Need help making a decision

[Armen]

Hello Everyone,

I currently own a Benchmade Bugout and a Para 3 in S110V. These 2 knives have filled my "lightweight" and "great EDC blade" needs.

I'm looking for a "nicer" knife to carry in my rotation. I've come to learn that if the "nicer" knife is expensive I tend not to carry it and eventually sell it because it sits in a drawer. I did this with a CR Small Sebenza and a Benchmade 940-1.

I'm looking to SpyderCo because every SpyderCo I've owned has been perfect from the factory for blade centering, action and grind. I was thinking of picking up a Manix 2 Flytanium Carbon Fiber as a "nice" knife ($167.00 on BladeHQ) and had some questions:

• How does it carry in the pocket compared to a PM2? I remember the PM2 feeling big in the pocket to me when I had one.

• How is the BBL compared to an axis lock? I've read it's a bit more stiffer to disengage.

• What are thoughts on the Flytanium Carbon Fiber?

I'm looking for a USA made solution so the Sage 5, chaparral and the other carbon fiber SpyderCos are out of the question.

Thanks for the feedback!

P.S. does anyone know why no one seems to answer the phone when I call customer service? :|

[vivi]

The Manix will be wider in the pocket than a Para 2 or 3.

If you can get past the knife being made in Taiwan, I feel the Ikuchi would be worth looking at. Very slim, very light, carbon fiber and nicely made.

[Armen]

The Manix will be wider in the pocket than a Para 2 or 3.

If you can get past the knife being made in Taiwan, I feel the Ikuchi would be worth looking at. Very slim, very light, carbon fiber and nicely made.

I know the Taichung factory puts out some great quality products but the stamp on the blade just bugs me. I used to own the PM2 but it looked a little aggressive so I sold it. I live in Los Angeles and the last thing I need is law enforcement giving me a hard time over a 3.4" blade that looks "murdery" as Nick Shabazz would put it. Are there any other Golden, Colorado models you can think of? The Lil' native is a bit too small.

[SG89]

https://www.bladehq.com/item--Spyderco- ... ted--33043
I had this knife and it was lovely

[Armen]

https://www.bladehq.com/item--Spyderco- ... ted--33043
I had this knife and it was lovely

back lock but something to consider if I can't find anything else.

[Tucson Tom]

I carry both the PM2 and the Manix regularly. The Manix will definitely feel somewhat bigger. Ok, by me, I love the Manix -- but if the PM2 feels big in the pocket to you, then the Manix most certainly will.

I don't know a thing about the Flytanium CF.

Take a look at the Native 5 -- not what I would call a distinctly "nicer" knife -- sort of in the same size class as the Para 3, but worth a look perhaps. A very popular knife with many, and I like it too.

[vivi]

https://www.bladehq.com/item--Spyderco- ... ted--33043
I had this knife and it was lovely

back lock but something to consider if I can't find anything else.

What's wrong with the knife having the best lock type?

Since you like the Para 3, why not buy a CF run of it?

Sounds rough in LA. I can whip out a Police at a bar to trim a loose thread off my shirt where I live.

[TomAiello]

Manix 2 is going to carry "bigger" than the PM2. Although if you go LW, it might be lighter.

Personally, when I'm in CA, I carry a Chaparral, but that's not on your agenda.

What about the Native? Also available in LW, Maxamet and s110v.

UKPK is Golden made, available in s110v, and super light and slim in the pocket. Is that too small for you?

[Tucson Tom]

https://www.bladehq.com/item--Spyderco- ... ted--33043
I had this knife and it was lovely

back lock but something to consider if I can't find anything else.

I used to be really negative on backlocks, but the Native 5 might change your mind. It is as good as it gets with backlocks.

Backlocks are remarkably strong, but if you are into compulsive knife fiddling, it might not be your cup of tea.

[ladybug93]

the manix is wider at its widest point, but it is slimmer at the top of the pocket, making it easier to reach past for other items in your pocket. no one ever talks about this, but i’ve found it to be an important aspect to consider. even the native, which is quite a bit smaller than the manix, doesn’t sit as nicely in the pocket and is bigger at the top of the pocket. you may have to try one to see if it works for you or not. it’s my favorite spyderco.

[Wartstein]

Hello Everyone,

I currently own a Benchmade Bugout and a Para 3 in S110V. These 2 knives have filled my "lightweight" and "great EDC blade" needs.

