Three years with my Spyderco Manix, just decided to "melt" it.

Macchina

Macchina

Gold Member
Joined
Apr 7, 2006
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5,212
As the title states, I've had my full size Spyderco Manix for three years and have EDCed it on and off throughout those years. I found the original post from when I got it and forgot that I did send it back to Spyderco and they sent me a Brand Spankin' new one that wasn't "bent" and had very very little blade play (never really went away, but doesn't bother me). This knife is close to the quality my Sebenzas exhibit in build strength, ergos, and a blade design that is actually meant to cut stuff with. The lock wore in about .010" in the first few months and has stayed right there since then. The S30V is an amazing steel, never had a chip and it gets/stays incredibly sharp, it really starts to show its colors after a few sharpenings. At work, I use the Manix to zip ties, plastic tie-downs, pneumatic and hydraulic hoses, debur plastic parts, break down boxes, and dig out steel slivers. It has performed flawlessly and held up to the use far better than I expected.

After a few years of use, the G-10 smoothed out a bit (I feel it was a little too aggresive when it was new), and it now feels great in my hand. I noticed the chamfer around the edge started to loose it's edge in a few spots, so I decided to give the whole knife a nice radius at the edge. I buffed the liners and backspacer a bit (I didn't want a mirror finish so I left some of the abrasive marks on the backspacer and lockbar). I love the rounded spine on my Sebenza, so I gave my Manix one as well! It turned out real well and I can't wait to use this knife for another three years. The knife was comfortable in the hand from the factory, but the years of use and the melt job make this knife my most comfortable folder by light years.

As you all probably know, Spyderco discontinued this knife. If you can get one at a reasonable price, I'd highly recommend it. I considered picking up another one when I heard they were discontinued, but I realized that I will never wear this one out.

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You did a really great job on that one.
Now you just need to polish up the inside of the hole a bit.
 
I've gotta say thats one of the nicest mods I've seen in a long time.

:thumbup:
 
Thank you all for the compliments.
The spine was done with a die grinder with 2" abrasive pads and a sheet of 400 grit sandpaper. If you have access to an air compressor and a steady hand then this mod can be done by anyone, just remember to keep the die grinder moving for a smooth end result.

The radius on the handles was profiled completely with 400 grit sandpaper. I buffed it after I was done sanding, but that was mainly for the liners because the G-10 didn't need any buffing.
 
I love the rounded spine and shiny clip. Nice job. I agree, the Manix was one of the most comfortable knives in hand that I've ever owned. Nice overall pimp job :thumbup:
 
Glad to see your Manix is still going strong---mine is too.

Nice clean modifications to make a great design very classy. :thumbup:
 
I have had to round the sharp edges on almost all the slipjoints I have bought. Case Pocketworn being the exception, but I have only 2 Case as they are overpriced for my uses. A little file and stone work makes any knife feel better in the hand. (I also reshape the backs of most blades, but that's only for looks.)
 
Well done, M! Your mod turned a great knife into one that any knifer would long to hold in his or her hand. I certainly would.

Carl Schroen is a custom maker who I idolize. His philosophy is that the only part of a knife that should form an edge is the blade; everything else (including the spine) should melt into the user's hand as if it had grown their naturally. That, plus a genius for perfect balance, make his knives feel almost magical, as if they get lighter when you remove them from the sheath and hold them in your hand.

So, if this is such a great idea (and anyone who does not think it is a great idea needs only look at your work to see how wrong they are) why are none of the major makers doing this? Sure, it would increase costs, but I would be willing to pay the extra, and I do not think that I am the only knife knut who would.

Can I get an amen?
 
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