Reasonably Tough Mid to Large Folder?

[wvguy8258]

The manix 2 is a bit wider, not enough to bother me though. The regular manix 2 is significantly heavier though.

One pro or con of the manix 2 is the extensive jimping on the handle. I like it, but it could make glove-free extended cutting painful.

[dsmegst]

In this thread and others, I've noticed a lot of Para 2 fans stating that the Manix 2 is too thick and bulky. Is it really that much larger in the pocket, though? In pics I've seen with them next to each other, there doesn't seem to be THAT much of a difference. I've handled a Para 2 before, but never a Manix 2, so I can't really speak to the difference in size in person, though.

I do own both and it's actually surprising when you compare them side by side. The size differences are almost trivial, considering that the widest place on the Manix 2 and the widest place on the Para 2 are actually about the same.

But Manix 2 feels fatter when it's in the pocket and held in hand since the middle part of the knife is the widest.

I think it's 80% perception and 20% real size difference. :D

[jackthedog]

Can't go wrong with the Manix 2 or Para 2. As others have mentioned the Gayle Bradley is a dressier version of a tough knife. You can't really go wrong with any of them actually.

[Mako109]

As others have said, you can't go wrong with either the Manix or PM2. I have both and still can't decide which I like better, though the PM2 gets more pocket time because I think it's a bit friendlier looking.

To mix it up a bit...since you're interested in a mid to large size model, try taking a look at the JD Smith. With its slender blade profile it's a bit of a departure from your present considerations, but I've found this feature to be a nice (and very useful) complement to any collection of the popular wide leaf blades. The JDS is slim and carries so nicely in pocket or IWB, you'll forget it's there. The handle shape is elegant and has all the right contours to fit securely in the hand without the need for jimping.

I underestimated the JD Smith when I saw it in catalogs. I think this knife has to be held to be appreciated.

Have fun choosing!

[wingman_214]

I would say the zdp-189 strech. That steel can take a beating and still whittle hair.

[dbcad]

Haven't heard anyone mention the PPT. Definitely different, will handle anything that a sane person would throw at a folder, Taiwan F&F, and for me carries very well :)

[mongatu]

I would go for the Para 2 because imo it is simply the best all round large (=/> 3.5" blade length) folder Spyderco has ever made and probably the best production folder ever made.

[Mako109]

Haven't heard anyone mention the PPT. Definitely different, will handle anything that a sane person would throw at a folder, Taiwan F&F, and for me carries very well :)

Ou, another good one :)

[Eddie]

You cant go wrong with a Para 2 :)

[bammann45]

GB would be my vote -- given your list you aren't going to make a bad choice :)

[Detdaddy]

I baby a lot of my knives. I use them, but I keep them clean and I'm careful with handling them so they don't get scratched up. But I'm not like that with my Manix and Millie. Something about them just feel like they are made to take on anything. When I'm working around the house or yard, I've usually got one or the other in my pocket.

So based on that, I'd have to recommend the Manix or Para (being similar to the Millie). You won't go wrong with any you have listed. But those two stand out. If you want something lighter, go with the Para. If you want something with more weight, go with the Manix.

Then start saving money for the other one.

[d.2.the.p]

To mix it up a bit...since you're interested in a mid to large size model, try taking a look at the JD Smith. With its slender blade profile it's a bit of a departure from your present considerations, but I've found this feature to be a nice (and very useful) complement to any collection of the popular wide leaf blades. The JDS is slim and carries so nicely in pocket or IWB, you'll forget it's there. The handle shape is elegant and has all the right contours to fit securely in the hand without the need for jimping.

Have fun choosing!

I had never even heard of the JD Smith! That is a nice looking knife, my friend. It's price is a little higher than I had hoped to spend, but it really is nice looking. It kind of reminds me of the Chockwe my brother just picked up.

Haven't heard anyone mention the PPT. Definitely different, will handle anything that a sane person would throw at a folder, Taiwan F&F, and for me carries very well :)

I actually was strongly considering including the PPT in my list, but it's a little heavier than I was trying to go. I was hoping to keep it under 4.5 oz. I'm assuming the weight isn't an issue for you?

[Mako109]

I actually was strongly considering including the PPT in my list, but it's a little heavier than I was trying to go. I was hoping to keep it under 4.5 oz. I'm assuming the weight isn't an issue for you?

For me, the weight and thickness of the PPT is an issue and limits where I clip the knife for carry and how often I EDC it. To me, it's chunky enough to be hard to ignore when clipped IWB; heavy enough that when clipped to loose pockets (e.g. cargo pockets) on lightweight pants that it pulls down on the material making the knife more noticeable, and can constantly bump against my leg as I'm hiking. This is a personal quibble and I know doesn't bother everyone. Anyway, I only carry the PPT when I'm wearing pants with the fit and material that can support the PPT comfortably. Unfortunately the chunkiness of this knife rules out my preferred IWB carry at the 5 o'clock, as it always feels like I have a small rock behind my back.

Some like it's beefiness, but I don't need it in a relatively short blade. If I do, I prefer a longer blade too, like on the original Manix C95...my favorite heavy duty folder.

The PLUS of the PPT is the deep pocket carry, handle shape, blade shape and blade angle, which IMHO makes one best all around designs in Spyderco's lineup. With a little weight reduction, the PPT could easily become my all time favorite. Again, just my humble opinion.

[Bill1170]

VG-10 is used in the Schempp Rock, a large camp knife capable of chopping wood. That sounds like hard use to me.

[RedRunner]

For me it's the Para 2 or Manix 2. I generally have a slight preference for the Manix 2 platform, but it's really splitting hairs. These two platforms are really nice. I have both in varying steels. The Manix 2 has a little more appeal for heavier use and I like the feel in the hand a little better. The grip on the Manix 2 is slightly bigger and can feel like a fixed blade. But the Para 2 is a great knife an I carry it, as well.

In the end both are nice, and very useful knives. I'd try to buy a sprint, especially with the Manix 2 - the skeltonized liner will feel lighter in the hand.

[d.2.the.p]

I ended up pulling the trigger on a Para 2. From what people have said here and what I discerned from other threads, the Para 2 is a little bit less obtrusive in the pocket than the Manix 2, so that was the deciding factor. Other than that, I really could not find anything that elevated one over the other. They're clearly both well-made knives. Anyone have any insight into the next Manix 2 Sprint Run???

[mongatu]

I thought the Para 2 was a heck of a lot easier to release the lock with one hand than the Manix 2 was. Also, the size and weight difference is more significant than it may appear from the photos and the specs.

[Blerv]

You can score a standard Manix2 with the hollow ground 154cm for about $75. The tip will be more stout than the FFG peers.

[BAL]

Like many have said, you can't go wrong with the Mainx2 or Para2. The Manix was my favorite, until I got the Para. Of course that might have changed if I had reversed the order of which came first. The Para does feel lighter in the hand and pocket. Also, the Military is a bigger knife, but I think that it is at the top of the list, slightly above the other 2 mentioned.

[dbcad]

Enjoy the Para :) It's a model I'm itching to try. With a :spyder: it's tough to go wrong :)