• The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
    Price is $300 $250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
    Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.

  • Today marks the 24th anniversary of 9/11. I pray that this nation does not forget the loss of lives from this horrible event. Yesterday conservative commentator Charlie Kirk was murdered, and I worry about what is to come. Please love one another and your family in these trying times - Spark

Need a little help deciding

OutdoorsFamilyMan4

OutdoorsFamilyMan4

Joined
Jan 20, 2012
Messages
2,278
I'm about to buy my first Spyderco, a Manix2. I noticed they can be either 154 or s30v. I'm not that big of a knife nut yet and the knife will only be used for normal daily tasks (letters,some boxes, food, packages for the kids,etc...)The main issue is Im not good at sharpening, at all! I am practicing and improving but I probably wont attempt it on the Manix until I'm a little better. I've read alot about both steels but still seem to be unsure which would suit me better. Any thoughts?
 
s30v is a better steel and I would say both are fairly similar in terms of ease of sharpening. You should try to get a full flat ground blade if you can they make for a great slicing knife. I would also recommend holding them as they are a large and heavier knife compared to a lot of other knives.
 
Between the two, I will pick S30V every time. Plus, I do believe the S30V model is the newer, flat ground one, which will be more efficient in cutting. The leaf-shaped Spyderco blades are great to practice with for sharpening, too, especially if you pick up a Sharpmaker.
 
The two steels mentioned are great, however what Tchapman mentioned is probably the most important element...FFG.

I am not a fan of hollow grinds. That isn't to say there are not great blades that are HG, I just prefer FFG.

The S30V model is newer and incorporates the newest version/iteration of the Manix design (which is great IMO...as I own 2).

The M2 is a great blade. Enjoy!
 
Thanks.I'll worry about a sharpmaker later, I'm still trying to pick up a Manix..lol...but it doesnt seem like anyone wants to part with them, except for the sprints and other cool ones i cant afford :D lol
 
How about a lightweight Manix in CTS BD1? They're fairly easy to find and you'd be able to grab a SharpMaker as well for the same price as a standard Manix 2. Then you'll know if you like the ergonomics, and have a beater/work knife that you can practice sharpening before getting the standard version. They're in stock at most retailers.
 
Just FYI, I have a LW Manix 2 and it absorbs EDC duties just as well (better in some cases) than the higher dollar and fancier sprint run iterations...and you don't cry when you scratch it.

Don't overlook it just because it's super light!
 
I have handled one extensively and just feel its,not for me...I dont doubt it has the spyderco toughness they are all known for, I just didnt care for the feel of its lightness and the texture of the handles....the g10 feels much better to me. I actually found a killer deal on one (s30v,ffg, satin and.comes with putnam.scales) but the guy cant.ship for a week and im having a hard time.with patience lol
 
OutdoorsFamilyMan4 said:
I have handled one extensively and just feel its,not for me...I dont doubt it has the spyderco toughness they are all known for, I just didnt care for the feel of its lightness and the texture of the handles....the g10 feels much better to me. I actually found a killer deal on one (s30v,ffg, satin and.comes with putnam.scales) but the guy cant.ship for a week and im having a hard time.with patience lol
Click to expand...

I understand completely every piece of what you're saying. I immediately passed on a Manix2 S110V I had quite early after it began shipping because it simply felt too light to me - not enough heft to have a positive quality feel for me personally. G10 with steel liners adds weight, but in a good, quality feeling way, so I entirely understand your wanting to go that route, and I encourage it.

As far as patience, I've gone both ways, and can't tell which is better - pay more, get it quickly, or be patient and get a deal. I've gone the patient route and ended up ordering other knives while waiting, so it probably isn't a cheaper route in the end :D No wrong choice though, for you get the same great knife either way.
 
I have a NIB FFG in 30V with a partially serrated blade if you're interested...
 
Don't stress it if you can only find the hollow grind version. I love mine, and it cuts really well. It also has a thicker tip because of the hollow grind, which is kinda cool on a knife that feels like it could handle some hard use. It's one of the rare occasions where I don't mind a hollow grind.
 
My sharpening skills are horrid to begin with, I certainly dont want to throw serrations in the mix -even though I know theyd stay sharper longer- I just love the plain edge look of the leaf shape spyderco blades.....so sexy
 
And as for making.purchases while I wait...I dont have that luxury. I only have so much to spend and thats it. I'm just not sure I'm crazy about the blue honeycomb g10 scales. I think they would stick out more...I like to be more discreet. I just figured I could trade them later cuz it does cone with the original black scales. Its also the only s30v ffg satin plain blade I can find for sale
 
I prefer 154 and will usually choose that over S30v anytime BUT I like the ffg the newer Manix 2's have and they are now S30v :apthy:
 
I myself am quite happy with either 154CM or S30V and I think you would be too. But the 154CM Manix hasn't been made for a while I think.
I have a hollow ground Manix 2 S30V and it's a very solid Knife that feels so stable and capable during use.
But I do prefer FFG. Have you considered a Manix 2 XL? Same weight. Love mine and carry it much more often than the standard Manix 2.
I would also suggest a Sharpmaker sooner rather than later. Maintaining an edge and keeping it sharp is so much easier than sharpening a severely dulled one. And the Sharpmaker is a simple and ideal way to maintain your edge.
 
OutdoorsFamilyMan4 said:
My sharpening skills are horrid to begin with, I certainly dont want to throw serrations in the mix -even though I know theyd stay sharper longer- I just love the plain edge look of the leaf shape spyderco blades.....so sexy
Click to expand...

I know this isn't what you want to hear (or even what u are asking) but I would get the sharpmaker before the manix. There is probably no knife you could choose that you would get as much use, fun and productivity out of as you would a SM. Even serrations are a breeze. Ok, now go buy a manix and enjoy it. ;). But hopefully we have gotten the SM idea stuck in your head. It is the smartest $50 you will ever spend on knives.
 
It's been said several times, but def get the ffg - I have several different folders and my ffg ones get more carry and are better utility blades for my everyday life (work in an office environment)
 
Unfortunately the one I'm getting is going to be a hollow ground but its a deal I can't pass on. I'm sure this won't be my last Spyderco (or manix for.that matter), so next tune I will go with the ffg....this one is s30v too
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top