Yet another 'Help me Decide' thread.

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Dorito Monk

Joined
Nov 17, 2008
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Sorry to be posting another 'Help me pick which knife...' thread, but I'm at a bit of a loss. I haven't handled either of these knives, haven't tried out either of these lock mechanisms before, and generally don't know these knives from a hole in the ground. :o

I've been putting aside some money to buy a nice folder: something a bit out of my 'comfort' zone. I'm looking for something that can take its fair share of abuse with a nicer steel than I'm used to (most of my knives have been 440a, 13c26, and AUS-8. I owned a knife in s30v for a very brief period, but other than that, don't have much experience with 'high-end' steels) and some measure of uniqueness to it. In short, something I really haven't tried before, but will still enjoy using. Since I'm looking for something more high-end than I'm used to, I'm also going to set aside more money than I normally would - I'm looking at knives around 150$ CAD, shipping aside.

So far the two that have really grabbed my attention are the Spyderco Manix 2 (either the 154cm version or, better yet, the XHP steel version) and the Zero Tolerance MUDD.

This knife will probably see some day-to-day use, but I already have knives that fulfill that role; I'd like something that I can use, abuse, ride hard and put away wet and don't have to sharpen too often. I also don't want to have to worry about replacing springs or lock mechanisms or torsion bars or anything of the sort.

I'm open to other suggestions, too. I'm looking to avoid assisted openers, flipper-only designs, serrations, plastic handles, and blades that are over ~3.5". Weight is not an issue for me, and I'm not too concerned about jimping or grippy scales - titanium or aluminum handles are a-okay for me.

Thanks in advance for any advice or experience you folks are willing to share regarding these two knives, or any other blades you might recommend!
 
I have both and they are pretty different knives. The manix is more of an EDC type yet pretty strong with the BB lock, especially the hollow ground version.

The 0500 MUDD on the other hand is big, and thick, and massive. It is over built and it will make you actually want to abuse the knife and use it for things it's not meant for. The lock is good and very robust and it has seals to keep dirt out of the pivot and locking mechanism. You could drop it in the sand (or MUDD) and wipe it off and keep going with no gritty action. The blade tang extends all the way to the edge of the rounded area by the pivot and that large contact area makes it feel like a fixed blade when it is locked open.

I guess it depends on what you want. I carry a Manix 2 fairly often and have yet to carry the MUDD.
 
I say go for MUDD if you don't carry in much in jeans or such, its bulky. Not quite Urban EDC knife but MUDD is perfect in woods etc and its being discontinued so availability is soon zero. You could always buy later Manix 2. I love my MUDD.
 
The 154 Cm Manix 2 would be my suggestion. I've been using mine hard at work for about 10 months now and it still functions perfectly. The icing on the cake is that you can have it for about $75-80 delivered.

Paul
 
I suggest a Buck #347 Vantage Pro in S30V.

I had wanted a Buck #172 Mayo TNT in Ti & S30V for years when I discovered the then new #347 Vantage Pro. The TNT is a frame-lock, while the Vantage Pro is a SS liner-lock with contoured G10 scales. It has a flipper - and a thumbhole, too, while the TNT has but the thumbhole. The blades are S30V and nearly equivalent in length - and just over 3". The TNT ran near $200 mail order, before it was dropped at the end of last year. The Vantage Pro is $50-$60 several places - even at Bass Pro stores.

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I am glad Santa found me a TNT this past Christmas - it really is a nice knife, but the Vantage Pro gets more carry & use - it's still easily/cheaply replaced!

Stainz
 
Just pulled the trigger on the Manix 2 (154cm version). From the dealers I was looking at, it was around 60$ less than the MUDD (at just under 80$ CAD for the manix) and half the cost of the XHP-steel manix. The cost difference made the decision pretty easy, I have to say.

Thanks for the advice, everyone!
 
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