Q's on Manix 2 and Paramilitary

J

James Y

Joined
Feb 18, 1999
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I'm trying to decide between the M2 and, hopefully when they come out, the new PM2.
How does the M2 feel when either clipped or carried down in a pocket? Are there any excessive friction spots that are particularly rough on material? I'm also wondering if Spyderco will eventually switch the blade to FFG. It seems they are upgrading many models, or at least adding, the FFG option.

I know it's not out yet, but the PM2 looks great. I already love my Millie's. I've never owned a compression lock, but do remember years ago handling (I think) a Centofante folder that had one, and on opening the blade, felt the compression lock pinched my hand or index finger a bit. Has anyone noticed that with their current model PM?

Also, any comments on their feel/performance in EDC, ease of maintenance, etc. I may end up getting both anyway, but would like to decide which first. :)
Thanks for any info.
James
 
My guess is the Manix2 will get a factory FFG only in sprint/special runs. However for about $35 you can get it FFG'd yourself by Tom Krein. That is my plan for my M2.
 
James Y said:
I'm trying to decide between the M2 and, hopefully when they come out, the new PM2.
How does the M2 feel when either clipped or carried down in a pocket? Are there any excessive friction spots that are particularly rough on material? I'm also wondering if Spyderco will eventually switch the blade to FFG. It seems they are upgrading many models, or at least adding, the FFG option.

I know it's not out yet, but the PM2 looks great. I already love my Millie's. I've never owned a compression lock, but do remember years ago handling (I think) a Centofante folder that had one, and on opening the blade, felt the compression lock pinched my hand or index finger a bit. Has anyone noticed that with their current model PM?

Also, any comments on their feel/performance in EDC, ease of maintenance, etc. I may end up getting both anyway, but would like to decide which first. :)
Thanks for any info.
James
Click to expand...

The Manix 2 is a nice knife, so much so I've somehow ended up with about 6-7 of them. I'm used to carrying a Military or Gayle Bradley so I don't really notice the size or weight of the knife that much. You will feel or not feel the weight depending on what type of clothing you wear. If you wear jeans/work pants then it's not very noticeable. If you wear thin slacks/dress pants then that is a different story. The hollow grind is nice, I haven't really had a need to send the knife off just yet to be grinded. It does 90% of the cutting the current grind just fine. The other 10% is left to fully serrated Para Military.

As far as the Para Military is concerned, I ended up with half a dozen of them. The compression lock is not a problem for me at all, and I have large hands. The handle doesn't much bother me either, I know some have mentioned it being "painful", but I'm not sure what was being done at the time to have them use that description.

Both are fairly easy to maintain, I don't take my knives apart every day so they kind of maintain themselves I guess you could say. Both knives have excellent ergonomics, they cut exceptionally well and carry easily for me.

I tend to agree with Vic that the FFG will be reserved for sprints, I think someone already asked that a while back but it was lost in a 10 page thread (I cannot find it).
 
My first Spyderco is a Manix 2......I can't tell you that much about it since it's not in my hands yet.:(
I just wanted to tell someone that I got a Spyderco!!
 
I have regular para and the S30V and CTS-XHP sprints of the M2, Love all three, I like the blade to handle ratio better on the M2's, the para is lighter, but when clipped in pocket the both feel about the same in handle size, both not really noticeable in jeans. I find myself carrying the Para more just because its a little smaller and I don't care as much if it gets scuffed up or borrowed as much as I would the sprint runs. of the 12 folders I have those are definitely my top three favorites followed by the CPM-M4 Ritter Grip (Like the G10 better). I also find I definitely prefer flat grinds to saber grinds like that on my Delica.
 
Big difference for me is the beefy blade, I think of my paras as "delicate" when compared to M2.
 
Chandler69 said:
Big difference for me is the beefy blade, I think of my paras as "delicate" when compared to M2.
Click to expand...

How thick is the Manix 2 blade? Is it 4 mm (.1574 inches) just like the original Manix? Because the Para is 4 mm thick isn't it? The Para is FFG of course so there's a bit of a difference there I guess.
 
My eyes are tired after nights but I just roughly measured the thickest part of my M2's blade spine and it's between 3 and 4 mm
 
Thanks for the replies, everyone.
I'm planning to order a M2 for now. I'll always be able to bet a Para 2 after those come out. I can't resist the M2's surprisingly low price for what you get. Plus, I've never handled a ball-bearing lock before.
Jim
 
Hey, guys, one more question:
How is the ball-bearing lock as far as pocket lint, dirt, or dampness/humidity, etc.? Is it easy to keep it clean and corrosion-free?
Thanks.
Jim
 
Mines not very old I'm afraid, it's still very clean. I don't carry it off my property that much because we have knife laws in the UK that targett everyone (even fat middle aged men like me) instead of the little morons who like to kebab other little morons for the hell of it!
Wood chippings and sawdust don't seem to get into the knife in suficient quantity to cause problems, the spring in the ball lock is so strong I think it would still lock up properly unless you purposely jammed it up with something very tough. I know the strength of the spring has caused some people to moan about the lock being hard to operate. I have relatively small hands and I can operate the button very easily!!
I don't think you would get the knife to close on you unless you purposely try to.
I have yet to see what I consider a more convienent and strong lock system.
 
I had a Manix and I liked it except for the jimping was a little over the top. I sold it to free up the funds for a Para in Digi. I just ordered it a couple of days ago so I should have it by this weekend. I can't wait. I have wanted a Para for a while now. On paper the Para seems like the perfect knife for me, we'll see in a couple of days I guess.
 
James Y said:
Hey, guys, one more question:
How is the ball-bearing lock as far as pocket lint, dirt, or dampness/humidity, etc.? Is it easy to keep it clean and corrosion-free?
Thanks.
Jim
Click to expand...

i wouldn't take it surfing or scuba diving, but other than that i dont think you have much to worry about.

with one of those compressed air cans you can easily clean out the lock area. there isn't much to it. if you get real brave, you can dissasemble and clean it.

the lock on mine is still very stiff, but i rarely carry it (though not because i don't like it). i would think with gloved hands it would be tough to disengage since requires some fine motor touch. but much like the compression lock, there is little danger of scissoring your fingers between the blade and handle since there is no need to put your fingers in the channel.
 
I just got my Para in the mail and it looks like my search for the perfect folder is over. I love the knife. I can't put it down. It is officially my EDC while the UKPK will be carried when I can't carry the Para. I love the way it feels in my hand and opens (like butter). The blade is perfectly centered and razor sharp. I did like the Manix 2 but it was a touch on the large side whereas the Para is as sleek as my UKPK but just a tad larger. In fact, the two are very similar in feel. The compression lock looks to be bullet proof. All in all, what's not to like? I will most likely pick up another since they are discontinuing them.
 
A while ago I tried to one-thumb the lock on my Manix2. Trying to get some leverage, I didn't realize that 3 fingers had strayed into the free fire zone. Lock came free, blade swung down (gravity = law), and blood started.

Lessons:

1. Gosh, the guys in Golden really make a sharp thing. (duh)
2. Pay Attention. (double duh)

The XHP is such a cool version though. Love the green color...
 
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