Mini-Manix VS. Lil Temp (leaf blade)

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kgriggs8

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Okay guys,
For those of you that have owned both, which do you prefer. If you have only owned one of them, what makes it better or worse than other knife of similar size and design?

I have owned both and I think they are very similar in size, shape, design, and use. Both are really nice but I have to give the edge to the Mini-Manix. It has a back lock which is not my fav but it is much better than the most hated compression lock. It has about the same size and shape blade but the handle is more compact and comfortable to me.

The Lil Temp would pinch my hand when I opened the blade. Somehow my skin got pinched when the lock snapped. I haven't heard anyone else mention this so I may be the only one but it was a problem. The Lil Temp also felt like a brick in the pocket compared to the Mini Manix. It was that the handle was so much more bulky. I love the blade on the Lil Temp but the handle and lock on the Mini Manix is better.

One more thing, the Mini-Manix can be had for about 1/2 as much as the Lil Temp right now! I could get two Mini-Mani for the price of one skin pinching Lil Temp! :D
 
Well kgriggs you make some good observations. I really like both blades. I probably favor the Rhino Horn Lil Temperance to a degree. I tend to like the bulkier handle and the compression lock. One of the reasons that the LiL Temperance costs so much more than the Mini Manix is the fact that it has escalated into collectible status.

This one is really a close call though because both knives are superbly made. Not to mention that they are both Golden Colorado made Spyders as well. Both of them have CPM blade steels and both have superb G-10 handles.

I think this one is really a flip of the coin. I can truly see why anyone would like either one of them. I am picking the LIL Temperance with the Rhino Horn blade. If dollars and cents are the determining factor then it's a no brainer>> the Mini Manix would be the logical selection. But I am already partial to my Rhino Horn LIL T. :thumbup: JD
 
i'll have to agree. i thought the lil temp was actually lil until i tried to carry it. sure feels nice holding it but not in the pocket. very bulky. it's not bigger than the mini manix but it's shape is just unpocketable.

i'll say it again. a "micro manix" that combines the lil temp, mini manix, and caly3 would be the best knife ever made. add in the improved ball bearing lock as seen on the p'kal and that'd be the icing....:thumbup:
 
kgriggs8, are you saying the compression lock is "most hated compression lock" by you only or others also? If you are speaking for others also, I would have to strongly disagree with you. The compression lock, IMHO, is a great lock. I have never been pinched by it. It is a good strong lock!
If I had to choose between these two knives, I am not sure which way I would go. I have both and love both!!

Ron
 
madfast said:
i'll have to agree. i thought the lil temp was actually lil until i tried to carry it. sure feels nice holding it but not in the pocket. very bulky. it's not bigger than the mini manix but it's shape is just unpocketable.
Click to expand...

Try switching the clip around to tip up carry.

It works for me :thumbup:
 
I personally like the fact that the Lil Temperance has a bit more bulk. It gives me confidence on doing hard, and heavy duty cutting. Plus the Lil Temperance just seems more solid to me.

The only gripe at all that I have with the LIL Temperance is that I would have used a different clip.
 
The Lil Temp would pinch my hand when I opened the blade. Somehow my skin got pinched when the lock snapped. I haven't heard anyone else mention this so I may be the only one but it was a problem. The Lil Temp also felt like a brick in the pocket compared to the Mini Manix. It was that the handle was so much more bulky. I love the blade on the Lil Temp but the handle and lock on the Mini Manix is better.
Click to expand...

.....not a problem for me; never had the compression lock "bite" my hand, ever ! I very much like the compression lock. The only lock that makes me a bit "hinkey" is the liner. But I trust Spyderco's more than most. I understand your mileage varies.

-regards
 
I own both and, without a doubt, I prefer the trailing point Lil' Temperance.
 
I see my review has already been mentioned. To reiterate; I like the Li'l T best, but only because of weight issues, ease of lock maintenance (cleaning/oiling) and the 'custom feel' and collectability that comes with it. Not much to differ in cutting performance or ease of carry etc... Absolutley go for the Lil T if you can.

Wouter
 
I have both, and I like the M Manix much more. Not because on the lock or handle, but the steel. The Temp is an early one with 440V. This steel (for me) has to be the worst ever. Never could make it cut.
 
Outlaw45 said:
Try switching the clip around to tip up carry.

It works for me :thumbup:
Click to expand...

i did and it's almost worse. the problem is the upper guard that sticks out when closed. plus it is like a brick in your pocket. it's not as rounded as the mini manix but more squarish. i dunno, maybe it's just me?

oh and as everyone else says, the clip is garbage. i LIKE the indexing holes but the clip is useless as a clip. i prefer the old fashioned clips like on the manix.
 
Personally, I don't actually have a problem with the clip. It came a bit too tight (chewing up pants pockets), but that was easily changed with a pair of pliers. Everything else about it is almost perfect for me, handle, lock, steel (I've got one of the S30V blades). Only other gripe would be that it's not a Wharncliffe, but I don't think I can do much about that (yet).
 
"i'll say it again. a "micro manix" that combines the lil temp, mini manix, and caly3 would be the best knife ever made. add in the improved ball bearing lock as seen on the p'kal and that'd be the icing...."

That would be a knife I would buy for sure!

"kgriggs8, are you saying the compression lock is "most hated compression lock" by you only or others also? If you are speaking for others also, I would have to strongly disagree with you. The compression lock, IMHO, is a great lock."

The compression lock is only most hated by me. I don't really hate the lock but it is my last choice in locks. It is better than no lock for sure. I think the lock itself is pretty good. My main complaints are that it is awkward and sometimes doesn't put enough pressure on a closed blade to keep it closed. This bad in tip up carry. I know a couple of people that have cut themselves because the compression let the blade open in the pocket. It seems like a backwards liner lock to me. I know it isn't a liner lock at all but it feels like one, only it is on the wrong way around!

The clip on the Lil Temp is strange as well. Why? I like the Lil Temp but it is another of the long list of knives that would be almost perfect if only a few changes were made. The Manix and Mini-Manix are not almost perfect they are just good. You pick one up and it feels right and you start using it. No need to think about them.
 
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