Why is the PM2 more popular when the Manix 2 is objectively better?

[mongo1958]

if people start liking the manix better, it will likely get a bump in price. let them keep thinking the pm2 is better. you and i know the truth.

LOL

[SpyderGrill]

Im a big fan of the Manix G10 and LW. I bought the 15V version after waiting a few days after the drop. Seems like it wasnt to hard to get. I also like the PM2 but I decided to pass on the 15V and could have bought it many times. To me it seems there was more PM2's made than the Manix.

Im all in for the Shaman and I hope they made as many or more than the PM2

[mikey177]

I personally prefer the Manix 2 LW over either the G10 Manix 2 or PM2.

For me, an even better Manix 2 would be a Sage 6 lightweight with caged ball bearing lock.

[Evil D]

if people start liking the manix better, it will likely get a bump in price. let them keep thinking the pm2 is better. you and i know the truth.

What's wild is when I bought my first one, the street price was something like $80 and I don't think that was much more than 10 years ago and has almost doubled in price. I remember reading that the Manix 2 was something of an experiment to sell a knife at a lower cost and higher volume, and I guess it still is about $30 cheaper than a Para 2. I wonder if that experiment is still ongoing or if it's actually cheaper to make a Manix 2, I would guess it's not about manufacturing cost because the Manix has so many more pieces to make and is significantly more finicky to assemble.

[RamZar]

What's wild is when I bought my first one, the street price was something like $80 and I don't think that was much more than 10 years ago and has almost doubled in price. I remember reading that the Manix 2 was something of an experiment to sell a knife at a lower cost and higher volume, and I guess it still is about $30 cheaper than a Para 2. I wonder if that experiment is still ongoing or if it's actually cheaper to make a Manix 2, I would guess it's not about manufacturing cost because the Manix has so many more pieces to make and is significantly more finicky to assemble.

I too have been curious on why Manix2 S30V & G-10 at $151.20 is $34.30 less than ParaMilitary2 S45VN & G-10 at $185.50. Is the price of the Manix2 artificially held down (to get more sales, etc.)? I figure ParaMilitary2 models far outsell the Manix2 models?

[Evil D]

What's wild is when I bought my first one, the street price was something like $80 and I don't think that was much more than 10 years ago and has almost doubled in price. I remember reading that the Manix 2 was something of an experiment to sell a knife at a lower cost and higher volume, and I guess it still is about $30 cheaper than a Para 2. I wonder if that experiment is still ongoing or if it's actually cheaper to make a Manix 2, I would guess it's not about manufacturing cost because the Manix has so many more pieces to make and is significantly more finicky to assemble.

I too have been curious on why Manix2 S30V & G-10 at $151.20 is $34.30 less than ParaMilitary2 S45VN & G-10 at $185.50. Is the price of the Manix2 artificially held down (to get more sales, etc.)? I figure ParaMilitary2 models far outsell the Manix2 models?

Unless I'm misremembering it I believe there was a deliberate choice to keep the Manix 2 MSRP low, you might have to do some deep searching but I'm sure it's still here on the forum, probably around 10 years old.

[WilliamMunny]

What's wild is when I bought my first one, the street price was something like $80 and I don't think that was much more than 10 years ago and has almost doubled in price. I remember reading that the Manix 2 was something of an experiment to sell a knife at a lower cost and higher volume, and I guess it still is about $30 cheaper than a Para 2. I wonder if that experiment is still ongoing or if it's actually cheaper to make a Manix 2, I would guess it's not about manufacturing cost because the Manix has so many more pieces to make and is significantly more finicky to assemble.

I too have been curious on why Manix2 S30V & G-10 at $151.20 is $34.30 less than ParaMilitary2 S45VN & G-10 at $185.50. Is the price of the Manix2 artificially held down (to get more sales, etc.)? I figure ParaMilitary2 models far outsell the Manix2 models?

Unless I'm misremembering it I believe there was a deliberate choice to keep the Manix 2 MSRP low, you might have to do some deep searching but I'm sure it's still here on the forum, probably around 10 years old.

The Manix has always just seemed like the best bang for the buck. Just look at the 15V run:

Manix 2 - $225
PM2 - $292
Shaman - $387

Same size knife, same G-10, same steel but that’s a pretty significant price difference.

[RamZar]

What's wild is when I bought my first one, the street price was something like $80 and I don't think that was much more than 10 years ago and has almost doubled in price. I remember reading that the Manix 2 was something of an experiment to sell a knife at a lower cost and higher volume, and I guess it still is about $30 cheaper than a Para 2. I wonder if that experiment is still ongoing or if it's actually cheaper to make a Manix 2, I would guess it's not about manufacturing cost because the Manix has so many more pieces to make and is significantly more finicky to assemble.

I too have been curious on why Manix2 S30V & G-10 at $151.20 is $34.30 less than ParaMilitary2 S45VN & G-10 at $185.50. Is the price of the Manix2 artificially held down (to get more sales, etc.)? I figure ParaMilitary2 models far outsell the Manix2 models?

Unless I'm misremembering it I believe there was a deliberate choice to keep the Manix 2 MSRP low, you might have to do some deep searching but I'm sure it's still here on the forum, probably around 10 years old.

The Manix has always just seemed like the best bang for the buck. Just look at the 15V run:

Manix 2 - $225
PM2 - $292
Shaman - $387

Same size knife, same G-10, same steel but that’s a pretty significant price difference.

