What to get first?

[Balicarver]

I am debating whether to get the standard manix 2 or the standard paramilitary 2... Before you answer and say get both consider this... I have a spyderco sage 2 coming my way and want another folder that I won't mind using in the outdoors. I have other knives but none are really suitable (benchmade model 32, spyderco dragonfly and a few opinels + some ccc's) and I really want a spyderco. I don't mind the weight and chunkiness. My main gripe with the manix 2 is does it cut well with the hollw grind? And is it smooth and fun to play with, I do this with all my knives. Does the lock function easily(I don't care for strength). I will be thankful for all replies. Thanks!

[Balicarver]

BTW, I really don't like the feeling of the lockback when opening and closing.

[KardinalSyn]

Welcome to the forum Balicarver.

For the outdoors, my vote is for the Para2 first an then the Manix 2 XL. The latter is larger than the standard Manix 2. Based on your situation, I would go with the Para2. Since you will get a Manix in due course.

[Balicarver]

Thank you so much KardinalSyn! Gonna get the Para 2! :D

[akaAK]

I would go Para2 as well. If you are not using gloves the lack of extra jimping makes the para2 more comfortable for me. I know lock strength is not an issue but you can't go wrong with eiter. Both are quite smooth. If you are using it outdoors the Para2 is also easier to clean in my opinion due to the open construction.

[Reject]

Which one? They both are beasts and I mean beasts.

IMHO the Para2 is a knife you carry, the Manix XL is a knife you carry somewhere.
What I am trying to say is that soon after you put the Para2 in your pocket and use it a few times, you will never want to be with out it.

The Manix XL is, a big knife and it will serve you well, if you spend you life in the bush. It feels good in the hand and man; it feels capable of doing some heavy duty stuff. But if you want a knife that you can clip in the pocket and forget about until you need it, the Para2 is the one.

My combo is the Sage and a Para2, love the Sage, it does the fine work, the Para2 does the rest.

Don’t get me wrong; I haven’t had the Manix XL out for a while and I am sitting here playing with it and it is a fine piece of work. You will not be disappointed if you get one.

The answer? ****! I don’t know! Get both or get the one that is going to serve you best.

Anyway there are some Pic’s.

[KardinalSyn]

Glad to hear that.

I have only two Para2s and two Millies. Only one Manix 2 XL. Though I absolutely love the Para2, the M390 Military with CF handles has pushed all other blades out of my pockets. The Dragonfly2 Salt has managed to stick by the side of the Millie for those small odd jobs that come up. I did not recommend the Millie to you cos you had already decided on the two models that you prefer. Have a look at one of you get the chance. Who knows of what might happen

Take care and enjoy every minute with those knives.

[Splice]

Para 2. Compression lock is a lot of fun to play with and the knife feels like its coming out of you

[Blerv]

The biggest difference is going to come down to personal preference and aesthetics. Both are actually nice slicers and the spread is about $20.

[KardinalSyn]

Which one? They both are beasts and I mean beasts.

IMHO the Para2 is a knife you carry, the Manix XL is a knife you carry somewhere.
What I am trying to say is that soon after you put the Para2 in your pocket and use it a few times, you will never want to be with out it.

The Manix XL is, a big knife and it will serve you well, if you spend you life in the bush. It feels good in the hand and man; it feels capable of doing some heavy duty stuff. But if you want a knife that you can clip in the pocket and forget about until you need it, the Para2 is the one.

My combo is the Sage and a Para2, love the Sage, it does the fine work, the Para2 does the rest.

Don’t get me wrong; I haven’t had the Manix XL out for a while and I am sitting here playing with it and it is a fine piece of work. You will not be disappointed if you get one.

The answer? ****! I don’t know! Get both or get the one that is going to serve you best.

Anyway there are some Pic’s.

Great photos Reject. Just what this thread needed. Thank you.

[Balicarver]

Living in South Africa, there isn't a huge selection of knives. Between the models I have said there is no price difference an are far more expensive than in the U.S. And shipping from the U.S is more expensive(duty+VAT) and our postal service is dodgey... Stuff gets "lost"! Just seen a leafstorm an may jump on that... may not be exactly what I am looking for now but I will definitely end up with one in the future. So can you be without a Para 2. This will be my last knife for a few months...

[KardinalSyn]

I understand. I face the same issues in my own country.

Let me retract my old suggestion and say that you should buy what you like most. My first was a Centofante3 and I treasure that knife dearly.

[D1omedes]

Para 2. I don't know how anyone can use the Manix 2 for any length of time, for hard cutting, and think that exposed jimping is comfortable. :confused:

The Para 2 is very ergonomic and the compression lock inspires confidence. The blade also balances slicing power with enough thickness so that you aren't afraid you are going to snap it. The fact that it's pretty light for its size and has a thinner closed profile makes it easier to carry in the pocket than the Manix. Trust me, there is a reason that the Para 2 has such an incredible following.

[Balicarver]

Thanks KardinalSyn! Thanks for the good advice! Same with me.

[Blerv]

To each his own but based on comfort and pragmatism neither can keep up with the Stretch.

[DeathBySnooSnoo]

I will always vote Manix2 over para 2. Depending on what you are cutting (how thick it is) the hollow grind of the Manix 2 is a better slicer than the Para2. That is just fact.
If you are cutting deeply into hard material (things that aren't flexible) then the Para2 offers a bit of an advantage because it is basically a wedge.

Personally I would take a Military over both.