Spyderco Manix or Benchmade Rukus?

If they were the same price, I'd choose the Rukus. However, the Rukus cost something like 60 dollars more. They're both huge knives, but man, the Rukus is substantial. They both have superb ergonomics, but the Manix, in my opinion, is the clear winner. This is NOT a poor reflection on the Rukus, as the Manix has the best normal grip ergonomics of any knife I've ever held. The action on the Manix is slow, as it is on virtually all lockbacks, whereas the action on the axis lock based Rukus is superb, as expected. And the blade is so massive that it's a really satisfying whack.

Visually, I think they're both great looking.

If money is an issue, the choice is easy--Manix. If I had plenty of money, I'd probably choose the Rukus (of course, in this hypothetical scenario, I'd buy both...), but the Manix really is great too. I thought it would be totally overhyped, but it really is as good as they say.
 
I have the Manix and i have played with my friends rukus quite a bit. To me, the manix is more comfortable, although the ruckus still feels great. The Manix also feels VERY solid and comes to you sharper than the rukus NIB. The manix is also cheaper. In reality, you cant go wrong with either knife.
 
I wouldn't use a folder at a hunting camp. I'd go fixed instead.

That being said, and not having handled the Rukus yet, I'd say go for the Manix. Less tactical, more practical. Can't go wrong with a flat ground S30V blade.

Keno
 
The Rukus is a good bit longer if that matters, and looks a lot cooler!

mmmmm.....Micarta.....
 
A.Martial, do you have large hands? I have medium hands, and I've found the Rukus to be very comfortable.
 
I have medium to large hands. In my mind, straight up medium, but my hands don't really fit on small folders other people's do, so I'm not sure why that is. Visually, I'll bet you'd say medium.

The Rukus has great ergonomics, in my opinion, I actually really loved the feel. But nonetheless, I find the Manix was the clear winner ergonomically. Again, this doesn't make the Rukus less than great, simply because the Manix is the most comfortable knife I've ever held. The Rukus is definitely up there, however.

Of course, I'm also a big fan of finger choils, so I might be a bit biased towards the manix if you don't share that feeling.

The large handle of the Rukus (and Manix) should accomidate even huge hands comfortably though. I would worry more about small hands, the finger grooves might not line up for a girl, for instance.
 
You can't go wrong either way. These are great knives. Both are excellent cutters and extremely well made. I like the Rukus a little better overall because of the design, fit/finish and the incredibly smooth-opening blade. But the Manix is built like an ergonomic manhole cover and is probably a better field knife.

These knives justify their relatively high prices.

It really comes down to personal preference, and you'll never know which is better for you until you handle them both.
 
In addition to to what has already been said, I would like to add that the Rukus looks all fancy and cheesy (like a lot of silly BMs), while the Manix radiates pure business.

I'd obviously go with the Manix for its full flat grind, opening hole, and superior ergnomics, not to mention it's incredibly strong lock, but then again, I am biased towards Spyderco.
 
I had this same debate the other day..along with a couple of other choices thrown in there. I ended up getting the Manix (arrives tomorrow). I'm a big fan of the axis lock but I already own some and wanted something different for a change. The lock on the manix is not as quick to operate...but it's definately secure. The rukus looks really nice though. I think the manix looks more business-like and would overall be better for my needs as far as general use goes. If I wanted something to take out every now and then I might have gone for the rukus. While they are both fairly large folders, I think the rukus would be more intimidating to people if that matters. Maybe I'll end up with a rukus too. I don't think anyone could go wrong with either.
 
I have been considering getting both of these knives too. I think I will get the Manix first. I have yet to try a blade made out of the CPM S30V steel.
 
J85909266 said:
In addition to to what has already been said, I would like to add that the Rukus looks all fancy and cheesy (like a lot of silly BMs), while the Manix radiates pure business.

I'd obviously go with the Manix for its full flat grind, opening hole, and superior ergnomics, not to mention it's incredibly strong lock, but then again, I am biased towards Spyderco.
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You lost me when you said the Rukus looks fancy. It appears to be a basic looking folder to me. What's the advantage of "flat grind" over what the Bechmade has? I don't understand. They both seem to have thick (ish) blades but that could be because of the type of steel they are made from. The Rukus blade is only about 1/2 inch longer than the Manix and I'm not sure that makes any difference in actual field use.

Happy Fri-13th!
 
Chadilac said:
The Rukus is a good bit longer if that matters, and looks a lot cooler!

mmmmm.....Micarta.....
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Do you think 1/2 inch makes much difference in actual field use? I thought size wise they were very comparable.
 
I have both, and they're great tools.
I agree that the Manix is a better EDC, because of it's shape and size, but in your case, since you're planning to take it hunting, I don't think this might be an issue.
If you're planning to do some skinning, the blade on the Rukus is more apropriate, in my opinion.
One thing said above is correct, the Manix IS a working, business folder. Not that the Rukus isn't, but it certainly goes to work fancy dressed :p .

It's your personal taste. You can't go wrong with either.

Regards,

Andre Tiba - Brazil
 
hunting camp?.. I'd go with a fixed blade! but if it's a BIG folder ya want well, the BM is certainly big but the manix isn't that big, more medium.. now the spyderco military is a BIG folder...
 
love4steel said:
hunting camp?.. I'd go with a fixed blade! but if it's a BIG folder ya want well, the BM is certainly big but the manix isn't that big, more medium.. now the spyderco military is a BIG folder...
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I have a good fixed blade but thought the folder might be a nice backup in case the deer wakes up and runs off with my fixed blade still in it! Or the big dummy doing the gutting can't find it or drops it in the leaves and loses it.
 
The Rukus has a blade that's nore appropriate for skinning. It's also ridicukously huge, heavy, and ugly.

The Manix has a blade geared towards utility, and it's not the best shape for skinning. It is, however, a superb EDC knife.

For skinning, if you must use a folder, get a Spyderco Chinook. The newest iteration has a flat grind, but either way is dandy.

Final tip: Don't use a folder. Use this. Check out more, with different handles.

Peace.
 
DGG said:
You lost me when you said the Rukus looks fancy. It appears to be a basic looking folder to me. What's the advantage of "flat grind" over what the Bechmade has? I don't understand. They both seem to have thick (ish) blades but that could be because of the type of steel they are made from. The Rukus blade is only about 1/2 inch longer than the Manix and I'm not sure that makes any difference in actual field use.

Happy Fri-13th!
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Fancy is just my opinion and not a part of what I said to be taken seriously. I just think the gawdy, overstylized handle clashes with the bland blade.
 
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