Para 2, manix, or manix XL?

dbltap45acp

dbltap45acp

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Dec 19, 2008
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Which would you prefer for edc and why? I carry a Strider SMF and some days its a bit bulky. I had a spyderco military but the handle seemed a bit long. Just looking for a new edc and was looking for opinions. Thanks
 
The Manix 2 XL (5.9 oz.) weighs almost as much as the SMF, so although it's a great knife, I'm not sure it'd be the sort of alternative to the SMF that you're looking for. Out of the remaining two, I'd prefer the Para 2 for EDC: I prefer the ergonomics, balance, and lock mechanism to that of the Manix 2. It's also the lightest of the three, which may be relevant here since you're looking for a less bulky alternative to the SMF.
 
Its not really the weight, its more the thickness. Its nice to not have a knife scrape my arm when digging in my pocket.
 
I like the Manix 2 and Para 2 quite a lot for work knives or just day-to-day use. They both carry well, fit well in my hands, and feature lock mechanisms, blade steels, etc. that really appeal to me. You can't go wrong with either one, imho.

I just got a Manix 2 XL and am getting rid of it immediately - the lock is stiff as all hell, it's quite difficult to open and close compared to the other Manix 2's I've owned (it takes me two hands to close the sucker), it has blade play in every direction, and it's bigger than I really like a pocket knife to be. Not overly impressed with it.
 
Ok, seems like the XL is out. How well does the tip hold out on the para? It just seems a bit thin, but I haven't held one yet.
 
Just got a Para 2 last weekend. It is pretty sweet. Light for as sturdy as it is, and a fairly slim profile. It's definitely going to get pocket time.
 
I really like the Para 2 better than the Manix 2, the Para 2 is lighter, more ergonomic and easier to open / close.
The lightweight manix 2 is very light and would make a nice EDC, but I still prefer the feel of the Para2.
 
Love the Manix2, but I definitely prefer the Para2 for EDC. Although longer, it kinda melts into the pocket. The Manix has it's bulk in such a way that I really feel it sitting there, plus it's a tad heavy for me to comfortably pocket carry daily.
I do my best not to abuse my knives, so I can't speak to the tip strength on the Para.
My local dealer hasn't received his XL's yet, so I haven't had the chance to try it - bit I'm sure that, for me, it'll be too large to EDC.
Good luck. Whichever you pick, you really can't go wrong, as long as it's right for you.
 
The tip looks pretty delicate, but I haven't had an issue with it. I'm not using it in a war zone, just a bar. It's been used on heavy duty cardboard, wire reinforced gas lines and yes even for light prying, though I would've found something else if I could have only fit the tip into the thing I was prying open.
 
Both great. Para 2 well worth considering. Just be prepared to work the compression lock in, as and when required. Have a nice day. Faron
 
I've owned both,I still have the Para.The ergo of the Manix was just all wrong for my hand.Also it was a little heavy (clunky) for pocket carry IMO.
 
I think you've narrowed down the choice already. :) Millie is too long, Manix 2 XL is too big, Manix 2 is still bulkier than a Para 2. If you're happy with the somewhat unconventional compression lock, then you have a winner. FYI, perhaps a good thing to check is how the lock works with gloved hands, especially in your line of work?

Para 2 and Manix 2 are two of the top 5 EDC Spydies in my opinion. The others are Sage 1, Stretch 2, and the Caly3.5.
 
Dorito Monk said:
I just got a Manix 2 XL and am getting rid of it immediately - the lock is stiff as all hell, it's quite difficult to open and close compared to the other Manix 2's I've owned (it takes me two hands to close the sucker), it has blade play in every direction, and it's bigger than I really like a pocket knife to be. Not overly impressed with it.
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Just because 1 member doesn't like the Manix 2 XL doesn't mean it's a bad choice. I don't have any of the problems with my XL that the member mentioned.
If you like big knives....sounds like you may because you want a knife to to carry that less bulky than your SMF.
I had an SMF cc that I traded...I didn't use it enough. The XL has a cutting edge that's .25 longer than the SMF and none of the huge choil with the wasted cutting edge of the SMF.
 
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The Manix 2 is less than 7 grams heavier than the Para 2. That's a little more than a nickel weighs and I doubt anyone can feel the difference. The Manix is also only about 2 mm wider than the Para at the widest point. I find them very comparable and really like both. I feel the main difference is the lock and how they fit your hand. The only way to tell which fits your hand best is to hold them. I think I like to use the compression lock a little more than the CBBL lock because of the greater spring resistance of the CBBL. So I probably carry the Para 2 a little more but I really like both.
 
FlaMtnBkr said:
The Manix 2 is less than 7 grams heavier than the Para 2.
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I guess it depends on which one you're looking at. I don't have a scale accurate enough to measure mine, but Spyderco's site lists the Para2 at 3.75oz/106g, and the Manix2 at 5oz/146g. That's quite a bit more difference. But there are some skeletonized liner / lightweight versions of the Manix2 for which that may be true.

Either way, to me, the Manix2 carries like the right-sized, tough knife it is; the Para2 in my pocket carries smaller than its dimensions suggest. I can't explain it, but that's how it feels to me.
 
For what it's worth, I love my Manix 2 XL as an EDC. The lock was quite stiff to start with so I wasn't sure I was going to like it but after a couple of weeks of use it has loosened up and is very easy to open and close one-handed. And mine has no blade play whatsoever.
 
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