Are lightweight versions hindering supersteel potenial?

[pdptrow]

Does the lightweight version, e.g. LW Manix 2 Maxamet,keep you from using a supersteel to full potenial vs knife with steel/ ti liners? Most seen with Maxamet , S110V. Holding back from purchase since I don't have any LW versions.

[jpm2]

I've been warming up to the lightweight versions lately, and prefer them now in some roles. So far, they have held up well.

[koenigsegg]

For me it was but now I see they have their purpose. I didn't go out and get the Maxamet Manix LWT because of the plastic handle but I did get one at the seconds sale, and since I've had it it has really changed my mind and became one of my most carried second knives.

[Sharp Guy]

I use my Manix 2 LW S110V at work and around the house quite often. If anything, I think I've used it harder than a lot of my other knives due to the low price. I'll admit that I'm not the hardest user of any knife but I haven't had any issues leaning on the M2 LW a bit when necessary.

[knivesandbooks]

The Native 5 lw is a very sturdy knife. I picked up the bright orange cs exclusive one recently. I'm very happy with it. Weighs less than a delica but is quite strong and s90v is good stuff.

[Sharp Guy]

The Native 5 lw is a very sturdy knife. I picked up the bright orange cs exclusive one recently. I'm very happy with it. Weighs less than a delica but is quite strong and s90v is good stuff.

Yep! I use my Native 5 LWs pretty hard too. My black S35VN N5LW has cut all kinds of things (thick cardboard, hardwood, thick pallet banding, etc) and has never let me down.

[abbazaba]

You're missing out. The LW versions are incredibly strong and will not hold back steel performance.

[Archimedes]

The Manix LW S110V is one of my favorite all time knives. I had reservations about it when I got it. But it has proven incredibly strong. I love it because it barely registers in the pocket but when you use it has to be one of the best cutting tools ever with S110V. If you are looking for a real world user the LW Manix might be one of the finest blades out there.

[Pelagic]

Any knife is either overbuilt or underbuilt for a certain series of tasks, as perfection doesn't exist. It's all subjective of course, but I do not feel the lightweight models are overbuilt (if someone thought that, they must feel the regular version is an absolute tank), so by default, I feel they are at least somewhat underbuilt. However, when most people think of "super steels" they think of high alloy, high wear resistance steels like Maxamet or s110v. Neither of these are exceptionally tough, so an argument can be made for these types of steels that the LW platform is more than enough regarding strength/durability (since due to the steel, you shouldn't be expecting much from the knife to begin with.... At least as not as much as you would with a cruwear Shaman, a Gayle Bradley 1, a spyderco tuff, or some of the more ruggedly built models).

[Evil D]

I beat the snot out of my S110V LW. The handle can take anything you should reasonably be doing with any folder.

[The Mastiff]

Does the lightweight version, e.g. LW Manix 2 Maxamet,keep you from using a supersteel to full potenial vs knife with steel/ ti liners?

No. Not even remotely.

[Pelagic]

Does the lightweight version, e.g. LW Manix 2 Maxamet,keep you from using a supersteel to full potenial vs knife with steel/ ti liners?

No. Not even remotely.

How overbuilt are the LW models in your opinion? If Spyderco should start using weaker materials, what do you suggest?

[The Mastiff]

How overbuilt are the LW models in your opinion? If Spyderco should start using weaker materials, what do you suggest?

I don't know what overbuilt means for you. They are overbuilt for my needs. I only use them for knife related tasks and they do anything I would ask of them. Spyderco designs them for the jobs they envision then engineer them to get rid of excess weight and material. Like the performance "Spyder" cars that inspired Sal long ago.

You need to envision the jobs you intend to use the knife for. Does it work? In all honesty though in the time I've carried FRN Spydercos ( since 92 as a guess, I really am unsure) there is not once I've felt the FRN models I've carried were not strong enough. Every one is still in service and has plenty of life still available. I upgrade but never seem to wear any out.

Joe

[tvenuto]

Does the lightweight version, e.g. LW Manix 2 Maxamet,keep you from using a supersteel to full potenial vs knife with steel/ ti liners?

No. Not even remotely.

How overbuilt are the LW models in your opinion? If Spyderco should start using weaker materials, what do you suggest?

If having a large factor of safety doesn't cost you anything then there's no advantage in reducing it.

[Pelagic]

How overbuilt are the LW models in your opinion? If Spyderco should start using weaker materials, what do you suggest?

I don't know what overbuilt means for you. They are overbuilt for my needs. I only use them for knife related tasks and they do anything I would ask of them. Spyderco designs them for the jobs they envision then engineer them to get rid of excess weight and material. Like the performance "Spyder" cars that inspired Sal long ago.

You need to envision the jobs you intend to use the knife for. Does it work? In all honesty though in the time I've carried FRN Spydercos ( since 92 as a guess, I really am unsure) there is not once I've felt the FRN models I've carried were not strong enough. Every one is still in service and has plenty of life still available. I upgrade but never seem to wear any out.

Joe

To me, your response "not even remotely" suggested something is heinously overbuilt, like some cold steel or Medford knives might be. So I was curious of your opinion. But your explanation makes it seem like you feel they are not overbuilt, just appropriately built.

[steelcity16]

I think the Native LW is rock solid. Feels way more solid than the salt models I have. I wish there were actually some *tough* steels like Cruwear, 4V, 52100, Rex45, M4, and Elmax in the Native LW and Manix LW platforms. I would buy them all as the Native LW is my favorite model. My first Manix LW (blacked out BD1) is in the mail so I am excited to try out that one.

[tvenuto]

The issue is...well the issue is you are imagining that someone is "suggesting" something, as opposed to stating it. Always best not to make inferences on a forum.

However, the OTHER issue is that "overbuilt" could mean that an item has a decent factor of safety (which any consumer good/tool should have). It could also mean that the item is built so out-sized compared to it's intended task, that it actually becomes a detriment. I don't see that stated, or even implied, anywhere, so it doesn't make much sense to make that the topic of discussion.

[vivi]

Does the lightweight version, e.g. LW Manix 2 Maxamet,keep you from using a supersteel to full potenial vs knife with steel/ ti liners? Most seen with Maxamet , S110V. Holding back from purchase since I don't have any LW versions.

Why do you think this would be the case?

[The Meat man]

Does the lightweight version, e.g. LW Manix 2 Maxamet,keep you from using a supersteel to full potenial vs knife with steel/ ti liners?

No sir.

Most of my knives are the lightweight FRN models, and I've never felt limited by their FRN construction.
I recommend that you get one. I think you will find them fully capable of the worst kind of use you can put them through!

[Deadboxhero]

No, but G10 is nicer.

The FRN and FRCP doesn't effect the performance or hold back the use.

I think people fantasize too much about overbuilt folders being a necessity.

I've really beaten up my Maxamet Manix 2 LW, No problems.

I do prefer the G10 models. Better feel and look.