Out with the old in with the new.. Thoughts on the Mannix 2

[murfdog67]

First let me apologize for breaking forum protocol. I am educated now. Now I have a Mannix 2 on the way and I want to hear some thoughts, both positive and negative. I would like you to compare it to the Caly 3.5. I had a couple of issues with it. I was impressed with the way it fit my hand but found the handle to be so slim it disappeared in my grip. I carried it for several days and, yes, it disappears into the pocket but carries deep and interfered with my other edc in that pocket. I was not a fan of the lock back. Over the years, I have carried liner locks, frame locks, and an automatic, Microtech, with the button release. I found the lock back was not for me. Finally the edges of the G-10 felt sharp in my hand. Maybe because of the frame being so narrow? I like a knife with some heft. The Caly 3.5 is certainly a quality blade just not for me. Now I have read and listened to many reviews, most very sterile. I am looking for some good ole "I've carried both" insight. Thank you gents

 

[Hobs98]

Which version did you get? I recently bought a Manix 2 XL and a week later a G10 Manix 2. I love them. Im an industrial mechanic and I use my knife a lot from cutting hose to opening packages. It has been a great knife. It replaced an Endura as my edc. The one semi con, it is a wide blade. I only carry a pen and some change in the same pocket. Otherwise it is an awesome blade.

 

[Redmasta]

Never owned a Caly but have the Manix 2....

Own a variety of folders and the Manix 2 stands out as one of my favorites. It rides fairly deep which is nice though it is a little wide, sometimes depending on the cut of the pants I'm wearing it makes getting to my wallet a little harder since I carry it front pocket as well. It's fairly thin which helps with pocket carry but is still extremely comfortable in hand. The ergonomics are spot on. The CBBL was stiffer than all hell when I first got it. I'm used to Benchmade's Axis lock so it was shockingly stiff for me and took some getting used to. It has broken in over time but still a little tricky to open with just my thumb so I pinch it to open which works well. I still feel the spring could be a little less stiff. The blade swings freely and whips out very quick using the CBBL to open and close one handed. I never even use the Spydie hole honestly. Blade lock up is extremely solid in all directions which is very impressive to me since the blade free swings with the lock pulled back. None of my Benchmades can accomplish both a free swinging blade and 100% solid lockup. Fit, finish and overall build quality is excellent. Great knife for the price :thumbup:

 

[murfdog67]

Which version did you get? I recently bought a Manix 2 XL and a week later a G10 Manix 2. I love them. Im an industrial mechanic and I use my knife a lot from cutting hose to opening packages. It has been a great knife. It replaced an Endura as my edc. The one semi con, it is a wide blade. I only carry a pen and some change in the same pocket. Otherwise it is an awesome blade.

Manix 2, G-10 and s30v! I'm going out on a limb, I'm just not crazy about a lock back. I want a beefier feel in my hand. Weight is not so much an issue to me. Well see when it gets here.

 

[Sparki]

I like my Manix 2. They're pretty heavy compared to the caly, and the handle is much, much thicker. It'll definitely get in the way of your other pocket stuff. It's got a pretty wide blade, but still slices well.

 

[Surfingringo]

Hey Murf, I've had both so I'll share my thoughts. First of all, they are in two completely different categories IMO. The caly falls into what I would consider a lightweight edc or "dress knife" category. Within that category I would give the caly a 9/10. I really dig the caly but if I am looking for a heavier beefier folder it is not what I reach for. So for that I've got what I consider my larger heavier duty category. In that category, some of my favorites are...pm2, military, and Gayle Bradley. The manix falls well behind those for me. Mainly because of ergonomics and bulkiness of carry. Regarding the ergonomics, let me clarify that I'm not saying there is something wrong with the knifes ergos, only that it is not as comfortable to me as the Millie or pm2. I find the manix to be a bit wider than what I like. Who knows, maybe you will like that (many on here do) since you found the caly too slim. The other thing I didn't like about the manix was it didn't carry nearly as well as some of my other heavier knives like Millie and pm2.

I should also note that I had the translucent blue model and I didn't really care for the scales. I have since handled the g10 version like you are getting and like it MUCH better! It's a very solid feeling knife and the action is buttery smooth. Enjoy!

 

[murfdog67]

Thanks for the input. I only wish there was a store in reasonable driving distance that carried spydies. Nothing like comparing in my hand as apposed to advice of others. Don't get me wrong, I really appreciate the words of wisdom and experience I find here. Your thoughts are invaluable to me. Maybe when it comes in I'll write a little comparison. The Caly was an example of attention to detail and quality from Spyderco! Again thanks for the first hand experiences and opinions.

 

[Surfingringo]

You are in Orlando right? Mmm, I know the bass pro shop there carries a few models but it may just be the Chinese line (tenacious, etc). I'm not sure what they have but I know I saw some spydies the last time I was in there so it might be worth a phone call.

