Spyderco Stretch or Spyderco Manix 2 Lightweight?

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nick21

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Feb 22, 2014
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I'd be using it as my larger EDC blade.

I know that VG-10 is better than BD-1 (or at least that's what I've gathered as the general consensus), but I don't have a folding knife with the ball-bearing lock yet and am curious as to how well they function compared to a standard lockback...
 
Both work well. The ball-bearing lock is easier to work one-handed, but both can be operated one-handed. Spyderco does their lockbacks on their FRN models (eg. Delica, Endura, Stretch, etc.) very well.
 
For me it's Manix 2 LW S110v > Stretch ZDP-189 > Stretch VG-10 > Manix 2 LW CTS-BD1.
 
I've heard that the polymer cage that holds the ball bearing can break. Is that usually caused by improper use? That's one of my concerns about the Manix
 
The lightweight Manix2 is also pinned, not screwed, together so you can't open it for cleaning/maintenance. There are screws to adjust the pivot, and to move/remove the pocket clip. That being said, I have one and I really like it. It's a great size, very comfortable and the lock-up is solid. The spring on the bearing lock is very stiff when new, but softens quickly enough. I also like the linerless trans-blue handle, it's a cool look.
 
I'd highly suggest the Manix 2 in either the lightweight S110V (Dark Blue FRN) or the Manix 2 CRUWEAR Sprint Run.
Both are fantastic knives, but both are very tough to find right now. Your best bet would be the For Sale by Individuals sub-forum here on BFC.

The Stretch is awesome too, but if you're gonna go with the Stretch, I'd try to get your hands on either the ZDP-189 or Aogami Super Blue versions. I have the Super Blue version and it's incredible. Heard good things about the ZDP-189 as well.

So long story short, I'd avoid both the VG-10 Stretch and the BD-1 Manix 2, and try hard to track down one of the above mentioned options.
 
The S110V Manix and ZDP-189 Stretch are out of my budget, unfortunately...

It would either be the VG-10 Stretch or BD-1 Manix. Not fancy, but I'm okay with it
 
I would without hesitation take the Stretch VG-10 over the Manix LW BD-1 if those are the only options. I would agree with Rasco that the Manix S110V and the Stretch Super Blue & ZDP variations are the ones to have by far and it is well worth the effort to scout the exchange for any of those. I picked up my Manix 2 CPM-M4, Stretch Carbon Fiber ZDP-189 and Stretch FRN ZDP-189 as light users pretty cheap. Stretch FRN ZDP's show up on the exchange pretty frequently and there are still some Super Blue's out there in the marketplace.
 
nick21 said:
The S110V Manix and ZDP-189 Stretch are out of my budget, unfortunately...

It would either be the VG-10 Stretch or BD-1 Manix. Not fancy, but I'm okay with it
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I don't know what your budget is but a member here has a zdp-189 stretch for <100$, better buy it before I do.
 
Yeah the Stretch VG-10 is nothing to sneeze at, but if you're talking buying a brand new one in the $80 range then a little patience and a little more money can get you the ZDP or Superblue version.
 
IF it were me I'd buy the Stretch in VG10 and the Manix in S30V. I own the LW Manix 2 in BD1 and it's good for a larger knife in the summer, but the S30V (and S110V) are better choices.
 
I own and carry both the FRN/VG10 Stretch and the FRCP/BD1 LW Manix 2. The Manix gets the most use (surprisingly), between the two and has held up better than I expected. It's a great medium use folder that just fits my hands a bit better than the Stretch.The CBL is now as silky smooth as any of my Benchmade Axis locks. You're not likely to notice a difference between the two steels in normal use. Both are easy to sharpen or touch up, get screaming sharp and stay that way for a good while. Still waiting for my S110V version that's been pre-ordered since May.
 
nick21 said:
I've heard that the polymer cage that holds the ball bearing can break. Is that usually caused by improper use? That's one of my concerns about the Manix
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Yes, I have read of a couple of breaks, but the lock remains intact. No issue there. I've had the M2LW, and held onto my FRN VG10 Stretch, instead.
Stretch has better steel, more edge for its size, is more svelte in the pocket, and has the traditional SPyderco clip. I can easily close it with one hand, with a couple of techniques. IIRC, it opended smoother than the BBL on the Manix, also.
 
I have both the Stretch in VG-10 and a LW Manix 2 in BD-1. I like them both, carry the Manix more simply due to weight and the fact that I really like the translucent blue handles. If pressed to choose one over the other I would have to choose the Stretch based on function and the full internal steel liners that give the knife a better balance.

As for steel options, I like VG-10 best of all Spyderco's available standard steels. But I've read Sal has stated the BD-1 steel is equivalent to the original G2/Gin-1 steel first used in the Endura/Delica knives of the early 1990s. I have one of those and I've never had any complaints about the steel performance, making a choice between the two steels pretty much meaningless to me. There are more pricey steel options available for the Stretch (ZPD-189, Super Blue) and Manix 2 LW (S110V). They're fine steels but for everyday normal knife uses it's highly unlikely you would find them to be any better.
 
A. Carry it a lot and use it little to moderately: Manix2 (super light, looks, operates and feels great).
B. Carry it a lot (or a little) and use it a lot: Stretch (or Endura) in VG-10 (the steel just holds up better in my experience).
 
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