Well I went ahead and bought one! Thanks to the coupon posted in the Crazy Deals thread, I was able to get $40 off from G&R Tactical. That was too good a deal to pass up!
Being my first Manix, I wasn't sure if I would like the knife or not. Some of my concerns with the Manix included:
1. I generally prefer longer blades (around 4 inch) with longer cutting edges. The Manix's cutting edge is
less than 3".
2. While I have nothing against FRN/FRCP, I generally prefer G10.
3. I usually prefer a neutral handle design, and the Manix handle is anything but neutral.
4. I like to be able to disassemble my knives, especially ones with non-stainless blades. The Manix LW is pinned.
5. I like thinner, more pocket friendly knives that carry well(why I prefer the P4 over the Military). The Manix looks like it would take up a lot of pocket room.
Basically I just wanted a Maxamet blade longer than the N5. I thought about the PM2 as it offers more blade length than the Manix, but I already have a PM2 and am not wild about the compression lock. (heresy!) I was pretty sure I'd like the CBBL as I like knives with close bias and a smooth opening and closing action (no detent bump).
Anyway, the knife arrived Tuesday.
First of all, I love the blade finish on this Maxamet. It's almost like a semi-mirrored tumble finish that reminds me of pictures of the Slysz knives from Taichung. My Native probably looked like this too from the factory, but it has long sinced dulled with patina. On the brand new Manix, it's gorgeous.
All the sharp edges on the blade - the top edge, Spydie hole, jimping, all of it - have been ever-so-slightly softened by the tumbling (or whatever they do) as well. Just makes the blade feel that much more premium (not to mention more comfortable.) When closed, the blade is perfectly centered.
The blade came about as sharp as I've ever gotten from any factory knife. Absolutely hair-popping.
The handle, I was pleased to discover, in no way felt cheap, flimsy, or "plasticy". Despite being very lightweight, the FRCP feels extremely solid, robust, and well done. Strangely, I feel just as confident holding this knife as I do my steel-lined, G10 Autonomy 2.
This may be due in part to the outstanding ergonomic design of the handle. I found myself handling this knife for awhile before I ever even thought of the ergos. They feel so natural in my hand I didn't think about them. The grip is so secure. I find the most natural grip to be behind the choil, although choking up feels fine too. I still wish Spyderco had traded the choil for more edge length, but so far I haven't found it handicapping in any way.
I love the CBBL. It's smoother than a backlock, it's got a nice sharp lockup and close, and it's a delight to operate one-handed. I can easily use one finger or two, and mine came smooth enough to drop partway when disengaged. It is 100% solid without any blade play at all, even with the lock disengaged. I think this may be my favorite Spyderco lock of all.
I thought the wire clip would be too flimsy for a knife this size, but not so. It is pretty strong and does just fine.
I have been carrying this knife for close to a week now and I love it. It is so lightweight and surprisingly, does not take up nearly as much pocket space (width) as I thought it would. It actually carries better than my Military in that regard. I have not used it much yet, not sure yet how I'll feel about the relatively short cutting edge, but so far it's been great. And of course with Maxamet - it's a beast of a knife.
Anyway...I know this is all old hat to you Manix fans, but just thought I'd share my findings as a newbie. :D
