Para-Manix or Lil' Manix someday?
- Makunochimaster
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Para-Manix or Lil' Manix someday?
manix 3" and 2-2,5" with ball bearing lock may be interesting, anyone think? 
Paramilitary 2 s110v, Manix 2 s110v,
Para 3 204p, Lil' Native 20cv,
Squeak m398, Endura vg10 serrated.
Para 3 204p, Lil' Native 20cv,
Squeak m398, Endura vg10 serrated.
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Re: Para-Manix or Lil' Manix someday?
I really like the Manix, but more despite the CBBL rather than because of, so not sure I’m up for more of those in any size. But I’d get pretty excited for a smaller sized, backlock Manix.
- apollo
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Re: Para-Manix or Lil' Manix someday?
I would love to see a smaller Manix the more Manixes the better but i would want it not to small. Minimum it would need to be delica size.
Re: Para-Manix or Lil' Manix someday?
Couldn’t have worded any better!aicolainen wrote: ↑Sat May 10, 2025 2:17 pmI really like the Manix, but more despite the CBBL rather than because of, so not sure I’m up for more of those in any size. But I’d get pretty excited for a smaller sized, backlock Manix.
Re: Para-Manix or Lil' Manix someday?
I’ve wanted a 2.5-3” CBBL knife for many years. I even procured a second-hand broken-tipped Manix that I’m eventually gonna finish fixing up.
Also, it’s a bummer that the Sage series could most likely accommodate the CBBL but for some reason hasn’t received the treatment.
Also, it’s a bummer that the Sage series could most likely accommodate the CBBL but for some reason hasn’t received the treatment.
Have: old S30V Native, HAP40 Endura, ZDP DF2, S110V Manix LW, Cru-wear Para 3, SE H1 DF2, S90V Native 5, K390 Urban, SE Pac Salt, P.I.T.S., XHP Manix LW, SB Caly 3, B70P, PMA11, K03, Kapara, REX 45 Military, 154CM Manix LW, Swick, AEB-L Urban, KC Cruwear Manix, M390 PM2, Mantra 2, CruCarta Shaman, M390 Manix, K390 Police 4, S90V Manix LW, Rex 45 Manix LW, 20CV Manix, Rex 45 Lil’Native, Shaman, C208GP, Cruwear Manix, Cruwear Manix, M4 Chief, Z-max!!!
Want: SPY27, K490, Swick 5.
Want: SPY27, K490, Swick 5.
- Manixguy@1994
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Re: Para-Manix or Lil' Manix someday?
I am guess going smaller would possibly be a downsize to the lock . Makes me wonder if it would be possible ? I not trying to be negative of the idea just curious how it could work . I would never turndown a lockback , especially if it had liners . MG2
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Re: Para-Manix or Lil' Manix someday?
Kind of already exists.benben wrote: ↑Sat May 10, 2025 4:04 pmCouldn’t have worded any better!aicolainen wrote: ↑Sat May 10, 2025 2:17 pmI really like the Manix, but more despite the CBBL rather than because of, so not sure I’m up for more of those in any size. But I’d get pretty excited for a smaller sized, backlock Manix.
http://i.imgur.com/JsQRdDGh.jpg Not my photo and from a 2017 thread - viewtopic.php?t=75130
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Re: Para-Manix or Lil' Manix someday?
I was actually thinking of this the other day. I do think it should have a similar lock, but I think the 'crossbolt' style lock would be a stronger addition in place of a CBBL lock, as it utilizes the strength of the liners as well.
In any case, it would be somewhat easy to transform a Manix 2 into a mini-Manix, since the liners aren't nested. Just start grinidng the blade and handle! You are going to need to drill/tap for a new pocket clip, though.
In any case, it would be somewhat easy to transform a Manix 2 into a mini-Manix, since the liners aren't nested. Just start grinidng the blade and handle! You are going to need to drill/tap for a new pocket clip, though.
Re: Para-Manix or Lil' Manix someday?
