Spyderco Forums

Shaman, Manix, or Tenacious

Para 2 or PM3 in magnacut, whichever blade length you think you will like more.

I have a Manix 2 that I have done a spring mod to, that makes this knife just that knife. Now me personally I prefer the larger knives and yes the Manix 2XL is one of those said knives. Just with the spring mod.

But just reading what you wrote on top of this topic, the Manix 2 is your knife but only if you do the spring modification. Jimo, this one modification makes this knife totally different and it's the size your looking for from what you said.

If your not into that sort of thing I get it, not all of us like to take a brandy new knife and take it apart and cut three coils off the spring, then close that end and sand smooth.

I have several of the lighter weight springs that you can buy in these kits from Flytanium, but after using them for a month now, I like the one's I have removed from the Manix and cut and modified them better.

But the Manix 2 is your knife, from reading what you wrote. The next knife that doesn't need anything but honed, would be the Sage5, its blade clutch is more user friendly right from the box. It's a different knife all together.

Heck send me your coordinates and I will beam you one of my Manix 2's over to you to try out and have a looksee at how it works and feels.

Ooooh, yeahhhhb were not where we can beam things back and forth yet, my bad.

Just where the heck are you anyway?

I've bought a bunch of Spydercos over the last year. I really like most of them, but honestly my favorite one is the Tenacious with CPM- M4 comboedge blade. The K390 'Lil Temp is a close second.
Having said all that, I agree with others when it comes to the PM2. It's probably the best choice for a daily carry, and there's plenty of steel choices and colors to choose from. Fantastic knife.

Jeb wrote: ↑

Mon Mar 10, 2025 5:15 pm

...
But just reading what you wrote on top of this topic, the Manix 2 is your knife but only if you do the spring modification. Jimo, this one modification makes this knife totally different and it's the size your looking for from what you said.
...

With all due respect to @Jeb :

Op (@lavegute) you will most likely not have to do any "spring mod" when getting a Manix.

Yes, there are a few who obviously find the CBBL a bit hard to operate.
I completely respect that, and there is a slim chance that op might fall into that group.
But from all discussions about the Manix here over the years it becomes pretty clear to me that the vast majority does not have any issues in that regard (and if this actually was the case, Spyderco would definitely have made the spring tension even lighter in a some cqi process).
I personally found all CBBLs on all Manixes I tried super-convenient and easy to disengage, not only with two fingers, but also with just one.

I made some short clips once about how to operate the CBBL in several ways and may post the link to the according post once again viewtopic.php?t=87806 in order to balance out the "hard to operate" thing a bit for op and others who might never have tried a Manix yet.

Wartstein wrote: ↑

Mon Mar 10, 2025 11:06 pm

Jeb wrote: ↑

Mon Mar 10, 2025 5:15 pm

...
But just reading what you wrote on top of this topic, the Manix 2 is your knife but only if you do the spring modification. Jimo, this one modification makes this knife totally different and it's the size your looking for from what you said.
...

With all due respect to @Jeb :

Op (@lavegute) you will most likely not have to do any "spring mod" when getting a Manix.

Yes, there are a few who obviously find the CBBL a bit hard to operate.
I completely respect that, and there is a slim chance that op might fall into that group.
But from all discussions about the Manix here over the years it becomes pretty clear to me that the vast majority does not have any issues in that regard (and if this actually was the case, Spyderco would definitely have made the spring tension even lighter in a some cqi process).
I personally found all CBBLs on all Manixes I tried super-convenient and easy to disengage, not only with two fingers, but also with just one.

I made some short clips once about how to operate the CBBL in several ways and may post the link to the according post once again viewtopic.php?t=87806 in order to balance out the "hard to operate" thing a bit for op and others who might never have tried a Manix yet.

I agree that the spring mod is not needed. I like my Manix 2's they were from the factory. Easy to flick open and almost like a soft shut drawer when closing. Very smooth and easy to use.

Agree, no spring mod needed (unless you have health problems with your hands). Very easy to operate the BBL.

Manix 2 is one of Spyderco's best, if you are OK with the weight of the G10 Model, or go with the Lightweight variant (I always like G10 more).

