To go wtih Manix or Offset?

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x2x3x2

Joined
Aug 26, 2006
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Hi guys, im pretty new to this blade collecting so please excuse any noob comments or perceptions on my part =)

I've been reading these forums n decided to get a Spyderco Manix as my first big purchase, however while browsing some sites i came across the Kershaw Offset. Pretty tempting since their site has it advertised at '05 Blade knife of the year.

They're both about the same size with 3 3/4" blades.
The Manix uses S30V
The Offset uses 440C

I has the impression that S30V was a far superior steel as far as blades are concerned, so what's up with the extra price of the Offset?
Hope someone can fill me in on what i'm missing, thanks in advance!
 
The Offset uses a new technology MIM that allows a three dimensional blade geometry, that would be absolutely costprohibitive to grind. I haven't been able to find an Offset in stock and for a good price but it is very high on my list. As I understand it the quantities are still very limited. In this case both blades are powder metal if I understand correctly (MIM requires that, and S30V is one anyway). From the photos that I have seen, the Offset will appear even larger than the Manix, which is already a full sized knife. Also the Offset is a double pumper assisted opening knife. The Manix is my favorite knife all around, with the best ergos period (for my hand of course).

The bottom line: Very different knives. The steel should be the least of your worries and 440C is nothing to sneeze at, combined with the powder metal technology, it might improve in performance further. The Manix is big, the Offset is a beast. The Offset is definitely sexier looking, but I am pretty sure that I would prefer the Manix as a user, because of size blade and handle shape and handle materials.

I am not want to talk you out of either. I think they are both exciting designs. The Manix is my fav anyways and I knew I had to have the Offset the moment I saw it in a catalog. Use the search function for Offset. There is not much information, but I know that there is at least one thread with really good comparison pictures.
 
The Manix is an excellent, although heavy folder. For a hard use folder, it doesn't get much better than the Manix. This is a knife that has proven itself through hard use.

The Offset is a little too much fluff for my tastes. Easy to scuff and scrape aluminum handles. Funky grind. Assisted opening. I guess that I just prefer more simple and effective designs.
 
HoB

What do u mean by the Offset having a 3D blade geometry and cost prohibitive to grind?

That for the rest of the info too.
 
MIM = 'Metal Injection Molding'.

The Offset blade is molded.

The Manix blade is ground from a billet.
 
x2x3x2 said:
HoB

What do u mean by the Offset having a 3D blade geometry and cost prohibitive to grind?

That for the rest of the info too.
Click to expand...

Check out all the other Kershaw Offset Threads and you'll see.

I also like the Offset, but Kershaw is probably going to come out with a g-10 version of the Offset with Handles similar to the Spec Bump. It's not 100%, but I know I saw a thread in which someone alluded to a new handle and maybe a new steel for the offset. Thomas W said that the mold that makes the Offset had a lot of life left in it :D

I thought the SPec Bump was huge when I first started carrying it, but now I carry it every day. I bet the Offset would also grow on me. And I love Assisted Openers!

Jeremy
 
x2x3x2 said:
HoB

What do u mean by the Offset having a 3D blade geometry and cost prohibitive to grind?

That for the rest of the info too.
Click to expand...

The blade goes from a concave negative edge (hawkbill) to a flat grind positive edge (belly) towards the tip without a sharp transition (well the hollow to flat transition is seamless, the negative to positive edge has obviously a sharp point). Same with the spine, which goes from hollow at hilt to convex at tip, also without a sharp transition.
 
Ditto Buzzbait's comments .... the Manix is a no-nonsense tool, the Offset strikes me as both a bit glitzy and gimmicky, and an unknown quantity.

If you plan to cut stuff, I'd buy the Manix. If you want a conversation piece, then maybe the Offset's worthy of consideration.
 
Make that a thirs that agree with Buzzbait's comment on the Manix!!
I have a Mini-Manix, and it is a fantastic knife!!
 
I would go with the Manix as well. It's a good, solid knife, one of the best out there, and IMO, Spyderco's quality is better than Kershaw's. Also, I think the Offset is pretty tacky looking. It looks like a Power Ranger knife that a seagull flew over and unloaded on.
 
Moon,

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I don't like the big hole in spyderco knives but I don't hold that against the knife's quality or brand. I kinda think that all Spydercos look alike, but I don't doubt their quality.

I actually praise Kershaw for thinking outside the box and experimenting with new technology and materials!

Jeremy
 
nygiantsfan3342 said:
Moon,

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I don't like the big hole in spyderco knives but I don't hold that against the knife's quality or brand. I kinda think that all Spydercos look alike, but I don't doubt their quality.

I actually praise Kershaw for thinking outside the box and experimenting with new technology and materials!

Jeremy
Click to expand...

I don't hold the looks against the Kershaw quality and brand, I hold the quality against the quality and the looks against the looks. I've been very disappointed with the quality of pretty much everything I've ever bought from Kershaw, not so with Spyderco. As I've said, I think Spyderco makes better knives.

As a separate, aesthetic issue, I think the Offset looks lame. The Jackson Pollock handle and faux "tribal" design on the clip just don't do it for me. These two "design" touches are tacked-on stylistic elements that don't work with each other or the design as a whole. People can disagree with me, that's fine. I'm simply offering up my opinion. In contrast, the Manix is a very elegant, well designed piece. There is nothing on the Manix that does not contibute to the function, nothing gimmicky, excessive or out of harmony with what it is intended to be. This is in keeping with Spyderco's well-established aesthetic, which I happen to like.

I join you in applauding Kershaw's efforts in innovation, the cast blade steel idea is very interesting. However, tacky splatter anodizing and bad clip ornamentation is not innovation. It is cheezy marketing and bad design.
 
moonwilson said:
I join you in applauding Kershaw's efforts in innovation, the cast blade steel idea is very interesting. However, tacky splatter anodizing and bad clip ornamentation is not innovation. It is cheezy marketing and bad design.
Click to expand...

I agree about the handle, which I don't LOVE. I think Kershaw is coming out with a G-10 handle for the Offset. I think I read that here somewhere. If I am wrong Thomas, so sorry.

Moonwilson, regarding the Spyderco vs. Kershaw debate, let's look at it as a glass half-full! I love Kershaw and you love spydercos. That means more Kershaws for me and more Spydercos for you!:D Win-Win!

Jeremy
 
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