Review: Manix 2 in CPM-M4 Tan G10 Bento version
Review: Manix 2 in CPM-M4 Tan G10 Bento version
This is my experience of the Bento Box Shop's version of the Manix 2.
The obvious difference compared to the standard Manix 2 is the "tan" colour of the G10 and the full flat ground CPM M4 blade. Beyond this, I believe the liners are more extensively skeletonised (the M4 version has large, squarish cut outs) -I don't have a standard Manix 2 for comparison. This, plus the FFG blade brings the weight down from 143g (Standard) to 124g for the M4 version.
The knife allows left and right tip-up carry with pocket clip. The fit and finish are good: centered blade, countersunk torx bolts, no gaps, chamfered lanyard tube, solid lock up, no play. The lock is more effort to disengage than the Benchmade Axis lock with which it will inevitably be compared. I have to use a finger and thumb in tandem to pull the ball-bearing housing back. Not difficult but does necessitate a slight change of grip on the handle; still a one-handed operation.
The tan G10 is surprisingly pale and greyish, rather than the brownish/sandy colour I would have expected.
When I received the knife, I put a 30deg inclusive edge on it using a Sharpmaker (I might experiment with other edge geometries using benchstones but I was eager to get going) and then stropped on a loaded 50cm length of veg-tanned leather on wood backing. As expected, the knife was hair-popping sharp to the tip. I confess I did not check for a burr using my loupe at this stage -more of that later...
The knife became my companion for the next few weeks:
Out in the woods:
The ergonomics are typical spyderco (which I like)- deep choil for forward grip:
The knife saw frequent and varied use (pics not in chronological order):
I truncated and flattened a piece of hazel for use as a digging stick, harvesting ramsons (wild garlic) while out with the dog. Smell of bluebells and garlic delightful:
Made some feather sticks for a fire with my lad:
The corners of the handle did begin to create hot spots on my hand after a while- not really a criticism as a fixed blade would normally be my choice for this:
Whittled a pot hangar:
And got the grub on with a tripod:
Continued in part 2...
The obvious difference compared to the standard Manix 2 is the "tan" colour of the G10 and the full flat ground CPM M4 blade. Beyond this, I believe the liners are more extensively skeletonised (the M4 version has large, squarish cut outs) -I don't have a standard Manix 2 for comparison. This, plus the FFG blade brings the weight down from 143g (Standard) to 124g for the M4 version.
The knife allows left and right tip-up carry with pocket clip. The fit and finish are good: centered blade, countersunk torx bolts, no gaps, chamfered lanyard tube, solid lock up, no play. The lock is more effort to disengage than the Benchmade Axis lock with which it will inevitably be compared. I have to use a finger and thumb in tandem to pull the ball-bearing housing back. Not difficult but does necessitate a slight change of grip on the handle; still a one-handed operation.
The tan G10 is surprisingly pale and greyish, rather than the brownish/sandy colour I would have expected.
When I received the knife, I put a 30deg inclusive edge on it using a Sharpmaker (I might experiment with other edge geometries using benchstones but I was eager to get going) and then stropped on a loaded 50cm length of veg-tanned leather on wood backing. As expected, the knife was hair-popping sharp to the tip. I confess I did not check for a burr using my loupe at this stage -more of that later...
The knife became my companion for the next few weeks:
Out in the woods:
The ergonomics are typical spyderco (which I like)- deep choil for forward grip:
The knife saw frequent and varied use (pics not in chronological order):
I truncated and flattened a piece of hazel for use as a digging stick, harvesting ramsons (wild garlic) while out with the dog. Smell of bluebells and garlic delightful:
Made some feather sticks for a fire with my lad:
The corners of the handle did begin to create hot spots on my hand after a while- not really a criticism as a fixed blade would normally be my choice for this:
Whittled a pot hangar:
And got the grub on with a tripod:
Continued in part 2...
UKPK G10, UKPK Ti, Para 2CF&20CP, Stretch CF, Stretch CF conv, Manix2 M4,Endura Wave, Endura ZDP189, Pacific Salt, Captain, Gunting S30v, P'Kal, Gayle Bradley,Atlantic Salt, Spyderhawk, Crossbill, Wings slipit
Mules: CTSBD1, Super Blue, S90V, VG10, S35VN, Cos-3, M390 Fixed: Bushcraft, Warrior
Mules: CTSBD1, Super Blue, S90V, VG10, S35VN, Cos-3, M390 Fixed: Bushcraft, Warrior
Part 2
Shot a couple of bunnies (I think I left some blood on the blade and this stained a bit):
Somewhat gory pic of paunched rabbits so don't view pic if squaemish.
Jointed them (the Tan G10 certainly shows up dirt/blood -arguably a good thing as you know when they're clean):
Also processed some chicken:
And did some carving (spoon and stake for tree-support etc.):
The blood from a careless nick is on the spoon -oops:
Continued in part 3...
