Mini Manix Review

[ront]

Thanks Wouter, now I understand. Nice Military by the way!

Ron

[TheKnifeCollector]

Metacarpals are the finger bones. Congrats on the new knife and GREAT review!!

[Piet.S]

Mr Blonde][/I]Piet, thanks for that translation. I would have guessed -without dictionary-the metacarple to be a nerve of some type.Wouter

Euhh, I believe this pat on the shoulder is meant for Gerard.

[BlackNinja]

Great review and pics as always, Wouter, thanks! Is it noticably heavier than the Lil'T?

[Mr Blonde]

[/I]

Euhh, I believe this pat on the shoulder is meant for Gerard.

Indeed, my sincere apologies and credit to Gerard!!! :o :o :o Hanging my head in shame. :D

Too many darn Dutchmen on this forum!! :mad: :D

Yes, the Mini Manix is heavier, 1 on 1 not much but you'll notice it.

Wouter

[vivi]

great review of a great knife

[Mushroom]

2006, wow.

[vivi]

The mini manix is timeless.

[Mushroom]

I agree that it’s timeless but can we also agree that it’s not a Manix 2?

[vivi]

Of course the mini manix isn't the manix 2, it's the mini manix. so silly!

[Wartstein]

Never really looked into the Mini Manix / Manix 83 mm - it seems to be (seems to have been, since I think it would be hard to score one) a knife I really would like to try - just how it feels in hand and works - but not one I´d actually carry.

For my personal preferences the Manix 2 is pretty similar, but still an improvement I guess.
Practically same closed size , but a bit more blade, a bit more edge and thinner blade stock. Also clearly lighter than the Mini Manix, even in its not skeletonized S30V version.

I´d still prefer the backlock over the CBBL though (but a CBBL over liner-, frame- or comp.lock)

[vivi]

you might have liked the linerless lockback mini manix 2

[Mushroom]

Never really looked into the Mini Manix / Manix 83 mm - it seems to be (seems to have been, since I think it would be hard to score one) a knife I really would like to try - just how it feels in hand and works - but not one I´d actually carry.

For my personal preferences the Manix 2 is pretty similar, but still an improvement I guess.
Practically same closed size , but a bit more blade, a bit more edge and thinner blade stock. Also clearly lighter than the Mini Manix, even in its not skeletonized S30V version.

I´d still prefer the backlock over the CBBL though (but a CBBL over liner-, frame- or comp.lock)

If I recall correctly, you’ve mentioned having experience with the Manix 2 Backlock in the past; is that correct? For all intents and purposes that knife was basically a modernized Manix 83mm.

[Wartstein]

Never really looked into the Mini Manix / Manix 83 mm - it seems to be (seems to have been, since I think it would be hard to score one) a knife I really would like to try - just how it feels in hand and works - but not one I´d actually carry.

For my personal preferences the Manix 2 is pretty similar, but still an improvement I guess.
Practically same closed size , but a bit more blade, a bit more edge and thinner blade stock. Also clearly lighter than the Mini Manix, even in its not skeletonized S30V version.

I´d still prefer the backlock over the CBBL though (but a CBBL over liner-, frame- or comp.lock)

If I recall correctly, you’ve mentioned having experience with the Manix 2 Backlock in the past; is that correct? For all intents and purposes that knife was basically a modernized Manix 83mm.

Good memory, Nick!

Though "experience with it" would be more than an exaggeration. I did a bid for one on ebay, never ever thought I´d actually get it, but to my surprise did.. Just had it at home for a short time, held, opened and closed it to see if everything was ok (never cut anything with it) . then sold it again.

But the feel in hand and extremely solid, though linerless, built was really something! (This - having no liners - would be a difference to the Mini Manix, right?)

[apollo]

Never really looked into the Mini Manix / Manix 83 mm - it seems to be (seems to have been, since I think it would be hard to score one) a knife I really would like to try - just how it feels in hand and works - but not one I´d actually carry.

For my personal preferences the Manix 2 is pretty similar, but still an improvement I guess.
Practically same closed size , but a bit more blade, a bit more edge and thinner blade stock. Also clearly lighter than the Mini Manix, even in its not skeletonized S30V version.

I´d still prefer the backlock over the CBBL though (but a CBBL over liner-, frame- or comp.lock)

If I recall correctly, you’ve mentioned having experience with the Manix 2 Backlock in the past; is that correct? For all intents and purposes that knife was basically a modernized Manix 83mm.

Good memory, Nick!

