Question on Manix 2 Lock

G

GJJGrappler

Joined
May 19, 2006
Messages
126
I haven't had the chance to handle one in person yet. While I like everything I've seen and read about this knife the plastic piece that you use to close the lock appears to be flimsy and capable of breaking with a lot use. I'd appreciate to hear your experience if you have this knife.
 
I'm sure there's a good a bit more experience with it out there than me, but to me it does feel a bit flimsy. Now that's just the plastic piece, the lock up itself is solid as hell. I wouldn't expect the plastic covering to break any quicker than what's on Benchmade's Axis lock.

I would imagine if it does break, though, Spyderco would take of it if you sent it in to them.
 
The plastic cage is not the locking mechanism, so I wouldn't worry too much about it. It just holds the ball bearing that wedges itself between the tang of the blade and the underneath of the front spacer. I don't see an issue with it ever failing, nor have I ever seen one either.
 
91bravo said:
The plastic cage is not the locking mechanism, so I wouldn't worry too much about it. It just holds the ball bearing that wedges itself between the tang of the blade and the underneath of the front spacer. I don't see an issue with it ever failing, nor have I ever seen one either.
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This says it all. I second this.
 
Two things. Firstly, I don't find it feels flimsy and I've handled both the clear and black versions. Secondly, I broke the clear plastic version but it was fully my fault. I dropped it from chest height onto one of those steel/concrete/tile stair cases and cracked the stem portion that the spring wraps around.

While broken it still functioned properly, I was just able to wiggle it more than I'd like to be able too but it showed no signs of wanting to fail. Being in Canada I didn't want to pay for costly shipping to send my knife in but they sent the new black polymer cage and with the aid of this forum I installed it myself with no problems.
 
It's not flimsy.

If you take it APART and are clueless how to assemble it properly.
You will break the tail end to the cage.
 
I have both a G10 and FRCP Manix 2 and I an tell you without a doubt that the polymer cage is more than durable. I'm a flicker, I open and close my knives so much that it's annoying to the point of insanity for some people. I'd bet my FRCP has been opened and closed thousands if not 10,000 times. I carry it on me when I'm at home and it's always in my basketball shorts even while I sleep! I was actually flicking it when I started reading this. My G10 has been opened a ton too but at work my hands have something to do (mechanic) so I'm not so bad. I actually broke both springs on a Benchmade Griptillian doing this so much. My Manix 2s are still going strong! The only thing that broken was the pocket clip when I got it caught and snapped it off. I've been missing my Manix 2 at work, I just have to get around to ordering a new clip.

I trust my Manix 2s over all my other knives to function perfectly, as much as I trust my Cold Steel Tri-Ad folders. The CS seems to have a tougher lock but the Spydies have better ergos, so they're even. The CBBL is a tough lock though. I went through quite a few liner and frame locks because of my habit to flick. I've had both fail on me (the only locks that ever have) and will never buy another of either. They are made to be cheap to manufacture, not strong. They're just not a locks that should be on serious knives that will or can be used hard. The CBBL on my Manix 2s have seen their way through road grime, metal shavings, brake dust, dirt, and any thing else I could throw at it.

I trust the CBBL (and its polymer cage) completely and I'm sure my Manix 2s will to continue to function for many years to come! Buy the Manix 2 with confidence!
 
Another thing I like about the BB lock is that I've never had one that experienced any kind of up/down play. Rock solid on every one I have handled. But the spring of my backlock Manix is strong as a bear trap, and sound of the lockup actually makes the BB lock sound mighty puny!
 
And honestly, this is probably one of the sexiest knives I've owned

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Haha I'm flicking my Manix 2 as well. I've owned several versions and the polymer cage is definitely not flimsy.

Get the knife. You'll love it. It's a do-it-all kinda knife.
 
It's a solid lock. No issues. Sal and Eric test these knives and locks for extended amounts of time... Several years in some cases. They are engineered to work and hold up the test of time imho.

Some are stiffer than others tho. But that has nothing to do with the material.
 
I have carried the knife on and off for over a year along with my Manix xl For well over a year No problems. The spring is very strong and it makes playing and flicking it unpleasant but as far as durability it is one tuff knife. you can't go wrong with it.
 
That light weight knife is much stronger than it looks and I bet wouldn't bat an eye and anything you did with it.
 
mastiffhound said:
. I actually broke both springs on a Benchmade Griptillian doing this so much. My Manix 2s are still going strong!
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Makes sense, the axis locks "springs" are just two bent pieces of spring steel wire, the Spyderco CBBL uses a real wound spring.
 
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