Thinking about getting one of these but haven't seen them in person yet. How does the compression lock on the Para work and where is it located? I don't see it in the pics I have found. Which is better and why? Are these approximatly the same size or am I way off? I think the Manix has a 3 3/4" blade and the Para has a 3 1/4" or something. The Para looks like the blade should be a little longer to fit the handle. I have a Military and find it to be a little too large for EDC. It is a true weapon where all I want is a cutting tool that could be used as a weapon in a last ditch event.
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Which is better, Spyderco Manix or Para-Military?
- Thread starter kgriggs8
- Start date
First let me say that I don't own either the Manix or the ParaMilitary.
But I do own a Compression-Lock knife (the Vesuvius).
The Compression-lock is strong but I don't think it is really better than a strong lock-back like the Manix.
Another thing to consider is weight.
If you intend to use the knife as an EDC, then I think weight is a real factor.
But if you intend on keeping the knife in a car or desk, then the weight does'nt matter so much.
The ParaMilitary weighs 3.75oz while the Manix weighs 6.125oz.
IMHO, that's alot of weight difference.
As I've said, I don't own a Manix, but I do own an SS Endura II.
It weighs 5.5oz and I think that it is too heavy for an EDC (although others may disagree), so I think the Manix might be rather heavy for an EDC folder.
Good luck,
Allen.
But I do own a Compression-Lock knife (the Vesuvius).
The Compression-lock is strong but I don't think it is really better than a strong lock-back like the Manix.
Another thing to consider is weight.
If you intend to use the knife as an EDC, then I think weight is a real factor.
But if you intend on keeping the knife in a car or desk, then the weight does'nt matter so much.
The ParaMilitary weighs 3.75oz while the Manix weighs 6.125oz.
IMHO, that's alot of weight difference.
As I've said, I don't own a Manix, but I do own an SS Endura II.
It weighs 5.5oz and I think that it is too heavy for an EDC (although others may disagree), so I think the Manix might be rather heavy for an EDC folder.
Good luck,
Allen.
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- May 23, 2004
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- 1,175
Hope this helps with your querry on the compression lock. I find it an excellent locking mechanism, simple and very strong.
Of the two, I personaly prefer the Manix, its a big solid brute of a knife yet carries well. The Para, although exceptionaly made and I really liked the comp. lock, never made it into my EDC rotation.
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- Apr 25, 2005
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These guys know what they're talkin' about!
If you just want a lighter-weight cutter that can be used as a last-ditch SD then Para's the way to go. I like my folders sturdy & bombproof & I find the 6oz of Chinook I EDC no problem even with lighter pants or shorts. But some folks just hate that level of weight. Also check out the handle shape differences. For that amount of $, I'd definitely handle them both before buying!
Best of luck, you can't go wrong either way!
If you just want a lighter-weight cutter that can be used as a last-ditch SD then Para's the way to go. I like my folders sturdy & bombproof & I find the 6oz of Chinook I EDC no problem even with lighter pants or shorts. But some folks just hate that level of weight. Also check out the handle shape differences. For that amount of $, I'd definitely handle them both before buying!
Best of luck, you can't go wrong either way!
- Joined
- Oct 2, 1998
- Messages
- 15,224
I personally prefer the Manix. I'm not a huge fan of the compression lock and the Manix just feels better in my hand. When you pick it up, you know this is a hard working knife that is ready for the tough jobs. The Paramilitary is no slouch, but it just doesn't radiate the same feel.
kgriggs8 said:
The Para was made for people who wanted a smaller version of the Military. It makes a great cutting tool and it has the highly rated compression lock versus the none too shabby lock back of the Manix. I bring up the compression lock as it seems, to me anyway, better suited for the grips and holds of a 'last ditch effort.' The Manix is great, but the lock back, again IMHO, may not be the best for a 'gorilla grip' in a defensive situation. Whichever you decide, handle each first. Ergos of both are great, but the compression lock took a while to grow on me. Each are formidable knives and your preference, despite locks, weight and such, may shine once you have one in hand. Hope this helps.