I'm looking for a "nicer" knife to carry in my rotation. I've come to learn that if the "nicer" knife is expensive I tend not to carry it and eventually sell it because it sits in a drawer. I did this with a CR Small Sebenza and a Benchmade 940-1.

....

• How does it carry in the pocket compared to a PM2? I remember the PM2 feeling big in the pocket to me when I had one.

• How is the BBL compared to an axis lock? I've read it's a bit more stiffer to disengage.

• What are thoughts on the Flytanium Carbon Fiber?

I can't weigh in on all, but at least on some of your questions:

- I have a PM2 and had a Manix lw, I personally like the way the PM2 carries better (sure the Manix in the lw version is lighter). But there really is not too much difference imho.

- The BBL is a bit stiffer than the axxis lock, but to be honest that's based on experience just with the single one Minigrip I have and the single one Manix I had.
Still I prefer the feel of the BBL, it also never opened in the pocket as it can happen with the axxis-lock, furthermore the springs of the latter broke on me twice.

- as you expressed reservations against backlocks: Especially on the Native the backlock is done just perfectly.
Maybe backlocks take a little time to get used to, but for me it's my favorite lock by far.

- I wouldn't shy away from carrying a bit more expensive knives if such a model is the one you really like and enjoy

[youmakemehole]

If you are down with CF, why don't you get something that has all original Spyderco parts including the CF scales? Factory parts are usually going to be better than aftermarket. If you want a Manix, there is a beautiful 4v sprint right now with marbled CF scales. I'd have to say this is one of the nicest (in terms of fit and finish) Spydercos I've ever handled, and I dare say it is the very best Manix 2 they have ever produced. All other "nice" Spyderco's I would be able to recommendbased off of my own experiences all come from Taiwan unfortunately... if you do change your mind make sure to check out the Kapara, its just so refined, and I really like the Sage 2 as well if you appreciate beauty in simplicity, and dont let the fact that it is part of a 5 knife series discount anything about it at all.


The 4v Manix though, I really don't think you will regret at all, especially if you were already inlined in that direction. The 4v has a high polish finish and weighs more than the standard FFG by a pretty tangible amount, the weight definitely creates a more luxurious feel during open/closing for me and just feels more valuable too since you are getting more knife steel. The best part about that steel is that it is insanely tough and you most likely can hammer that thing thru a nail without any chipping or damage. Its like having a girlfriend who's a swimsuit model and a 5 star chef as well!

relevant pic


4v impact demo(thanks bluntcut)
https://youtu.be/vkWtqkW3UHY

[Marulaghost]

I almost want to say every golden model has a carbon fiber variant available.
That's why I'm suggesting a blurple military

[SG89]

The fradonlock manix is out of stock

[Doc Dan]

I carry a Manix 2 LW or backlock almost on a daily basis. I do not find the knife too wide, but then again, I do not use the pocket clip. I simply drop the knife down into my pocket where it disappears quite nicely.

[The Meat man]

The fradonlock manix is out of stock

It might not be much cheaper than the secondary market, but Country Knives had one when I was there a week ago.

[TkoK83Spy]

Hmmm, If he seems to think the PM2 felt big in his pocket, then he should probably cancel the idea of the Manix. Yet he wants a CBBL, which the Manix is the only option at this point. I agree with the others, when it comes to a larger and classy knife...ruling out Taichung is severely limiting your options. I was going to say Gayle Bradley 2. On the large side, classy, carbon fiber...don't quote me, but I believe it may ride slightly smaller in the pocket than the PM2. I don't have either with me to compare at the moment.

You put us in a tough spot OP!!!

[TkoK83Spy]

double post

[Doeswhateveraspidercan]

Go with a native lots of cutting power in a light weight package will be carrying one of my LC200N versions doing yard work today.

[ronT2]

I'm looking for a USA made solution so the Sage 5, chaparral and the other carbon fiber SpyderCos are out of the question. :|

https://www.bladehq.com/item--Spyderco- ... ted--33043
I had this knife and it was lovely

back lock but something to consider if I can't find anything else.

I used to be really negative on backlocks, but the Native 5 might change your mind. It is as good as it gets with backlocks.

Backlocks are remarkably strong, but if you are into compulsive knife fiddling, it might not be your cup of tea.

The fluted carbon fiber Native is truly a great knife if you're looking for something in the Sage/Chap range that has to say Golden on it. I think it's about as close as you'll ever get.