Why does the manix 2 have a plastic release button?

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cards94

Joined
Jul 23, 2013
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Looking at the manix 2, I was just curious as to why they use plastic instead of a strong metal for the release button, or maybe it's not plastic?
 
I believe it is polymer.

Edit: From Manix2 description on Spyderco.com
"Patented by Spyderco, the Manix2 has a Ball Bearing Lock. It's a hardened free-floating ball bearing contained in a custom hi-tech polymer cage."
 
The steel ball on the steel tang of the knife is the lock-up. The 'cage' just boosts it to that location under spring pressure. Less costly to injection mold that plastic part. Self-lubricating. Less weight.
 
I was scared of the polymer cage, until I bought my first Manix2. Then it turned into an addition. It saves weight, rarely do they break, if they do it's covered, I like the spring more vs. BMs 2 Omega springs.
 
Yo Mama said:
I was scared of the polymer cage, until I bought my first Manix2. Then it turned into an addition. It saves weight, rarely do they break, if they do it's covered, I like the spring more vs. BMs 2 Omega springs.
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just me but those thin omega springs don't look very strong. occasionally i read a review or hear about those springs breaking.
i know it's been tested but sometimes the more parts on something, the more there is to go wrong.
 
2 omega springs + axis bar = 3 for axis lock . Coil spring + ball + polymer cage = 3 for ball cage lock. How does the axis lock have more parts?
 
bertosknives said:
2 omega springs + axis bar = 3 for axis lock . Coil spring + ball + polymer cage = 3 for ball cage lock. How does the axis lock have more parts?
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lol!!!!!!! ;-)

Exactly why I like liner locks. And the Military is still my favorite.
 
bertosknives said:
2 omega springs + axis bar = 3 for axis lock . Coil spring + ball + polymer cage = 3 for ball cage lock. How does the axis lock have more parts?
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wasn't comparing knife locks just in general, the more parts on something the more there is to go wrong. :)
 
cbxer55 said:
lol!!!!!!! ;-)

Exactly why I like liner locks. And the Military is still my favorite.
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how's the lock on that military? i have to say though, it's way out of my price range and wish they were around 125.
 
cards94 said:
just me but those thin omega springs don't look very strong. occasionally i read a review or hear about those springs breaking.
i know it's been tested but sometimes the more parts on something, the more there is to go wrong.
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While springs can break, both springs need to break for the knife to fail.

The polymer cage on the manix 2 is very strong and efficient. Making it metal probably would not work as well.
 
cards94 said:
Looking at the manix 2, I was just curious as to why they use plastic instead of a strong metal for the release button, or maybe it's not plastic?
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Because machining that little cage out of aluminum will be expensive.
 
with time, any lock will wear out... its a metal on metal system with moving parts. I have had my BM Adamas for 2 years, I flip it open and closed constantly, the springs are much softer than they were at first, but the lock up has only gottenbetter with wear, and I have zero fear of broken springs. Im sure the manix will last for as long as you have the knife, and for as long as the rest of the knife (besides the lock, ) is usable. A friend recently gave me a really old Spyderco of his.. havnt figured out what yet, but it has been cycled so many times the liner lock is totally worn out. I have to fix it! but any ways, everything breaks eventually.

if you have any tips for that liner lock let me know. :) I am thinking bigger stop pin is all.
 
Liner locks slip though- that's why I'm not fond of them.
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I have to question this statement. What do you mean, how long does it take and what do you have to do to get slippage? My experience with liner locks doesn't show this to be the case and I have used Liner locks since the 90's
 
GronK said:
I own or have owned 6 Militaries and none showed any sign of slipping.
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i wonder what has a more of chance of failing, possibility of liner lock slipping or omega spring breaking? that could be a whole other thread though.:p
 
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