Stiff Manix 2

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Apr 8, 2014
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So I just received the manix 2 in the mail today and I realized how stiff the spring is for disengaging the ball lock and I'm wondering if this will loosen over time or should I do something now? Thanks
 
It's supposed to be that way, it helps prevent accidental disengagement of the lock during use. It also helps to know how to grip the knife. I'm willing to bet you are trying to close it by pretending it's an Axis lock. Doesn't work the same way as there is no real grip you can get without familiarity.
 
It's supposed to be that way, it helps prevent accidental disengagement of the lock during use. It also helps to know how to grip the knife. I'm willing to bet you are trying to close it by pretending it's an Axis lock. Doesn't work the same way as there is no real grip you can get without familiarity.

So what would you do to close It?
 
The BenchMade Axis lock is more One-Handed Friendly right out of the box but in time the Manix 2 Ball Lock will begin to 'free' up. In the meantime pull the lock lever back with forefinger and thumb and close back of blade against back of leg or fold with other hand. In time you will be able to open/close like the Grip but with SpyderCos, they're not really designed for that 'trick'.







With both my Manix 2 and Manix 2 XL when I pull the lock back the blade will fall to 'Half Closed' then its simply a matter of 'finger finish'.


 
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The ball lock does become easier with time. As for a comparison with the axis lock, I have no problem with either one in closing it one handed.
 
Little update, after playing with it my fingers have been torn up bad! I'm not being a sissy or anything lol! But maybe my spring is a little stiffer than others or the "jimping" on the cage is too sharp. I've open and closed this knife maybe 50 times and it hurts and I'm not sure if this is normal
 
So what would you do to close It?

Practice is what I have done. I tend to familiarize myself with any knife I carry. If it's too hard to manipulate, I spend more time with it. I have fairly strong hands, and it takes a lot to tear up my fingers. If your tearing up your fingers, you will strengthen your hands a bit more. You'd be surprised at how many people have weak finger dexterity. In some folks it's arthritis or other medical conditions. Just practice.
 
It will lighten up a little but as the pictures above show it's a thumb and finger operation, both sides of the lock. If you're coming from an axis/arc lock this may not be obvious.
 
I grip it right handed with my thumb and pointer on either side of the cage and then my remaining 3 fingers are against the pocket clip pushing the handle into my palm. When I pull down on the cage, I can flip the knife open or closed. It doesn't hurt me either. Never has.
 
Boy, do I feel stupid. I was hesitate at first but I took the manix out for the day to try and get some muscle memory and I can open and close it no problem! I guess I was just being a sally! ;) thanks guys!
 
Little update, after playing with it my fingers have been torn up bad! I'm not being a sissy or anything lol! But maybe my spring is a little stiffer than others or the "jimping" on the cage is too sharp. I've open and closed this knife maybe 50 times and it hurts and I'm not sure if this is normal

I ran into the same thing. It is why I got rid of my first, second, third, and fourth Manix. I swear if I worked the knives any more I was going to rip the tips of my fingers off. They do loosen over time, and a little tinkering allows you to flick them open and closed like an axis (just holding the lock and flicking). I do wish there was a way to get a spring that was a little weaker while still being totally safe.
 
Little update, after playing with it my fingers have been torn up bad! I'm not being a sissy or anything lol! But maybe my spring is a little stiffer than others or the "jimping" on the cage is too sharp. I've open and closed this knife maybe 50 times and it hurts and I'm not sure if this is normal

I feel your pain. I'm looking forward to acquiring the muscle memory needed for this stiff knife.
 
I ran into the same thing. It is why I got rid of my first, second, third, and fourth Manix. I swear if I worked the knives any more I was going to rip the tips of my fingers off. They do loosen over time, and a little tinkering allows you to flick them open and closed like an axis (just holding the lock and flicking). I do wish there was a way to get a spring that was a little weaker while still being totally safe.

The black button on the newer Manix 2 G-10 (2ND GEN) is supposed to be an improvement over the clear button. However, I received a flat-grind/S30V with the clear buttons.
 
Same grip you are already using. Wedge the butt of the handle against your palm.
 
The black button on the newer Manix 2 G-10 (2ND GEN) is supposed to be an improvement over the clear button. However, I received a flat-grind/S30V with the clear buttons.

What would be cool is if Spyderco sold a metal (stainless or titanium) ball cage and ceramic ball as an upgrade kit. That could definitely be a good seller.
 
Wow I'm surprised you all are still having problems. It took me about 2 days to get the memory and I'm fine now
 
I sell various spyderco folders in my place of work, and have noticed that ever since the Manix 2 went to a FFG blade configuration, the locks are stiffer to disengage and pivots are not nearly as smooth when deploying the blade. Just my single observation, as I see and handle 3-5 new Manix folders a week.
 
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