Though "experience with it" would be more than an exaggeration. I did a bid for one on ebay, never ever thought I´d actually get it, but to my surprise did.. Just had it at home for a short time, held, opened and closed it to see if everything was ok (never cut anything with it) . then sold it again.

But the feel in hand and extremely solid, though linerless, built was really something! (This - having no liners - would be a difference to the Mini Manix, right?)

Its hard to describe the feeling the old Mini Manix gives compared to today’s Manix 2 or even the Manix 2 backlock. ( i had the same minimal experience with that last one as you but i never even bought that one just handled it in a store )
My own personal thoughts about the subject it i do not see the Manix 2 generation ( no matter the lock ) as a successor to the old lockbacks. I see them more as separate bloodline that is close but not the same.

Both have there strenghts and there disadvantages. ( none have weaknesses )
In the end i am a die hard fan of the Mini Manix due to its amazing lockback that even to today’s standards still is legendary. The lock and the amazing quality of the overall design gives me the feeling i always search for in other knives its basically my norm to compare spydies to in that size. I also adore the cutting performance and the comfort and even the weight of the design.

I always find it funny that people complain about the blade stock on the original Manixes.
As I personally use both generation’s of Manixes almost constantly i have the experience to say even if there is a difference its so microscopic its really not worth mentioning and still people scream and cry about it. Its like even with them constantly praising spyderco they still forget how good spyderco really is in making its blades. If Spyderco makes a 4 mm blade or a 3,2 mm blade believe me both will cut like a lazer and both will keep they’re edge longer then any competitor company’s knives.
The only thing different is the little weight it gives but that again is just a personal thing.

So to end my lecture i think if you are a fan of the Manix design you should at least tried the original out if ever given the chance. Its truly is a beast of a cutting machine that performs fantastically and gives you amazing comfort while doing so. And if you like me like the lockback as the perfect lock then it will end up above the Manix 2. By the way there is one bad thing i can say about the Original and the Manix 2.
The Original’s clip is inferior to the current clips of spyderco. And for the Manix 2 its a personal opinion but the blade shape of the Manix 2 is for me personally a step backwards to the original. I find the wider blade so much prettier!

[Ramonade]

And the Robin Strikes Back !

[Wartstein]

....

..

Its hard to describe the feeling the old Mini Manix gives compared to today’s Manix 2 or even the Manix 2 backlock. ( i had the same minimal experience with that last one as you but i never even bought that one just handled it in a store )
My own personal thoughts about the subject it i do not see the Manix 2 generation ( no matter the lock ) as a successor to the old lockbacks. I see them more as separate bloodline that is close but not the same.

Both have there strenghts and there disadvantages. ( none have weaknesses )
In the end i am a die hard fan of the Mini Manix due to its amazing lockback that even to today’s standards still is legendary. The lock and the amazing quality of the overall design gives me the feeling i always search for in other knives its basically my norm to compare spydies to in that size. I also adore the cutting performance and the comfort and even the weight of the design.

I always find it funny that people complain about the blade stock on the original Manixes.
As I personally use both generation’s of Manixes almost constantly i have the experience to say even if there is a difference its so microscopic its really not worth mentioning and still people scream and cry about it. Its like even with them constantly praising spyderco they still forget how good spyderco really is in making its blades. If Spyderco makes a 4 mm blade or a 3,2 mm blade believe me both will cut like a lazer and both will keep they’re edge longer then any competitor company’s knives.
The only thing different is the little weight it gives but that again is just a personal thing.

So to end my lecture i think if you are a fan of the Manix design you should at least tried the original out if ever given the chance. Its truly is a beast of a cutting machine that performs fantastically and gives you amazing comfort while doing so. And if you like me like the lockback as the perfect lock then it will end up above the Manix 2. By the way there is one bad thing i can say about the Original and the Manix 2.
The Original’s clip is inferior to the current clips of spyderco. And for the Manix 2 its a personal opinion but the blade shape of the Manix 2 is for me personally a step backwards to the original. I find the wider blade so much prettier!

I am sure I´d love the feel in hand and in many tasks also to use the Mini Manix as well as the C95!
Also, but not only, since I am really a fan of good backlocks!

Still, you know that we are "a bit" different in that regard
I absolutely can appreciate a perfectly executed, rather heavy, bomb proof folder! But making one that still can easily handle any folder task, but is really light, is the true art of folder design for me personally. So the lighter G10 Manix 2 and even a lot more so the Manix 2 LW have more appeal to me.

