Old and new Manix comparison pictures

Reeek

Reeek

Joined
Aug 16, 2008
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Here they are. The Manix 2 is always in the middle except where all five of my Manixes are taken. My first observation when taking these pictures was the difference in overall refinement of the older Manixes compared to the new one. Things like the liners and G10 just seem a bit more refined on the older Manixes. The blade stock is thicker on the old Manixes too. At close inspection and with regard to tip strength, I'm not sure the FFG is measurably "real world" weaker on the old Manixes than the HG Manix 2 due to the thicker stock on the old Manixes. Perhaps a little but it doesn't look like a profound advantage to the Manix 2 in this regard. I think the blade stock would need to be thicker on the Manix 2 if Spyderco decides to go with a FFG version soon. If not, then a FFG Manix 2 with the same blade thickness as the 154CM version would certainly be weaker than the old Manixes and perhaps weaker than the HG 154CM Manix 2 too due to the grind on the current Manix 2. The fit of the old and new Manixes was similar. Nothing really different there. Typical Spyderco attention to detail in the F&F category. Obviously the old Manixes came from the factory configured for tip down as well. You will also notice the old large Manix rides pretty high from the factory while the old small Manix rides much lower. I think the Manix 2 wins in the ride category though with the factory tip up configuration. You will also notice the small old Manix and Manix 2 are VERY similar in many ways including the ride if the clip were reversed on the old small Manix. Also the old Manixes have four way clip positioning because the back lock allows for it. Note the lanyard hole positions too. I'm still debating which clip style I prefer between the old and new, coating not considered. The function was very close too, apart from the different styles of lock. The old Manixes have skeltonized liners, obviously to cut the weight. The Manix 2 opens and closes easier due to the BBL, IMHO. All the knives are smooth as butter to operate however. I think the Manix 2 is a fantastic knife for the price point and beyond when I compare it to the old Manixes. There will be four posts to get all the pictures in. Sorry if some are similar:

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Fabulous pictures. I wasn't aware the Manix came in 3 different shades of g-10. Always thought they only came in black and green.
 
Nice Post Reeek! You stole my thunder cause I was about to take comparison shots just today of the same 3 and write a mini-comparison but yours is TOP Notch, one I could never top - excellent!
 
harkamus said:
Fabulous pictures. I wasn't aware the Manix came in 3 different shades of g-10. Always thought they only came in black and green.
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That may just be the lighting. But the FG shades do vary in many Spydercos sometimes.
 
Wavester said:
Nice Post Reeek! You stole my thunder cause I was about to take comparison shots just today of the same 3 and write a mini-comparison but yours is TOP Notch, one I could never top - excellent!
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Thanks, Wavester :) I hope these help but they could serve to perpetuate the old vs new debate as well ;)
 
Thanks, Reeek.

I love the old (real) Manix. I don't have anything against the new (not real) Manix II, other than it ain't a Manix. Call it something else.


The real Manix looks so much stronger and cleaner of line. The real Manix is my EDC and I'm trying to get a backup real Manix in case something happens to my EDC. Hard to obtain the real thing. But the new Manix II seems to go for a dime a dozen. ($70-$80). Try to buy a real Manix for that. Nuff said.
 
Reeek, thanks for the comparison shots. :D
The Manix2 looks like it can hold it's own with the earlier versions.
IMO it's a unique model that deserves praise on it's own.:thumbup:
 
Twindog said:
Thanks, Reeek.

I love the old (real) Manix. I don't have anything against the new (not real) Manix II, other than it ain't a Manix. Call it something else.
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You should give Eric a call and tell him to change the name of HIS design. If he says the name fits, it does.
 
great pics! now i'm glad i just ordered one! looks similar in shape to the mini. add the jimping, different lock, and the sabre grind. i'm looking forward to getting mine.

cheers, kimo
 
Thanks for all the pics. I however think that the Mini-Manix is still the best of that group.

I think the new model looks like the clip was just thrown on as an after thought at the end.

Kinda weird.
 
David Lowry said:
Thanks for all the pics. I however think that the Mini-Manix is still the best of that group.


I think the new model looks like the clip was just thrown on as an after thought at the end.



Kinda weird.
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Before I go on let me make it clear that the Manix 2 is not my favorite Spyderco by any stretch but I love carrying it. It's more that the sum of its parts and a great value to boot. It may be one of the best $85 knives available today if a larger, medium to heavy duty, medium weight EDC is what someone is looking for.

