Spyderco Manix 2 thoughts/opinions?

jonj480

jonj480

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Let me preface this post by saying I am a huge Benchmade fan - specifically of the Axis lock. I am not really a fan of assisted openers, I like being able to flip it closed with the Axis lock one handed.

I like the fact that the Manix 2 has G10 handle scales and good steel at a good price. My question is about the locking mechanism. I haven't really been a fan of many of the spyderco designs - especially the plastic handled ones, but the Manix 2 has caught my eye as a good Spyderco to start with. The Military and Paramilitary are nice, but for the money, there are other knives I like better (purely personal preference - not a judgement).

There was a thread the other day about the functional difference between the lock on the Manix vs. the Axis lock, that is not what I am asking about. My question has more to do with use, does it work like the Axis lock does when adjusted properly? Can it flip open and closed like a well-adjusted Axis knife? The Ergos on the Manix look really good, but I haven't had the opportunity to fondle one yet. The knife shop I frequent hasn't had one in stock.

That being said, my favorite EDC folder right now is my 950 Rift. I have sanded the edges of the G10 so it just slides in and out of my pocket. Love the Axis lock and the blade shape (I just ended up buying another one the other day - and will probably get a few more...) and the handle fits my hand perfectly. I am looking to try a good spyderco (the Gayle Bradley has caught my eye as well), but don't want to get soured on them by not picking one I will like as my first one. What do you guys think? Being a huge Axis lock fan, will I like the lock on the Manix 2? I know the Gayle Bradley has a different lock, but I like the CF scales and blade steel.

How does Spyderco's 154CM compare to Benchmades?
 
I had a 950 for a while and currently can't stop carrying a foliage green Manix 2. I think you'll like the CBBL just fine. I can easily flip my knife open and closed by either using thumb and index to slide the CBBL back, or by using my thumbnail alone to push it back. For the latter I have to reposition my grip a bit, but nothing major. The CBBL is definitely a little tougher to disengage than an Axis, but not a big deal at all. I think of it as increased security.
 
I have owned Axis-lock Benchmades. I own a Manix 2. The CBBL lock on the Manix 2, in my opinion is not as fluid as the Axis lock. By that I mean it is not as fast. I think the Axis lock feels smoother and opens faster. But, then I have sold all my Benchmades, and kept my Manix 2 and will buy two more. I cannot compare Spyderco's 154CM as I have not owned that model.
 
The axis lock is nice and moth. The lock on the MAnix2 is less refined in my opinion. I have the Carbon fiber S90V Manix2 and it is one of my favorite knives.
 
I agree with the other responses about the CBBL being a bit harder to disengage than the Axis. Part of this, I think is simply due to the design of the plastic enclosure, which doesn't protrude quite as much as the Axis and thus isn't quite as easy to get a grip on when disengaging the lock.

To answer a couple of your other questions, the Manix 2 can be easily flipped open and closed just like an Axis knife. And its ergos are as good as its appearance would suggest, allowing both a choke-up grip (index finger in the finger choil) and a choke-back grip (all fingers on the handle itself).
 
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Was the Carbon Fiber S90V version a limited run? Maybe it is worth saving a little more and trying to find one of those...
 
Yes, 400 pieces made, they go for 250-295 on the exchange normally. There are however two new ffg sprints in some interesting steels coming out this year too, one in CPM-M4/Tan G10 in March as a dealer exclusive for like $160, and a sprint run of CTS-B75P in black G10 for about $145 which is suppose to be like Carpenter's version of BG-42. I'd preorder now if either sounds like one you'd want. By the way, I find the manix the most ergonomic knife I have, VERY secure grip. The lock does take more force to disengage because the spring is beefier than an axis lock, however the more you use it and break it in the easier it will get, probably not all the way down to axis ease though.
 
jonj480 said:
My question has more to do with use, does it work like the Axis lock does when adjusted properly? Can it flip open and closed like a well-adjusted Axis knife?
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It would seem to me that the lock would be a secondary consideration, if the CBBL can be disengaged as far as the Axis. I have a few Axis lock Benchmade knives but I don't have any CBBL Spyderco so I don't know if the ball will back completely off the blade like the Axis bar can.

My Spyderco with an adjustable pivot (Caly 3) is smooth as anything, but can't be made to swing as freely as any Axis lock Benchmade I have owned (>10), and still have no play in the blade. I can disengage the lock to the point it doesn't touch the blade, it just wont swing the same.
Not a bad thing IMHO, just an observation.
 
My question has more to do with use, does it work like the Axis lock does when adjusted properly? Can it flip open and closed like a well-adjusted Axis knife?
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No. See my review here: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7586997#post7586997

Being a huge Axis lock fan, will I like the lock on the Manix 2? I know the Gayle Bradley has a different lock, but I like the CF scales and blade steel.
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Buy the GB. The Rift is very much like the Manix 2 without the axis lock. If you love the Rift, you'll won't appreciate the Manix 2.
 
I haven't been a huge spyderco fan in the past, but I like the Manix 2 enough to own three of them. It's a fantastic work knife - supremely reliable, comfortable, and capable. :thumbup:

As for Spyderco's 154CM versus Benchmade's 154CM, I'm not much of an expert. I've only owned one knife from each company with that steel. I couldn't really see much of a difference, myself. Like I said, though, I am by no means an expert on this steel.

Yes, the Manix 2 can be flipped open and closed one-handed like an Axis lock knife. I have yet to see an axis lock knife that is as smooth as the Manix 2, though - I haven't had to adjust mine in any way, lube it, or disassemble it, and it's stayed just as smooth as the day I got it. I usually open and close mine like this - the blade just swings open with absolutely no wrist movement:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnxLUldJB44
 
I really like the Manix II. I picked a carpenter's steel version back around Christmas. It cuts through thick cardboard like a hot knife through butter, and holds it's edge as well as well as my Volt with the M390. You can flip it open and closed like an axis lock, but your going to have to have fair finger strength. Honestly I don't think you'll regret picking one up. In fact, I haven't really even used my Rift since I got the Manix.
 
Thanks for all the feedback guys. I think I am going to have to pick one up.
 
The Manix 2 is nice, but it doesn't quite "cut" it for me:D.

It opens buttery smooth with an easy flick of the hole, but closing requires my thumb and index finger to pull the ball back. Of course, that can be done with one hand, so it doesn't matter too much.

My particular nitpick has to do with the blade shape, as it seems unnecessarily wide and tends to drag when I'm cutting something thick. I much prefer the shape of my Para2 blade for my cutting tasks.
 
I like Spyderco's ball lock. But it isn't nearly as good as the Axis lock. Their steel, however, is great. For any given steel (154CM included), Spyderco puts a better heat treat on theirs than Benchmade.
 
Noctis3880 said:
My particular nitpick has to do with the blade shape, as it seems unnecessarily wide and tends to drag when I'm cutting something thick. I much prefer the shape of my Para2 blade for my cutting tasks.
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Do you have a FFG Manix or the saber grind? Because that has not been my experience at all with the FFG.
 
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