Sage 1 vs Manix 2 S110v

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Feb 13, 2015
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Hi, I was hoping to hear from those who have owned both of these knives and give a recommendation for the better of the two. I really just want a great edc that I can enjoy carrying and not worry about. I'll be moving to Oahu soon but I don't want the H-1 blades because I already have the dragonfly 2 in H-1. I'm really just looking for a great edc that can handle a bit more than that but enjoyable. So far, I have come up with a list of pros and cons of both.

Sage 1:
Pros- beautiful, smooth action, small
Cons- not for moderate/hard use

Manix 2:
Pros- great steel, finger choil, moderate/hard use
Cons- takes up a lot of pocket space
 
So your going to get a few responses on other members favorites, however the truth is it won't help much. Spyderco wouldn't produce so many knives if everyone liked the same model. The only way to answer your question is buy both on the exchange for reduced prices and sell whichever you like the least. I've had both for months and still can't decide...yea they are that good.
 
Probably good advice from wtlj. Having both knives, I think both are great edc s. The Manix 2 might be slightly better for heavy work , but the Sage 1 is no slouch in terms of strength. The Sage 1 has Taiwan f and f. The Sage 1 s30v is easier to sharpen and maintain but it does require more sharpening. The Manix s110v is light but the carbon fiber sage may be nicer for some. I generally think for a steel nut, the Manix s110v is one of the best values out there. The sage 1 is my favorite sage.
The best way to decide would be to hold each in hand if you can t buy both.
You can t go wrong either way.
 
I have both. I carry my Manix 2's constantly, but that's because I love the design. Both are terrific knives.

I would never use one of my expensive, folding knives for "hard use". That's what my fixed blades are for.
 
I think the biggest choice needs to be size- the Sage is considerably smaller than the Manix 2.
 
Having already identified the pros and cons of each, which one would pulls at your heartstrings the most?

At the end of the day buying a knife is a personal decision. Like WTLJ said there are so many models because everybody has there own taste (well that and because there are people like myself that just enjoy owning a bunch of different knives). Just get the one that resonates with you more.

For me the Sage was the first Spyderco I fell in love with. Before owning Spyderco's I always thought the hole in the blade made them look goofy. The sage 1 was the first Spyderco I found attractive enough to overcome the spyder hole. To this day I think the Sage 1 is one of the most handsome Spyderco's. I think it is perfectly suited for EDC and is more capable than most would think.

The Manix is also a great knife. If I know I am going to be doing a lot of heavy work I would reach for this one. I do find it less suited to EDC as it can't be used for dressier occasions and takes up quite a bit more real estate in the pocket.

Just go with your gut, I am sure you already know which one is right for you. If you really can't decide, easy solution just buy both ;-)
 
What do you plan on doing that you don't think a Sage I would stand up to? Blade lengths between the two knives are pretty comparable.
 
get both and see witch one fits your needs better,i own both these knifes and found out that the MANIX 2 is a little bit big for my EDC and found the sage 1 to be the perfect all around folder for my day to day knife,but then just today the native 5 came in the mail and now its my NEW EDC ! i think thats what makes spyderco's so much fun,there's always a better one around the corner to fit in your pocket,try to have some fun ! and good luck.
 
Full Disclosure: I own neither of the specific blades you mentioned. I do, however, own a Sage 2 and a Manix 2 LW in BD1.

That being said I offer the following opinions:

-I don't feel the LW S110V is any more capable than the Sage...according to my definition of 'hard use'. It might even be slightly less. If edge retention is a significant factor in your heavy duty use equation, the scale shifts in the direction of the Manix. For heavy duty use according to my definition, the regular G10 Manix is the way to go.

-I agree, the Manix takes up too much space in pocket to see regular carry with me. This shame is compounded by the fact that the Manix is so, almost unbelievably, lightweight (everyone unfamiliar with the Manix LW who handles mine remarks about the weight, or lack thereof)...and capable.

-My personal preference leans toward the ergonomics, materials and build quality of the Sage.

So in summary, the smaller, more pocket-able size, preferred ergos and more-than-adequate-for-my-needs edge retention of S30V makes the Sage the knife I'd choose.

All that being said, if your circumstances allow, get both. Both series are awesome blades and you can always rehome the one you don't fancy on the exchange.

Regards.
 
Buy both keep both they are both pretty reasonably priced,your on the forums you clearly appreciate quality...:)
 
I prefer the Manix as a cutting tool but the Sage takes less pocket room and carries better. I would probably go manix.
 
I've had several Manix 2's...one in CPM M4 that was a great knife.
The Manix 2 Lightweight in S110v was quickly sold. I didn't like it at all.
I do love super-steels, so one would suspect that the S110V would greatly outshine the S30V. But no; didn't happen. I think that the Manix 2 in "other" steels is a great knife; the LW is a waste of time and effort.
I do love the Sage series, and my favorite is the Sage 2. I've had perhaps seven or eight, but they come and go.
The Sage 3 is also a super folder, but yeah, I love the Sage 2. Can't beat titanium slabbed folders, IMO.
And of course, OPINIONS are what this is all about...and they're worth what you pay for them.
 
I have both. They are very different knives. The Sage is more compact and more classy for sure. The Sage carbon handles have a nice expensive feel, but are not as grippy as FRN. The Manix FRN has a very sure grip, but a plastic feel. I think the S110V steel is better; it is sharper than S30V and holds its edge well. But the S30 will probably be more steel than you will ever need. Finally, the Manix is a big knife, the Sage is medium sized. It really depends on what you want.
 
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