I personally neither really "complain", nor "scream and cry" about thicker blade stock

It is just that the 3.2 mm blade of the Manix 2 is more than strong enough for anything I could think of, and the 4 mm just has to be an (even if just ever so slightly) a bit worse slicer due to geometry, all things else being equal.
While I can´t see any real advantage of the 4 mm blade stock - other than perhaps the finger rests more comfortably on a thicker spine and in theory the lock up could be even ab bit stronger (no practical relevance imo though). Or if one batons with folder blades the 4mm could act a tad more as a wedge...

Anyway: I fully get why you love that heavy, old school Manixes! I definitely would so too, just as a knife guy.
Practically speaking and in day to day use lighter weight, while still being sturdy enough is the way to go for me and where a designer really can show what he/she is worth.

[ladybug93]

the manix 2 fits my hand so perfectly, it's hard to imagine the old mini manix could be any better. even the manix 2 backlock was just bulky enough to not interest me as replacement. of course, i'm kicking myself for not picking one up as a knife for hiking and camping, but i've got other blades for that and the manix 2 still works fine for those scenarios as well.

man this thread is old.

[apollo]

..

Its hard to describe the feeling the old Mini Manix gives compared to today’s Manix 2 or even the Manix 2 backlock. ( i had the same minimal experience with that last one as you but i never even bought that one just handled it in a store )
My own personal thoughts about the subject it i do not see the Manix 2 generation ( no matter the lock ) as a successor to the old lockbacks. I see them more as separate bloodline that is close but not the same.

Both have there strenghts and there disadvantages. ( none have weaknesses )
In the end i am a die hard fan of the Mini Manix due to its amazing lockback that even to today’s standards still is legendary. The lock and the amazing quality of the overall design gives me the feeling i always search for in other knives its basically my norm to compare spydies to in that size. I also adore the cutting performance and the comfort and even the weight of the design.

I always find it funny that people complain about the blade stock on the original Manixes.
As I personally use both generation’s of Manixes almost constantly i have the experience to say even if there is a difference its so microscopic its really not worth mentioning and still people scream and cry about it. Its like even with them constantly praising spyderco they still forget how good spyderco really is in making its blades. If Spyderco makes a 4 mm blade or a 3,2 mm blade believe me both will cut like a lazer and both will keep they’re edge longer then any competitor company’s knives.
The only thing different is the little weight it gives but that again is just a personal thing.

So to end my lecture i think if you are a fan of the Manix design you should at least tried the original out if ever given the chance. Its truly is a beast of a cutting machine that performs fantastically and gives you amazing comfort while doing so. And if you like me like the lockback as the perfect lock then it will end up above the Manix 2. By the way there is one bad thing i can say about the Original and the Manix 2.
The Original’s clip is inferior to the current clips of spyderco. And for the Manix 2 its a personal opinion but the blade shape of the Manix 2 is for me personally a step backwards to the original. I find the wider blade so much prettier!

I am sure I´d love the feel in hand and in many tasks also to use the Mini Manix as well as the C95!
Also, but not only, since I am really a fan of good backlocks!

Still, you know that we are "a bit" different in that regard
I absolutely can appreciate a perfectly executed, rather heavy, bomb proof folder! But making one that still can easily handle any folder task, but is really light, is the true art of folder design for me personally. So the lighter G10 Manix 2 and even a lot more so the Manix 2 LW have more appeal to me.

I personally neither really "complain", nor "scream and cry" about thicker blade stock

It is just that the 3.2 mm blade of the Manix 2 is more than strong enough for anything I could think of, and the 4 mm just has to be an (even if just ever so slightly) a bit worse slicer due to geometry, all things else being equal.
While I can´t see any real advantage of the 4 mm blade stock - other than perhaps the finger rests more comfortably on a thicker spine and in theory the lock up could be even ab bit stronger (no practical relevance imo though). Or if one batons with folder blades the 4mm could act a tad more as a wedge...

Anyway: I fully get why you love that heavy, old school Manixes! I definitely would so too, just as a knife guy.
Practically speaking and in day to day use lighter weight, while still being sturdy enough is the way to go for me and where a designer really can show what he/she is worth.

I know but i will keep trying to get you hooked…
About the blade stock indeed the 3,2mm is strong enough. I only mentioned it because people who never even seen or used the originals seem to condemn them to being inferior cutters while the grinds on this Manixes are extremely well done so you can’t really notice any difference. For example the tuff and the first techno really did suffer from there blade stock but therefore people seem to think all blades with thicker bladestock are worse but that isn’t always the case. They forget the grind is also a huge factor.
So when they call it worse for its weight i find it reasonable but when people mention it for performance i already know they never held one in there hands ever.

[Manixguy@1994]

The original still works for me . MG2