BR

I really like the leafjumper, so that's what I will pick. Haven't checked if sites still had em but it's one of my favorites.

these > spring mods

I like the Manix a lot. however it is bigger than many knives and is it more noticeable in the pocket than many others. the lightweight ones are easier to carry. there are a huge number of steel choices available

the pm2 is a great knife as well. I only have the left handed one .

that being said. I have carried the old c90cfp (stretch) as my "hard work knife" for 14 or 15 years. it has held up great. the zdp steel is harder to sharpen but I don't have to touch it up that much. I would look at the stretch models, especially if you can find one of the old zdp-189 ones.

if a smaller knife will do, the native is a practical size for office carry but can do most things people need a knife for. it also comes in lw and regular models and just about every sprint run steel has found its way to the line. I use the lc2000n and magnacut ones the most

the smock one is a cool knife with a more tactical feel if that is what you want. even as a lefty the button is easy to use

Big fan of the Para3 as an all around companion and I head straight for it as soon as I get off the road. As a trucker I treat my knives kind of crappy and tend to lose things so I like something a little cheaper to carry on the road so I've been using an Endela. The Endela is AWESOME! So my two votes go for the Para3 and the Endela. If I only get one vote then the Para3.

So many choices.
I like them all and carry different flavors often.
One to meet all your needs is simple, but to be satisfied
seems more evasive.

My opinion would sway more towards military 1 or 2 and the Delica. I have a hard time suggesting 1 for everything. I really enjoy the pm3 /2 and the manix a lot. All are great

Gonna have to go with the Delica. I know it was not on your original list. I've come to find that it has everything I need, and nothing I don't. Yes, there are times when a longer blade is ideal. For me, those situations don't often present themselves. The Delica is more than enough knife for day-to-day life (again, you may be different). Lynch Northwest sells the distributor exclusive with teal scales, S30V, and a wharnie blade. They also have the PD1 sprint. In the latest Reveal, Spyderco showcased SPY27 coming to a bunch of the Seki models. I'm excited for a Delica in that steel. Most of all, I am excited for the High Performance Delica. This will "only" be VG10, but the apple seed and hollow grinds offer potential performance gains you wouldn't normally get with Spyderco's traditional flat grind.

Of the 3 listed, I'd recommend the Manix LW the most. It was my main carry for years; Lightweight, self close biased lock (CBBL), and in my opinion the best ergonomics a folding knife has to offer. They come in many steels but I've always been pleased by the mid tier, easy to sharpen stainless steels. BD1N has been great in my experience. It sounds like you're interested in the 3-3.5" blade range, so outside of the 3 listed I'd also recommend the Endela at ~3.5" blade. Back lock, lightweight, slim in pocket, great ergos, no nonsense knife. If you're interested in serrations you can also get them with the Endela, unfortunately not the manix.

Manix 2 and PM2 are some of the most popular Spyderco models and some of the most widely carried. Both of them are my favorites and I own and carry versions of each. However there are so many Spyderco models that are good for EDC so it's hard to go wrong no matter which one you pick.

As others have mentioned there are soooo many models that would make a great EDC. It comes down to what you like and to do that correctly, you need to feel them in your hand. I would recommend finding a place or someone local that has many different models so you can get a good feel for each one. Where are you located?

Dear Chieftjs:

Welcome to the Spyderco Forum.

Stay safe,

Mike

vivi wrote: ↑

Tue Mar 11, 2025 8:14 am

these > spring mods

To the OP - if this is just a light use EDC then I cannot recommend the Chaparral LW SE highly enough. It is the finest EDC knife in the world as far as I’m concerned. Here’s why -

What is bad about it:
- It only comes in grey (I dislike the colour grey immensely).
- there’s no salt model yet.
- it’s not free.

What is good about it:
- It has rock solid lock up.
- It is so slimline in all directions that it just effortlessly fits into your pocket when clipped.
- the back lock is ambidextrous.
- you can get it out practically anywhere without people imploding in fear.
- it cuts like a tiny chainsaw.
- it is excellent value.
- it is very easy to get extremely sharp.
- it is svelte enough that you can IWB one and literally forget it is there.
- Chuck Norris is its spirit animal.

So unless you really need something with more cutting edge the Chaparral LW SE is a magnificent choice. Plus it’s so lightweight you can also carry a second larger knife if you so wish.

Versatility for me equals serrations so you need teeth on your blade. Try the wharnie SE Delica in VG10 ! The bloody thing packs alot of cutting power and the Delica model is so popular for a reason. You could also get the salt version in LC200N which is even lighter.