Mini-manx or Para-military

[SpikeDog]

Hello Everyone - I'm new to this forum.

Ok so this is another one of those either/or threads, but I would welcome some help on choosing my next knife. Its use would fit the hard use outdoor catagory (i.e. camping, fishing, whittling, boyscouts, etc.). The size is not a problem because I think it would be carried in a coat or back pocket.

Thanks,
SD

[JD Spydo]

Well Welcome To The FORUM Spikedog :) . This is an easy one as far as I'm concerned. I would take the Mini Manix hands down. AS much as I respect the Military and Paramilitary both I just don't see any knife in the lineup now that can potentially take harsh abuse like the Mini Manix ( except for it's brother the big Manix).

I don't know what cutting chores you anticipate doing but the Mini Manix has just a bit more muscle that I am confident in.

Albeit you really can't go wrong with either knife. Enjoy your stay here in Spyderville :)

[redhawk44p]

I agree the Mini rocks. Welcome aboard.

[TK]

I'd say get a Para-Military. I think it's the better outdoor knife. It's easier to clean and has less parts that can fail. The tip of the Para is a bit more fragile then the tip of the Manix, and that's the only pro for the Manix, IMO. Both are rated VHD in lock strength, but the Compression Lock is more reliable, IMO.

Welcome aboard and enjoy your stay.

[Blub]

Mini. Has a 4 way clip.

[Halfneck]

Either would fit the bill just fine.

My preference would be the ParaMilitary because of the open back. No worries about fish guts or woodshavings getting stuck in there.

[Manix Guy 2]

Both are good choices , or course I would have to say Mini Manix or big brother . The Para is one I have passed on ONLY because I have been hoping to see the updated Para to hit the market , it is hopefully going to Ambi clip wise . Lefty whining again !

[John G.]

Here's some testing / reviews of the two by Cliff Stamp that I found very useful:

http://www.cutleryscience.com/reviews/manix.html
http://www.cutleryscience.com/reviews/m ... _s30v.html
http://www.cutleryscience.com/reviews/paramilitary.html

Unfortunately, Cliff didn't review the mini-Manix, but I think you can probably generalize the differences he found between the full size Manic and Military. Cliff did review the Paramilitary though, so you may not have to generalize much.

For a camping knife; I'd go with the mini-Manix so I could chop off branches to roast hot-dogs & marshmallows easier, and not have to worry about snapping off the tip during any whittling that has any "cut & pry out the chip" sorts of actions.

[clovisc]

if you're going to be cutting outside a lot, i'd say the paramilitary is the better option... easier to clean.

the mini-manix is a great knife, though... although i think you'll find the closed-back handle is a real dirt/mud/gunk trap. i've had some locking issues, as well... the lock area will sometimes fill up with gunk, and you'll have trouble locking it open securely.

while i do love the manix and mini-manix designs, for a knife for serious, repetitive hard use outdoors, i'd choose the mili family over the manix family about ten to one!

[yablanowitz]

I would go with my usual compromise, and get both.

Oh, wait! I already have both :D The "Mini"-Manix is about as reliable as an anvil, while the Paramilitary is only about as reliable as the hammer you use to beat on the anvil. Either one will work for anything you should use a knife for, and quite a few things you shouldn't. When you get into that category, the Manix will take more abuse. The Para is slimmer and lighter, which makes it easier to carry. If you are doing a lot of backpacking and long hikes (especially at high altitude) you may well come to appreciate saving a few ounces.

[Harry White]

i vote for the para. while i dont have a mini manix, i do have its big brother. para: lightweight, ease of cleaning, and the compression lock is just plain fun!

can't go wrong either way. when its this close, i say grab whichever one you can find the best deal on and dont look back.

[Firefighter880]

I just finished my search for the perfect all-around outdoor knife....

I decided on a SE satin blade Paramilitary. Very heavy duty rated compression lock, SE edge, open back for cleaning, light weight yet very hard core.... the perfect knife (except for the standard right hand tip-down carry option).

The Manix is a great knife, but I just never really wanted to "down-grade" to it's little brother. I figure, I've got the big one, why go smaller. I also have the large Millie, but the difference in locking mechanism is enough to make me get the Para.

That said, you really can't go wrong with either one. It's a personal preference thing.

:spyder:

[eastr]

i would pick mini manix i have para and mini for boyscouts the mini is much freindlyer looking and very heavy duty.

[The Deacon]

Both have full flat ground 4mm thick blades with roughly the same amount of belly, so no real choice there. They are also well matched in terms of ruggedness. The Para is 1/8' longer closed, it's blade is 1/32" longer, and it weighs 1.75 ounces less than the 83mm Manix. It is probably also thinner, but am not sure just how much. On the other hand, it has fewer carry options, and some (like myself) consider the compression lock to be less than fully ambidextrous.

[Mr Blonde]

I really like the lefty tip-up clip option on my Mini Manix. Plus, the Minimanix doesn't have that exposed tang when folded that the Para has. And I simply love the wide leaf shape blade of the Mini Manix. The Mini Manix is slightly bulkier and heavier though.

Wouter

[NoFair]

I'm not a huge fan of the Manixes...

I'd take the Para any day if I had to choose between those 2. I'd also choose a Millie over those 2

For your use I would advise a Temperance since it should do almost anything better :D When in the woods I see no reason not to go fixed blade instead of a folder.. It is also cheaper so you have more cash left for other :spyder: s

All are good knives, but I'd advise you to try to them out in a store before you buy.

[eastr]

well i would say temperance sence you brought it up they are only 70$ the manix is 106??? and the mini is 98$

[Texas guy]

I had to choose between the para and mini manix also, para won out with me :spyder: I love my Para so much I'm going to get the other variants, and I'm worried that the "Para revision" will change too much about this near perfect knife.

[Firefighter880]

I'm worried that the "Para revision" will change too much about this near perfect knife.

I'm worried about that too. The Para really is just about perfect. Just wish it carried tip-up.

[mikey]

i would go with the para for it's light weight