Spyderco Forums

Dazen wrote: ↑

Tue Jul 09, 2019 9:04 am

I’ve always tried to love the Manix and I’m still struggling to like it even with all the awesome sprints and exclusives out. I understand how great the ergonomics are, but I guess it’s the overall looks of the knive. I like to carry a knife that when I take it out around people, that may not necessarily be into knives, say that’s a nice knife. I don’t like to have to sell the ergo’s every time to them.

Maybe if Spyderco did a sprint with solid smooth carbon fiber like the Shaman or Kapara, or Titanium and also did a higher end finish on the ball bearing lock I would be more inclined to buy one.

But they did, the 4V version. The prettiest Spyderco I own ....

That being said, I understand where you are coming from: my Manix 2 love is love on 2nd sight. I needed to break one in and use it in practice to understand just how versatile it is.

Regarding looks, I had a sexist joke about photo models vs. Rubens paintings, but I guess I'm skipping the details on that one for now .... :)

Roland.

There has always been a place for the Manix in my rotation. The base LW model was one of my early :spyder:. I prefer the G10 version to the LW. The LW ends up usually being a loaner.

The ease of closing a knife one handed is a thing. Some knives just require you to pay more attention to do it effectively and consistently. Having to palm the Manix in order to drop close it one handed is an extra step, but not a deal breaker for me.

Not sexy, designed in the dark, etc. the Manix is a wonderful working man’s tool. I disliked the look, mainly due to the very wide (“pocket hog”) handle, had no experience with the CBBL, didn’t want one. Then a friend gifted me a cut-down (waved) S110V Lightweight Manix, and I just love it. If you need a solid knife for work, the Manix is a great choice.

Love the blade shape and ergos. Yeah sometimes I find it hard to look at so I put a paper bag over it when I'm using it :D

Dazen wrote: ↑

Tue Jul 09, 2019 9:04 am

I’ve always tried to love the Manix and I’m still struggling to like it even with all the awesome sprints and exclusives out. I understand how great the ergonomics are, but I guess it’s the overall looks of the knive. I like to carry a knife that when I take it out around people, that may not necessarily be into knives, say that’s a nice knife. I don’t like to have to sell the ergo’s every time to them.

Maybe if Spyderco did a sprint with solid smooth carbon fiber like the Shaman or Kapara, or Titanium and also did a higher end finish on the ball bearing lock I would be more inclined to buy one.

Am I wrong and do I just need to give in and buy one to experience the wonder of the Manix?

So have you actually handled one or not? It's all subjective I realize, but what it comes down to is.. are the ergos enough to overcome your aesthetic preferences? For myself, and many on here, it seems the answer is yes. I'll admit, I never "got" the Manix until I handled it for the first time. I agree, it's a bit of an odd-duck aesthetically and it does fill up the pocket in a pretty significant way, which is what initially put me off from buying one.. but as soon as I handled one, it clicked. For me, the Manix is one of the most comfortable knives out there and that trumps any reservations I may have about having to "sell" anyone on why I may or may not be carrying a knife. So, to your question, my answer is.. yes! Give in and buy one!

I have three. I have a backlock and two light weights. The light weights get carried a lot and I mean a lot. I don’t use my pm2 or anything else anymore in the size range.

As for It being a pocket Hog, just stop using the clip and drop it down in your pocket and problem solved.

Personally I'm not too concerned about what people might think about what my knives look like.
I like the handle of the Manix. I like the blade. Mine is a S110V. It swings more smoothly than any other knife I own.
I'm with you on the CBBL though. Mine felt very gritty from new. As I imported it, I resisted returning it. I took it apart, cleaned it, lubed it, took it apart again, gently sanded the black plastic piece a little, re-lubed it, which improved it, but it still wasn't great. I now have a weaker spring in it, which has made it easier to use but that has reduced my confidence in the lock. Due to UK law I can't carry it in public anyway, so it's restricted to a desktop fidget piece anyway, so it doesn't matter so much to me. No doubt I was unlucky to receive a less-than-perfect CBBL, but even so, I wish the design was a little more "high end", whatever that might be.

The love is in what the Spyderco Manix (in all it's models, sizes, and versions) is designed to be... a knife with a nice ergonomic feel and design, and, as far as I'm concerned, envisioned for use in the field (i.e., camping, hunting, etc.). Also, I really don't care what other people may think of the knives I EDC nor do I need their approval. To me, the Manix was designed to function under conditions that one may experience under field conditions, which, to me, includes durable design and construction, edge-holding steel, and non-slip grip.

Doc Dan wrote: ↑

Wed Jul 10, 2019 9:09 am

I have three. I have a backlock and two light weights. The light weights get carried a lot and I mean a lot. I don’t use my pm2 or anything else anymore in the size range.

As for It being a pocket Hog, just stop using the clip and drop it down in your pocket and problem solved.

