Para 2 or Manix 2...I'm torn!!!!!

R

riderV3

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Nov 29, 2010
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Hey folks the knife bug bit so I decided to appease it with a Spyderco this time.

But I'm torn between Para 2 and Manix 2...

I've been eye-balling para 2 for the longgest time, compression lock and S30V are extra icing on the cake.

Manix 2 seems to have a beefier design, the ball-bering lock is gimmicky and reliable...but 154CM puts me off...

So can some kind souls out there throw me a bone as which one is more verstile and better?

Thanks in advance!
 
Torn? As well you should be, both are equally awesome in their own ways. If you can find one for a reasonable price I would recommend the CPM-M4 Manix2.
 
they are cheap enough to get both. (~$160 for the pair) if you just want to get one then i would recommend the paramilitary 2.

spydercopara2.jpg
 
I own a Manix II CTS-XHP and a Para (1) D2. While I don't think the Manix II deserves the "hard use" title some try to put on it (I think a member here disproved that pretty handily), it is a nice knife and is more a medium duty in my eyes. The Para is more of a slicer. For an EDC, I'd go with the Para every time. It's incredibly lights, and just seems to have a better blade profile for EDC, at least for me.
 
Although I currently own neither, I have owned both models at one point. My money would go to the Para 2. It fit my hand much nicer - the jimping on the liners of the Manix 2 make it uncomfortable when applying any pressure while cutting, IMO. The Para 2 also is lighter and has a slimmer profile, thus allowing for easier carry in the pocket.

I'm not an engineer but the compression lock seemed much more sturdy in hand than the CBBL did. The fact that Mr. Janich is using it on his Yojimbo 2, which is an SD knife, should prove how strong the comp lock really is.

I'd say save up some extra cash and invest in a Para 2. :thumbup:
 
Can you handle them both before you decide? If so, do that and see how they feel in your hand.

I like the Para 2 more in concept - compression lock and S30V >> BB lock and 154CM, IMO. However, I did not like the feel of the Para 2 in my hand.

Now, since then, I've experienced the Superleaf, and I like it much better than either the Para 2 or Manix 2. But YMMV.

Happy hunting.
 
Para 2 for me. I've got a Manix II in CTS XHP and its a great knife, but the caged-ball bearing lock isn't as natural for me (I've tried playing with it for a while now, and I still have to reposition my hand before unlocking).

Just an FYI, if you want an FFG Manix - the CTS XHP models are pretty much the cheapest you can get right now (that I've found). I picked up one on ebay relatively cheaply. The M4 Tan models are just too hard to find for a decent price in my opinion.

I still carry the Manix on occasion, but its not like its a much more rugged-use knife over the Para. Honestly, I'd consider the Superleaf as more of a hard-use knife than the Manix II (I've got all three).

At the end of the day, it all comes down to preference - you can't really go wrong with any of them.

Don't know if this helps, but here's a size comparison (I posted this somewhere else but can't find it right now):

DSCN9788.jpg
 
For me the S30V is a negative. It chips way to much in my usage. I prefer the 154 over S30V personally. I got the M4 Manix to try. I'm probably going go get rid of the S30V para and buy one of the sprint steels that hopefully give me as much of a problem.
 
I have a black G10 satin blade Para 2 and the Tan G10 M4 Manix 2. Both great knives but I find the Para 2 to be much easier to close. Plus I prefer the lightness and blade shape and overall ergonomics of the Para Military. It's one of the best folders I've had the pleasure of owning and a great value, imo.

The Manix is beefier but I don't really need that. I find the Manix kind of a pain to close. I'll probably just keep the Manix new in the box and sell it in a year or two.

So I would recommend getting the Para 2.
 
Para 2

I don't like the short cutting edge or the width in pocket of the Manix. Also, I've always really liked Spyderco's S30V. It seems to cut aggressively for a very long time.
 
The Para two would be my vote, mainly for the bladesteel, ive owned both, para 2 wins for blade steel, and smoothness..... they are both very smooth dont get me wrong, but the para two is just like glass. both are sharp and ergos are both good, but the manix gets my vote for ergos. they both are great and have their own differences but its really which one you personally prefer. i say, if you havent already, go to your local knife shop that carries these and try them out, maybe youll like one more.
 
I would suggest the Para 2. I had the original version and sold it, so I just ordered the P2 to see if I like it better. I carry a Military daily and it's thin profile and light weight make it a joy to carry for the size. I'm hoping I fall in love with the Para 2 as it should disappear even easier as it is a tad shorter. The Manix will take up lots of pocket room b/c of the width (back of handle to spine of blade when closed). I like the old Manix.. not so much turned on by the M2.
 
Get both... I carry the para 2 daytime and night time at work a dlc black blade manix 2
 
After handling both in a store, I'd say I prefer the Para 2. The slimness in the handle and slim profile overall seem to be a better fit for my hands.
 
These are my two favorite spyderco's, and the only ones I have more than one of, until I get a CTS-XHP Military later this year. The Manix 2 really locks into your hand better than the Para 2, however both are very comfortable, and because the Para 2 is less contoured you have more freedom of different grips. P2 rides a little easier in pocket because its not as wide, as far as weight I don't really notice the difference. Both slice excellently. I like the locks on both as well, both can be opened and closed one handed just by operating the lock easily, though I'll say the P2 is a little easier, and the compression lock is my favorite overall lock. I'd definitely recommend one then the other (Both!), There is another manix 2 sprint coming out this year CTS-B75P which will be Carpenters version of BG-42 from what I hear, Black G10 handles Full flat grind, and a Blue g10, CPM-M4 para 2 sprint perhaps as well, if you want an upgraded steel in either. and now for the pics...
IMG_2046.jpg
IMG_2050.jpg
 
Some times you cant teach an old dog new tricks....

Both make for great general utility EDC, but at the end of the day it comes to your personal preferences. I'm so used to carrying Millies and the original Para's that nothing else will do. I trialed out the CFS90V Manix 2 as EDC for a few weeks and even with my love of S90V, it soon wound up sitting unloved in a draw. In comparison to the Para's etc I found the grip limiting, I disliked the low riding tip down carry and the blade was not set on as much as negative as angle as I like. Generally for my uses the M2's cutting performance itself wasn't lacking, but felt far less natural and required added focus on the task at hand. The BBL lock itself is great , trouble free and easy to manipulate, I actually loved the jimping too.

I say buy both, if one of them doesn't do it for you send it packing!


My 2 cents.

bo
 
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I have both and it's Para 2 all the way. Manix 2 is still great, but that jimping makes it better with gloves imo.
 
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