Back After a Few Years... Thoughts on LW Knives.

[Doc Dan]

At one time I was pretty vocal about my dislike of linerless knives and I had reason. But, the Manix 2 LW and the N5 LW changed my mind. The M2 LW is really a great knife and I have one nearby everyday, if not in my pocket. When I go for a walk, if the Endura is not in my pocket, the M2 BL is, and I am finding it there more and more.

[vivi]

linerless 3oz Pacific Salt is a favorite of mine. It has been up to any task I could ask of a pocket knife.

I often carry knives in the side pocket of carpenter pants or IWB with running shorts, and with those carry methods it makes a big difference. Right front pocket in jeans, not as noticeable for me. If that's your main carry method like most I can understand not being concerned about 2-3 oz extra.

I do appreciate the feel of a heavier knife while using it, such as the Manix XL or Police 3 which are in the 5.5oz ballpark. They have a nice inertia to them for certain cutting jobs.Though I can't say I've disliked using the lighter Pacific Salt...for certain applications it feels a bit more nimble.

My knives spend more time in the pocket than in my hands, so I prioritize carry comfort quite a bit.

[bh49]

Most of the time I am wearing jeans, so the weight of the knife is to noticeable during carrying. When I use them I like to feel the weight and I love the look of liners. For about 10 years I carried C83Persian every day in addition to Caly3 or Caly3.5, later it became N5 and Persian or Caly3.5. Currently Ti Fluted N5 every week day, so I am not a stranger to a little heavier knives. But N5 LW deserved my respect for LW knives. And for some reason I do not care about Manix2 (sorry), but I really like M2 LW :confused: :eek: . Go figure. Also Fluted CF N5 is currently on the top of my favorites now and it is quite LW.

[JenWrath]

Only reason I bought a LW Manix2 was for the Maxamet. Loved the idea of this steel and made sure to speak with my money; I want other lines with Maxamet as standard offering and it looks like that will be the case soon ;p

It's a great carry for days when I'm not expecting to need a knife in hand for a longer period. The handle just isn't as comfortable for longer tasks compared to my G10 Manix2. The lighter weight is nice, but I always wear a belt and carrying something like a 4MAX or millie has never bugged me. The design is kind of nice, it's more to the point than it's G10 cousin - simple, effective clip, simple handle and is just as smooth when broken in.

[DougC-3]

It's not an either-or thing for me. As I've said before, I like the light ones because they're light and the heavy ones because they're heavy. Originally I preferred the unskeletonized ~5.1 oz Manix 2, then I liked the ~4.5 oz skeletonized sprints and exclusives. Now I find myself liking the 5.1 oz ones again. For a "work" knife, like the heavy wt. Manix 2 or my new Police 4, I really like the way the balance resides approximately on my first two fingers.

Originally I just used the light weight Manix for dressier situations where a little more discreteness was desired, or perhaps an inside jacket pocket or shirt pocket as a second knife. But when I bought the orange S90V lightweight Manix (thinking I'd swap the blade into my old 5.1 oz PS Manix handle), it really took up with me and was my EDC for about 6 weeks -- and I had thought I didn't even like primary colored knives. So now I have come to like all the light weights more. They're a great way to try out new steels without a huge investment.

But I've always liked lightweight Enduras (and G-10 ones :p )

[vivi]

For a "work" knife, like the heavy wt. Manix 2 or my new Police 4, I really like the way the balance resides approximately on my first two fingers.

Carrying the knife I might prefer something lighter, but I'm right there with you when using the knife. 4oz-5oz seems to be the sweet spot for me.

[timlara]

Hi Azad,

Welcome back. I definitely know how rough it is facing those vet bills. I sold off a fair amount of my collection for the same reason.

Regarding the LW line, I have to say that overall I seem to end up carrying the LW models more than any of my G10 or Ti models, so I guess that must mean that I like them best overall for EDC. The heftier materials definitely feel more substantial in hand, but I have never felt like the strength of the LW models was in question for any task I've needed to do. (That said, the hardest-use task I typically do is to break down heavy cardboard...I don't ever do any hard use outdoor work or anything like that.)

I do agree the LW Manix 2 is definitely kind of unsettling when you first handle it because it's so much lighter than it looks, but the handles are surprisingly rigid and the way it locks into the hand makes it feel very capable in my opinion. One of my favorite designs for sure, and the value per dollar you get is off the charts.

[sal]

The most important part about a "using" knife is that you have it with you when you need it. Since you carry the knife 90% of the time and use it maybe 10% of the time, easy of carry and user friendliness is a really important part of the equation. Each of you will have your own "balance" and it may be different for each of you, and it may be different for different activities.

Easy to carry, PC, legal everywhere and I find myself with a UKPK. Don't know it's there, but that S110V blade is no light weight in performance and the same edge as I might have in a more "substantial" model.

