Spyderco Manix 2? Paramilitary 2? Benchmade Griptilian?

O

osorio

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Aug 28, 2016
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Deciding which between these three... need your input pls.
Which would you choose if you are to buy and why?
Im leaning towards the manix2 as it has a similar locking action with the axis lock of benchmade which I like, spidey hole rather than a thumb stud.
What advantages has the Paramilitary2 over the Manix2? Is it a better buy?
Thanks.
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The Manix 2 is a very tall knife when closed so when you have it in your pocket unless you have really wide pockets is tough to get your hand between the knife in the edge of the pocket. The Griptilian is a nicely sized knife as is the paramilitary 2. I prefer either of those in the pocket compared to the Manix. All three are great knives though so you won't go wrong with any of them from a work standpoint.
 
I personally really like the manix but as was said before it is a really wide knife when folded and both the pm2 and griptillian are easyer to carry. I would not really recommend the griptillian even though i like mine. I had to send it twice to benchmade to get it repaired and i carried it a whopping 4 days in total... As for the locks i kinda like the axis lock better than the manix lock as its easyer to use. But to me the manix lock feels just as sturdy if not more. Now for the pm2... Probably the easyest and the most fun to use of the 3. So if i had to rate those 3 it would be pm2 first, manix 2 second (very close second) and griptilian third
 
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These are the first 3 knives that I bought (knife noob). So, the real question is which to buy first, since you'll own these and more eventually.

I started with the Manix 2. It showed up stupid sharp. However...it was too big IMHO to carry in my front pocket everyday, which was my plan. So I tried again.

PM2 was next up. Better fit in pocket for sure. I could see why this knife is such a classic. It is very very burly, and fits, but the G-10 is like sandpaper on your hand if you keep your keys in that same front pocket. Still trying.

Griptilian was next. Holy balls, what a knife. Made to fit in your hand AND your pocket. Plus the axis lock is just plain fun to play with. It took over the pocket, most days.

I went on a off-road trip to Borrego Springs last week...and had a choice. I lined them up and thought...OK, who is going with daddy (LOL). PM2 for sure, because it is built like a tank...and the Manix 2, in case something bad happens. The benchmade stayed home to watch the house.

Hope this helps, and good luck.


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One more thing...the Manix 2 lock IS NOT the Griptilian lock. Porche and Volkswagen have more in common. Benchmade' axis lock is the gold standard I think.


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I just got the manix 2 and love it! The pm2 and griptilian are the next 2 on my list to purchase. The manix is wide, but not terrible in my opinion. My right front pocket is dedicated to whatever edc folder I hapen to have and a leatherman skeletool cx. My manix and skeletool. Fit quite nicely together. I don't carry anything else in that pocket though.
I've handled the pm2 before, and it's a great knife! The manix just seemed to melt into my hand though. I also prefer the blade shape of the manix over the pm2. I was a bit worried that I wasn't going to like the locking mechanism on the manix, but it's no problem at all. It took about a day to make it second nature. All 3 are great knives for the price. I plan on owning all of them eventually.
 
I own all three and they are all excellent. I would go with the Paramilitary 2 first because the action and lock is outstanding. My advice for what it's worth,
" which is basically nothing " ;) is if you opt for a Spyderco give it time to break in. All mine have had a slight break in period being they have a very tight tolerance and that's a good thing. :)
 
I've had all 3 in several versions of each. AFAIC, it'll come down to personal preference base on ergos for you and your carry preferences. All 3 will perform admirably any chore that a folder should be able to do. The Grip has the advantage of easier carry and 154CM steel. I know I'm a knuckle-dragger here on BF, but I prefer a steel like 154CM over S30V because of its outstanding balance and its ease of sharpening. That blade'll be an easy touch-up when it needs it with just about any sharpening method you want to use, and the modified sheepsfoot profile gives you an excellent slicer and a pretty strong tip. Translation: the Grip is a great everyday, whatever knife. It's not an A+ in anything, but IMAO it's a solid A- in just about everything. And I don't care what it sounds like when I open and close it. It's a knife, not a violin.

The PM 2 is the easiest for me to carry. And TBH, my knife spends a lot more time in my pocket than it does in my hand, so don't discount that part. If you don't carry it you can't use it no matter how good a cutter it is. I also have to say that there's nothing wrong or weak about a Para 2. I've used Paras and Militaries in a variety of settings including home, woods, and warehouse for years now and I've never had a failure or damage of any kind. The lock is superb and the blade, including the tip, is plenty strong. My Para 2s are the only Spydercos I have left and they're the only ones I need. When I carry a manual folder, it's most often a Para 2 of some variety.

