Mini Manix VS. CALY3 - Thoughts Please

J

JamesRB

Banned
Joined
Mar 22, 2007
Messages
15
I am new to the forums and am trying to decide between the Mini manix in the CPM-S30V or the CALY 3 in VG-10 as an EDC. I have an older Delica that I have had for years and like it.

Any insight or experiences with either would greatly be appreciated. Any benefits of the S30V over the VG-10? Is one "built better" than the other? Also what are the differences in the locking mechanisms.

All comments are appreciated.

Thanks,

James
 
Hi there. I'm unable to comment on the Mini Manix, but I had a Caly3 and friggin' loved it! It fit my medium hands perfectly and the overall size was spot on for EDC. For some reason, it felt more slim or smaller than the dimensions in a good way. The only reason I got rid of it was because I was looking to move a couple of knives and I was already EDCing a small Seb. That said, had I purchased the Caly before I bought the Seb, I really think I wouldn't have purchased the Seb. In fact, I'm saving my pennies to get another Caly. The Mini Manix is quite a bit more knife and is somewhat more rugged and robust. The down side would be added weight and bulk. I guess it depends what you define as priorites for your EDC. I think the build quality would be similar and the steels are pretty close in terms of performance, but I actually tend to like VG-10 a bit more as it seems a little less prone to chipping in my experiences. Good luck.
 
I don't own a mini manix but if my full size manix is any indication it's a little too thick as an EDC. My current EDC is a VG-10 caly 3 and I really like it very comfortable to carry.
 
I have both, the mini manix is a heavy duty meaty knife. The caly 3 is a light in weight and smaller in the pocket. Both cut great, but greatly different in character.
 
I don't think the mini manix is too heavy for edc. It weights about the same as my gerber pliers and I have both of them in my pocket at work right now. As for if you need something this big, then it's your call.
 
I have the mini manix s30v and the caly3 zdp (rather than vg-10).

I love both knives and agree with the comments above.

The mini manix is larger and heftier - perfect EDC when I am in non-business clothes. A great knife, it has cut through fairly thick branches, strong locking mechanism. Good fit-n-finish.

I also agree that the Caly3 is the perfect size for an EDC because it is small enough to carry in business settings, but substantial enough to handle medium to large tasks. Great build quality and it also a very strong locking mechanism.
 
I will just add some pictures here of the Mini Manix and the Caly 3. They are both great knives, but IMHO, the Caly 3 is a better knife for EDC. There is really nothing mini about the Mini Manix. It is built like a tank.

Ron

DSCN6095.jpg

DSCN6096.jpg

DSCN6097.jpg

DSCN6100.jpg

DSCN6102.jpg

DSCN6133.jpg
 
I think you got some good replys James. If you could handle each of them, I think you would see that they are not really in the same class. Both are high quality but both are not in the same class as far as duty. The Calypso 3 is much closer to a Delica in size and feel and the Mini-Manix is really just a stubby Manix.

If you want a heavy short beefy knife (and there are reasons to want such a knife), the Mini Manix is the way to go. If you are looking for a more general purpose EDC like a Delica, the Calypso 3 is a nice little package. I love mine and it gets a lot more use then the Mini Manix I had ever did.
 
As far as VG-10 vs. S30v. Spyderco does VG-10 very well and I have not been able to see enough difference between the two steels to make it count for much in terms of making a decision. I think the S30v will hold an edge a little bit longer but VG-10 is easier to sharpen and I think looks nicer if that counts for anything.
 
Thanks for all the great responses! There is so much to absorb on this forum. I just want to make the best informed decision without going through a number of knive before I get to the one that will be the keeper. Steels are another thing I ameducating myself on. From what I can tell, S30V can have chipping isues, VG-10 is the best general steel but ZDP seems to be the magic steel that is being discussed. So many choices - I usually use a Case chrome vanadium medium stockman. I will look a bit further at the ZDP endura, caly3 (carbon fiber) and delica.

Thanks again for all your responses - I will continue to educate myself with you help.

James
 
Apples and Oranges James. My normal Edc is the Caly 3 and I love it. If i'm working in the yard or in need of heavy cutting the mini-manix is the one. Either way you go the flat grind will serve you well. Let us know what you decide.
 
Manix is heavier but the S30V on it will hold up better durring the tuffer tasks.

I like my Caly3, but I have to sharpen it more often since I use it for more heavy duty tasks.
 
I really think you will end up eventually with both of them. I started with the Mini-Manix, but decided it was too big for regular EDC.

I then bought the Caly3 and have been carrying it daily since. (Been mixing in my Caly3 ZDP/CF lately).

WJR
 
Please note: If you choose ZDP, James, it is laminated, the lam line shows. For some(me) it is a visual problem. I have one ZDP and will only get solid ZDP from now own.
Which one you choose you will get a great knife either way.
 
I like the laminate zdp, it makes people ask questions when they see it and realize that it's flat ground.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top