SpydieChef / Kapara / Manix question

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Warbow150

Basic Member
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Dec 23, 2013
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Howdy,
I like my Manix 2 but it's a bit of a pocket monopolizer. Was thinking about either a SpydieChef of one of the new Kaparas. Can anyone comment on the Chef or the Kapara in terms of pocket space and general work use? Could be hard use, but not abuse, just around the job site type of stuff. I guess I have two questions:
1. Pocket space for either comparted to Manix 2? (I know both should be a bit better, but is it enough to warrant a swap in your opinion?)
2. General performance, durability of lock, safety, strength for either compared to Manix 2?

Thanks!
 
For me the Spydie Chef pockets better - look at the spine relative to the Manix. Haven't held a Kapara so can't say.

Very different knives. Chef is mostly belly. Manix is a narrow leaf shape. Ball bearing lock vs. frame lock. Titanium vs. G-10 or FRN handle vs. titanium. I could happily live with either. Mostly due to pocket space the Spydie Chef is the better EDC knife for me. I carry the Manix as well.
 
Sorry, the artificial light in my house is crap, but here is a teaser pic until I can do better in daylight:



Here are my observations in person. I was surprised when I held them all together.

Surprise #1: When closed, the Spydiechef and Kapara have nearly identical profiles with the following exceptions:
-the Kapara is a tad longer
-the Spydiechef is taller at the pivot
Other than that, seriously, they’re eerily similar.

Both the Kapara and Spydiechef are noticeably narrower than the Manix 2LW and better in pocket. I just got the Kapara and can’t judge it’s carry against the Spydiechef (they’ll be similar, I’m sure).

The Spydiechef is slightly thinner than the Kapara and M2LW, but it’s negligible. (Sorry, I don’t have a G-10 Native, is it thicker still?)

Surprise #2: Kapara ergonomics are amazingly similar to the Manix 2 LW. The contour along the spine of the scales, up to and including the thumb ramp, are essentially indistinguishable. The angles along the scales’ bellies and forward choil are quite similar as well. The main difference in hand is the tallness of the the Manix, especially towards the pivot and forward choil.

While the Spydiechef isn’t bad, in a standard saber-ish type grip, the Manix and Kapara have better ergos. Not surprisingly, the ‘Chef works great with a chef’s grip. ;)

I think if you are a really hard user, the hand-filling nature of the Manix 2 will serve you better.
If you need corrosion resistance or will be doing downward food-prep style slicing, Spydiechef.
If you want EDC awesomeness that can handle some of this and a little of that, Kapara FTW!

Incidentally, I’m mostly a light to moderate use EDC guy, and although I just got it, I think I like the Kapara’s ergos best for that role.
 
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