Mini Manix vs Paramilitary...

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Biginboca

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Which knife is the more "hard use" model? Blade length and edge geometry seem to be about identical, and handle lengths also.

I own the Para and have never handled a Mini (Or full size) Manix. I really like the compression lock for it's smoothness in opening and fairly strong closing detent, although I would wager the Mini Manix has a better detent action in the closed position since it's a lockback.

For those who own both, any thoughts on how these knives compare in construction and use for EDC?
 
That's a good question. I would think the only thing the Para gives up against the Mini Manix is that it was designed to be strong AND Light while the Mini Manix probably didn't have to suffer through the weight criteria so much. That said it may be possible the Mini Manix is going to be stronger in some areas but for a civilian EDC either is going to work perfectly, weight consideration not withstanding. Then you can argue the merits of the compression lock versus the lock back all over again too after that . . .
 
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The "Mini" Manix is the stronger knife, like a Patton tank is stronger than a Sherman tank. In absolute terms, the Manix's heavier construction and thick steel liners will make it the more durable knife. In practical terms, either is more than strong enough to stand up to any reasonable amount of use. Either will last a lifetime for an average user, but the Para is certainly easier to lug around. It is both lighter and more narrow, so it takes up less room in your pocket.
 
yablanowitz's use of the term "tank" fits perfectly for the Manix/mini Manix, and there is nothing "mini" about it. I would put it up against any knife twice its price for a pure test of strength in a hard use situation. But most of my customers, including law enforcement officers who shop with me seem to prefer the Para because of its thinner fit in the pocket, the smoother opening and closing and lighter weight.
 
The above replies are, IMO, spot on.

The average user would never require even the strength of the Para, let alone the Mini. You'd have to be a real knife abuser to require more than a Para. Both are great knives (I have both) and I guess if I were in a survival situation, I'd carry the Mini but for EDC around home or town, I'll pick my D2 Para every time.

Ken
 
I have owned both and EDCed both...I agree with some of the above statements, but hard use and solidness, the Mini manix all the way.. The one thing I have always disliked about the para and milie models is the pocket clip, (tip down only) and since I'm an extreme tip up guy, this hinders me.... I know I could send it off and have tip up holes drilled in them, but I don't have that kind of effort.... As for using the para, it is an outstanding EDC and so is the Milie, though I hate walker liner locks no matter who makes them... Spyderco's liners are top notch but they are still liners.. I have found the compression lock is prone to making the blade off-center in the closed position.. And the para I owned, I was always mindful of it and it drove me nuts... ( I'm anal I know) Give me a big solid lockback or Framelock anyday, weight is not an issue for me.. But everyone is different... My SNG takes all my pocket time.... Anyway.. Mini Manix all the way...
 
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The para isnt a hard use knife IMO like the manix or say mini rukus with the full steel liners.
The para's lock is also really thin.
 
Biginboca said:
Which knife is the more "hard use" model? Blade length and edge geometry seem to be about identical, and handle lengths also.

I own the Para and have never handled a Mini (Or full size) Manix. I really like the compression lock for it's smoothness in opening and fairly strong closing detent, although I would wager the Mini Manix has a better detent action in the closed position since it's a lockback.

For those who own both, any thoughts on how these knives compare in construction and use for EDC?
Click to expand...

Here is the Para (center) next to the mini-manix (right).
6gd1sn.jpg


I would love to say I used them both, and when I get them that is what I intend to do, but when I get them and admire their beauty, I save them and picture them instead :-) But I must say, from opening them, feeling them, their construction - for an EDC you can't go wrong with either, but for HARD cutting duty, where you need a knife with substance, I say go for the Mini-Manix, that thing is a BEAST...and I mean that with FULL admiration :-)
 
The Para is a totally different concept than the Manix models.
It's lock is thinner because it doesn't need to be as thick as lockback does. The design of the Manix puts the locking bar the same width as the blade. The Para uses the stop pin to back it's compression lock up. The Para is a lighter built knife, yet seems solid to me just in a different way from the heavy duty build of the Manix.
Here is a D-2 Para in-between a full sized Manix and a Mini.
35i6iap.jpg
[/IMG]
 
The tip of the para is a bit fragile. Seen a number of broken tips in the para world.

The para is thinner and lighter...and easier to clean. I'd debate that the compression lock is probably stronger and more reliable than a nice lockback like that of the Manix, but I find lock integrity to be one of the least relevant aspects of hard use knives, unless, for whatever reason, your hard use includes intense spine whacking exercises.

At any rate, the Manix is probably the tougher overall knife, although I definitely prefer the versatility of the Para.
 
I've carried and used both knives. I will definitely agree that the M. Manix is the stronger of the two. Having said that, I carried, used and abused my Para far more than the M. Manix. The Para held up just fine to everything I threw at it. I think the comp lock is great. Seriously, unless your batoning the back of the knife or trying to chop down small trees I can't see the strength of either knife affecting daily performance. The Para is also much more comfortable to carry.
 
Para Power said:
Para > all
Click to expand...

haha. Man that tiny little post just made my night. I saw your post...then saw your name...then saw your hometown and I almost died laughing. Thats awesome.

Anyway, I just bought a para and it's in the mail so I hope it's as good as everyone says it is. :p
 
SecSpyral said:
haha. Man that tiny little post just made my night. I saw your post...then saw your name...then saw your hometown and I almost died laughing. Thats awesome.

Anyway, I just bought a para and it's in the mail so I hope it's as good as everyone says it is. :p
Click to expand...

very wise
 
As far as lock strength is concerned, doesn't the Para's compression lock make it the stronger of the two?

I own a few Para's and they are tanks, but I can't comment on the Manix because I don't own one.
 
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