pm2 VS manix 2

Both are great knives for edc. Whatever You'll choose you would be satisfied...

porownanie_paramilitary2_manix2_tenacious.jpg
 
Both are must have spydercos. I prefer the pm2 for the slimmer carry and blade shape, but find the compression lock annoying to disengage.

For the size range I strongly recommend grabbing a Gayle Bradley instead, while they're still easily available.
 
You would have to use both to know for sure. I own 5 Para2s and only one Manix2 so that is where I stand on it. The Para2 may be the greatest pocket knife ever made. At least it is for me so far. ;)
 
I have both and prefer the pm2 for 3 main reason.

1) compression lock. It's significantly better and easier to use imo

2) pm2 takes up less real estate. The leaf shape blade takes up a lot of room

3) the thumb ramp area with jimping on the pm2 allows for a much better grip.

The Manix is fantastic but the pm2 is a step above. Just my opinion.
 
borage123 said:
How is the lock up on the pm2? I've never seen one before (or atleast with that name) and I don't know if it will fail or not. I am not going to use my knife for survival but purely edc (food prep, box cutting, rope cutting, etc)
Click to expand...


Should never be worry of failure. Both locks are considered some of the best in the business, and more than sufficient and strong enough for the intended usage of these knives.

The Manix 2 lock is ambidextrous, so if you're a lefty it may be more ideal. But it will take some technique learning to be able to consistently close one-handed since the CBBL lock on most M2's is quite stiff, especially when new. (I have to grip the clip itself to keep my fingers out of the blade path when pulling on the CBBL)


The Compression-lock on the PM2 can be operated ambidextrously, but favors right-hand use. There is a small learning curve to learn it's one handed operation, but if you can't figure it out naturally on your own, then check out some YouTube videos for ideas (beware of some ridiculous YouTube videos out there though). Once you learn the Compression-lock by instinct, you will thoroughly enjoy it and probably seek out other knives equipped with it!


If custom scale is your thing, the PM2 has a huge aftermarket following (M2 does as well, but not as vast). Not that I would necessarily recommend disassembly or changing things around, since I like them as factory equipped. ;)



But one thing that throws a wrench into my spokes - the Manix 2 came in a Sprint for a Cruwear blade. The PM2 did not. This prevents me from handing over the full win to the PM2. :p
 
I doubt most people could get a Chinese made Tenacious to fail in regular use, so from there it's only varying degrees of awesome.
 
I have more than one of each and I carry and use all of them.
The LW Manix 2 is the lightest, the PM2 is in the middle, the G10 Manix 2 is the heaviest. Some people don't like the extra weight, I can't tell the difference.
The Manix 2 is a bit taller than the PM2 so it takes a little more space in your pocket.
The Manix 2 seems like a stronger knife due to its extra weight, I don't know if it really is stronger or not.
In my experience the Manix 2 seems like a better work knife, the PM2 seems like a better EDC knife.
Most people seem to like the PM2 and its lock so I would recommend it to you for that reason. You would probably be happy with either one.
 
Have both. You can't lose with either. I like how the manix looks better, and there's a few Steel options now and it comes in a little cheaper. Also if you want lightweight go manix lw. Pm2 carries better, finer tip. People seem to vary on which has better ergos. I love both, but they do feel different. You won't be disappointed either way. It's quite a toss up.
6311b03971d04bb7edfef06a994e9195.jpg
 
I think I like the Manix better myself. Melts in my hand, and I like the lock better (only slightly).


17059997515_cca48184f0_z.jpg


The Manix in the photo belongs to my brother. Interestingly enough, we both carry our Enduras and Delicas far more often than these two.
 
Best two ergos knives there is . If you like a knife with large handle go with the manix if you want a slim handle go with the PM2 . Blade to handle ratio goes to the manix but that comes with a pocket real estate issue takes to much room and it feels heavy in the pocket . To me the PM2 is the perfect perfect knife at that price range . Easy carry great slicer very useful tip . You can't go wrong with either best two knives in there price range .
 