I think in overall shape Sage and Chaparral are even closer to a "lil Manix" than the Native.Zipper wrote: ↑Sat May 10, 2025 5:09 pmKind of already exists.
http://i.imgur.com/JsQRdDGh.jpg
image.jpeg
Not my photo and from a 2017 thread - viewtopic.php?t=75130
Especially the subtle thumbramp.
Also, the Sage 3 came with a bolt action lock (so same idea as the CBBL).

Top three going by pocket-time (update April 25):
- EDC: Endela SE (K390). Endura thin red line ffg combo edge (VG10), Chaparral SE (CTS XHP)
- Mountains/outdoors: Pac.Salt 2 SE (LC200N), Salt 2 SE (LC200N), Endela SE (K390)
- EDC: Endela SE (K390). Endura thin red line ffg combo edge (VG10), Chaparral SE (CTS XHP)
- Mountains/outdoors: Pac.Salt 2 SE (LC200N), Salt 2 SE (LC200N), Endela SE (K390)
Re: Para-Manix or Lil' Manix someday?
Wartstein wrote: ↑Sat May 10, 2025 11:20 pmZipper wrote: ↑Sat May 10, 2025 5:09 pmKind of already exists.
I think in overall shape Sage and Chaparral are even closer to a "lil Manix" than the Native.
Especially the subtle thumbramp.
Also, the Sage 3 came with a bolt action lock (so same idea as the CBBL).
Agreed.
My post was more about a ‘back lock’ version.
Re: Para-Manix or Lil' Manix someday?
Differently to you my friend @aicolainen I am a Fan of the CBBL, close second behind the backlock as my favorite locktype.
So I'd love to see more CBBL Spydies in any size.
Concerning a smaller Manix: Cool, but for me it absolutely would have get rid of the pinky hook, for in that smaller size the "hook" would restrict the grip area behind the choil too much.
For me a amaller Manix would have to have a handle end shaped like the Sages or Chaps (see pic in my post above).
So I'd love to see more CBBL Spydies in any size.
Concerning a smaller Manix: Cool, but for me it absolutely would have get rid of the pinky hook, for in that smaller size the "hook" would restrict the grip area behind the choil too much.
For me a amaller Manix would have to have a handle end shaped like the Sages or Chaps (see pic in my post above).
Top three going by pocket-time (update April 25):
- EDC: Endela SE (K390). Endura thin red line ffg combo edge (VG10), Chaparral SE (CTS XHP)
- Mountains/outdoors: Pac.Salt 2 SE (LC200N), Salt 2 SE (LC200N), Endela SE (K390)
- EDC: Endela SE (K390). Endura thin red line ffg combo edge (VG10), Chaparral SE (CTS XHP)
- Mountains/outdoors: Pac.Salt 2 SE (LC200N), Salt 2 SE (LC200N), Endela SE (K390)
Re: Para-Manix or Lil' Manix someday?
Zipper wrote: ↑Sat May 10, 2025 11:25 pmWartstein wrote: ↑Sat May 10, 2025 11:20 pmAh, I see!Zipper wrote: ↑Sat May 10, 2025 5:09 pmKind of already exists.
I think in overall shape Sage and Chaparral are even closer to a "lil Manix" than the Native.
Especially the subtle thumbramp.
Also, the Sage 3 came with a bolt action lock (so same idea as the CBBL).
Agreed.
My post was more about a ‘back lock’ version.
Top three going by pocket-time (update April 25):
- EDC: Endela SE (K390). Endura thin red line ffg combo edge (VG10), Chaparral SE (CTS XHP)
- Mountains/outdoors: Pac.Salt 2 SE (LC200N), Salt 2 SE (LC200N), Endela SE (K390)
- EDC: Endela SE (K390). Endura thin red line ffg combo edge (VG10), Chaparral SE (CTS XHP)
- Mountains/outdoors: Pac.Salt 2 SE (LC200N), Salt 2 SE (LC200N), Endela SE (K390)
- apollo
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Re: Para-Manix or Lil' Manix someday?
