para 2 or manix 2 xl?

M

midmo

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Jun 13, 2010
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I am looking to get my first spyderco. I am looking at getti.g the manix2 xl or a para military 2. I was set on the mmanix and then heard so much about the para2. I am lost. Not sure whuch direction to go in so from you all who have one or both please help me out.
Thanks
 
There's a bit of a size difference...the Military is probably more comparable in size to the XL. I have 2 PM2's and two Manix models (CruWear sprint and S110V lightweight) and they do feel quite similar in hand if you close your eyes. If you want lower weight I'd go with the PM2 or Military.
 
i have the manix 2 in s30v and love it. it fits my hands perfect with a little overhang. i think the xl would be too big. i have also heard great things about the pm2 but dont have one (hopefully christmas)
 
You can't go wrong with either one. I like the Paramilitary better though.
 
It all comes down to size really. Manix2 XL larger blade and overall size, PM2 smaller blade and overall size.

I own both and prefer the larger blade and size of the Manix but both are very good knives. Really can't go wrong either way.
 
Im used to carrying a griptilian full size which i know is smaller than tje m2xl. I loke bigger blades but i hear so much about the pm2 that i was starting to wonder.
 
Re: the Manix2XL
The handle size is fine, the blade length is not a problem...but closed, it is pretty wide in the pocket.
Comparison pics

Manix 2XL + Paramilitary 2




And, just to complicate things - further size comparison
(If I had a Griptilian, I'd have thrown that into the mix for you)

Military, PM2, Manix 2XL, and Manix 2



Hope that helps.
 
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Manix 2 XL = Military
Manix 2 = Para-Military 2

I prefer the Manix 2 to the Para-Military 2, but only very very slightly and I have both and have a Para2 in my pocket right now...
 
midmo said:
I am looking to get my first spyderco. I am looking at getti.g the manix2 xl or a para military 2. I was set on the mmanix and then heard so much about the para2. I am lost. Not sure whuch direction to go in so from you all who have one or both please help me out.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Boy, you are starting out with the $100 + knives first?. Seriously though, I would look for the best deal, and then buy the other later.
The regular Manix, Manix XL, Manix lightweight, and the Para2 are all "must have" knives. Sorry.
 
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Best advice I can offer is if possible find a way to handle them both ...
I am a big fan of the PM2 as an EDC. I have always liked the looks of the Manix. I have owned 2 of them, and each time I really wanted to like the knife - its got great lines and a great leaf blade, but each time, the PM2 just "felt" better in my hand. I held on to the Manix's (Manii?) for a while both times, and 'checked back' from time to time, but they just never got any carry time when I had a go-to PM2 ...

So ... I say all that to say it's a matter of preference, but you will only know for sure once you handle/use both.

Sorry, probably not a lot of help.

~ edge
 
Thanks for the replies guys. Im still not sire i go back and forth. I like a bigger blade but i dont know if i want to be fighting my knife to get into my pocket. I like the back that the manix is a brute but from what i can tell the pm2 is no wimp. I live in a small town where no one carries spyderco so i will just have to get one
 
If you want your carry option to facilitate ease of extracting other objects when reaching into your pocket past the knife, then the PM2 is the VERY clear winner between the two. It's noticeably less obtrusive to reach past than my standard Manix is, and the XL would only exacerbate this attribute farther. Go PM2, or Millie if you want the extra length.
 
So i am having a hard time finding any pm2s. I have read this us usual. I found one store that has some and at a good price. I was looking for something other than a black handle but it might just have to do.
 
Ive read the manix 2 xl is a stronger knife than the pm2 but really by how much?
 
The PM2 may have the best ergonomics of any production knife made. Great value for the money.
 
I own both and I'll say that if you're looking for a great EDC, get the Paramilitary. If you want an awesome, heavy duty know to keep in the car or take camping, get the Manix XL. I love the Manix XL, but with its clip positioning, you basically have an entire side of beef hanging out of your pocket, so I just can't use it for daily carry.
 
Both fantastic knives, but of course we all know this already! Since you mention that it's your first Spyderco, I'd say go with the PM2. My first was an Endurance, which IMHO is the epitome of Syderco design, so I don't know if you're open to suggestions outside of those two.
 
Hmmm ... for something with the 'reach' but won't take up a lot of room in your pocket, sounds like a job for ... ENDURA



Longer than a PM2 but thinner and lighter than PM2 or ManixXL.
 
MisterJeff said:
I own both and I'll say that if you're looking for a great EDC, get the Paramilitary. If you want an awesome, heavy duty know to keep in the car or take camping, get the Manix XL. I love the Manix XL, but with its clip positioning, you basically have an entire side of beef hanging out of your pocket, so I just can't use it for daily carry.
Click to expand...

I agree with this. I recently got the Manix XL and while you can carry it IN your pocket without too much trouble, it is an awful lot of knife sticking out when using the clip. When I opened the box for the first time, my first thought was "why did I buy such a big knife." I then opened it and held it and fell in love. That being said, The Para 2 has been with me every day since I got it over a year ago and I just don't see it leaving my pocket as an EDC any time soon. It really is just perfect.
 
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