It is. However, some of that is offset by the fact that the Manix2 BBB 15V came out in December 2022 for a street price of $157.50 before US street prices went up about 10% in January 2023 and the PM2 BBB 15V having a street price of $204.40. Anyway, it seems like Spyderco is willing to have a lower profit margin for Manix2.

[salimoneus]

IMO it boils down to the PM2 having these two "advantages" as to why it is more popular:

1) relatively lightweight for the overall blade size
2) fidget factor (one finger close)

[Bolster]

As a gram weenie, between these two knives I go with the Manix LW due to Blade/Weight ratio. For backpacking, you get a lotta knife with a Manix for only 2.9 oz. If there were a LW Paramilitary, that might change things. Neither knife will win any awards for being compact, but when out in the boonies, it's the desired functionality per weight, and dependability, that counts the most.

A new look at the ideal Spyderco folding backpack knife will be required, when the LW Native Chief appears!

[T.J.]

*Subjectively


And the Paramilitary name itself was crushing sales before there was a 2 behind it.

This.
While I agree that the Manix is better, that's my subjective opinion. I'm sure many would disagree with me.

[Wartstein]

IMO it boils down to the PM2 having these two "advantages" as to why it is more popular:

1) relatively lightweight for the overall blade size
2) fidget factor (one finger close)

The Manix also has a "one finger close", for those who find that important, right? (Though admittedly some find it hard to operate the CBBL "one fingered")

[Bolster]

And the Paramilitary name itself was crushing sales before there was a 2 behind it.

I meant to ask...is Spyderco sales data available? Evil D, how did you come by the sales figures you reference? Do you know Spyderco sales figures (whether relative or absolute) for other models as well?

[Evil D]

And the Paramilitary name itself was crushing sales before there was a 2 behind it.

I meant to ask...is Spyderco sales data available? Evil D, how did you come by the sales figures you reference? Do you know Spyderco sales figures (whether relative or absolute) for other models as well?

I'm definitely assuming, but I do remember it being really popular, it's probably a safe assumption since it was popular enough to get an updated 2 version.

[w1thy39]

pm2 is awesome...........period manix 2 for me is sh1te............

[Coastal]

When I came back to the Spyderco brand in 2021 after a couple decades in the wilderness, the Paramilitary was the only Spyderco I had even heard of beyond what I knew from circa 2000. It was unavoidable if you read any magazines about firearms, survival, or the outdoors in general. So I guess you could say it was popular.

I decided I had to have one, and was immediately disappointed with the comp lock and blocky handle. I learned of the Manix, bought the base model LW, and was immediately amazed by the CBBL and the comfortable, ergonomic handle. As stated in a previous post, I have since come to enjoy both knives a lot.

[Freediver]

I’m not a fan of the ball bearing lock. Maybe if you were talking about the back lock Manix…

There’s just something special about the PM2. It’s almost boring it’s so good. Subjectively perfect size, handle, blade, lock.

[vandelay]

I prefer the Manix, but there are a couple places where the PM2 is definitely better:

• The PM2 is a lot easier to maintain. The open back makes it easier to wash out and it's easy to disassemble for maintenance. The lock on the Manix is hard to wash out and it's very fiddly to reassemble.
• The lock on the PM2 is easier and more fun to use. The Manix cage design makes it hard to put downward pressure on it so you need to squeeze it to get enough grip. The back of the Manix is also not jimped so it can be tricky to operate with a slippery palm.
• The detent gives the PM2 a better action, IMO
• Tip down carry

I tend to prefer the manix for:

• General ergonomics
• Partially closed back (removes a hot spot)
• Full liners (the inside of the G10 on the para series is sharp)
• The lock is really hard to accidentally disengage
• The manix lock is nicer to use left-handed or with gloves after I learned how to use it effectively.
• Chamfered G10 scales

I'd be happy with either in most situations, but I would really rather have the PM2 if I'm working with food.

[apollo]

The Manix and the pm2 are totally different family's and few people are fans of both.
The pm2 is a great design but it fails to impress me time and time again when i use them. It does not feel so good in my hand.
Not such a big fan of the blade style.
The size to weight is bad for me. ( yes you read this sentence correctly and do not let me start about the pm3 LW oh dear lord that feels as a toy )
So yes i am a fan of the Manix 2.
But honestly i am not such a big fan of those as i am from the original lockbacks.
Now those are truly high performance knives.
Build to last a lifetime and more.
Those big mean cutting machines feel perfect in hand, zero hot spots perfect weight and those blades cut like a dream (and i stand by it old s30v is better then the new in edge retention) and then those locks ooh boy that bankvault click gives me shivers of joy everytime i hear it!
When i have my old c95 or my mini Manix in my pocket i feel that i can do anything anywhere and it will never fail me what ever the job is that needs to be done. And they let me feel like its done with ease and comfort.
Neither the pm2 or the Manix 2 gives me that feeling so strongly.
The only one that gives me that feeling that is now in the line up is the Shaman.
That is for me Sal's greatest design.
Its like the old mini manix had a baby with the pm2 but the genes of the Manix stayed on top. Top notch Sal thank you!

[bdblue]

I like the PM2 lock better than the Manix 2 lock. My first Manix 2 was the G10 model and I liked it well enough, it seemed like a very solid knife. I liked the PM2 for it being trimmer and lighter than the Manix 2. Years after that I ended with a couple of LW Manix 2 and I like them best overall. They do take up more room in my pocket than the PM2 and I don't like that part of it. I like both knives and if I could have only one I could be happy with either one.