Manix 2 Blue Lightweight (C101BL2) * DISSENTERS *, "HATERS" , your thoughts please...

[ManixFan]

If you like the looks of it yourself and don't feel that the extra $ to upgrade to the S110V version isn't an option for you then get it. The other factor of the steel not keeping a good edge for very long balanced against the ease of sharpening it and a very sharp initial edge is another factor. I would have bought one myself for the lightweight aspect of it but I just detest the way it looks. But there are people that I highly respect who wear gawd awful clothing fashions......doesn't change what's inside the clothes and the fact that I enjoy the company of ill dressed good friends much more than a well dressed unpleasant person.

I've had the benefit of a B&M store nearby where I could see it in person to know that I don't like it and now have the wonderful S110V to fill that lightweight category hole for myself. I have a couple of FRN Stretches (ZDP & SB) and quite like the material - not as much as a nice coloured G10 or CF .....but still nice all the same and very durable, grippy and comfortable in the hand.

So if you are aware of the pro's & con's of the steel and like the look of it then go for it. If not ......then don't. If you are looking for a lightweight though and can cough up the extra $ then you can't go wrong with S110V. I bought two Forum knives and two Mules (which are off getting custom scales & sheaths done right now)....such a wonderful steel!......when I have time to get to my nearby B&M store I will be grabbing my own S110V Manix. The Forum knife is very nice but just doesn't have the blade length I prefer for EDC'ing outside of an office working environment.

[bdblue]

I wasn't interested in them at first because I liked G10 and I already had the G10 version. Then when I was able to actually handle one I thought it was great because it was so light. For me I thought I could use the heavier G10 version for one thing and the lightweight version for another thing, and I liked the look of the translucent blue. I was interested in buying one when I heard about the upcoming S110V version so I decided to try to get one of those. At first I(we) didn't know it was going to be FRN and not translucent. I think I would like the translucent better, but I'll buy the FRN version if I can ever find one.

I don't know of the strength of FRN vs FRCP, and the FRN has proven to be pretty strong. I would think Spyderco would have proven the strength of the FRCP before they started using it so I would not be worried about it.

[3rdGenRigger]

If I do cave and buy the S110V version I'll put the manbasket on one of our picker trucks and toss my black FRCP M2 out and let it fall onto the gravel to see how it holds up (~100 feet). I think it'll be fine, though I don't think I can bring myself to do it until I have the S110V version just in case. I quite like the FRCP version, and I'd have no qualms about buying it, but I don't mind plastic knife handles. My Native (Which is FRN) shrugged off a 275 foot fall onto gravel, and the mark where it landed is nearly imperceptible.

[DougC-3]

One point I don't think anybody has mentioned yet: Whenever I can, I like to sample as many different blade and handle materials as possible, if they aren't out of my price range at the time or out of my "taste" range (presently, I don't care too much for things that are just "ornamental," or I'm sure I it would be more accurate to say artistic in some cases :-)

As a relative noob, I think it's also a lot of fun to try to sample as many different Spyderco design styles, countries of origin, and manufacturers as possible. I'm pretty open minded and have often been surprised at which ones wind up in my pocket the most, for whatever reason. Others I don't carry much but really like and would hate to part with.

When I found out the S110V was coming out in FRN instead of FRCP, which I believe was the original plan, I was actually disappointed because I don't have any FRCP and wanted an excuse to try it out. I bought the S110V Manix and carry it every day now in spite of the fact that I've been more of a G-10 guy and haven't used my FRN knives as much. The sucker is almost as light as my G-10 Dragonfly and I even clip it in my shirt pocket sometimes (with deep-carry Caly clip) as a second knife. I still want to try the FRCP model at some point but am undecided as to black vs translucent blue.

Edit: I'll probably get the translucent blue just because it's more different from anything I've got than the black model is :p

[Cameron]

I have pretty much the spectrum of the Manix 2 knives, and I much prefer the G10 and S30V production model to the FRCP/BD1 or FRN/S110V lightweight versions. While the new S110V is impressive the strength, ease of sharpening etc make the standard Manix 2 more appealing to me.



Cameron

[ASmitty]

The Translucent Blue Manix 2 has long been a favorite of mine. It is an excellent knife for a wide variety of tasks and it's extremely lightweight for such a big blade. The CTS-BD1 steel provides excellent performance and sharpens very easily as well. The knife rides perfectly deep in the pocket, but does not have a fold-over clip so it has a (very) small amount protruding to give some purchase when you reach to retrieve it from your pocket. The wire clip is less scratching as you brush by things and also seems less likely to catch on things and pull the knife from your pocket. The blade is a bit wide (although that really helps it slice well and makes it a food prep champ) and I can see some not liking that, but I do like it. The lightweight construction means it goes unnoticed until you need it (which is an important criteria for me in my EDC). Although some don't like the handle and call it "cheap-feeling," I just can't say I agree with that. I've found the FRCP handles to be more than adequate for any and all uses I've put this knife to, which is a lot. I hadn't carried this knife in quite some time as I'd been giving others some pocket time, but I got this one out on Saturday morning as I was going to be spending most of the weekend doing yard work. I re-discovered all over again why I loved this knife so much. It's going to be my primary EDC for awhile now (at least until I manage to get my hands on the new S110V version).

