Mini Manix size..

Personally, I really like my Spyderco Para. It's a lot lighter than the mini-Manix, and doesn't occupy as much real estate in your pocket. I also have a Native, and it is a good knife, but with the zytel handle you would probably feel the same about it as you did with the mini-Grip.

Another option would be the BM 707, it is a very nice design. It has aluminum scales with G10 inserts. And if you don't mind all aluminum handles, the BM 525 is a very nice design. Of course, both have the axis lock, which you said doesn't score points with you.
 
Vivi said:
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.

498wok8.jpg


2vmeqzl.jpg
Click to expand...
You're the best! I appreciate all the help. I am liking the Native more and more, and all the positive reviews of it here are making me want it. Thanks for taking the time to reply, and upload pics for me.

I looked at the Poliwog link you just gave me.. its a bit "busy" for my taste. Thanks though.
 
yablanowitz said:
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.
Click to expand...

Hi. Appreciate the post. I am just not a fan of that classic blade/ skinny handle look of most Spydercos.
 
longbeachguy said:
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
Click to expand...

Awesome. Thanks. I am gonna definitely be on the lookout for your review. That Emerson is quite appealing.
 
lambertiana said:
Personally, I really like my Spyderco Para. It's a lot lighter than the mini-Manix, and doesn't occupy as much real estate in your pocket. I also have a Native, and it is a good knife, but with the zytel handle you would probably feel the same about it as you did with the mini-Grip.

Another option would be the BM 707, it is a very nice design. It has aluminum scales with G10 inserts. And if you don't mind all aluminum handles, the BM 525 is a very nice design. Of course, both have the axis lock, which you said doesn't score points with you.
Click to expand...

Hmm, I didn't even think about the handle concern. Thanks for bringing that up. Definitely food for thought. I think that cause I chose my Mini Grip with yellow handle that may be a large factor in my dislike. It plainly and easily shows the "plasticy" look of the handle. I feel like black would mask it better.

I actually really like all aluminum.
 
Applejacks said:
Hmm, I didn't even think about the handle concern. Thanks for bringing that up. Definitely food for thought. I think that cause I chose my Mini Grip with yellow handle that may be a large factor in my dislike. It plainly and easily shows the "plasticy" look of the handle. I feel like black would mask it better.

I actually really like all aluminum.
Click to expand...

Another knife you might want to look at is the Al Mar Mini SERE 2000. I had many of the same concerns as you do about an EDC knife, and it came down to either a Mel Pardue Mini-Grip or the Mini-SERE for me. I opted for the Mini-Grip (Black) because it was a better fit and feel in the pocket (Where it sits 95%+ of the time anyway), and the mini-SERE seemed a bit overpriced to me (But it really is a beautiful knife). It's a bit heavier than the Mini-Grip too.

The Mini-Grip is nearly perfect for me - So small and light I don't notice it's there and it stays right where I clip it. Super smooth action that's easy to open and close with one hand. No blade play at all, even after some fairly heavy use now. The width is small enough that I can put my hand into my pocket without jamming against it. Full-length liners, bushings and screws so I can take it apart. It's really worked out well. One thing I didn't like about it was the little ribs near the lanyard hole - They were scraping my pinky when I put my hand into my pocket, so I sanded them off.

I didn't care much for the plastic scales at first but the material is tough, and being screwed to the liners, solid. I wouldn't get too hung up on having a G-10 knife - I like the material a lot and bought one knife with it, but it's not the greatest thing since sliced bread as far as I'm concerned...
 
I hear ya. I think my mini is awesome, but its just not me. Not sure really why, but I just don't care for it.

I checked out the Al Mar knives... considered them, but wanted to handle it first cause the small profile. But its basically impossible to find a place that carries it regularly.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top