My Manix 2 just broke :( [update: fixed!]

[zhyla]

The cage on my CBBL Manix 2 just broke. Then one half of the cage shot out and nearly got me in the eye. Guess this one has a trip to Golden coming up. Though I may have a spare cage from a destroyed LW that I snapped up for cheap years ago. Somewhere.

Do these just eventually break from the stress on the cage during unlock?

[Doc Dan]

I have heard of this occasionally happening. I do not think it is common. Perhaps putting titanium or aluminum cages would be a better option.

[attila]

Was this an older model?

I may be misremembering, but I seem to recall that that was a weakness in the earlier translucent Manix cages, contributing to their disuse for the past several years.

[wrdwrght]

Was this an older model?

I may be misremembering, but I seem to recall that that was a weakness in the earlier translucent Manix cages, contributing to their disuse for the past several years.

That’s my recollection, too. I think it happened to Jim Ankerson.

[zhyla]

Yeah it’s a translucent cage. Too bad it’s such a tiny, intricate part, I would try to CNC one out of aluminum.

[Nate]

Yeah it’s a translucent cage. Too bad it’s such a tiny, intricate part, I would try to CNC one out of aluminum.

Here's one in ti:

https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/man ... e.1060567/

Afaik no one is making these or similar for sale, but it would be cool.

There's also the Demoncase fix:

viewtopic.php?t=69190

[Evil D]

We had a thread years ago about someone making titanium cages for like $45 but it never happened.

[zhyla]

Well, I couldn't leave well enough alone. I made a 3d model of the cage from the broken one I had and had it 3d printed in a steel/bronze alloy.




It's rough and came out a bit undersize, so I had to do some dremeling. But it works!

[attila]

Cool!!!

[sal]

Nicely done Zyla.

We've replaced the translucent cage some time ago with a much tougher material and have had no problems since.

sal

[zhyla]

Nicely done Zyla.

We've replaced the translucent cage some time ago with a much tougher material and have had no problems since.

sal

Sal, I don't have any doubts about the 2nd gen cages being bullet proof. I just needed an excuse to dabble in metal printing.

[cptdean]

That's a definite improvement, well done!

To be honest, I wouldn't mind the plastic cage so much if it didn't have that seam running down the middle of it. It's the only thing holding me back from buying the G10 Manix 2.

[zhyla]

That's a definite improvement, well done!

Well, it's an improvement to being broken. Other than maybe looking cooler this is not really an "upgrade" over the plastic cage. As Sal mentioned, the newer cages don't break. This is a little gritty compared to the old lock as it's not as smooth as the plastic. A lot of people have wished for metal cages and I understand why. In the back of our minds we're thinking, "This knife will last forever, but how long will that plastic part last?" Probably the answer is "forever", but I understand the concern.

It's too bad the clear cages didn't pan out, I think they're nice looking.

To be honest, I wouldn't mind the plastic cage so much if it didn't have that seam running down the middle of it. It's the only thing holding me back from buying the G10 Manix 2.

What seam? I never noticed a seam on my old cage. Seems like an odd hill to die on.

[cptdean]

That's a definite improvement, well done!

Well, it's an improvement to being broken. Other than maybe looking cooler this is not really an "upgrade" over the plastic cage. As Sal mentioned, the newer cages don't break. This is a little gritty compared to the old lock as it's not as smooth as the plastic. A lot of people have wished for metal cages and I understand why. In the back of our minds we're thinking, "This knife will last forever, but how long will that plastic part last?" Probably the answer is "forever", but I understand the concern.

It's too bad the clear cages didn't pan out, I think they're nice looking.

To be honest, I wouldn't mind the plastic cage so much if it didn't have that seam running down the middle of it. It's the only thing holding me back from buying the G10 Manix 2.

What seam? I never noticed a seam on my old cage. Seems like an odd hill to die on.

I meant an improvement in appearance and material choice. I saw an older thread where someone had fashioned one from titanium, and I thought that was cool.

So far, every Manix 2 cage I've seen online (pics and vids) has a seam running right through the middle of it. The G10 version is the only one I'd want to own, and I think the whole knife looks perfect except for that one little detail. I might still buy one, but I sure do wish that part looked better. (I'm a fickle pickle.)

Edit: I should add that I meant no disrespect to Sal and company. There's no question that the Manix 2 is an excellent, well-respected knife, and I have no doubt the cages are high-quality and durable. I was only commenting on aesthetics.

[tvenuto]

Nicely done Zyla.

We've replaced the translucent cage some time ago with a much tougher material and have had no problems since.

sal

Sal, I don't have any doubts about the 2nd gen cages being bullet proof. I just needed an excuse to dabble in metal printing.

Ha so have I. We used an SLS (selective laser sintering, a process to make 3D printed metal) part once at my job but the poor surface finish and inconsistent material properties really limit the applications. Thanks for sharing!

[demoncase]

Yeah it’s a translucent cage. Too bad it’s such a tiny, intricate part, I would try to CNC one out of aluminum.

Here's one in ti:

https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/man ... e.1060567/

Afaik no one is making these or similar for sale, but it would be cool.

There's also the Demoncase fix:

viewtopic.php?t=69190

hey, someone remembered I did something useful- thanks! :)

I'd add as an addition to the 'failure mode'
1. I definately had the Manix apart to fit aftermarket scales before the cage failed- so may well have applied side loading to it beyond that approved by the factory
2. My friend (Magical Trevor) who actually broke it did eventually admit to being unable to work out how it unlocked and "pried the 'plastic bit' closed with the tip of another knife after I got it out of the dishwasher".....The Wikipedia article on "Why you don't loan your knife to anyone" is just a picture of Trevor, grinning. :)

[zhyla]

So far, every Manix 2 cage I've seen online (pics and vids) has a seam running right through the middle of it.

Almost all plastic parts have some kind of mold artifact like that. It's not a weak spot or anything, just a fact of injection molding.

[demoncase]

So far, every Manix 2 cage I've seen online (pics and vids) has a seam running right through the middle of it.

Almost all plastic parts have some kind of mold artifact like that. It's not a weak spot or anything, just a fact of injection molding.

If that seam wasn't there then the plastic would not have gone to the very edge of the mould.
In that case, you'd have a void or a dent where a crack would start.

And that's a bigger concern

[Slash]

That's pretty cool. My fradon is telling me it whats stainless steel. Wish spyderco offered some aftermarket pieces. That plastic just doesn't gel next to marbled cf.
I suppose I could mess around with a dremel till I got it right.

[Evil D]

I haven't had any issues with the plastic cage, my interest in a titanium or other metal cage is more about just general modding and tinkering than anything else. It's definitely more of a want than a need.