Mantra or Mantra2? Opinions wanted.

[cjcutter]

I like larger folders and have not owned a spyderco flipper before but am thinking I would like to pull the trigger on one of these. I see the difference as far as one has a spydie hole and one not so much. So let me have it. Or maybe the Caly3. Thanks

[Evil D]

Well, your opinion may vary but I wouldn't consider any of the 3 you mentioned "larger" folders, but of the two I like the Mantra 2 much more than the 1, though I also don't dislike the 1 at all.

[Surfingringo]

I just got to handle both last week at Knifeworks. I think I prefer the 1 over the 2. It is much like a ti Delica in m4. What's not to like! Both were VERY impressive knives.

[cjcutter]

Ok let's add this into the mix domino or positron? Desions

[spyderg]

For me the Mantra was a no brainer between Mantra and Mantra2. Spydie hole and from what I could tell it should be a touch better slicer. I know I'm not going to be well received on my next point but if I was looking at the Mantra 2, I'd sooner pick up a ZT 0450. Now before I get kicked out of the forum, this is mainly because of the seemingly hit and miss issues with the bearings race on the Mantras, (mine is near perfect). The 450's from what I've read all seem to be perfect. And they appear to be very comparable knives if you don't factor the steels into the equation. I agree with Evil that most of us don't consider your choices to be larger folders, but both the Mantras and the Caly 3, (I've got a 3.5 in zdp) are capable and great knives. My vote goes for Mantra.

[Surfingringo]

The Spyderhole of the mantra was the deciding factor for me. The hole functions perfectly so (unlike the mantra 2) you've got two ways of opening the knife. I like the option of not being required to used the flipper.

[farnorthdan]

I opted for the 2, but havent carried it yet, got it when they first dropped, it just seems kinda small for me. I've been really digging the larger blades lately. My domino is still my best flipper (BBS 204p). I have never handled the mantra (usable hole) so cant really compare in that regard.

[hoimin]

Unless you're in a huge hurry, the Bradley Tac 1s flipper might be more to your taste as a larger flipper.

[dplafoll]

For me, I prefer the Mantra 1. Why?
1) Flipper. Obvious. Alternatives: Southard, Positron, Domino, Dice, Rubicon, Mamba. However, the Mantra has better flipping action, to me, than most if not all of those. Of the ones I've handled, the Domino is good and the Positron is good, but I don't care for the others' action.
2) Full Ti construction. This alone excludes all of the above. I don't hate the Domino/Dice scales but they're not great. CF handles I could do, but other considerations lean against those(Positron/Rubicon/Mamba). Southard G-10 is just boring for me.
3) Functional SpyderHole. This is definitely a personal preference, but I like having the hole. First, more opening options is a plus for me; slow roll to open in front of the public is handy, plus yes, I am a knife fidgeter. Second, I like the Spyderco aesthetic with the hole, and it makes the knife look more like a Spyderco.
4) Overall design. In combination with the hole, I like the look of the Mantra 1 better. It looks more like a Spyderco, and it looks like an updated Delica or Caly3. The Rubicon and Mamba just aren't my style. The Domino is probably my next choice after the Mantra, but the Dice doesn't flip well for me(I think the action was transplanted from the Domino but not adjusted enough for the smaller blade).

Now if you handed me a Mantra 2, I wouldn't turn it down. I just personally find that the Mantra 1 ticks all my Spyderco flipper boxes. All the others are missing something. I almost pulled the trigger on the Positron in lieu of a Domino, but when the Mantra came out I didn't do that because I didn't have to compromise on good handles(Positron) vs Spyderhole(Domino).

I've excluded sprints and models not yet released. Even so, I think I'd still prefer the Mantra 1.

[cjcutter]

Well I got both coming, plus domino,positron,and all black southard. Hey go big or go home. Curse you Spyderco! :spyder:

[Tdog]

Well I got both coming, plus domino,positron,and all black southard. Hey go big or go home. Curse you Spyderco! :spyder:

Once you've been bit, you just can't quit :D :spyder:

[Holland]

I prefer the mantra over the mantra 2 for 3 main reasons:

Functional spyderhole
Taller blade translates into thinner edge (might be my imagination) :D
And it's the more "spyderco" design of the 2 imo

Ymmv

[DigDug72]

Whichever you opt for, you'll probably love it so much the other will be an eventual purchase too. At least that's my boat - started with the M1, and had to get the M2 soon after. Carry the M1 more for all the reason mentioned above, but the thinner, less obtrusive carry of the M2 plus the more surgical tip make it awesome in its own right too.
- Holland, I think it's not just your imagination. Reprofiled both blades, and the Mantra1 outslices the 2.

[hoimin]

Well, that escalated quickly.

[abbazaba]

Well I got both coming, plus domino,positron,and all black southard. Hey go big or go home. Curse you Spyderco! :spyder:

Awesome! Can't wait to read the full report

FWIW I've had all of those minus the Southard (plus the Dice) and the Mantra2 is my favorite.

[Teo]

Well, that escalated quickly.

Lol! Doesn't it always happen that way though!

[timlara]

Well, that escalated quickly.

ROFL! :D

Between the Mantras, I prefer the 2 precisely *because* it's more different from a Delica than the 1. Not that I don't like the Delica...I've just got a few already. I like the super slim carry of the Mantra 2 in pocket, and I find the blade shape to actually be really useful for my light EDC uses. It's a little bit more nimble than a wider leaf blade. Worked great the other day to trim the excess off of some newly installed window screens.

[knolan]

I've been reluctant to purchase the Mantra, even though I think it's a great design w/impressive materials for the $$, due to the reports of dented bearing races and poor flipping action due to a weak detent...and frankly, Spyderco's silence (unless I missed a factory rep or Sal reply) in view of these claims.

Anyone in this thread experienced these issues? Just hate to send a new knife in for warranty work the moment I get it.

[Larry_Mott]

Mantra vs Mantra 2 - Mantra
Domino vs Positron - Domino, by a mile

[Surfingringo]

I've been reluctant to purchase the Mantra, even though I think it's a great design w/impressive materials for the $$, due to the reports of dented bearing races and poor flipping action due to a weak detent...and frankly, Spyderco's silence (unless I missed a factory rep or Sal reply) in view of these claims.

Anyone in this thread experienced these issues? Just hate to send a new knife in for warranty work the moment I get it.

Hi knolan, I can't speak to any issues with the bearing races, but I had an opportunity to handle both the Mantra and the Mantra 2 at knifeworks last week. Both of them had by far the best flipping action of any Spyderco flipper I've had or handled.