Spyderco Manix 2? Paramilitary 2? Benchmade Griptilian?

OP, I have all three you are looking at, Para 2 hands down all the way. Better ergonomics, and carries like it's not even there. You can choose to go crazy with the steel if you want, but the plain old s30v is great. The s110v is a step up from there.
 
The PM2 is probably the most practical IMO, and the Manix2 is probably the best tool IMO.

I have all three as well, and I'm really a Manix guy, but love the PM2. IMO the Grip just isn't in the same class as the Spydies.
 
Manix 2 lw is the way I would go. ..I have tried to like the pm2, I will usually opt for the military, the mini-grip is an awesome edc a hair small but that's okay,Manix just feels right in the hand,available in great steel options excellent, super easy pocket carry ,rugged-does take up a little bit more room in the pocket, but then again I have three other pockets -just my .02
 
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Thoughts on the three:

Griptilian; a great utilitarian knife. It is a little fat in the handle but carries well and is light. Plastic scales do feel cheap but they are a tough material and won't be hurt easily. My old man carries a Mini-Grip I got him and he's rough with it. No issues.

Manix 2: a good knife and great slicer; three things I don't care for; all the jimping (everywhere), I don't like that the blade is shorter than the Pm2 (not much but it is), and I don't care for the unskeletonized liners. The knife is already wide so without saving the weight it just doesn't carry as well as it could.

Pm2: believe the hype. This knife carries well (which as stated above my knife is carried a lot more than it's used), cuts well, and is built really well. The Pm2 is like a good pair of blue jeans; it gets better as it breaks in and once it does, man oh man.

All three are good knives and "better" is clearly in the eye of the beholder. :)
 
I don't own a PM2 (yet) but I own a Manix 2, Manix 2 XL, Manix 2 LW, and a few Griptilians. My opinion on these models basically reflects my opinion on the brands in general. Spydercos are definitely better slicers but Benchmade is more convenient for my uses as a work knife due to the AXIS lock. With that in mind, I love both brands and you can't go wrong either way.
 
I would flip a coin and choose between the spyderco PM2 and Benchmade. Both great knives.
 
Buy the Grip and you will like it then buy the Manix2 and you will say wow great knife then Buy the PM2 and say why did I buy the other two .
 
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You are basically talking about 3 of my favorite knives (but most people probably agree with that).

1. I love the Manix 2 but like others have said, the thing just gets in the way in your pocket because of the width. It is not a deal breaker but the difference is certainly noticeable.
2. The newer Griptilians are deceptive. I was unsure about the purchase but after buying the 551-1, it has not left my pocket. I really like the steel used in these knives.
3. PM2 -- can't really go wrong with a PM2. I do not have anything bad to say about it.

So, having used and carried all 3 -- I would say go with either the PM2 or the newer Grip. How to you decide which one? Maybe it comes down to price? You can get a new PM2 for $130 or so but those new Griptilians are around $175.

If price is not an issue. Then I would go with a newer Griptilian model or a PM2 with higher quality steel.
 
I will add another factor in favor of the Manix 2 -- the Lightweight model in S110V is a beast of a knife.
 
I've owned all 3. The Grip is not in the same class as the Spydercos. The Grip has cheap handle scales. The Spydercos are available in many different versions with different handles and different steels. The Spyderco hole is very much more reliable than the Benchmade thumb stud. But I do like the Axis lock. Between the 2 Spydercos- the Manix 2 seems to me more like a work knife, the PM2 more like an EDC knife. The Manix 2 is taller and takes up more room in your pocket, and the G10 model is heavier. The PM2 is slimmer and lighter.
 
i would go for a rittergrip that blade shape is awesome.. I hope to get one soon..

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I've owned them all. I prefer the upgraded g10 grip over all by far including my s110 para 2. It just feels more quality and has more. "Fun" factor.


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Yo Mama said:
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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My vote is Grip, love my large Grips, it's my go to knife. Pick up a Ritter Grip while you still can.

I agree with the above. I have never had an Omega Spring or Axis lock fail out of the 20 or so Grips I've owned and beat the crap out of. I have however had a few ball cages on Manix 2s break during routine maintenance, they get brittle (especially the clear ones) and if you aren't nice when you put them back together the nub breaks off that holds the spring in place and your knife is almost useless. I really want to like the PM2, I have owned several and I have sold them all. I don't know why but they just don't stick around long.
 
I've owned all three but only still have the PM2. I mean, I do have a Manix LW, but the G10 version was too heavy for me, maybe a version with skeletonized liners would be better. The handle on the Grip wasn't for me, too hollow and plasticy, I tried this one twice. It was also pretty fat in the pocket. PM2 is just great though, fits well in pocket, not too heavy and very ergonomic. Compression Lock is slick too.
 
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