Need a field knife, RAM or Manix?

M

Maikutis

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Jan 2, 2007
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I need a good field/hiking knife. I don't need to cut into the side of a tank or dismantle a bomb, but I do trim branches for hiding and placing geocaches. I've been using my trusty 14210 and I love this knife, but I wouldn't mind something a bit beefier. I'd wanted to get the 14205, but the wife say's "too much". Weight really isn't an issue, I've usually got my dogs with me, GPS stuff and a phone, a pocket knife doesn't really make a difference.

Opinions? I'm really interested in comfort for the hand (the 14210 and my mini grip both bite and pinch a lot when I'm stripping bark or trimming a hiding canister). I'm not a "steel guy". So unless one is much better than the other, I probably won't be able to tell the difference.

The only other thing I can think of is that I do light trail maintenance for my local area, which sometimes includes trimming back branches or saplings that can be about as thick as a mop handle. Yeah, a small hatchet would be beneficial. But I'll be honest, I'm not going to carry one. I'm not even going to carry a fixed blade, they just seem to get in the way. I'd like the folder to do the job.

If you think one of these knives would fit the job better, or be more comfortable in the hand, I'd like to hear it. Thanks.
 
Well if you want a tank of a knife, it would be hard to beat a Manix. But the original Manix is going to cost quite a bit more than a 14205.

Did you mean a Manix 2?
 
Neither of those knives are going to do the job of a FB.

If it were just those two I'd pick the Manix2, but I really suggest you carry a folding saw or perhaps a large CS folder like the Spartan.
 
Yes, I meant the Manix 2. Thank you.

I realize a FB would be better, as would a saw or a hatchet. I'd still would like a folding knife. I'm just a guy, walking my dogs, keeping occasional overgrowth off trails. I'd rather occasionally spend a extra moment trimming a branch, than always carrying something larger. I really believe the folder would be adequate.

Thank you.
 
Maikutis said:
Yes, I meant the Manix 2. Thank you.

I realize a FB would be better, as would a saw or a hatchet. I'd still would like a folding knife. I'm just a guy, walking my dogs, keeping occasional overgrowth off trails. I'd rather occasionally spend a extra moment trimming a branch, than always carrying something larger. I really believe the folder would be adequate.

Thank you.
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Once you hold a Manix 2 you'll probably not want to put it down. It's made of the same steel as the 14205 and the 14210 you already have. I love how the Spyderco feels in my hand. I haven't handled a RAM but I do have a G-10 Tyrade, soon to be 2, that I like even more than the Manix 2.
 
Just grab a Ka-Bar Mule. It's inexpensive, easy to sharpen and tough as hell. If you lose it, just go buy another one. I've got an original big Manix that sits in a drawer looking pretty, along side some other toys. The Mule is the one I use to cut branches and gut/cut the heads off fish.
 
I have a RAM and a Manix 2. My vote for heavy duty work like trimming big branches goes to the Manix--maybe even a fully serrated model.
 
I love my RAMs, but I never really think of them as "hard-use" blades. For that kind of work I turn to their big brother, the ZT 0500 MUDD. The RAMs really don't have enough heft for powerful cutting/chopping.

3119158997_a863d3d146_o.jpg
 
Whacking mop-handle-thick branches is a job for a large chopper. If you don't want a fixed blade, you could try the Cold Steel Rajah II, which you can get for $80 or so. It's a huge folder, but you can stash it comfortably in your back pocket. It will handle your big jobs. Keep a small EDC for most knife tasks.
 
I don't have a Manix but I really wouldn't take my RAM hiking. Not that its a cheap knife rather I just don't have all that much confidence in it in an woodsy environment.
 
Have you given any thought to a Swiss army knife? I never go off the beaten path without one. SAK's are not everyone's cup of tea, but if you're interested you can pick up a Victorinox Hiker for about $16 online. If you don't like the red plastic handles and thin blade then you can spend a few extra bucks and get a Vic Farmer. The blade is more stout and the red plastic handles are replaced with the more durable Alox. Best part is the saw blade chews through 2-3 inch limbs in a couple seconds with minimal effort, and the other tools could also prove useful when geocaching. Like most people I hadn't owned a Swiss Army Knife since I was a kid, but about a year ago I picked up a Hiker on sale at Target for 12 bucks and now I'm hooked. I've since bought about a dozen more and every time I do I am stunned by the amazing quality for such a reasonable price.
 
Maikutis said:
Yes, I meant the Manix 2. Thank you.

I realize a FB would be better, as would a saw or a hatchet. I'd still would like a folding knife. I'm just a guy, walking my dogs, keeping occasional overgrowth off trails. I'd rather occasionally spend a extra moment trimming a branch, than always carrying something larger. I really believe the folder would be adequate.

Thank you.
Click to expand...

I'm the same way that's why I carry smaller knives. I vote for the Manix 2.
 
I too love my RAM but IMO it's not meant for field use.

If you want a heartier Kershaw , what about a Groove ? I love mine and know it would do just fine in the field especially with it's little recurve.

Tostig
 
I'd really consider picking up either a SAK or multitool that has a saw on it, would do the job much better. The right tool for the right job :thumbup:

But if you are deadset on a folder, and particularly one of these two, I'd say go for the Manix 2. It has some more bulk to it and will likely serve better in harder application. I love my RAM, but field work isn't its main goal in my opinion.
 
Flashpoint said:
Have you considered a Junkyard Dog by Kershaw. I think it would be a better tool for the job your talking about.

Kershaw Guy has some JYD composite blems for $42 shipped. Heck of a knife for the job at hand.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=602230
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What Flashpoint said.

And, you are correct that steel types are not very important. Sure, some perform better than others, but any modern cullery steel from one of the better manufacturers will do everything you need it to do. You are also correct in putting handle ergonomics ahead of picky little technical details. The best way for you to choose is to handle each knife on your short list, and buy the one that feels most natural in your hand.
 
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