Spyderco Forums

Liners have pros and cons.

pros:

+ stiffer, more rigid feeling handle
+ more likely to have 4 clip mounting options
+ the extra weight can be nice while using the knife, letting inertia do more work for you


cons:

- they make the knife heavier in the pocket
- it's one more thing that can rust (for an extreme example of this issue, SEE HERE
- More complicated to take the knife apart and reassemble



There are exceptions, of course. I have some unlined knives that have a very stiff feeling handle (recon 1), and some linerless knives have four way clip mounting (stretch xl, pacific salt 2), and some linered knives don't have four way clips (Manix XL).

I enjoy carrying both types.

For a general EDC, I like a weight around 4-5.5oz. This is a good compromise between being lightweight in my pocket, but having a bit of weight to it during use. My general use EDC's include knives like the Spyderco Military, Police, Manix XL, and the Cold Steel Recon 1.

For certain more niche situations, like carrying a pocket knife while trail running or ultralight bicycle touring, I like lightweight linerless knives 3oz or less. In those situations I reach for a Pacific Salt 1 or my Catcherman.

Linered knives will have a more premium feel. Linerless knives may not feel as high quality, but in use they don't really have any drawbacks for how I use folding knives.

I've never had a strength issue with my linerless knives - it comes down to if you like a little heft in your knife, how much you prioritize lightness in the pocket. and if you can tolerate a bit of handle flex.

Much appreciated

Well, after reading this thread , I’m pretty convinced the Manix2 XL is the Spyderco that will be my first Spyderco .

But…. It’s gonna have to wait til Christmas . As I was searching for my prize Spyderco, I ran across something that shouted at me and I had to have it . I won’t mention it, cause it’s not a Spyderco knife, and this is a Spyderco forum. It is an apple and oranges thing and not as purpose built, but it just spoke to me .

I appreciate the help from all of you and I’ll stay active in this forum as as my collection continues .

One thing I must add; I am so impressed with the conduct on this forum . I’m clearly a beginner at this. In other forums , that can be like wearing a”kick me” sign . Thank you for your kindness you have shown me, and the respect you show each other . I am very proud to enjoy all of you who share this passion .

If it’s ok to post another thread about a different make of knife , I’ll share that in the appropriate sub forum.

There are a lot of spydercos that are extremely interesting to me , but I gotta pace my spending !

Just to add to the liner vs linerless discussion, I find of all the linered knives the Manix XL to be the easiest to remove just the liners to clean underneath. I do mine after a week of use (I live in the tropics and work outdoors using my knives for arboricultural stuff mainly, so they get pretty filthy and need some love fairly regularly. The slab scales easily slide out of the way once you remove a couple of screws, meaning you don’t have to completely tear down the knife and mess with the CBBL to get it ship shape and Bristol fashion again.

I gifted a Manix XL to a good friend recently and she uses it stock, doing the same kind of work I do, with no difficulties opening, closing or cleaning it. For reference she wears a size S glove and is 45kg wet through (she’s lean and strong, but no power lifter), so definitely take the YouTube ‘reviewers’ assertions that you need to mess with the springs and whatnot to make it good with a shovel full of salt.

also bear in mind most knife "reviewers" on youtube haven't even cut something with the knife they're reviewing, and treat them more like fidget toys than work tools.

The stock springs work fine. I unlock my Manix XL's with just my thumb. Even easier if you pinch between your thumb and index finger.

The springs aids in closed retention which makes the knives safer to carry vs an axis lock or modded cbbl.

Good choice on the XL. That knife will handle anything you could throw at it for life. We usually post other brands of knives in the "off topic" section of the forums, this thread is the biggest one : viewtopic.php?t=66718&start=10180

I agree with the forgoing posters who have noted ergos are very subjective.

I would add that pocket carry is also important (at least for me). I have noticed that a knife's thickness and clip placement greatly effect how a knife carries, while the blade length has a smaller impact than I expected. For example, because of clip placement and blade geometry I believe the Sage 5 carries better than the Para 3. I have heard the Native 5 also carries well.

Thank you

Very good choice. Please keep us updated on how you like the new knife and thank you for being here.