Should I buy the Manix or save for a large Sebenza?

The big advantage of the Sebenza over the Manix is "pocketability". The Manix is very bulky in the pocket. The Sebenza kind of disappears in the pocket, as it is so slim and light. The Sebenza also has gorgeous fit and finish. The Seb is the most robust gentleman's knife I can think of. Far superior to most tactical knives, IMHO, and much less scary looking than the Manix.

For every other consideration, I'd be looking Manix. You can slide it accross a concrete floor without too much scarring (try that with a Sebenza). The full flat grind is a real slicer and dicer. The lock is super strong. The grip is phenominal.

I guess the question is, "Are you looking for a robust gentleman's knife or a brawny beater?"
 
I have both, and although the Manix does have great ergos, dual steel liners, S30V steel, a strong lockback and such, the Sebbie is what rides in my pocket everyday.

IMO, the framelock on the Sebenza is stronger than the lockback on the Manix.

While the design of the lockback is such that it usually has some blade play while in the locked position, I'll go with the Sebenza which has none whatsoever, whether open or closed.

Buy 3 manix (for the price of a sebbie), then you won't need another folder, ever.
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IMO, the 3 Spydies would not outlast the Sebenza. This is one knife that truly is designed to last a lifetime. :D
 
Two different beasts here altogether but if I had to go with one I would take my Sebenza over the Manix.

I've been corrupted by perfect fit and finish. Perfectly centred. No bladeplay. Immaculate consistency.

I've been carrying the Manix for the last little while and I like it a lot but if there could be only one...
 
3Guardsman-I wasent picking on your post just commenting on all the hype I have been seeing on the strength of the Manix's lock on many other similar treads-not just this one.

I have owned many of the spyderco heavy duty lockback knives and would agree that they are probibly stronger than the majority of linerlock and framelock folders out there.The exception here would be the Sebenza IMO.
 
Both knives have been tested.

The Manix rates at "MBC" which means it takes more than 200 pounds per blade inch (a total of close to 800 pounds) to defeat the lock.

I don't know for sure how the Sebenza did -- the results are supposed to be secret -- but I recall reading in the CRK forum that it held up to 400 total pounds, or roughly 100 pounds per inch of blade. Someone else out there must know the answer. :confused:
 
just want to make a point -- the fact that the manix is even being mentioned in the same vein in someone's decision to get a sebenza is a strong testament to how good it really is.

man, you'd think i designed the manix with all the praise i give it.
 
Sebenza does it for me, and then some. The Manix is great but just too heavy for me to be an EDC.
 
I held both and own a manix. The sebenza is really nice, but in the two minutes I was playing with it, the overwhelming desire to own one didn't take me over. :D Man there sure are a lot of manix cheerleaders around here. That should tell you something.
 
What made it for me was this post and Picture by Ted from The Spyderco Forum at:

Here's a pair that just got back from a hiking weekend with myself and a friend...we didn't need any other knife. The work was slicing up a chicken for BBQ, making bark shavings to lite a fire, preparing food... you name it and the Manix can do it!

http://spyderco.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14348

manix.jpg
 
Shadow213 said:
While the design of the lockback is such that it usually has some blade play while in the locked position, I'll go with the Sebenza which has none whatsoever, whether open or closed.
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I love the design of the Manix, but the blade play is almost a deal breaker for me. I know it is part of the design. I know that it is not a sign of defect, but I have a real dislike of blade play.
 
Only in the sense that it is engineered to have a _slight_ amount of blade play - this allows some tolerance for dirt and crud to foul the lock without inhibiting lockup.

And I can't stress the word "slight" enough.

That's my understanding anyway.

Matthew
 
sharpmaker said:
Is blade play an issue with all Manix????
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Don't get me wrong. It isn't bad. You almost can't see it. I don't think it is a flaw, as Spyderco has said it was designed in. It just really bugs me. It probably shouldn't though.
 
wire eddge said:
These rumors about the Manix's lock being stronger than the custom fitted lock on the Sebbie are hogwash in my opinion-I would like to see it proven!
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It has been, Spyderco has broken a Sebenza, it didn't surpass the lock strength they had at the time, which has been passed by the Manix. Not to mention the torque issue with integrals, the Manix will have higher edge retention, is a much more robust design in general and is a great cutting knife - all of this and it is way cheaper than the Sebenza, not much of a decision to make. If the prices were reversed then you could have a debate.

-Cliff
 
Hey Cliff:

would you recommend a chinook II over a sebbie also in terms of toughness and overall value?
 
Cliff Stamp said:
It has been, Spyderco has broken a Sebenza, it didn't surpass the lock strength they had at the time, which has been passed by the Manix. Not to mention the torque issue with integrals, the Manix will have higher edge retention, is a much more robust design in general and is a great cutting knife - all of this and it is way cheaper than the Sebenza, not much of a decision to make. If the prices were reversed then you could have a debate.

-Cliff
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Wow. After a post like that coming from you, there's no way im NOT getting a Manix.
 
I'm with Dennis. It's an anal thing I've got with bladeplay. Even though it is "designed in" I would simply freak out knowing I had a knife in my pocket that I could wiggle the blade up and down on. With that said I still may get one simply for all the great things being written about it. Btw, I love the overall design of the Manix.
 
sharpmaker said:
Guys, this means that the sebenza is better by design because it doesnt wiggle?
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My manix don't wiggle.....Gawd, I'd better send it back or sell it.....it's defective. :eek:


Somehow, Vinnie became one of my personalities. :eek:


Thomas Zinn
 
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