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- Dec 15, 2003
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I have both --- they're both great knives and perform beautifully as practical cutters.
It's really going to boil down to size and purpose. The Manix is pretty big and heavy. That doesn't bother me, but you just have to consider it carefully. Basically, IMO, when you carry a Manix, you've got to devote a pocket to it.
The Manix is the stronger knife, by a bit, but the Paramilitary is probably overbuilt for most EDC tasks.
You mention the size of the Para handle. The handle to blade ratio really turns some people off. But believe me, it's designed that way for a reason. I think it's a spillover effect of Spyderco's "little big knife" design approach. What you have is a handle that gives you full control and leverage on a modestly-sized blade. So, it's capable of heavy cutting, but also able to do very fine work that would not be as easy with a longer blade.
For me, thye compression lock is easy to use and provides a strong, reliable lockup. Some people incorrectly think of it as an upside down liner lock. It's much more reliable than that because that lock bar is not going to shift because it is being compressed. However, I think that the compression lock has a learning curve -- you may find it awkward the first time you try it, but after 10 minutes it becomes easy.
After saying all of those nice things about the Para, I've got to admit as fine a knife as the Para is, my overall preference is the Manix. Part of it is that I really like a knife that's way overbuilt. Also, although the Para's ergonomics are very good, the ergos of the Manix are outstanding -- the best of any folder I own. Another plus for the Manix is that the handle is drilled for tip-up/tip-down/left/right carry. The Para is strictly tip-down and right-hand carry.
So you've got a tough choice, but you can't go wrong with either. IMO, the Manix wins by a nose.
It's really going to boil down to size and purpose. The Manix is pretty big and heavy. That doesn't bother me, but you just have to consider it carefully. Basically, IMO, when you carry a Manix, you've got to devote a pocket to it.
The Manix is the stronger knife, by a bit, but the Paramilitary is probably overbuilt for most EDC tasks.
You mention the size of the Para handle. The handle to blade ratio really turns some people off. But believe me, it's designed that way for a reason. I think it's a spillover effect of Spyderco's "little big knife" design approach. What you have is a handle that gives you full control and leverage on a modestly-sized blade. So, it's capable of heavy cutting, but also able to do very fine work that would not be as easy with a longer blade.
For me, thye compression lock is easy to use and provides a strong, reliable lockup. Some people incorrectly think of it as an upside down liner lock. It's much more reliable than that because that lock bar is not going to shift because it is being compressed. However, I think that the compression lock has a learning curve -- you may find it awkward the first time you try it, but after 10 minutes it becomes easy.
After saying all of those nice things about the Para, I've got to admit as fine a knife as the Para is, my overall preference is the Manix. Part of it is that I really like a knife that's way overbuilt. Also, although the Para's ergonomics are very good, the ergos of the Manix are outstanding -- the best of any folder I own. Another plus for the Manix is that the handle is drilled for tip-up/tip-down/left/right carry. The Para is strictly tip-down and right-hand carry.
So you've got a tough choice, but you can't go wrong with either. IMO, the Manix wins by a nose.
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- Jun 14, 2001
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- 1,256
I have and love both as well. For an EDC knife though, the Paramilitary gets the nod. It's small enough to carry everywhere, but big enough to feel like it could be used as an emergency knife. The Manix is just big, period.
I posted the measurements of the Manix in this thread. When closed, the Manix is just 1/8" shy of 2 inches at its widest point. That's a lotta' knife for one pocket, especially if you are wearing slacks.
However, I do think the responses on this thread indicate the only logical choice...get both, everyone else has!!
Matthew
I posted the measurements of the Manix in this thread. When closed, the Manix is just 1/8" shy of 2 inches at its widest point. That's a lotta' knife for one pocket, especially if you are wearing slacks.
However, I do think the responses on this thread indicate the only logical choice...get both, everyone else has!!
Matthew