[Brock O Lee]

I've been carrying mine in the evenings around the house. It carries effortlessly for such a large blade, even when wearing light shorts. It feels very solid and smooth, with a solid lockup and detent, even though it weighs only as much as a Delica. I think its one of the best FRN knives in the lineup.

I do prefer classier G10, CF and Ti knives for everyday carry, but the LW fills a niche as a relatively inexpensive light weight hard worker.

[ChrisinHove]

I like my Manix LW (black, BD1). It does the job and owes me very little, so I'm not precious about it. I think it's the real spyderco value folder.
You pays your your money and you takes your choice....

[TheFactor]

I have both the Manix 2 s110v and Transparent blue both handles feel great to me .
I really like them !

[ohcyclist]

Bring on the clear version of FRCP! Looks awesome in a way the translucent blue never has to me.

[akaAK]

Not a big fan of the FCRP or the blade steel. Handle feels cheap (even though it has held up remakably well) and the blade steel is a step down from VG10 which has become my favourite all round steel. I will spring for the 110v once they become more readily available.

The price was too good to pass up and it came with a CE so it works as a all round utility/beater knife for me. One I don't have to feel bad about damaging.

[ASmitty]

the blade steel is a step down from VG10 which has become my favourite all round steel.

This isn't the first time I've heard this comment, and I just don't agree. My FRCP Manix2's blade performs just as well as my VG-10 Spydercos in every scenario I've used them in. It cuts equally well, holds an edge at least as well, resharpens about the same, and resists rust with equal tenacity. For me, the CTS-BD1 is an amazing high value blade steel, and I'd love to see Spyderco use it more in their US made line to provide some value priced options.

[akaAK]

Fair enough ASmitty. I agree with you on the corrosion resistance, resharpening/touchup time, and the value of the steel but I don't get the same edge retention. It is not a significant difference but enough for me to notice. Maybe more subjective or because of experience but the "quality" of the edge isn't the same to me in comparison to VG-10.

This may be a case of being spoiled by choice but I am fortunate enough to have a pretty good selection of steels, handle materials and styles so I have started moving away from the lower priced options unless they offer something specific to me or I can't pass up the deal. My expectations are pretty high but I still don't regret the purchase. The qualities of the knife make it a good user and it might someday get passed along to someone who hasn't been bitten by the bug yet but I wouldn't get another.

[ASmitty]

Fair enough ASmitty. I agree with you on the corrosion resistance, resharpening/touchup time, and the value of the steel but I don't get the same edge retention. It is not a significant difference but enough for me to notice. Maybe more subjective or because of experience but the "quality" of the edge isn't the same to me in comparison to VG-10.

This may be a case of being spoiled by choice but I am fortunate enough to have a pretty good selection of steels, handle materials and styles so I have started moving away from the lower priced options unless they offer something specific to me or I can't pass up the deal. My expectations are pretty high but I still don't regret the purchase. The qualities of the knife make it a good user and it might someday get passed along to someone who hasn't been bitten by the bug yet but I wouldn't get another.

Being Spyderco fans, we're all a little spoiled. :D I have the S110V on backorder with my favorite dealer. Can't wait to get my hands on it.

[senorsquare]

I absolutely love the S110V Manix but I often get severe joint pain in my hands and when that happens this knife is reallly difficult for me to unlock, so I have decided to let it go on to another home. I don't think the lock itself is overly strong or difficult, it it more of a case that my hands do not want to perform that motion when my knuckles start acting up. Otherwise I found this model to be just about the perfect EDC and I was a bit sad to let it go.

[Officer Gigglez]

I don't prefer poly handle/Scales, but I have several. If I have a choice, I don't opt for FRN, and for G10 and steel. And in the Manix's case, that option Is there.

[peacefuljeffrey]

As far as I know, the lightweight Manix 2 models are PINNED together, not screwed. Your feelings may vary, but I stay far away from knives that a user can't take apart for cleaning, service, mods, etc. For that reason I never had any interest in the blue Manix 2 even though I would have wanted one because I do like blue things.

I'm surprised that the pinned construction hasn't been brought up yet in this thread. I do think that it's a factor to consider.

[free2game]

My big problem with the Manix 2 LW is that the built quality doesn't seem as high as the regular manix models. It's not the handle that feels cheaper exactly, it doesn't feel as smooth as the G10 models. At least comparing an XL Manix 2 to the LW.

[TheFactor]

That's strange because both my Manix 2 LW The transparent Blue and Drk BLue with the s110v have very smooth action and feel very solid . The lock up feels very strong to and I've had a few fellow knife lovers check them out and even commented how good and smooth the action felt .Personally love mine and they carry great there the most comfortable out of all my Spydies . I think Spyderco did a great job on these balancing out strength/lightweight and yet still being very solid .

[Loansharkx]

HAH!! Disregard all my previous drivel! That clear is pretty **** cool looking!! :rolleyes:

That is pretty cool looking. The blue looks very neat also.