Somewhat gory pic of paunched rabbits so don't view pic if squaemish.
Jointed them (the Tan G10 certainly shows up dirt/blood -arguably a good thing as you know when they're clean):
Also processed some chicken:
And did some carving (spoon and stake for tree-support etc.):
The blood from a careless nick is on the spoon -oops:
Continued in part 3...
UKPK G10, UKPK Ti, Para 2CF&20CP, Stretch CF, Stretch CF conv, Manix2 M4,Endura Wave, Endura ZDP189, Pacific Salt, Captain, Gunting S30v, P'Kal, Gayle Bradley,Atlantic Salt, Spyderhawk, Crossbill, Wings slipit
Mules: CTSBD1, Super Blue, S90V, VG10, S35VN, Cos-3, M390 Fixed: Bushcraft, Warrior
Mules: CTSBD1, Super Blue, S90V, VG10, S35VN, Cos-3, M390 Fixed: Bushcraft, Warrior
Part 3
The knife was also used for numerous other day-to-day tasks during this time. At the end of several weeks use, the blade was noticeably duller and bore stains from blood and oak sap. The lock up was solid and play free, the pivot action smooth.
Running a finger nail up the side of the blade toward the edge there was a "catch" or hooking sensation on one side but not the other, reminiscent of a rolled/folded edge. I have tried to photograph this with a macro lens (not my forte) but I can't see an obvious roll:
Since then I have sharpened at 40 deg inclusive- still hair-popping but should be less damage prone. The blade was developing an uneven patina so I have tried to even it up a bit by leaving the blade unwashed after cutting up onions and such:
In summary:
An excellent knife: good ergonomics, albeit a slightly fiddly lock release, with superb blade steel. I have no issue with blades not being shiny, though I do now carry a small oily cotton strip in a baggy with this knife as I don't want pitting to develop, especially around the pivot. Like any non-stainless steel, a bit of care is needed (proportionate to how long you want the knife to last, anyway ) The edge holding is impressive, given what it went through, and I cannot be sure I had fully removed the burr with my stropping so performance might have been even better if damage of the microbevel did occur due to burr tear.
I don't know how long the lock mechanism will resist the onslaught of pocket crud and the skeletonised liners are a potential blood/muck magnet. Not withstanding, I really like this knife and it is seeing more pocket time than any other (including newer) sharps.
Highly recommended if you are in the USA* and don't mind non-stainless blades.
Best wishes,
Xav
*Bento won't ship internationally
Running a finger nail up the side of the blade toward the edge there was a "catch" or hooking sensation on one side but not the other, reminiscent of a rolled/folded edge. I have tried to photograph this with a macro lens (not my forte) but I can't see an obvious roll:
Since then I have sharpened at 40 deg inclusive- still hair-popping but should be less damage prone. The blade was developing an uneven patina so I have tried to even it up a bit by leaving the blade unwashed after cutting up onions and such:
In summary:
An excellent knife: good ergonomics, albeit a slightly fiddly lock release, with superb blade steel. I have no issue with blades not being shiny, though I do now carry a small oily cotton strip in a baggy with this knife as I don't want pitting to develop, especially around the pivot. Like any non-stainless steel, a bit of care is needed (proportionate to how long you want the knife to last, anyway ) The edge holding is impressive, given what it went through, and I cannot be sure I had fully removed the burr with my stropping so performance might have been even better if damage of the microbevel did occur due to burr tear.
I don't know how long the lock mechanism will resist the onslaught of pocket crud and the skeletonised liners are a potential blood/muck magnet. Not withstanding, I really like this knife and it is seeing more pocket time than any other (including newer) sharps.
Highly recommended if you are in the USA* and don't mind non-stainless blades.
Best wishes,
Xav
*Bento won't ship internationally
UKPK G10, UKPK Ti, Para 2CF&20CP, Stretch CF, Stretch CF conv, Manix2 M4,Endura Wave, Endura ZDP189, Pacific Salt, Captain, Gunting S30v, P'Kal, Gayle Bradley,Atlantic Salt, Spyderhawk, Crossbill, Wings slipit
Mules: CTSBD1, Super Blue, S90V, VG10, S35VN, Cos-3, M390 Fixed: Bushcraft, Warrior
Mules: CTSBD1, Super Blue, S90V, VG10, S35VN, Cos-3, M390 Fixed: Bushcraft, Warrior
- defenestrate
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Nice write up with pics.
I skipped the BBS M4 Manix for a Stag Arms S30v FFG due to the DLC blade and dark handle.
Ive asked in another thread as to why the lock is so tight and "Gritty" and its not a consistent pull. I was told the spring was just new, But i feel the G10 is overly tight around the lock tab. But time should smooth it out.