This makes no sense to me could you explain why you think the Cross bar lock uses its liners better then the CBBL? As G10 Manixes use full length liners and most crossbar lock knives only have tiny inserts around the pivot area just like a Manix LW ?Red Leader wrote: ↑Sat May 10, 2025 7:48 pmI was actually thinking of this the other day. I do think it should have a similar lock, but I think the 'crossbolt' style lock would be a stronger addition in place of a CBBL lock, as it utilizes the strength of the liners as well.
In any case, it would be somewhat easy to transform a Manix 2 into a mini-Manix, since the liners aren't nested. Just start grinidng the blade and handle! You are going to need to drill/tap for a new pocket clip, though.
On top of that the cross bar "aka Axis" locks their springs are basicly made of paper and are not made to really last while the CBBL is without a doubt way better build with its coil spring as Eric designed it with the cross bar locks fails in mind.
By the way i would not hope on seeing many cross bar locks from Spyderco Eric told us he dislikes the idea of using it allot at Amsterdam. After all these years its maybe forgotten but Spyderco and BM are not the best of friends... Because of the entire steeling the opening hole without asking thing...
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Re: Para-Manix or Lil' Manix someday?
It kind of doesn’t.Zipper wrote: ↑Sat May 10, 2025 5:09 pmKind of already exists.benben wrote: ↑Sat May 10, 2025 4:04 pmCouldn’t have worded any better!aicolainen wrote: ↑Sat May 10, 2025 2:17 pmI really like the Manix, but more despite the CBBL rather than because of, so not sure I’m up for more of those in any size. But I’d get pretty excited for a smaller sized, backlock Manix.
http://i.imgur.com/JsQRdDGh.jpg
image.jpeg
Not my photo and from a 2017 thread - viewtopic.php?t=75130
The Native has totally different ergonomics. The radius of the finger guard is much larger on the N5, and everything going on behind the guard isn’t even remotely similar.
If the N5 and M2 had a kid though… I love the size and operation of the N5, but man… the grip I get on that M2..
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Re: Para-Manix or Lil' Manix someday?
You said it. Behind the backlock :D
Joking aside, it is in many ways a very good lock. It is very reliable and solid, and has a self closing bias that I really appreciate. But I have to be honest and say the backlock operates in a way that is much more natural and feels a lot more secure in my use.
Here I agree as well. For me the ergonomics of the M2 is close to perfection, but I have a narrow palm so it’s longer in the handle than it needs to be. Removing the hook section altogether, maybe moving the palm swell a tiny fraction forward and straightening out the butt end similar to Chap/Sage should make it just about perfect for small-medium hands, while still accommodating larger paws.Wartstein wrote: ↑Sat May 10, 2025 11:25 pmConcerning a smaller Manix: Cool, but for me it absolutely would have get rid of the pinky hook, for in that smaller size the "hook" would restrict the grip area behind the choil too much.
For me a amaller Manix would have to have a handle end shaped like the Sages or Chaps (see pic in my post above).
- SRT392HEMI
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Re: Para-Manix or Lil' Manix someday?
Exactly my thoughts as well. Would also love to see a reissue of the Sage 3. It's probably the closest thing to a mini Manix.
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Re: Para-Manix or Lil' Manix someday?
I had a long post typed out, but lost it...apollo wrote: ↑Sat May 10, 2025 11:37 pmThis makes no sense to me could you explain why you think the Cross bar lock uses its liners better then the CBBL? As G10 Manixes use full length liners and most crossbar lock knives only have tiny inserts around the pivot area just like a Manix LW ?Red Leader wrote: ↑Sat May 10, 2025 7:48 pmI was actually thinking of this the other day. I do think it should have a similar lock, but I think the 'crossbolt' style lock would be a stronger addition in place of a CBBL lock, as it utilizes the strength of the liners as well.
In any case, it would be somewhat easy to transform a Manix 2 into a mini-Manix, since the liners aren't nested. Just start grinidng the blade and handle! You are going to need to drill/tap for a new pocket clip, though.
On top of that the cross bar "aka Axis" locks their springs are basicly made of paper and are not made to really last while the CBBL is without a doubt way better build with its coil spring as Eric designed it with the cross bar locks fails in mind.
