Mini manix??

lightwait · #1

Hi guys,
I've been lurking around for awhile now. I have a D4 PE for a couple of months now. I love it and use it constantly for daily chores and projects. I also have a D4 fully serrated and an Endura that I use to a lesser extent. I think I'm 100% satisfied with my D4, but I find myself looking at mini manix and some similar models. What can this knife do that my D4 PE can not do? The D4 is perfect for me, good size, light, reasonably solid, nice steel, not so pretty or expensive that I'm afraid to use it. So with that in mind, why would I consider something similar in twice the price? Are there any cutting tasks where the mini manix will clearly blow away the D4? Will the full flat grind S30V knock my socks off in slicing/cutting/edge retention? Or is it mainly a quality-fit-finish-pride of ownership type thing? Please give me some selling points. Thanks.

The Deacon · #2

Mostly the later, unless you want to baton your knife through 2" branches occasionally. The Mini Manix is a very well built knife but is overkill for what I do with a pocket knife. I suspect that holds true for a lot of people. Only you know if you one of them or not.

S30V might have marginally better edge retention than VG-10, but whether its enough better to warrant the cost is a purely subjective decision. Full flat ground blades, in theory out-slice saber grinds, but the extra 1.5mm thickness of the MiniM might counterbalance that and make it inferior to the D4 in slicing performance.

Personally, if I wanted something with more "pride of ownership" than a Delica, I'd consider the Caly 3, rather than the Mini M. It's a great knife but it's just too heavy, and too bulky for me.

As with most things in life, YMMV.

Mr Blonde · #3

The Caly III is a nice step up from a D4. The Caly III is a premium model, that will outcut the D4 and the wireclip makes for a much lower profile carry.

The Mini Manix is a lot of knife, it's stronger and outcuts the D4, but at the cost of weight and bulk.

Wouter

lightwait · #4

Thanks guys. The Cali 3 was the other knife I find myself looking at. Good points. I didn't notice that the Cali 3 was significantly lighter than the m-manix, and the lower riding clip is a plus for the Cali. I think I'll take a chill pill and be happy with the Delica for awhile before I jump into something new. Thanks for your input.

Kaizen · #5

Bulk isn't an issue for me and I EDC a Mini Manix regularly. In comparing it to my E4W, it will go through cardboard smoother, has better ergos and arguably better handle material. The steel difference doesn't matter to me much. The tip is a lot weaker than the D4 & E4, it's just very thin in comparison. I suspect that both can handle tough jobs, but the Mini Manix will feel better in hand after prolonged use and minimize hand fatigue. It's worth the extra cash to me. The Caly III is a great alternative for those who like the flat grind and hanle materials.

Oh yeah, welcome to the forums :) .

TVOSK · #6

I agree... the Caly3 was a much better fit for me...I had a Mini Manix and sold it because it was too heavy...the Caly3 is a great knife that fits perfectly in the pocket...If you are looking for a greay Heay duty knife, try the Lil' Temp....if you can find one...

bladese97 · #7

:spyder: :spyder: :cool: :spyder: :spyder: I have a few of each Spyder in question here....I personally favor the mini Manix...The Cally3 is a Sweet blade, in all respects, but the mini Manix is much bigger, and I would choose this as my edc. For what I cut with my Spyderco's, the Mini Manix can take it all; Allthough, again, the Cally3 is a kick@$$ blade that I also favor!

Spydiman · #8

lightwait wrote:Hi guys,
I've been lurking around for awhile now. I have a D4 PE for a couple of months now. I love it and use it constantly for daily chores and projects. I also have a D4 fully serrated and an Endura that I use to a lesser extent. I think I'm 100% satisfied with my D4, but I find myself looking at mini manix and some similar models. What can this knife do that my D4 PE can not do? The D4 is perfect for me, good size, light, reasonably solid, nice steel, not so pretty or expensive that I'm afraid to use it. So with that in mind, why would I consider something similar in twice the price? Are there any cutting tasks where the mini manix will clearly blow away the D4? Will the full flat grind S30V knock my socks off in slicing/cutting/edge retention? Or is it mainly a quality-fit-finish-pride of ownership type thing? Please give me some selling points. Thanks.

The mini Manix is AWESOME! While I don't use it to its fullest extent daily, its nice too know that I can do most anything with it.

trout #2 · #9

If you're happy with the size of the D4, I'd suggest a Caly 3 as well. One thing to consider with the Mini-Manix, though, is that it has been discontinued along with the full size one. You might want to get one while you still can.

http://spyderco.com/forums/showthread.php?t=30410

Michael Cook · #10

:spyder: The baby-manix is my favorite MBC knife. The Yojimbo might be the best self-protection knife ever made and the Lil' T just might be the best all around folder ever made but the baby-manix is certainly my favorite. :spyder: