What order would you purchase these in and why ?

Manix 2 wins, and then the Grip. I feel the Manix is built a little more "heavy duty" than the Griptilian. The Grip is no slouch, and is a crowd favorite for many reasons, but the Manix is a little more robust, and slicy with that ffg. I also actually like the weight of the plain jane G10/S30V model. The Blur is cool, but I'm just not a fan of the recurve blade.
 
Blur>manix2>grip
I love the axis it's so fun to fidget with.
But I'd buy the opposite order to get to the best.
But if you start with the grip I bet your list might change a little.
 
LG&M said:
I would go with the order you posted.
Click to expand...
Agreed. Choosing the Griptilian with a sheepsfoot blade would work well with the Spyderco.

Not really sure about the Kershaw though. It's a nice knife but not needed if you own a Grip and a Spyderco.
 
Reswob said:
1. Blur
2. Blur
3. Blur (ok, maybe the Manix)

The Kershaw Blur is the best true EDC knife there is, period. Mid-size blade, just the right amount of handle (and good blade/handle ratio). Very very nice thin handle carries easily in the pocket. Well thought out clip and handle so it slides into pocket easily. Only negative is the newer ones come with rubberized grip inserts that aren't as nice as the skate tape on the originals. On the plus side, the newer ones have better steel. You can pick up an S30V model for around $80, and it's easily worth twice that (so buy two!). Assisted opener fires reliably and with just the right amount of force. After 14 years I replaced the torsion bar in my Blur. Not that it had stopped working, mind you. It still opened fine, just had started making a clicking noise. 10 minutes, a new torsion spring, and some grease, she's back to 100% for, I expect, another 14 years of faithful service. You may buy a lot more expensive, fancier knives, in your life, but the Blur will always sneak back into your pocket!

The Manix has always interested me, but I've never gotten around to picking one up.

Don't bother with a Grip. BM finally sort-of got their act together and made a G-10 handle, but it appears to retain the bulbous shape of the plastic ones. Everyone who likes these things must never spend any time with one in their pocket (which is where an EDC folder lives most of it's life).

So really, if you were going to buy those 3, just get a Blur for EDC, and then spend the other $220ish on a 'nicer/fancier/dressier/less-practical' knife of your choosing.:thumbsup:
Click to expand...
I don't think you're fully wrong about the Grip's scales, but I don't think you're precisely right, either. Bulbous, contoured handles work a lot better in-hand, particularly when making a lot of cuts or cutting tough media, than flat scales. Flat scales work better in-pocket. Personally, I'm a big guy and my pants have numerous, spacious pockets so I actually like thick, countoured handles for comfort in use, but I can understand folks that go the other way.

TL;DR For the OP, it's probably worth trying the 'bulbous handle' to see if he likes it.
 
knarfeng said:
...Of the three, I carry the Blur most often because it's just plain fun to carry and is a gorgeous design. Beautiful curving steel that meshes with the curves of the handle. And I happen to like 14C28N steel. Plus, I do most of my cutting with whatever traditional pocket knife I happen to be carrying in tandem with the modern one-hander. So that's just me.
Click to expand...
If I carry an AO, it is primarily for fun as the speed means little to me. Yes, don't forget the FUN aspect in your choice. (Knarfeng reminded me of one important aspect.) In 6 months, you'll have all three anyway, so no big thing on choice as to the first.
 
GHOSTDOGG said:
1. Benchmade Griptilian
2. Spyderco Manix 2
3. Kershaw Blurr
I am going to get them all before years end. I want a new EDC knife.
Click to expand...

I'd get the Grip first.
Then the Manix 2.
Seriously, I don't think you'll want the Blur after having those two. Plus if something changes in your plans you'll have a great quality knife to start with.

Optionally, GermanyChris brings up a good point. Having one quality $250 knife would be superior. But if this is part of your knife learning experience then thats important too. And you won't know enough about your needs/wants to pick out an optimal single knife yet.

Good luck. Enjoy your new knives.
 
I bought them in this order:

1. Manix2
2. Grip
3. Blur

Have never carried the Blur.
 
Manix 2LW in S110V or S90V.
Skip the rest.

(Sorry...my bias is showing!)

ETA: Use leftover funds to buy a Sharpmaker if you don’t have one.
 
Last edited:
I've never had the Blur nor any Kershaw--all the Kai's I've had are ZTs. I really dislike AOs and have de-assisted any I've kept and some that I've sold.

I have both a blacked-out Manix 2 and a satin Manix XL. They're definitely Spyderco classics and good knives to boot, but I rarely carry them as they're pocket hogs, on the heavy side, and a bit unwieldy, though they are good in hand in a saber grip. I keep them more as essential parts of a Spydie collection. Their FFG blade geometry does make them great slicers. I had a Manix 2 LW that felt great in hand and I kinda liked the translucent blue grips, but the BD-1 just didn't cut it for me (pun intended) and I sold that one.

I've got 6 Griptilians, all wearing aftermarket scales except for my 551-1702 KW exclusive in M390 and Micarta. The Ritters, if you can find them, have great blade shapes and superior steel and the 550 and 555 with Sheepfoot blades and Spydie holes are excellent. I just hate the stock Noryl scales as they just seem cheesy and uncomfortable to me and their plastic-y jimping digs into the butt of my hand. Some guys like 'em, though, and the rounded stock shape is very hand filling.

So, I would recommend starting out with a large Griptilian, and you could go with stock Noryl scales to start, or, if I was gonna start all over again with Grips, I'd go with the 550-1 or 555-1 in very comfortable G10 and 20CV. I bought one for my wife and it's her favorite knife.

Try the Manix next. I think the new 2's have skeletonized liners to cut a bit of weight or maybe a 2 LW in a better steel than BD-1.

Blur, I couldn't say.
 
There are so many choices of spydercos as well. So depends on which spyderco. I would choose a different model spydie over the Grip. But from the 2 top options you gave I would pick the Griptilian ...
just as you put in your original order.
 
bdmicarta said:
Buy Blurr
Buy Griptilian, sell Blurr
Buy Manix 2, sell Griptilian

Of course we all know what happens next-
Buy PM2, keep Manix 2 as spare knife or work knife
Click to expand...


HA HA! Here is the truth.

Basically the search never ends.
 
I don't own a Blur so I can't comment on it. If you like a thicker handle get the Grip first, if you like a saber grip for cutting everything get a Manix 2 first. I like my custom grip and Ritter grips better than my Manix 2, YMMV.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top