PM2 or Manix 2? Law Enforcement Officer in search of on Duty EDC.

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blueLINE87

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Nov 19, 2014
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I apologize if there is already a thread on this... Every time I attempt a forum thread I get yelled at and told wrong place to post.

With that being said I do need your input regardless.

A little about me to help you choose a good knife fit.

I am a cop. I can carry autos, OTFs ex. I am a knife nut, love autos and love quality. I do not like liner or frame locks and hate tantos. I have done tons of research. I just sold my meyerco xray-18 tanto. I just sent back my Microtech troodon SE for button issues, ordered another... sloppy blade play and uneven main grinds (I know they have some blade play but this was just sloppy and no it was not supposed to have 2 different grinds). For duty use I need a knife to deploy EVERY TIME and prefer not to have a flipper! I just ordered the ZT0770cf for off duty EDC due to the fact I could not find a mini matrix anywhere! I know it is a flipper frame lock but I am trying it for off duty.

For on duty I can not come up with what I want. I need a good quality knife that opens every time with a solid lock up. With that being said I have looked at all brands make and models. I am not out sawing peoples heads off and do not need a 4+ blade. I liked the Emerson wave concept but they look a little big and I heard bad things about their quality. I am not here to bash brands or argue but the Strider PT (Love the look and solid blade) was my next look. Heard bad fit and finish and do not need a knife lopping off my fingers. I like the fact I can do the zip tie with Spydercos for fast deployment and the lock locations. I have never owned one and always thought of them as a lower end knife. Not sure why so dont bother asking. BUT i do like the lockup concept on the PM2 and manix2. I wanted a Microtech mini socom elite auto but as you know they are impossible to find anymore.

*****So... Unless you have an amazing knife I have not listed... I NEED YOUR OPINIONS ON THE PM2 AND MANIX2. I love the fact that you can choke up on the knives. I love the look of the manix2 way more than the PM2. Like the strider PT I love the fact I can choke up on the blade for fine stuff. I dont pry or abuse my knives. I carry a buck for that. I love love love the look of the Manix2. The blade shape, the handle shape the gibbing... I guess it comes down to the lock up. so anyone that has operated both please give your input.
Thank you and sorry for the novel.
 
I have owned both, the PM2 and Mantix 2.

Being left handed I didn't care for the compression lock on the PM2.

I have 4 Manix 2s. I too really like the blade shape and the ergonomics of the scales. It feels good in the hand. The PM2 also feels good in the hand. It's a tough call. Maybe get both and try them out? You can keep the one you like and send the other back. You may end up keeping both.

You need to decide if you like Full Flat or Saber grind with the Manix. The new ones (second generation) are FFG.

There's a brand new knife by Benchmade you may like. The Serum. It's an Auto. But no button. You pull the Axis lock back to deploy it. Or you can just use the thumb studs like a regular knife.

http://www.knifecenter.com/item/BM5...ual-action-auto-satin-plain-blade-g10-handles

Good luck on you decision.
 
I will always like the PM 2 over any of the Manix series (old or new) just because I don't like the width of the Manix blades. That's just me. The only real advantage of the PM 2 over the Manix 2 is the lighter weight of the PM 2. I can work either one equally easy and both have quality blade steels & dependable locks. The Manix blade is wider that the PM 2 blade for a longer distance. OTOH, the Manix 2 has a stronger tip and a leaf-shaped blade is a great all-round blade profile for lots of different things. If weight is an issue for you, you might try the Manix 2 lightweight. Honestly, there shouldn't be any difference in quality of workmanship & materials. It'll likely come down to which feels better to you.
 
blueLINE87 said:
For duty use I need a knife to deploy EVERY TIME
Click to expand...

I have owned and carried a lot of knives. My most positive knives to open are my Manix 2, PM2 and Kershaw Blur.

I am a big fan of the PM2 and also the Manix 2. Either one would work well for you. My quick comparison- the Manix 2 is a big heavier and more solid feeling, the Manix 2 is a bit taller and takes more room in your pocket, the PM2 is a bit trimmer and lighter and easier to carry. If I could choose just 1 for EDC I would pick the PM2. If I could pick just one for a work knife I would pick the Manix 2. Right now I have 2 Manix 2 and 2 PM2 in my EDC rotation, and I have a Manix 2 that I use for my weekend working around the house knife.
 
The lock on the Paramilitary 2 took me a while to get used to since I'd never had a knife with that lock style before. The handle is a little cramped for my hand size and found the full size Military a better fit, especially with gloves. The Manix models have a similar lock to most Benchmades and I found it easier to deploy without thinking about it. Again, the Manix has a smallish handle and prefer the Manix 2 XL for the larger handle size. Both will serve you well and they're both ambidextrous which is a plus in your profession.

On a side note, the 2014 production year Emersons are very well put together. Even the older models aren't as bad as the rumors. I'd say handle one for yourself if you can. Same goes for all brands, not everything you hear is true.
 
First off, thanks for your service!

Second, this question is like Coke vs. Pepsi.
Both are good, until you know you love the other. Try a knife store close to you and see if you can get both in hand.
 
Do some research. Go to Google and punch in - pm2 vs manix2 site:bladeforums.com. It will give you hours of comparisons of the two knives on BladeForums. If you just punch in - pm2 vs manix2, you'll get more information than you need to make an informed decision. Click on every link provided and read all of it. If you have more questions after that, then come back here and ask.
And welcome to the forum.
 
I have owned both the PM2 and Manix 2 in the last two weeks time or so and the Manix remains.

