Really Hard Decision ZT 0200 vs. Manix 2XL

Just some food for thought...

 

I prefer the Manix.

None of the Ken Onion designed ZT's really speak to me very well.
I do like the Hinderer designs though.
As far as how they operate, I've held and used both, and I'd say the grip on the manix is slightly more comfortable for my hand.
IMHO.

 

It might make your decision easier if you were able to handle both.

 

I have both and like both of them a lot. There are some obvious big differences between them that might help you choose. The ZT is a flipper and has the DLC coated blade and has 154cm blade steel, its also a liner lock, it is a good bit thicker and in my opinion doesn't disappear in the pocket like the Spydie. The Manix 2 XL has the S30v steel and the cage ball lock and is a better slicer than the ZT and carries better I think. That being said both knives are great and have their place in my EDC rotation. Its kind of funny but the ZT 200 was the first ZT knife that I bought and the Manix 2 XL was the first Spydie that I bought. If I had to choose just one, I think I would go with the ZT.

 

I have both as well and also really like both also. The ZT 200 has the thicker blade and bigger pivot, but the Manix 2 XL has the stronger lock, the Manix 2 XL is lighter and slimmer to carry width wise in pocket. Both have (for me anyway) excellent ergonomics. I prefer and carry more often the Manix 2 XL, I like the FFG the slices better and the easier to sharpen blade (no recurve) its also less noticeable in pocket due to the thinness in handle and lighter weight. The M2XL is in my top three current folders right now along with the ZT 560 and BM 810.

 

I like the ZT200 but not a fan of re-curve blades at least when it comes to sharpening. IMHO.

 

I think you will really enjoy it! I have had both, and personally prefer the XL Manix.

 

Congrats on the XL, I love mine...

 

I have the ZT200 and the original full-size Manix. While they are both pretty robust and similar in size, I have to say that I prefer the ergos of the ZT200 as it just fills the hand better. That said though, and as someone above had mentioned, it makes for a pretty bulky item in the pocket. As to which one I would subject to harder use over the other, I would pick the ZT over the Manix, and I feel that the better grip and overbuilt construction just makes you want to use it for almost any knife task. The Manix does cut better though, and while I don't mind recurves and have several means of sharpening them, I can see how it can make for a few points in the 'cons' column, to reflect a broader concensus against having a recurve-bladed EDC. In the end, I think you will be happy with your choice, and you'll end up with both anyway

 

i like both the manix 3 xl has better steel but the 0200 is built for harder use the only dowside is the recurver which is hard to shapen

 

That's the challenge of this hobby.

I thought I was in good shape but then I find more that I want to buy, and strangely enough I have interest in 4 out of the 5 in michael's photo.

 

Benchmade 275 Adamas :devilish:

 

I keep looking at a ZT 0301 tiger stripe. It's a real cool knife, and good looking.

Then I handle my Spyderco Manix 2 XL. The two knives are really very similar.

I stil want the ZT0301, but the Manix already fills that niche. Decisions, decisions...........