Last edited:
I agree with miltmaldo. You can't go wrong with either one. The PM2 can get tricky with gloves (for me anyway). The ball bearing lock on the Manix2 is incredible --one of my favorites.
 
cwakeford2000 said:
I leaned towards the manix 2. I did not like the ergonomics of the para2.

The manix2 is far more solid with a thicker blade.

The para is more refined and a better slicer.

It comes down to what you want in a EDC.
My advice would be to handle both, if that's not possible I would go for the manix2.
Click to expand...

Actually... the Para has a thicker blade than the Manix 2, not that it would make a difference to the "thicker" or "slicer".

I have several of both and prefer the Manix 2 if I could only choose one.

13955301575_2fb96afa50_h.jpg


Cameron
 
Here ya go, a quick youtube search found this vid:

[video=youtube;rHAL2YQMrxU]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHAL2YQMrxU[/video]


And this one....

[video=youtube;Uoywej_Wvf4]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uoywej_Wvf4[/video]


Anyway, I have two PM2s, an All black version and a black w/ satin blade. I've never had or even held a Manix 2, but I wouldn't mind having one from the looks and reviews, as well as knowing it's a Spyderco. ;)

FWIW, one minor difference I've noticed between the black DLC blade and the satin one on the PM2 is that the satin blade is a bit smoother in opening and closing, as the bare steel is a bit more "slick". However they're both smooth enough for me and are easy to open very quickly. I tend to carry the black one more, mainly because I like how the black clip and screws don't stand out as much on my darker pants. I'm left handed, but do a few things right handed (snowboard, swing a bat etc.) and I'm just as able to carry, open and close the blade with both hands, but I always put the blade in my left hand to cut things when it's carried on my right side lol. If you are left handed, you just compress the lock with your thumb, and with your index finger on the spine of the blade close it till it hits the detent and stops (which is strong enough to trust it's not going to close on you), then move your other fingers out of the blades path and push the blade passed the detent to finish closing it.

I've acually owned and sold 3 other satin PM2s in the past years for various (needed some money etc.) reasons and each time I always knew that I'd eventually get another one. One more thing, after carrying a lot of knives in the past, I was very surprised how light the PM2 felt (for it's size) the first time I ever held it, it's definitely a great knife!

Anyway, good luck with your decision! :)

~Paul
My YT Channel Lsubslimed
... (It's been quite a while since I've posted any new vids)
 
Last edited:
I prefer the blade shape of the PM2 for most applications. I prefer the comp lock because the Manix lock is hard to disengage when my hands get cold.

Having said that, I am one of the unfortunate few who experiences hot spots with a PM2.

So I edc a knife that has more belly than a Manix blade, is a framelock, and melts into my hand. The Domino. (the Stretch is high up there as well depending on what I am doing)
 
Ruarch said:
I prefer the blade shape of the PM2 for most applications. I prefer the comp lock because the Manix lock is hard to disengage when my hands get cold.

Having said that, I am one of the unfortunate few who experiences hot spots with a PM2.

So I edc a knife that has more belly than a Manix blade, is a framelock, and melts into my hand. The Domino. (the Stretch is high up there as well depending on what I am doing)
Click to expand...


Yep, I too really enjoy using the Domino, and I carry a Stretch probably more often than all the knives listed in this thread. :thumbup:
 
The compression lock sort of pinches the blade and I find it useful in flipping the blade open and closed. It takes a tiny bit of time to get the hang of it, but IMHO that lock is easy to use. Others have already said this and I will repeat: I sold my Manix2 simply because to me it is too chunky for the pocket every day. And it's funny that for me the ParaM2 I always come back to as my favorite carry knife. Easy to sharpen, easy to open, cuts great, not too big to be awkward or heavy. The Manix2 is a mini-beast IMHO. And if you are 6'5" you'll likely not notice it, but if you are of smaller scale, you just might. Back to compression lock, it's a nifty lock that just works and is hard to explain.
 
borage123 said:
oh no, i plan on customizing them (changing handles and such) and like i said. i was trying to find something on this and came up with the para vs the military or the manix vs sage 1.
Click to expand...

Don't go with the Manix then, unless you really know about the caged ball bearing lock, they tend to break when people reassemble incorrectly. The Para is easy to rescale.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top