By the way i would not hope on seeing many cross bar locks from Spyderco Eric told us he dislikes the idea of using it allot at Amsterdam. After all these years its maybe forgotten but Spyderco and BM are not the best of friends... Because of the entire steeling the opening hole without asking thing...
In short, it's not so much the crossbar vs CBBL, but moreso if the CBBL utilized the additional strength of the liners in the lock, like the crossbar, it would be far stronger design.
In theory, the crossbar locks the blade up against the strength of the liners, which could be steel and could run the full length of the knife. In that case, it makes for a strong example.
The Manix, with the CBBL, only locks up the blade with the locking block. The locking block is sandwiched between the liners, and is held in place by 4 tiny screws, 2 in the front and 2 in back. In every lock strength test I've seen, under a certain amount of pressure, those two front screws shear off and the locking block pops up and out of the knife, bending the block, crushing the plastic ball holder and essentially destroying the knife.
I love the Manix. I've purchased 3, given some as gifts, and plan to get more. I'm going to be carrying a Manix 2 for 'Manix Monday' tomorrow! But I don't think the Manix w/ a CBBL is as strong as people tend to think it is. The plastic holder also bothers me - it can be broken via manufacturing/material deficiences or since it sticks out from the sides, it is exposed and vulerable to damage and I've seen both cause lock failures in the CBBL.
Perhaps lock strength is a moot point, because how often does an avg person see a difference between 125lbs and 450lbs for lock failure? But to me, we should always be constantly questioning, challenging, experimenting, growing, and innovating.
To me, the Achilles heel of the CBBL is the strength of those two little screws, and the weird plasic ball holder. The Achilles heel of the crossbar is of course the omega springs. So why not take the best of both and combine them? The ball is 3/16" and the opening in the liners is 1/4". You get a 3/16" crossbar and a 1/4" holder that rides on the liners and has provision for a little steel guide rod for the spring. Then not only are you utilizing the lock strength against the locking block alone, but also utilizing the liners as part of the lock. Way stronger, all metal, no inherent weak points.
I've been thinking about it enough over the last few weeks that I'm just going to make one and throw it in my Manix and see how it does. I'll report back when I have it done. I just hope I don't get lock stick haha.
Re: Para-Manix or Lil' Manix someday?
I would like a Mini-Manix that is less tall when closed than the Manix 2, so that it's less of a pocket hog.
- kennethsime
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Re: Para-Manix or Lil' Manix someday?
Man, I much prefer the Native 5 handle. I wish they would round off the point on the secondary choil to match the Native 5 profile.Zipper wrote: ↑Sat May 10, 2025 5:09 pmKind of already exists.benben wrote: ↑Sat May 10, 2025 4:04 pmCouldn’t have worded any better!aicolainen wrote: ↑Sat May 10, 2025 2:17 pmI really like the Manix, but more despite the CBBL rather than because of, so not sure I’m up for more of those in any size. But I’d get pretty excited for a smaller sized, backlock Manix.
http://i.imgur.com/JsQRdDGh.jpg
image.jpeg
Not my photo and from a 2017 thread - viewtopic.php?t=75130
I'm happiest with Micarta and Tool Steel.
Top four in rotation: K390 + GCM PM2, ZCarta Shaman, Crucarta PM2, K390 + GCM Straight Spine Stretch.
Top four in rotation: K390 + GCM PM2, ZCarta Shaman, Crucarta PM2, K390 + GCM Straight Spine Stretch.
- Fastidiotus
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Re: Para-Manix or Lil' Manix someday?
^This x2aicolainen wrote: ↑Sat May 10, 2025 2:17 pmI really like the Manix, but more despite the CBBL rather than because of, so not sure I’m up for more of those in any size. But I’d get pretty excited for a smaller sized, backlock Manix.
I'm not a huge backlock fanboy. Out of the 8 or 9 Manix's, XL's, LW's I have the Manix 2 backlock(the one everyone hates on) is by far my favorite. So unbelievably comfortable in the hand. No liners with overly aggressive yet really kind of useless for added grip jimping. The knife snaps open with as much authority as the toughest cold steels. Honestly shouldn't have bought it because its a perfect knife that ruins a lot of knives for weeks after I carry it for the day.