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What's the difference between the Manix 2 and the Para 2?

B

Banger102

Joined
Jan 23, 2014
Messages
88
Fairly new to this knife thing so just looking for a explanation on the main differences in the two and if one is better than the other or if its just a personal preference.
 
Completely different knives, different locks, different ergonomics, sometimes, different blade steels. It's like asking, what is better a Chevy or a GMC truck? Personal preference. If you go to the Spyderco website and look up each knife you can see the specs on each knife, and every other model they make.
 
The two knives have some similarities, but are quite different in the details. Different locks, different blade shapes, different handles and different grinds (though that's going to change soon). As for which is best, I think it comes down to personal preference. I like the Para 2 better as it fits my hand well, is quite lightweight, has a nice, acute tip, for me the lock is a bit easier to operate and it lacks the aggressive jimping that abounds on the Manix models. I do, however, think the Manix 2 probably represents the better value right now.
 
Insipid Moniker said:
The two knives have some similarities, but are quite different in the details. Different locks, different blade shapes, different handles and different grinds (though that's going to change soon). As for which is best, I think it comes down to personal preference. I like the Para 2 better as it fits my hand well, is quite lightweight, has a nice, acute tip, for me the lock is a bit easier to operate and it lacks the aggressive jimping that abounds on the Manix models. I do, however, think the Manix 2 probably represents the better value right now.
Click to expand...

Thank you this is exactly the kind of response I was looking for.
 
I own and love both. I find that the Manix 2 fits my hand like a glove, while the Para 2 is decidedly less comfortable. I like the G10 and looks of the Para 2 better, but I absolutely love the Manix 2's lock. Reminds me of an axis lock if there was no bounce-back when you open or close them. I find myself carrying the Para 2 a lot more often these days, but I think that's just because I acquired it more recently. If I had to recommend one to someone else I'd give the Manix a slight edge over the Para.
 
I carry the manix 2 while at work, I have done so for years. It is an absolutely awesome knife. The ball bearing lock is much nicer, and the blade tip is thicker and hardier. I have actually cut the bumper off of a car with it, and would recommend it to anyone.

That being said, I have the pm2 as well. Guess what sits in my pocket when not at work...it has a finer point, and the linerlock is well done, but not as nice as the ball bearing. I actually prefer the native 5 to the pm2, but the larger size of the pm2 is really nice.

They are both very different, as previously stated. The Manix 2 is a bit cheaper, and that might be the most important feature.
 
I own both. To me the Manix 2 feels like a tank compared to the PM2, which is interesting considering the PM2 is longer. The thick liners and larger blade on the Manix make it heavier and bulkier than the PM2. The Manix is 5oz where the PM2 is 3.5oz. The Para also feels slimmer in my pocket. I'm not a huge fan of the Manix2's ball bearing lock but I can easily work it with one hand. The compression lock on the PM2, however, is a pleasure to use.

I honestly think the Para 2 is a near-perfect EDC knife. Good size and great blade profile for general purpose use.
 
I love the Para 2, probably in my top 2 or 3 favorite EDC's. I don't own a Manix 2, but really want one of the new FFG Manix's with the black lock. I hope there is a new sprint run in these this year, just kinda to have something different because I have a lot of S30V..probably the only reason I might hold off on getting one. The M4 tan Manix sprint was such a slick looking knife.
 
very different knives, I found that the Manix did not cut NEARLY as well as the PM2, the very steep hollow grind was also harder to sharpen. That's just me though.
 
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