Spyderco Manix 2 and Graphite

C

cwalker28

Joined
Oct 14, 2010
Messages
14
Hello,
New poster and forum user here. I recently bought my first Spyderco, a Manix 2, yesterday. I got this for a future long term modding project as I see there are 1,000s of aftermarket parts and videos on modding these knives. Plus tons of reviews saying these may be, arguably, the best EDC knife in existence. So after watching lots of videos of people happily fidgeting and flicking away with theirs, I got my lightly used one yesterday.

SOB!!! This think is not as fidget friendly as it seems, the locking mechanism is super stiff, hard TJ ii se and I guess has “lock stick”. I wasn’t prepared for that. When the previous owner said he never used it, I guess he wasn’t kidding! I have read some posts. On the Spyderco forums and watched some videos on YouTube and some have suggested graphite powder being put in the locking mechanism to loosen up the lock? I am trying to use my thumb and forefinger to pull down on the lock cage while gripping the lower scale pocket clip and resting the base against my palm. I can do it but it hurts the fingers using the lock and holding onto the pocket clip while trying not to get caught by the guillotine of the blade release. Any helpful suggestions here or confirmations on the graphite powder working?

Thank, you,
Chad
 
Interesting, I have the manix 2 XL and it acts the same way. I'm not a fight guy so it doesn't bother me but I was surprised by that. I'm interested if there is a fix also.
 
Welcome to our madness! 😁👍
The ball-bearing lock can be tinkered with: but it xan be a real bear! I've got a pair of them, (lightweight, and standard) and tinkered with both actions. The lightweight is riveted together; so it it requires pre-stressing the coil spring until it gives up some tension. The standard one had all it's guts replaced, and is now MUCH smoother!
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I’m sorry to say, but for a fidget knife, you bought the wrong model. The Manix 2 is an outstanding knife in every respect and the type of lock used is strong and innovative but it will never be conducive to fidgeting. Kind of like buying a backlock Spyderco as a fidget knife. It’s like trying to make a cat bark.

Look to the Spyderco compression lock models if you want to fidget. I find the PM2s especially good. Some of the compression lock models are not great either for fidgeting (Caribbean and Shaman models, I’m looking at you!) but most are decent. The Spyderco Kapara is the best fidget knife I own. The action is amazing

Edit: Ok, I’m going to mention that the Manix 2 XL I have is quite good in the fidget department. The blade drops shut and flicks open easily. Forgot about the XL until I reread the post above from another poster . Maybe it’s the size of the blade helping with the action? 🤷‍♂️. My two other regular sized Manix 2s are like the OPs, very stiff. And that’s ok with me
 
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Once the lock is tuned: they're not too bad of a fidget...
But nothing beats a Mini BugOut (right out of the box!): for flicka-flicka stuff!
 
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Lube the lock, sparingly . I use a Teflon / silicone spray .

Work the lock some everyday . You strength /coordination will improve and maybe the lock will wear in , too ! ;)

Try leaving the blade half open , when not in use , to "relax" the spring .

Both my Lightweight and XL are pretty easy for me right-handed, but difficult left-handed. So , the operator is a factor .

 
I remember when I first got my Manix 2 in 2014, XHP sprint run. It was very stiff, but everyone here said it would smooth out in time. That is definitely true, and 9 years later it's quite fidgety but has I lock I trust far more than an Axis.
 
I took my blurple manix 2 apart and snipped off a bit from the spring to make it easier to operate. After reassembly, it was still too stiff, had to take it apart again and snip off another revolution. Now it's pretty enjoyable and effortless.
 
I have a Manix 2 XL.

Yes, graphite does indeed work. Yes, you can use the lead off a pencil. For which contains clay with the graphite. So use the softest lead pencil you can get. The clay will not hurt anything.

Once you've lightly dusted the lock ball and the rounded edge on back of the blade, the ball rides on. Work the action. Sit on the couch, put a movie on and open/close the thing until your fingers hurt. Use only a tiny amount of graphite. It doesn't take much.

Here's the secret, afterwards, wash the graphite dust out the knife. WD-40, soap and water, or rubbing alcohol. Blow the action out with a can of computer duster or air compressor. Follow up with lube. I recommend the thick, laxative grade, mineral oil. You can find it in the medical section of the grocery store. No smell and it's food safe. Dip a toothpick in the oil. Drop the oil into the pivot area. Work the knife some more to spread the oil.

That's it. You see, the graphite kinda, 'Laps' the metal contact areas together. Smoothing them up.
 
kobold said:
I took my blurple manix 2 apart and snipped off a bit from the spring to make it easier to operate. After reassembly, it was still too stiff, had to take it apart again and snip off another revolution. Now it's pretty enjoyable and effortless.
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I bought a replacement spring, and a ceramic ball bearing. They made a nice difference!
 
If you want a fidget knife, find a flipper, I would recommend a ZT 0055, that sucker is so satisfying to flip.
 
I would caution against weakening the spring too much , unless you really just want a fidget toy ?
 
Yup - changed the ball, cage, and spring, and mine was like an entirely different knife. (Reality check, there was probably no need to change the ball; but I was swapping the cage and spring, and the old ball coming out was part of the process)
 
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