This is how I’ve been carrying lately, so have felt limited to backlocks for safety. Have you found the self close on the cbbl strong enough to carry clipless without fear of it opening? In all situations? Ie, being active etc

I can't take it anymore! I'm going to raid my son's collection and borrow his Manix

Tims wrote: ↑

Wed Jul 10, 2019 5:55 pm

Doc Dan wrote: ↑

Wed Jul 10, 2019 9:09 am

I have three. I have a backlock and two light weights. The light weights get carried a lot and I mean a lot. I don’t use my pm2 or anything else anymore in the size range.

As for It being a pocket Hog, just stop using the clip and drop it down in your pocket and problem solved.

This is how I’ve been carrying lately, so have felt limited to backlocks for safety. Have you found the self close on the cbbl strong enough to carry clipless without fear of it opening? In all situations? Ie, being active etc

I prefer the back lock but have had no issues with the Cbbl. I have done my usual tests that defeat the axis, frame, and liner locks and the cbbl passes. Of course I am no lonLong sliding down mountain side and other rough and tumble type activities. However this lock has passed a lot of things that I do at home that calls other locks to open. So I’m pretty confident. I carry my knives drop down in my pocket not clipped.

Tims wrote: ↑

Wed Jul 10, 2019 5:55 pm

Doc Dan wrote: ↑

Wed Jul 10, 2019 9:09 am

I have three. I have a backlock and two light weights. The light weights get carried a lot and I mean a lot. I don’t use my pm2 or anything else anymore in the size range.

As for It being a pocket Hog, just stop using the clip and drop it down in your pocket and problem solved.

This is how I’ve been carrying lately, so have felt limited to backlocks for safety. Have you found the self close on the cbbl strong enough to carry clipless without fear of it opening? In all situations? Ie, being active etc

I'm not Doc, but for what it's worth I've never had a bbl or cbbl open by accident. I'm a very active guy and often clip a folder IWB during trail runs, hikes, etc. Lockbacks and bbl are pretty much the only locking mechanisms I buy from Spyderco. I'd consider the power lock too, but do not own one. I avoid all detent based locks.

Thanks Doc, Vivi, that’s what I wanted to hear

I recently had mine somehow open part way in my jean pocket. When I reached down to grab the knife I ended up with a nasty slice in my thumb. I don't know how it happened but I will be extra careful going forward.

Tims wrote: ↑

Wed Jul 10, 2019 5:55 pm

Doc Dan wrote: ↑

Wed Jul 10, 2019 9:09 am

I have three. I have a backlock and two light weights. The light weights get carried a lot and I mean a lot. I don’t use my pm2 or anything else anymore in the size range.

As for It being a pocket Hog, just stop using the clip and drop it down in your pocket and problem solved.

This is how I’ve been carrying lately, so have felt limited to backlocks for safety. Have you found the self close on the cbbl strong enough to carry clipless without fear of it opening? In all situations? Ie, being active etc

Just want to second (or "third"?) Vivi and Doc. The CBBL in my Manix 2 lw felt as safe as a backlock (and no other lock I personally had on a knife did).

It was really only the shorter than I like edge that made me sell my Manix.
If they'll ever make a Msnix XL Lightweight, I think that could become one of my favorite Spydies...

bgcameron wrote: ↑

Wed Jul 10, 2019 10:28 pm

I recently had mine somehow open part way in my jean pocket. When I reached down to grab the knife I ended up with a nasty slice in my thumb. I don't know how it happened but I will be extra careful going forward.

Dang, sorry to hear that. I know the feeling.

Was yours clipped or carried loose in your pocket?

bgcameron wrote: ↑

Wed Jul 10, 2019 10:28 pm

I recently had mine somehow open part way in my jean pocket. When I reached down to grab the knife I ended up with a nasty slice in my thumb. I don't know how it happened but I will be extra careful going forward.

Bugger. Do you remember how the knife was orientated in your pocket? Blade facing down etc

We all must keep in mind that any folding knife can come open given the right conditions...even back locks. However, backlocks and cbbl are far less likely to open when unwanted than other locks because there is no detent and there is a strong bias towards close with Spyderco locks of this ilk.

Vivi wrote: ↑

Wed Jul 10, 2019 10:38 pm

bgcameron wrote: ↑

Wed Jul 10, 2019 10:28 pm

I recently had mine somehow open part way in my jean pocket. When I reached down to grab the knife I ended up with a nasty slice in my thumb. I don't know how it happened but I will be extra careful going forward.

Dang, sorry to hear that. I know the feeling.

Was yours clipped or carried loose in your pocket?

It was clipped. My thumb is all healed up now but I won't forget that nasty surprise!

I have since sold that Manix but have another one or two on the way. A local chain recently restocked a few more of the Burl G10 S90V, and I ordered a Cruwear from knifecenter. Hopefully it makes it across the border because I have plans to make it a hard user.

Tims wrote: ↑

Wed Jul 10, 2019 10:43 pm

bgcameron wrote: ↑

Wed Jul 10, 2019 10:28 pm

I recently had mine somehow open part way in my jean pocket. When I reached down to grab the knife I ended up with a nasty slice in my thumb. I don't know how it happened but I will be extra careful going forward.

Bugger. Do you remember how the knife was orientated in your pocket? Blade facing down etc

Clipped in my right pocket, in standard RH tip-up carry form