar features, but more compact profiles. For example...

An Endura would provide similar blade length and thickness, with a reliable lockback, while being thinner and lighter than the Mini Manix. However, it lacks G10 scales, a choil, flatground blade and has a much different style of ergonomics present in the handle design.

I think if you point out specific things you're looking for in your folder purchase, many fellows here could help you find something that might be a safer purchase for you.
 
Hey, thanks.

I want something that has a clean but strong look to it. I know thats subjective, but thats what I am into. I don't like real fancy blades, handles, etc. I don't care for any of the traditional spyderco knives. Owned a Endura Wave, and hated the thin profile look as most Spyderco's have. And I really dislike the plasticy looking handle with the spyderweb theme. I also really dislike that thin profile.

I like simplicity, in a tight package. I usually go for smaller knives, but also own and love knives like the Sog Vision.

I recently purchased a BM Mini Grip, great knife, but I am turned off by the quality of the handle. And I don't think I care too much for the axis lock here either. Aesthetically, other than what I complained about.. great looking knife.

As far blade type and handle type... doesn't mean all that much to me. I don't know enough about knives to not pick a knife because it is not ats 34 or whatever. I am all about aesthetics.. I think.

I know that was vague... but thats all I really know for sure.
 
Do designs like the Calypso 3 appeal to you? When you say a simple, compact package with a clean look, that's what I think of.

What about the Buck 112 or 110? I don't know how those designs appeal to you, bu tthey're strong, simple and have wide handles compared to the Enduras.

Maybe someone can post a photo of their mini-manix and minigrip together...
 
Vivi said:
Do designs like the Calypso 3 appeal to you? When you say a simple, compact package with a clean look, that's what I think of.
Click to expand...
I didn't even know what it was until I google searched it. I don't really like it. Reminds me of every other usual Spyderco.



Vivi said:
Maybe someone can post a photo of their mini-manix and minigrip together...
Click to expand...
That would be awesome!!!

Thanks again for the help!
 
I like the Manix/Mini Manix, but even the Mini aint so mini. I can't easily slip my hand into the front pocket of my jeans with it clipped in there because of the width.

Also, note how thin the area around the lanyard hole is. It's a heavy knife, and I suspect that the G10 scales might be prone to cracking (G10 is not indestructible, especially in thin sections) in this area if dropped on the end onto a hard surface. The bushing in the hole may prevent damage in most cases, but it looks a bit flimsy in that area to me...
 
Here are a couple of pix for you. 551 Griptillian, Mini-Manix, 556 Mini-Grip. Open and closed. The Mini-Manix isn't very mini :D
 
I love my mini manix, and I have dropped it a few times and no cracking on the g-10. It is a tank, but in a good way, believe me it will go into your pocket and feel great in there. Mine does. I have mine on me about 90% of the time. I just love the grip and full flat grind on this one. Just get it and you will see what all the fuss is about.
 
Vee3 said:
I like the Manix/Mini Manix, but even the Mini aint so mini. I can't easily slip my hand into the front pocket of my jeans with it clipped in there because of the width.

Also, note how thin the area around the lanyard hole is. It's a heavy knife, and I suspect that the G10 scales might be prone to cracking (G10 is not indestructible, especially in thin sections) in this area if dropped on the end onto a hard surface. The bushing in the hole may prevent damage in most cases, but it looks a bit flimsy in that area to me...
Click to expand...

Hmm, thanks for the info. I think this knife may not be the one for me.
 
yablanowitz said:
Here are a couple of pix for you. 551 Griptillian, Mini-Manix, 556 Mini-Grip. Open and closed. The Mini-Manix isn't very mini :D
Click to expand...

Perfect pics!!! THank you! That thing is way way too serious for me. I am going to pass on this knife. Thanks for the photos.
 
so-lo kustoms said:
I love my mini manix, and I have dropped it a few times and no cracking on the g-10. It is a tank, but in a good way, believe me it will go into your pocket and feel great in there. Mine does. I have mine on me about 90% of the time. I just love the grip and full flat grind on this one. Just get it and you will see what all the fuss is about.
Click to expand...

Thanks. I really wanted it.. but I think its too big for what I am searching for.

If you have a recommendation on a similar styling, but smaller that would be great!
 
I'm having trouble figuring out what exactly you're looking for in a knife, but I'll keep throwing out ideas for you.

How about a Native or Paramilitary? Both are much lighter and easier to pocket than the Manix family.
 
Thanks Vivi.. I am having a hardtime too. haha

I was looking at the Native this morning, and I think it may be the one!!! I love the look, but hate the handle. I noticed they make one with stainless handles, but with serrated edge. I wanted a plain edge.

How is the Native in terms of real world size? Similar to the Mini Grip? Is it bulky??
 
I find the Native to be very compact. When I owned one I took the clip off mine and carried it in my front pocket. It's real comfortable like that.

I think I actually have some photos of it next to the full-sized Manix. I'll go look and edit this post if I find it.

I do know there are three versions of the Native. One is stainless, the other two are plastic handles but have different pocket clips and slightly different texturing. I'm not positive, but I believe they all came in plain edge.

If you like the look of the Native, another knife that might appeal to you is the Poliwog.

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Just a suggestion, but you might consider the Spyderco Caly3 or UK Pen Knife. They are both a little shorter than the Mini-Manix and a lot narrower. The Caly3 has VG-10 blade steel, full liners, G-10 scales and a mid-lock like the Manix, but is thinner and not so wide. The UKPK has S30V steel, unlined G-10 handle and no lock (it is a notch- or slip- joint). Both are a bit larger than the Mini-Grip (enough to make them more comfortable for me). I don't have a Caly3, but here are a couple of pix with the Mini-Grip and UKPK.
 
If the Mini-Manix is too big for your EDC needs (as it is mine) I have two recommendations. The first would be the Emerson Mini CQC-7 which has a big beefy G10 handle but a 2.9" blade. The second is the Benchmade 14210 which is the little brother to the 14200/HK-34. This knife has the look and feel of a smallish general EDC knife, but if you look at the construction, I'd be willing to bet it's every bit as strong as the Emerson, if not stronger. I'm going to be posting a review of the 14210 today or tomorrow in theknife review forum so you can be on the lookout for that if you're interested in more information about it.

Here are some comparison pics with the Mini-Manix and the Native:

IMG_1333.jpg

IMG_1335.jpg
 
That little HK29 sure looks like a winner...never paid much attention to it before, but very nice. I'm becoming like...a snody guy or something.
 
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