Para 2, Manix2 or Sage 1?

mrandolph

mrandolph

Basic Member
Joined
Mar 22, 2011
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Good morning folks. I need advice. I'm going on a canoe/ camping trip in Michigan next month. I have a TOPS Outfitter's axe and wish to complement it with a new folder.
I'm looking at the Para Military 2 with S30V, the Manix2 with CTS BD30P, a Manix 2 with CPM M4 and a Sage 1 with CF handle and liner lock (S30V). These all fall within my budget.
I love the locking mechanism on the Para 2 but am concerned about tip breakage. The Manix2, on the other hand, has a nice sturdy blade shape but I have concerns about the steels offered. Is CTS BD30P tried and true? Will CPM M4 rust on me in the field and what's it lioke to sharpen? Lastly is the Sage 1, the size and weight of which I love for EDC but wonder if it's sturdy enough for the water and the woods.
I'm interested in any opinions and input. I want a knife that has no lesser a steel than S30V, is around 4 oz at the heaviest and is no more in length than a Para 2. For less than $150.
 
Manix bd30p, if you're canoing m4 might rust i wouldnt even a let that bd30p sit wet. It might no hold an edge as long as m4 but its close. It also is slighlty better then s30 all the way around. I really like the extra grippyness (<is that a word :) ) of the g10 on the bd30 manix as well. It reminds me more of peel ply cf then other g10.
 
Really I would leave a folder at home. Go with a fixed blade, small if you want to keep weight down.
 
Well you wont find a manix 2 in M4 for that price. And it does take much more care to prevent rust, like wiping it clean after every time you use it. I haven't used M4 before but everything ive read indicates that it holds an edge for a loong time. I have no idea what the BD30P models are worth either. I love the manix 2 and have 3, but I am NOT convinced that the ball bearing lock is the BEST choice for camping folders. Only because I can see the action getting super gritty if it ever got dirt in it. This is just me speculating though.

The sage 1 is a great little edc blade and I use mine regularly for urban carry. At the price it is an amazing deal. Mine really only gets carried around the city but it could easily handle small camping tasks.

The para 2 is my choice for a camping folder. I bought the orange cts-xhp model specifically for outdoors. The tip is very thin but the knife is a wicked slicer and cuts like a champ. I dont think youll break it using it for cutting. But if you want to get stabby with it or pry anything this is not the knife. It is specifically a high performance cutter/slicer with excellent ergos. I like to pair a knife like this with my ESEE4 for larger tasks and then bring a hatchet and small folding saw as well. That way I have the right tool for every task.

Honestly I dont think any of the folders you named would stand up to abuse like prying and whatnot. I would choose a small fixed blade over a folder for camping every time. But since you asked about folders, I would take the para 2. Just realize what it's limitations are.
 
The sage 1 is quickly becoming my favorite knife. You planning on carrying this knife after the camping trip as well? In that case sage 1, if not then PM 2. Not really a fan of the Manix myself, bit too much of a pocket hog.
 
If you don't want to worry about rust get a Pacific Salt in H1 and you will have money left over.
 
Sithus1966 said:
If you don't want to worry about rust get a Pacific Salt in H1 and you will have money left over.
Click to expand...

+1, A Pacific Salt or a Flat Ground Endura in VG10 or ZDP189 would be great, light, and except for the ZDP189 Endura, all would be under $100.

Of the knives, you have chosen, the Manix 2 is my favorite by a longshot.
 
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