 

[murfdog67]

You are in Orlando right? Mmm, I know the bass pro shop there carries a few models but it may just be the Chinese line (tenacious, etc). I'm not sure what they have but I know I saw some spydies the last time I was in there so it might be worth a phone call.

I tried there, they are on I-drive and no joy. Only a few of the Chinese models. Like I said in another post Randall knives is just down the street, but I can't find a local dealer for my spydies. What a joke. Lol

 

[Evany]

For me the Caly 3.5 is the perfect knife when I want discrete carry and a small overall size. I tend to take it along when I'm wearing nice clothes, or going someplace where a prominent knife might seem unwelcome or out of place. When I'm not carrying it in my pocket it stays clipped in a side pocket on the handlebar bag of my bicycle, where it's light weight is a big plus. Most of the time I carry a Paramilitary 2. Bigger grips, beefier blade, and one handed opening/closing is as fast or faster than an automatic. I've considered a Manix 2 XL, but the sharp finger cutouts make me think it might be uncomfortable in the hand and since the Para 2 is pretty much all around perfect for my preferences, I haven't felt the need to try the Manix out.

 

[murfdog67]

That's my next conquest, pm2,i have heard so many good things. Surfingringo has been sort of a Spydie mentor to me and he highly recommended it. Have you handled the Manix 2? If so what were your impressions?

 

[Sparki]

Here are some comparison pictures for you. PM2/Manix 2/Caly 3.5

 

[murfdog67]

Thank you the Manix seems to fall in between in length. How you find the in hang feel. I found the Caly 3.5 to be a little thin in hand

 

[murfdog67]

Also what locking mechanism does the pm2 use?

 

[Sparki]

PM2 uses a compression lock. It's on the top of the handle.

 

[murfdog67]

Is it a strong lock compared to other types ie liner, lock back, or frame lock. How does it compare with the ball bearing lock on the Manix 2

 

[trevitrace]

In general I found the Manix to be too chunky both in hand and in pocket...especially when compared to either the Caly 3/3.5 or PM2. I also prefer the PM2 over the Manix as I find it much easier to disengage the lock. I've only owned one Manix and desperately wanted to keep it (M4 sprint run), but couldn't get used to how cumbersome the CBBL was to work with. Perhaps because I was already quite accustomed to the Compression Lock, which I can disengage with one finger, I had to use both my thumb and index/middle finger for the Manix. I'd recommend watching a few videos on how each of these knives operate and find as many comparison pics as possible. You know what the Caly feels like so you should be able to get a rough idea at least as to how the other two would compare. Good luck, keep us posted.

Cheers,
Adam

 

[bdmicarta]

I have a number of them and I like them. I first bought a used Manix 2 almost a year ago, and I was first a bit turned off by its weight plus I didn't like the looks of the hollow ground blade. Since the knife was sort of a beater already I used it a lot for cutting boxes and tape when we moved. After I learned how easy it was to open and close one-handed I liked it more. Now I like it a lot and I think it is a pretty good choice for a work knife. I've since bought the S110V LW version but I haven't used it much. I am considering one of the S90V XL versions for my upcoming birthday.

I also have several PM2's, and today I'm carrying a Military. In comparison I do find the G10 Manix 2 to be heavier and larger than the PM2. The increased weight makes it feel like a more solid knife although I would like it to be a little closer to the PM2 in weight. The Manix 2 is also larger but this doesn't matter to me. A knife the size of a PM2 already blocks my pocket pretty well so the Manix 2 is not effectively any worse, plus the handle fits my hand well.

I think if I had to choose just one I would choose the PM2 because of its slightly lighter weight, but it would be close. Fortunately I can have both, even more than one of each.

 

[murfdog67]

I have a number of them and I like them. I first bought a used Manix 2 almost a year ago, and I was first a bit turned off by its weight plus I didn't like the looks of the hollow ground blade. Since the knife was sort of a beater already I used it a lot for cutting boxes and tape when we moved. After I learned how easy it was to open and close one-handed I liked it more. Now I like it a lot and I think it is a pretty good choice for a work knife. I've since bought the S110V LW version but I haven't used it much. I am considering one of the S90V XL versions for my upcoming birthday.

I also have several PM2's, and today I'm carrying a Military. In comparison I do find the G10 Manix 2 to be heavier and larger than the PM2. The increased weight makes it feel like a more solid knife although I would like it to be a little closer to the PM2 in weight. The Manix 2 is also larger but this doesn't matter to me. A knife the size of a PM2 already blocks my pocket pretty well so the Manix 2 is not effectively any worse, plus the handle fits my hand well.

I think if I had to choose just one I would choose the PM2 because of its slightly lighter weight, but it would be close. Fortunately I can have both, even more than one of each.

Very helpful and informative. Thank you

 

[Surfingringo]

The compression lock is very strong, very secure, and very easy to operate one handed. Having said that, the cbbl on the manix checks off pretty much all the same boxes. Two of spydercos better locks IMHO.