Mini-Skirmish VS Manix

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Vivi

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I posted another trade and one member had both of these knives up for trade. Assuming me and him trade and I receive one of these knives, I was wondering which people here would suggest.

I've held a mini-skirmish at a store before and simply holding it made me want to buy a BM I was so pleased with the feel. The Manix I've heard is very strong and I love my Spydercos (Haven't owned a BM yet).

I'm leaning towards the Manix myself if I got to pick one of these two knives, but would like to hear what others who have handled both have to say.
 
I don't have a small Skirmish, but I can compare my Manix to my large Skimish.

Manix: The blade is a full flat grind- very simply looking and very untilitarian. The opening hole is typical for Spyderco with no bevel- easy to get grip. The ergos are fantastic and the G-10 feels great. Rough and grippy. The clip has 4 positions. The lock makes a nice click when it opens and works fairly smoothly for a backlock (technically a midlock).

Skirmish: The blade is very curvy and sexy. The recurve makes for great slicing and looks nice, too. The grinds are unusual, especially along the spine. It looks very interesting compared to the simple Manix blade. The opening hole is beveled which feels nice but makes it a little harder to open. Some have no trouble with this, some find it annoying. I actually prefer it. The ergos are very good but not quite as good as the Manix. Your opinion may vary depending on your hand. The titantium feels nice- you can feel a little roughness from the bead blasting. The lock makes a loud snap when it opens- louder than the Manix. There is zero play when open- it feels like a fixed blade (the Manix has a tiny bit of play and this is usual for the knife and other Spyderco lockbacks). The titanium shows dirt and moisture, so if your hands are dirty or wet you will have to wipe the knife down to make it look new again (the Manix doesn't show dirt or ink).

I think the Manix is an all-business knife that also looks cool. The Skirmish is a bold, beautiful knife that is also extremely strong and useful.

Which is stronger? I am not sure, but they are both so stout that I don't think it should be an issue.

The Manix is slightly more practical and utilitarian, but more dull looking. The Skirmish looks a little nicer (and a lot more interesting), but is a little less of a pure work knife.
 
I don't have a Manix, but I do have a Mini Skirmish. All I wanted to point out is that the Manix is very large and beefy, and I've heard it said it might be a little too large for comfortable EDC. The Mini Skirmish on the other hand, is eminently pocketable. It's a lot of knife in a very compact package.
 
I've found the Manix much easier to open than the Mini-Skirmish (or the full size, for that matter).
 
I've handled both and ended up with a full size Manix.

The Manix is a beast.

I just don't like the blade on the Skirmish.

If I had to do it over I would buy a Mini-Manix. It's like the perfect size.
 
I'd probably take a mini-manix or paramilie over a normal Manix if I had a choice, but I'd be content with any of these knives from the pictures, reviews and specs I've seen.

I'm gonna go to a store and handle the mini-skirmish, but I'm probably going to end up trying to trade for the manix. I think I've become pretty hooked on the Spyderco way of creating knives, and I'll hold off on Benchmade until I can get a nice Axis lock model. Grip or mini-grip, maybe a 710.
 
I have a Mini-Manix, that I absolutely LOVE!! It is a fantastic knife. I have seen and handled the 630, it is a nice knife, but doesn't speak to me. Get yourself an RSK Mini-Grip too!!
 
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