The Manix 2 is everything Spyderco says it is. I started with the original Manix models and moved to the Manix 2 when they came out. When I had mine I used them like a fixed blade and they never failed to perform. Personally, I like the original 83mm Manix with the backlock better than the M2 with their BB locks, but that's just my preference. My hands are old and partly dead from nerve damage in my neck and I have trouble using the BB lock. Most folks don't have any issues with it at all. The M2 is the most uncomfortable of the three for me to carry because of its width. It takes up every bit of space in my RFP. If you carry clipped, it might work better for you, but I don't. My RFP is a dedicated knife pocket and I drop my carry for the day down to the bottom.

Didn't expect all that... did ya? My choices of the three you've listed, for the reasons above, would be 1) Para 2 2) Grip 3) Manix 2. And I'd probably sell the Manix 2 and get a Para 2.
 
First, I can't speak for the Manix 2.

I have had several versions of the Grip and the Para 2.

If you are a frequent user on hard materials in scenarios like camping, you will find the Grip more comfortable. The handle is a bit wider than the Para 2. You'll notice the FRN handles are durable, but not beautiful.

The Para 2 is slim and a great slicer. S30V is a tad tougher to sharpen, but holds a working edge for longer IMO. Easier to clean.

Both knives are fun to "play" with. 2 of my favorite designs. Both lock up like a vault. I've had centering issues on 1 or 2 Grips, but never a centering issue with a Para 2.

All that said, I have only one knife I carry and it'll stay that way for some time.

Para2 in CPM-M4. I would probably buy another Para 2 before I bought a Grip. Though that new version with grey g10 and blue liners looks gorgeous.

Hope this helps.
 
I have had all 3.


The Axis lock is INCREDIBLY smooth right out of the box... Hollow grind is Not a great slicer
Plastic scales seem cheap but well thought out for cost and texture.
For the 550's. You can have steel in 154 or 20v.

Ball Lock takes some breaking in... The FFG makes it a great slicer.
The S30 model is a little heavy for some. No Milled liners
If in 110 steel it has milled liners.
The Manix can be made as smooth as a Axis lock by doing a Lock Mod.

PM2 is Meh..... yeah I said that...It has a big fan boy base.



Now for me... I like to Spydie Flick so I bounce back and forth between BM's that have holes " 550's"
Manix is close enough to a 550 for me to the same manipulation as a Axis lock.

If you get a 550. Get the 20v... Great steel and G10 scales.. If you can't. No biggie.. 154 will work just fine and the scales you can replace.

Manix2...Any FFG...S30, 110, M4, Cruware.


Whats in my pocket...

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Someday again I will have a 550 in 20v ..
 
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I don't care for either of those Spyderco knives, so out of those, I would get the Mini Grip, but I would get the G-10 version.
 
uxo2 said:
I have had all 3.


The Axis lock is INCREDIBLY smooth right out of the box... Hollow grind is Not a great slicer
Plastic scales seem cheap but well thought out for cost and texture.
For the 550's. You can have steel in 154 or 20v.

Ball Lock takes some breaking in... The FFG makes it a great slicer.
The S30 model is a little heavy for some. No Milled liners
If in 110 steel it has milled liners.
The Manix can be made as smooth as a Axis lock by doing a Lock Mod.

PM2 is Meh..... yeah I said that...It has a big fan boy base.



Now for me... I like to Spydie Flick so I bounce back and forth between BM's that have holes " 550's"
Manix is close enough to a 550 for me to the same manipulation as a Axis lock.

If you get a 550. Get the 20v... Great steel and G10 scales.. If you can't. No biggie.. 154 will work just fine and the scales you can replace.

Manix2...Any FFG...S30, 110, M4, Cruware.


Whats in my pocket...

20170108_092238_zpsoa0ofk7l.jpg



Someday again I will have a 550 in 20v ..
Click to expand...

What is this "lock mod" you speak of?



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I have all three and like them all. Have used the Grip the most for outdoor work. Have edc d the PM2 the most over the last few years.
The PM2 is the best knife of the three.
 
Which knife fits your hand the best?

All three are very good knives. I can see you getting two out of the three at some point.
 
I pass on the Manix. The PM2 is my all time best all rounder but the Griptillian does have a more comfortable grip. The PM2 thin geometry and pointy tip just do it for me.
 
SCputter said:
One more thing...the Manix 2 lock IS NOT the Griptilian lock. Porche and Volkswagen have more in common. Benchmade' axis lock is the gold standard I think.


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Click to expand...

I see more axis lock omega springs break (which are not many) vs. the single spring in the Spyderco cage ball bearing lock. However, I've seen more housings on the cbbl break vs. the axis lock bar, which pretty much can't break. So I view them both at about equal.
 
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