Mine has the skelontized square cut out on the liners also, I like weight in the handle so it didn't matter to me whether mine had them or not.
I wonder why they dont offer M4 steel with DLC coatings? That would save many issues with pitting and the extra care the blade needs. I own a Gayle Bradley with M4 also and for now just owning one is enough for me.
The stock edge angle is fine with me as i dont usually resharpen a knife unless i know im %100 sure im keeping the knife. Im used to much larger folders with higher angles so when i get a knife like this the stock angle seems perfect for me until i get to know the knife better.
I do have to say the Manix 2 has me wanting a Sage 2 as they seem to be really similier and this sized knife is one i really like for what id call a "small" knife.
I skipped the BBS M4 Manix for a Stag Arms S30v FFG due to the DLC blade and dark handle.
Ive asked in another thread as to why the lock is so tight and "Gritty" and its not a consistent pull. I was told the spring was just new, But i feel the G10 is overly tight around the lock tab. But time should smooth it out.
Mine has the skelontized square cut out on the liners also, I like weight in the handle so it didn't matter to me whether mine had them or not.
I wonder why they dont offer M4 steel with DLC coatings? That would save many issues with pitting and the extra care the blade needs. I own a Gayle Bradley with M4 also and for now just owning one is enough for me.
The stock edge angle is fine with me as i dont usually resharpen a knife unless i know im %100 sure im keeping the knife. Im used to much larger folders with higher angles so when i get a knife like this the stock angle seems perfect for me until i get to know the knife better.
I do have to say the Manix 2 has me wanting a Sage 2 as they seem to be really similier and this sized knife is one i really like for what id call a "small" knife.
- WireEdge Roger
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Or the Sage 3, which has a lock (the bolt action lock) that has a very similar motion to lock and unlock the knife. :) But all the Sage knives are terrific knives, very well made and supporting a memorable cause.I do have to say the Manix 2 has me wanting a Sage 2 as they seem to be really similier and this sized knife is one i really like for what id call a "small" knife.
-
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- Location: Swansea Wales
I have a good friend in California who ordered and posted it on. I owe him a few beers when he's next back in Blighty!angusW wrote:Great review Xav. Looks like you were having a really good time with your knife and I bet that rabbit was tasty once they were cooked up. I was going to ask you how you got your BB Manix 2 as I'm assuming you're in the UK.
Thanks, all, for the compliments. I'm just documenting some of the good parts of my life; it's fun and knives are a big part of it.
Cheers,
Xav
UKPK G10, UKPK Ti, Para 2CF&20CP, Stretch CF, Stretch CF conv, Manix2 M4,Endura Wave, Endura ZDP189, Pacific Salt, Captain, Gunting S30v, P'Kal, Gayle Bradley,Atlantic Salt, Spyderhawk, Crossbill, Wings slipit
Mules: CTSBD1, Super Blue, S90V, VG10, S35VN, Cos-3, M390 Fixed: Bushcraft, Warrior
Mules: CTSBD1, Super Blue, S90V, VG10, S35VN, Cos-3, M390 Fixed: Bushcraft, Warrior
I'm from Spain but managed to get one with the help of a friend. I'm addicted to Military and Manix models, of which I have all the different steel versions.
The skeletonized liners are similar to other sprint runs and in my knife so far the blade doesn't move so freely as in my other models when the lock is disengaged, which is desirable sometimes by the way... I was bitten by my first Manix 2 when closing it... :)
Nice knife, awesome steel, great review... thank you!
The skeletonized liners are similar to other sprint runs and in my knife so far the blade doesn't move so freely as in my other models when the lock is disengaged, which is desirable sometimes by the way... I was bitten by my first Manix 2 when closing it... :)
Nice knife, awesome steel, great review... thank you!
I've been perfectly happy with a 40deg microbevel but, as alluded to in my review, I've redone the edge to about 30deg inclusive on the benchstones. The bevel is polished and I've made sure I've removed the burr. If the edge is not robust enough for the use it gets, I'll put the 40 deg microbevel back on.
I do like the look of a polished bevel on a patinated blade :D
I do like the look of a polished bevel on a patinated blade :D
UKPK G10, UKPK Ti, Para 2CF&20CP, Stretch CF, Stretch CF conv, Manix2 M4,Endura Wave, Endura ZDP189, Pacific Salt, Captain, Gunting S30v, P'Kal, Gayle Bradley,Atlantic Salt, Spyderhawk, Crossbill, Wings slipit
Mules: CTSBD1, Super Blue, S90V, VG10, S35VN, Cos-3, M390 Fixed: Bushcraft, Warrior
Mules: CTSBD1, Super Blue, S90V, VG10, S35VN, Cos-3, M390 Fixed: Bushcraft, Warrior
- insaneinmate
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- Location: Northern Kentucky/Cincy