In regards to the PM2 it was too light, for me the compression lock left something to be desired and the blade to handle ratio was weird. The ergonomics were good but they weren't enough to overcome the cons above.

As for the Manix 2. I have owned 3 in the last month. I have had the G10 Saber grind version, the G10 FFG version and the lightweight FFG version. I still have the G10 FFG version and I don't see me getting rid of it. It feels great in the hand and it is one of the few knives that I can open and close one handed with both hands. It also comes in a black blade version and for me It has a good weight to it. In my opinion it is pretty close to perfect.

Another one to consider is the Benchmade full size Griptillian which can also be opened and closed one handed with both hands. Even though you don't like liner locks I would also give the Blur a look even if only to rule it out.

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1416971763.569200.jpg
 
I'm biased as hell about this certain question but I'd go with the Manix. Nicer ergos (imo), more attractive, LOVE the type of lock, and I have a thing for leaf-shaped blades.

I've also heard stories about Spyderco's compression lock getting bladeplay over time while I've heard no such stories about the Manix's ball bearing lock.

Keep in mind I don't know if those stories are true or not, though.
 
spydercos are very reliable knives, either one you choose will serve you well, go with whichever speaks to you more. the thumbhole is a very reliable method of deploying the blade too.

emersons are awesome in my opinion, though they only make liner locks for the most part. if the liner lock isnt a deal breaker look at some of their mini models like the emerson horseman, mini commander or mini cqc 15. also i dont feel the wave is the most reliable method of opening a knife, a lot of times i have misfires and dont get the blade fully open using the wave. i prefer to not use the wave and open my emersons manually. my emerson karambit in reverse grip fires open every single time though.
 
I think the blade design of the PM2 is better for a tactical application. I love the Manix for EDC and the ergos are outta sight, but the blade design will not slash as well as the PM2. Compare both blade shapes to the Spyderco Police and you will see what I mean (the G10 Police is a lockback with a forward choil just so you know). Having said this, the tip of the PM2 is a bit delicate.

The Military is nice but I don't like the clip design and how its only available in "tip down" carry. For me, "tip up" carry puts my thumb in the deployment position asap.

All in all, I would go for the PM2 or G10 Police and a keep a mini pry bar on your keychain to preserve the tip if you ever need to pry and don't have your Buck on you. Gerber Shard fits perfect on a keychain and is $7. Its not much bigger than the keys.

Lastly, you should also pick up a Cold Steel American Lawman for several reasons:
-The name suits your profession
-It has a forward choil to choke up on, as you said you like
-The price (Around $50)
-The Triad lock-back is one of the strongest out there (watch the batonning/abuse vids on youtube )
-Its basically indestructible
-Good heat treatment on the AUS8 steel and it's easy to sharpen.
(In researching the strength you can reference the Recon folders and the AK-47 as well. They are all constructed with the same materials)
 
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Since you "love, love, love" the Manix 2, that should settle it.

(I also agree with Glock that you need to get a Cold Steel American Lawman, as well)
 
Awesome video from Solosknifereviews on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2dl0jPxRg4
Shows how strong the PM2 lock system is. If there's any blade movement the locking system locks even harder. Consider it the pitbull of locking mechanisms. I wouldn't consider it a lower end blade either. I really think Spyderco is on the cutting edge of knives in a lot of ways. I was considering a Manix before I bought the Delica for light use...Manix is an awesome knife and the locking system is impressive, but I think the PM2 is way ahead of the game. From my research the only locking mechanism that is stronger is the Tri-ad lock on some of the Cold Steel knives.
 
Either the Para2 or the Manix2 would be fine. Great knives.

You might also be interested in the SuperLeaf. Discontinued but they are still to be found here and there.

[video=youtube;mUpUcfwiPGw]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUpUcfwiPGw&feature=related[/video]
 
Both are great designs with solid locks that will open up consistently. You can't lose with either, so go with the one you prefer. I personally really like the Manix series, but the Paramilitary 2 is one of the all-time best general EDC designs I've come across to date.
 
I just want to emphasize that you can't go wrong with either knife. They are both fantastic. However the Manix is a bit wider, so for me the PM2 carries just a bit better. And I'd really encourage checking out Solosknifereviews vid on the subject. Really informative.
 
From your post, it sounds almost like you want somebody to try to talk you into the PM2. I'm not that guy - I'd lean toward the Manix 2...the grip is a better fit for me. Of course, I'm probably the wrong person to advise you.
I was going to offer a suggestion; but, after reconsidering your stated likes, I removed that portion of the post.
 
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I get the impression that the greater feeling of solidity in hand that the Manix gives will make it what you want.
I have both and actually prefer the Para 2 myself, but there is no denying the feeling of having a really strong Spyderco locked very securely in your grip is epitomized by the Manix 2. My opinion.
Consider the Manix 2 XL, I carry that more often that the standard one.
 
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I doubt you could go wrong with either the manix or pm2. Since you like autos, I'd like to suggest ProTech TR series. I know probably 10 or so other LEOs that have owned them and put them through some pretty rough use and they held up great. The spring action is literally the fastest, most powerful that I've felt. The steel is pretty decent, and the fit and finish is really good for the price. It fits your requirements of not being a tanto, not being a flipper, and they open HARD every time. Plus you can have them laser etch certain designs on the handle or blade. My department did a group buy and had them engrave the dept name on the blade and our shield on the handle. It came out very nice. They were sold at a discount, too, even with the engravings. The company is very pro-LE.

http://www.protechknives.com/knives/knives.asp
 
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