Today I was kayaking. I had a serrated pacific Salt, yellow in case I dropped it in the water.

Out on my property, cutting wood or just working outside, give my my Military, or my Police 4.

General work, I like my ZDP Stretch 2.

I usually carry a different knife each day and that's the best way to find out the differences.....and the balance.

sal

[vilePossum]

Well I would say to each his own...
I can only comment in the native but for me it was the other way around with the s110v version.
Didn't like the g10 version, way too much heft for the size of the knife you are getting, the LW version felt excellent however.

[dreadpirate]

LW knives are practical. G10 is more aesthetically pleasing. There is a place for both.

[Azad]

LW knives are practical. G10 is more aesthetically pleasing. There is a place for both.

Agreed. FWIW, Spyderco bi-directional texturing on FRN gives a really good grip without being too aggressive in my baby soft hands.

[bh49]

FWIW, Spyderco bi-directional texturing on FRN gives a really good grip without being too aggressive in my baby soft hands.

Probably this is true, if you are using your knife, wearing gloves. I have several EDCs with smooth scales: CF Caly, Native5, C83 Persian, Hungarian, Memory, Kopa and I never felt that I need more traction. About any Spyderco, which I was able to handle had very good ergos and it was absolutely sufficient for good grip without any aggressive finish, if you are using this knife with bare hands. The only exclusion from this statement are knives with smooth metal scales. If hands will get wet, they can slide out.

[DrawBackwards]

I haven't handled a Manix yet, but I've given Native 5 LW's to my wife and my daughter. In my wife's case, she wouldn't carry the G10 version because of the extra weight -- she drops it into her purse, and it's nice because that already weighs enough. I wasn't initially that hip on lockbacks, but it's a fantastic design and I love it.

[kbuzbee]

I generally like linerless LW knives that have under 3" blade length (Dragonfly, Urban, Roadie, Manbug ETC).

I'm with you on this. And since my preference has shifted down to smaller blades in general I find these perfect for my needs. Case in point - The K390 Urban hasn’t left my pocket since it arrived which was so odd...

I used to think....

I always preferred a lock, not to lock the blade, per se, but because the action is smoother. Turns out I don’t care :)
I always preferred cf->g10->frn, Again, it seems I don’t care :) :)

So a knife I thought I was buying just to try the steel is now my EDC go to for everything knife. Go figure...

Maybe you’ll come to love them, maybe you won’t. Either way, welcome back Azad.

Ken

[palonej]

After a few years away from the forum I'm back.

The Kris, Persians and Shabaria all gone to cover vet bills. Some days I regret it, but it bought me more time with my faithful companion. On a brighter note, I just received my first Spyderco knife after many years. Two in fact; an orange Native LW and an orange Manix 2 LW. Judgement... I think the LW knives aren't for me. I thought it would be a boon to have more knife for less weight but it feels so strange in my hand. I can't be the only one right?

I'd just like to add I am so glad you got to spend a little more time with your fuzzy friend.
That is a pain that just doesn't go away.
My sons and I rescued a Malamute and a German Shepherd 2 years ago and we would do ANYTHING to spend a little more time with them.
Sorry you lost him brother.
Joe

[FCM415]

I find FRN about as disposable as polymer firearms...aka not at all. Love em!

I very rarely go outside of 'EDC uses' though. Even when I do go fishing, camping, hiking, I find FRN to be just fine.

[Azad]

Thanks Joe. Those are very fine looking dogs and I bet they were great companions.

[thewoodpecker]

FRN is great, better than many give it credit for. On a side note: Can anyone explain why Spyderco doesn't offer any linerless G10 folders? I believe the original UKPK models in G10 were linerless but other than that I can't think of any others. I've see few enough from other companies but it seems like a viable (possibly less expensive) option for a LW folder.

[Sharp Guy]

FRN is great, better than many give it credit for. On a side note: Can anyone explain why Spyderco doesn't offer any linerless G10 folders? I believe the original UKPK models in G10 were linerless but other than that I can't think of any others. I've see few enough from other companies but it seems like a viable (possibly less expensive) option for a LW folder.

Manix 2 back lock is linerless but at 4.4 oz it's not exactly a lightweight.

[thewoodpecker]

FRN is great, better than many give it credit for. On a side note: Can anyone explain why Spyderco doesn't offer any linerless G10 folders? I believe the original UKPK models in G10 were linerless but other than that I can't think of any others. I've see few enough from other companies but it seems like a viable (possibly less expensive) option for a LW folder.

Manix 2 back lock is linerless but at 4.4 oz it's not exactly a lightweight.

Oh yeah! Probably didn't come to mind because of the weight. The new Native 5 S90V/Milled CF is linerless. Would love to see something like that but with a more budget friendly price tag.