Spyderco Native 5 or Manix2

IABIGBUCKGUY

IABIGBUCKGUY

Joined
Jul 7, 2011
Messages
753
I'm looking to buy my first Spyderco and I can't decide between the Native 5 or the Manix 2. I thought I would ask for some input. Which knife do you think I should buy and why. I'm a outdoorsman and this would be my EDC and backup hunting knife.
 
Manix 2, but I don't take it camping. I have a Svord Peasant for the camping. As an EDC, the Manix is the bees knees! Out of all of them, the regular G10 plain Manix 2 is my favorite.
 
Manix 2 for sure! It now comes with S30V steel. Feels so darn good in the hand too!
 
I'm gonna recommend the Manix 2, as well. It fits the hand great and I love the lock. One of my favorite knives.
 
Just got the Manix 2 the other day. I have no idea why I waited so long because I love it! It is probably my second favorite Spydie behind the pm2. It is fairly large and a bit on the heavy side so if those are considerations for you to EDC it then be warned. However, it feels great in the hand has a 3mm thick blade and the fit and finish are great. For a knife that is around $80 it a superb value.
 
IABIGBUCKGUY said:
I'm looking to buy my first Spyderco and I can't decide between the Native 5 or the Manix 2. I thought I would ask for some input. Which knife do you think I should buy and why. I'm a outdoorsman and this would be my EDC and backup hunting knife.
Click to expand...

I have both the Native 5 and the Manix 2.
Very different knives. For outdoors and hunting I would recommend the Manix 2 because it has a larger blade and because it has a larger spydie hole, making it easier to use with gloves. The Native 5 is an excellent knife, but it definitely wants to be used bare-handed.
 
I got the manix2 about two weeks ago and it's a very good knife plus it's on the $75 and below price I got one at the exchange for a sweeeeeeet price . I edc it but its heavy and takes a lot of my pocket room . If it wasn't for the wight it would have taken the PM2 out of my rotation . For a while . Great ergo and jimping . If spyderco would have skeletonize the liners and taken 1oz or done an inlay liner this knife would be right there with the PM2. I don't own the native but it looks like a good knife just not for me .
 
Let's look at the differences between them...

8 in OAL on the Manix vs just under 7 in on the Native: Depends on your needs, for an outdoor knife I think the extra length of the Manix would be appreciated.
CBBL on the Manix vs back-lock on the Native: Personal preference. I prefer the CBBL quite a lot, others may prefer the back-lock.
S30V on the Manix vs S35VN on the Native: I'm sure steel snobs could tell the difference between them but I doubt most people would even notice.
5oz on the Manix vs 3.7oz on the Native: Conventional wisdom says that lighter is better, some (like me) don't mind the extra weight.
Hollow grind on the Manix vs FFG on the Native: Again personal preference, most people seem to prefer FFG.
 
I am biased in the sense that i have never handled a native 5, but i am going to have to give the edge to the manix 2 on this one. it feels great in the hand, has a forward choil (which i am a fan of) and the pocket clip is really high on the knife so it sits low in the pocket, but still has enough to grab on to. plus, with the added bonus of the steel upgrade you really cant go wrong.

I have had my manix for over a year now, and it is still rock solid.
 
same as above never had a native but the manix is a great knife, edc it all the time. Sharp tuff blade and it feels great in the hand. I honestly think for the price of the manix you cant get a better knife. If i came down to i had to pick one i would carry it over my 200 dollar microtech.
 
Thanks guys I went with the G10 Manix 2 and a Benchmade Griptilian 550 in orange. These 2 will be my backup Hunting knives.
 
IABIGBUCKGUY said:
Thanks guys I went with the G10 Manix 2 and a Benchmade Griptilian 550 in orange. These 2 will be my backup Hunting knives.
Click to expand...

Great choices. I think you will be happy with both. I have a Manix 2 with S30V and like it a lot. Like others have said, the Manix 2 is heavy for an EDC knife but it is a good knife.
 
Kinda a toss up. Though the Native does sport a slightly more delicate blade profile, that'd be at home field dressing or skinning, my C41 isn't a hard use by any means. Though the Manix2 is a bit more robust, and more at home as a more utility oriented knife IMO, but still It'd make a fine companion into the field.
 
Bigbuckguy, I have both, Spyderco Manix2 XL and Native5. Both are plain ground bladed.
EDC is the Native just because it's the perfect pocket sized folder.
Now, the Manix2 XL, IMO is more suitable for gutting/filleting fish or small game. And BBG, try finding a "new Native5" you might as well forget it.....unless you want to pay full price plus on EBAY.
Blade steel? CPM 35VN vs CPM S30V? Not being a metallurgist, I really can't perceive the difference between the two steels. Both hold their edges well, the Manix2 better than the Native5. Interesting, no Spyderco listing stating Rockwell Hardness, their catalog 2013 Steel Chart, page 104. Page 103 does list "steel terms, Rockwell Test" but not found in the "comparison chart?" e.g. 60-62 is super hard and very difficult to sharpen after the edge is lost. If you have any typical Japanese specialty kitchen cutlery IMO Rockwell Hardness is a BFD! Then blade angle is another factor.......oh well, "which folder is better, BBG?" I'm certain many forum members will trounce my ass.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top