Sage 5 LW vs Manix 2

[Bluhrb]

Hello! Looking for some opinions on the Sage 5 LW vs Manix 2. Reason I picked the two was because of similar blade shape and handle shape. Opening mechs are obviously different however. Couldn't find any posts on a VS between these two specific knives, so I made one. Both amazing knives for sure. Thanks!

[ladybug93]

for me, it comes down mostly to blade length. if you can carry a manix, you should. if it's too long, carry a sage. i would also choose a manix if i was left handed. but i would choose a sage if i was right handed and had arthritis in my hands. the sage is smaller in pocket too, if that's important to you. the manix is available in more steels.

there's a lot of variables. personally, i prefer the manix, but there are a few reasons to get the sage instead.

[Wartstein]

Hello! Looking for some opinions on the Sage 5 LW vs Manix 2.....

What will you mainly be using the knife for?

As a general, all purpose EDC folder I´d certainly choose the Manix 2 (in my case the lightweight) over the Sage 5, first and foremost for the longer and by that imo more versatile blade / cutting edge (the Manix blade is still very compact, especially when one uses the finger choil)

I also prefer the CBBL (locktype the Manix features) over the comp.lock (Sage 5), since the former has more of a self closing bias, is totally ambidextrous and requires no cutout in the handle. Some find the CBBL a bit hard to activate concerning finger strength though. I personally don´t, but the comp.lock will be easier to operate in that regard indeed.

To be clear: I have only experience with the Manix (LW), none with the Sage 5. I am sure though that the latter certainly is a very nice option for a smaller folder! Actually the only comp.lock knife I am interested in myself at the moment.

But as said: If I had to choose one of the two as my main EDC: Manix, no doubt.

[anycal]

The Sage 5 LW is a very nice package, light and compact with decent blade length. The wire clip is perfect for this knife. Really good representation of the compression lock here as well.

G10 Manix 2 over the FRCP Manix for me, any time of day.

Depends on what you need. I use both; like both. Manix is in the size I use the most, so that will always be my pick.

[MFlovejp]

I have both, but for EDC I prefer the Sage. It is honestly one of the best quality folders I’ve ever had. Very smooth and a pleasure to open and close- the fit and finish and feel in the hand are simply superb.

[abbazaba]

Every time I carry a Sage it makes me wonder why I own any other knives. Robust, but classy. Not small, not large. Great ergos and awesome performance. The 5 LW could be the best iteration by most practical viewpoints. As amazing as the Manix2 is, it's hard for it to achieve the same universal appeal IMO.


You know I had to add my favorite pic
For some reason the Sage1 still makes it into my pocket the most.

[mikey177]

I like and use both.

The Manix is wider in the pocket, and has a bit more sticking out, since its wire clip isn't fully deep carry.

[Skidoosh]

I like the sage, bit less of a pocket hog but you are not going to make a bad choice with either.

[kennethsime]

I think the Sage is the more neutral choice. The Manix is the more… niche choice.

The Manix has a distinct negative blade angle, and a secondary choil. I can’t stand that secondary choil, but the blade angle is stellar for lots of things. The lock is very robust as well.

The Sage would probably be my pick, but you’re really not going to go wrong.

[Shmohawk]

For me when I need a knife to keep in my pocket "cuz I might have to cut stuff" I go with the Sage. In my opinion its way more pocket friendly and for "I might have to cut stuff" I prefer the ease of operation the compression lock provides. If I know that I'll be doing larger cutting tasks or will be cutting for an extended time, I reach for the Manix.

[wrdwrght]

I have the original five Sages, not as collector-pieces (though the series appeals to me as an homage), but as users.

Still, I’d recommend the Manix2 (I favor G10 handles). It’s a more capable EDC blade, and while it is a pocket hog, it feels like an obstruction only if you have other things in your pocket. What could be more important than the knife itself?

[Wartstein]

Hello! Looking for some opinions on the Sage 5 LW vs Manix 2. Reason I picked the two was because of similar blade shape and handle shape. Opening mechs are obviously different however. Couldn't find any posts on a VS between these two specific knives, so I made one. Both amazing knives for sure. Thanks!

As I can see from your previous posts you have a Manix already, right (and even the 15V version! )?

So, in order to experience something different (FRN, comp.lock, more neutral ergos, deep carry / wire clip...) and have a smaller and also lighter (compared to a G10 Manix) option at hand: Of course the Sage would be the way to go...

[Road Tripper]

It's an interesting question. For a while, I had favored the Manix, but recently bought a Sage 5 LW, and have come to prefer it.

One reason is carry; the Sage is a bit smaller and more comfortable in the pocket. When just gripping the knife, or in light use, I find the Manix handle more comfortable, but in heavier cutting, I find the that the Sage pulls ahead. That will likely be a personal preference. The Sage has a bit thinner blade, so that may be a factor.

I don't have a strong preference for the lock; the CBBL and compression lock are both good and easy to use for me.

In short, I still like both designs, but if I were keeping only one, I think today I would choose the Sage.

As an aside, I find lately I've been preferring thinner blades and hollow grinds, and am giving some thought to a Centofante 3.

[Wartstein]

A new batch of Sage 3s, or perhaps a new model "Sage 6" with a real CBBL would be great... (and pretty close to a Mini-Manix... or Mini-MINI-Manix as Vivi probably would say (Vivi, where are you?) )

[ladybug93]

another plus for the sage lw is that it has liners and you can put aftermarket scales on it. i like frn/frcp, but i think a sage with micarta would be really nice as a smaller substitute for a manix. manix is still king for me though.

[Matus]

I never liked the feel of Manix in hand (though no long term experience) - reason being the handle is lacking some rounding and also the way the spine is shaped (similar 'flaw' for me as the GB1 and GB2 have - the 'dip' in at the fron part of the handle). The handle on the Sage 5 is still a bit on the thin side (I would rather say the ration of handle thickness and the handle width), but in total I prefer it in hand. For what's it worth - Sage 5 is pretty much the bigger Brother of the Chaparral.

[Bolster]

Good question. Tough choice.

I'd rather carry the Sage and cut with the Manix. I actually prefer the discontinued Caly 3 a little more than the Sage, and Sal has told us it will be making a comeback soon.

But the Manix, Sage, and Caly are all "brother" knives, so it's really a decision based on your size (and lock) preference.

I like and use both.

Nice as the pair is below, I might rather have Mikey's pair in LW, above.