what would you get: Manix 2 XL, Para2, or other (based on the "joy to own" factor)

scotchleaf

scotchleaf

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Oct 23, 2006
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(based on the "joy to own" factor, rather than any specific use) -

Spyderco ParaMilitary2 Camo scales: $118.95 (advantage: better for edc)
Manix 2 xl (black blade) $137.95 (advantage: like big folders, love the black) + 7.50 shipping!
Manix 2 xl (satin) $100.98 (advantage: like big folders, least expensive)

or, other in same price range (OR...none, and save for a Sebenza)
 
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If you don't mind the size then I would say Manix2 XL. For an EDC knife I think the Para2 is hard to bear. If you are considering the size of the Manix2 XL then you probably should consider the Military too.
 
Love my Manix 2 XL. I think it has a few advantages over the para 2.

I personally prefer the caged ball-bearing lock over the compression. I don't find it difficult to manipulate one-handed, and the symmetry is nice. I don't worry about the strength of any half-decent lock though, so it's really not an issue.

You also get the exact same steel, but more of it.

I also prefer the fact that the steel liners go all the way through on the manix, whereas they are set into the G10 on the para 2. I feel this makes the handle sturdier. If you 'flex' the handle of the para 2 you can see that it shifts around a bit and can make the blade look off-centered. I attribute this to the 'excess' G10. (I understand this isn't really a big deal in a practical sense.)

When you compare them end-to-end, the handles are the exact same thickness. I initially expected the para 2 to be narrower, and was a bit disappointed. I think it would be better to have the liners go all the way to the edges of the knife like in the manix. The manix 2 xl actually uses the edges of the liners to have some additional gimping, which I think is nice, although I can understand why some people think it's uncomfortable.

On the other hand, the blade shape and ergos of the para 2 are very nice, and the compression lock definitely appeals to me for one-handed ease of use, same as the CBBL.

Basically I just feel like you're paying more for less with the para 2. It uses less steel and is probably easier to machine all the parts for, most of which are extremely similar to those in the manix.

Edit: I was wrong about the para liners not being drilled out. I either had a fake (least likely), a factory second (more likely), or a really bad memory of something that happened less than a month ago (sadly most likely).
 
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I've had a Manix2; nice but sold it. I've had 20-30 PM2's; mostly collector supersteels. Sold them also. I love the PM2 to "play" with. The compression lock is great. Just loosen the pivot screw a tiny bit if knife is too tight, so that the blade swings freely when you unlock the blade. BTW, the Spyderco SuperLead has the same compression lock, although the G10 relief cut is not as large as on the PM2. The blade thickness of the SuperLeaf is 4mm, IIRC, a real tough knife. Can be found for about $100. Just discontinued by Spyderco.
 
bobjam said:
Love my Manix 2 XL. I think it has a few advantages over the para 2.

I personally prefer the caged ball-bearing lock over the compression. I don't find it difficult to manipulate one-handed, and the symmetry is nice. I don't worry about the strength of any half-decent lock though, so it's really not an issue.

You also get the exact same steel, but more of it.

I also prefer the fact that the steel liners go all the way through on the manix, whereas they are set into the G10 on the para 2. I feel this makes the handle sturdier. If you 'flex' the handle of the para 2 you can see that it shifts around a bit and can make the blade look off-centered. I attribute this to the 'excess' G10. (I understand this isn't really a big deal in a practical sense.)

When you compare them end-to-end, the handles are the exact same thickness. I initially expected the para 2 to be narrower, and was a bit disappointed. I think it would be better to have the liners go all the way to the edges of the knife like in the manix and just drill them out (they are solid in the para 2). The manix 2 xl actually uses the edges of the liners to have some additional gimping, which I think is nice, although I can understand why some people think it's uncomfortable.

On the other hand, the blade shape and ergos of the para 2 are very nice, and the compression lock definitely appeals to me for one-handed ease of use, same as the CBBL.

Basically I just feel like you're paying more for less with the para 2. It uses less steel and is probably easier to machine all the parts for, most of which are extremely similar to those in the manix.
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I agree with 100 percent of what you said. The only thing that I will add is that the Manix 2 carries like a larger more rugged knife which it appears that you are looking for. Even though the PM2 is a great knife it carries more like a light weight EDC. I have both and I would hard use the Manix but I would not nor do I think that the PM2 could handle it.
 
whitedog3322 said:
I agree with 100 percent of what you said. The only thing that I will add is that the Manix 2 carries like a larger more rugged knife which it appears that you are looking for. Even though the PM2 is a great knife it carries more like a light weight EDC. I have both and I would hard use the Manix but I would not nor do I think that the PM2 could handle it.
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That's funny, because when I got the Manix 2 XL I expected it to have a sturdier blade. Instead it has a longer blade than the PM2 but is thinner, thin from handle to tip. The tip is just as fine as the PM2 side to side, but the PM2 gets beefier as it moves down. I believe it is the tougher knife, with a lock that is far easier to operate one handed. The caged ball lock works fine but it's no Axis lock, however the compression lock works fantastically.

The PM2 is lighter, faster, and in my opinion can do more. It's a close call though, because cutting performance, ease of sharpening, and ergonomics are close on both and feel awesome. I carry the PM2 more because of the deployment.
 
RemyKaze said:
That's funny, because when I got the Manix 2 XL I expected it to have a sturdier blade. Instead it has a longer blade than the PM2 but is thinner, thin from handle to tip. The tip is just as fine as the PM2 side to side, but the PM2 gets beefier as it moves down. I believe it is the tougher knife, with a lock that is far easier to operate one handed. The caged ball lock works fine but it's no Axis lock, however the compression lock works fantastically.

The PM2 is lighter, faster, and in my opinion can do more. It's a close call though, because cutting performance, ease of sharpening, and ergonomics are close on both and feel awesome. I carry the PM2 more because of the deployment.
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I agree with everything you have said. I like the PM2 better myself. However, my opinion concerning the rugged nature has everything to do with the handle. Both blades are good but not very rugged. The handle on the PM2 will not handle the abuse as well as the Manix 2. Atleast it certainly gives you that impression based on its weight and the fact that it does not have sturdy or full steel liners. Of course this might be a moot point if both blades break before the handle give out OR WEARS OUT. If it makes a difference I just sold my Manix 2 and will be keeping my PM2. Maybe it is tougher than it appears but I choose to EDC it for lite chors rather than beating on it. You are correct about the fast operation and I do love the compression lock.
 
For the reason you posted I like big folders and I do like my Manix XL. Not a fan of blackened blades.
 
I don't think you will find anyone that will complain about the para II but for the most fun you have to go with the Manix II XL with the black blade!
 
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