Thoughts on Manix 2 (ball lock)

I

ioerror

Joined
Feb 12, 2010
Messages
101
I had the chance to hold and play with ball-lock Manix today.

First thoughts...
-solid;
-smooth;
-easy to operate;
-sharp;
-big enough and comfortable to handle;
-big lanyard hole (easy to use);

If you have enough money go and get one.

ioerror :-)
 
I am looking for a third but can't figure out if the XHP sprint run is better than the OG 154cm. (yes 154 cm is about my favorite all around steel) what are some of the benefits of the XHP?
 
I have two, and they're great. My CF version is my go to folder...
 
I have the production 154cm one and two orange s30v sprint run models on the way. Most excellent lock mechanism :thumbup:
 
I just got the XHP model wednesday. It is sweet. It is one of the sharpest spyderco's out of the box I have. You can really feel the difference in weight from the standard Manix 2. My only complaint is that one of the liners did not seem to get finished fully, but I'll let it slide on this one. I am trying to not let it bother me.
 
I'm actually looking to get one, but I've been a bit busy so it was on hold for the past few weeks. Seems like a rock solid knife
 
I've got the XHP Manix 2 and it's a superb knife. Excellent fit and finish, sharp as can be, and the blade holds an edge like none other. I wasn't a fan of the "plastic" cage on the ball bearing when I saw it in pictures. It looked cheap. But in real life it looks much better and I really like how it feels and functions. The whole knife is very sturdy and locks up very tight, with no blade play that I can detect. I wholeheartedly endorse picking up one or two or three of these. That upcoming orange G-10 sprint is pretty cool...
 
I have the CTS-XHP version and it is flawlessly made. It came very very sharp, and it has the smoothest action of any folder I ever handled. I think the CBBL is hard to operate compared to (for example) an axis lock, it takes getting used to. Personally I think it is overengineered.
I also own a Manix I (also OD Green) and I like its dimensions better, the knife simply feels sturdier. S30V works well for me too.
The Manix II is a piece of knife jewelry, it really is a gem. And a very cool and effective folding knife. :thumbup:
 
I didn't really warm up to the CBL until I decided to try to wear one out. I didn't, but I did get very, very comfortable with the open and close routine. The flap from a month or two ago notwithstanding, it's a great design and depending on the steel in the relevant model it can be either a huge value (154CM) or a stellar performer (S90V, CTS-XHP).

philwar said:
I have the CTS-XHP version and it is flawlessly made. It came very very sharp, and it has the smoothest action of any folder I ever handled. I think the CBBL is hard to operate compared to (for example) an axis lock, it takes getting used to. Personally I think it is overengineered.
I also own a Manix I (also OD Green) and I like its dimensions better, the knife simply feels sturdier. S30V works well for me too.
The Manix II is a piece of knife jewelry, it really is a gem. And a very cool and effective folding knife. :thumbup:
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I about 2 months now EDCing my Manix 2. Not really sure I like the function of the ball lock. I was washing my Jeep the other day and pulled out the Manix for some cutting, Was near impossible to close with slippery hands. Seems if not held " just so" when closing it can bite your fingers also. Beautiful Knife though,, Id rather have the older version. I agree with philwar, "Personally I think it is overengineered".
 
I think the single greatest flaw of the CBBL is that the surface of the plastic housing is simply not grippy enough. I think they should experiment with checkering or some other kind of surface to see which works best. Or make the ridges sharper. It IS difficult to get a purchase on it if your hands are wet or greasy when closing the knife. Or they could make it out of G10 rather than plastic. You can get some seriously grippy G10!

the lone gunman said:
I about 2 months now EDCing my Manix 2. Not really sure I like the function of the ball lock. I was washing my Jeep the other day and pulled out the Manix for some cutting, Was near impossible to close with slippery hands. Seems if not held " just so" when closing it can bite your fingers also. Beautiful Knife though,, Id rather have the older version. I agree with philwar, "Personally I think it is overengineered".
Click to expand...
 
I've read other post around here where the blade gets some side to side play. Fixable by doing some filing. Not sure I would buy this knife...with those flaws.
 
Psycoman said:
I've read other post around here where the blade gets some side to side play. Fixable by doing some filing. Not sure I would buy this knife...with those flaws.
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I've heard they can do that, too. Mine was perfect out of the box, though. They used the same pivot design on the new Paramilitary 2s, right?
 
jabba359 said:
I wasn't a fan of the "plastic" cage on the ball bearing when I saw it in pictures. It looked cheap. But in real life it looks much better and I really like how it feels and functions. The whole knife is very sturdy and locks up very tight, with no blade play that I can detect. I wholeheartedly endorse picking up one or two or three of these. That upcoming orange G-10 sprint is pretty cool...
Click to expand...

+1!!!!! I actually love the original ball lock system, functions very easily imo. Was opposed to the plastic cage until I got one, now I LOVE IT. Very fluid like function, never had any issues with mine. Must resist the orange one, already have 2 :cool:
 
manixX2.jpg



It's rumored they are redesigning the Manix2 to make it even stronger.
 
Psycoman said:
I've read other post around here where the blade gets some side to side play. Fixable by doing some filing. Not sure I would buy this knife...with those flaws.
Click to expand...

A few seem to come out of the box that way but I have a pair with multiple 10k cycles and neither has any play.
 
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