Well as far as refinement, blade material and grind, I agree with you. And yes, I'm still debating the clip myself. I own four of the old Manixes so I appreciate them a lot. But I still think the Manix 2 deserves its place as well and it has a few things going for it too.

* It's relatively light without the need to skeletonize the liners

* It has semi-open construction which can be a benefit sometimes

* There is no back lock spring tension when opening. This makes for a quicker one-hand deployment with the thumb for anyone who may need or prefer that. Call it "flickable" or whatever. Even though I don't flick, the Manix 2 can be fully deployed with just a nudge with your thumb.

* The BBL also allows all the quick open and close benefits that the Axis lock allows but with more (better, safer?) spring tension.

* The nature of the BBL provides a very strong and safe detent just like its similar cousins

* The BBL also has an amazing ability to keep the blade static throughout the opening radius. What I mean is there are no surpise closings or openings except when the detent takes over. The detent will close the blade itself when the tip is about 3/4" from the liners. This ensures that 80% or more of the remaning edge is already safe between the liners so you have a reduced chance of being bitten. After the detent is defeated when opening, the blade will stay right where it is if you let go and will do that until the blade is 99% open and the BBL lock engages. Of course this is all dependent on the user not keeping the BBL rearward for a free swing of the blade.

* The Manix 2 is probably selling for less (street) today than the old Manixes did in their day. I haven't confirmed this but I suspect this is true. This could put the Manix 2 in the hands of many more consumers which may keep the product alive.

* The finger choil is jimped on the Manix 2

* The Manix 2 can get just as sharp with 154CM as my S30V Manixes. I was whittling paper with ZERO snags with my Manix 2 yesterday.

* This may not mean anything to some but it does to me. The pivot screw on the old Manixes is almost welded with the Loctite or something similar which makes them very difficult to adjust without damaging the screw head. I even tried to heat one of mine up and it didn't work. I ended up sending the knife to Spyderco to make the adjustment and replace the screw. I tried the screws on my Manix 2 last night and the pivot is easily adjustable using the Benchmade Blue Box kit with no need to heat them up or fear stripping the screw head. I'm someone who prefers the pivots to be adjustable and will take responsibility for making sure I check them frequently. The barrel type pivot screw on the Manix 2 ensures it isn't coming loose all the time anyway.

All in all, the Manix 2 is a fine knife for well under $100. A really fine knife.
 
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flipe8 said:
You should give Eric a call and tell him to change the name of HIS design. If he says the name fits, it does.
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Well, sure, but you’re talking like a lawyer. Spyderco can call its knives anything it likes within the boundaries of trademark law. But I’m not talking law. I’m talking heart and soul.

The Manix is a brilliant knife – a beautiful melding of form and function that creates a big, powerful folder that cuts like a fine chef’s knife. The balance is on the trailing edge of the lead finger, so you can make that blade dance. It has a grip that fits like old jeans. The blade is pointy, and the belly is tight and fit. The lock is as solid as an anvil, and it clacks into place with the same authority as a shotgun chambering a shell. The knife has the soul of an artist, the heart of a soldier and the shoulders of a blacksmith.

I understand that it’s a big knife, bigger than most people want. Fine. Spyderco has a zillion little knives for most people. But Spyderco is a little light in the butt when it comes to big folders. I never cared about that as long as there was the Military and the Manix. The Military is willowy and graceful – Spyderco’s queen. The Manix is pure power and authority. The king, packed with heart and muscle. People take notice of the Military. People step aside for the Manix.

But then Spyderco disowned the Manix. Now comes the pretender. Smaller. Cheaper. Lighter. And tarted up. There’s so much jimping it looks like a mini-Manix that was run through a wood chipper. The real Manix doesn’t need jimping. Even the touch of jimping on the base of the spine is unneeded. The design of the handle keeps the knife in your hand, not jimping. It’s like the difference between an off-the rack suit that crawls all over you and a finely tailored suit that sits still, flat and comfortably against your body.

Sure, congratulations on the new knife for Spyderco. But to call it a new Manix? No. It doesn’t have the soul and genius of the real Manix. I could change my name to the Rolling Stones. Might be legal. Wouldn’t make me a singer.
 
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