My thoughts on the Manix 2

[Brad S.]

I have had many thoughts about the new Manix 2 as of late, and Deacons (Pauls) photo made me think even more about it, and wish to responded to many folks thoughts!

Well I can say there are very few knives these days that really get me excited. Infact almost nothing in the current lineup really gets me going. I'll be happy to see the rocklobster, the new Leafstorm, I was happy to see the Urban, but none of which I got personally, or was really excited about after ten min of handling.

This one I am! But not for my normal reasons. I have never really been a huge fan of the Manix knives... just to heavy for my tastes. Ive never needed that kinda stoutness, and I feel like those who do, just abuse their knives. So this one I am happy to see. Super lightweight, great steel for EDC, good ergos, solid jimping... and prob the best lock on the market (assuming, we shall see after much use, Sorry Spyderco, I love ya, but the Axis lock is incredible, and I really don’t like Benchmades... but lets not get into that... )


Why am I excited about 154CM? I have seen a lot of posts recently about 154CM and how people are unhappy to see it. I question most people on their experience with the steel. Those that have used it... generally love it!
Yes, it is not as "good" as CPM-S30V but S30V is pretty hard to sharpen for most folks. And for me, when I recommend a knife to someone, ease of sharpening and maintence is one of the key things I think about. S30V is to hard for those without experience, or great patience. I feel that 154CM is one of the best “working man steels” easy to sharpen, holds a great edge and has great corrosion resistance.

I would also go to the point to say, don’t knock it till you’ve tried it! Ive seen a lot of comments about 154CM and the use of it on the Manix 2, mostly negative… Which is sad… I would challenge any of you. If I handed you a knife made from VG-10 and one from 154CM and gave you a week to tell me which one was which. Could you?
I would bet 98% couldn’t! Sorry guys! Yes there are significant differences! But I don’t think you could tell the difference. Bold statement… but I think its true. In my opinion, you cant really know a steel until you have gone through 3+ sharpening cycles. IE… Sharp-Dull, Sharpen-Dull, Sharpen-dull, sharpen-dull. By then you MIGHT have a good idea of the steel and what it can and cant do. There is so much that can be learned about steel. So MUCH. A knife can behave completely differently based solely on edge finish and edge angle…. Anyways… just wait till you can really give it a try.


Caged Ball lock!!!! Heck Yeah!!!! I love the ball lock, concept and construction is superior to the Axis lock (what I see as its main competitor) However the ball lock as always lacked the one finger aspect of the Axis, which is why I tend this the ball lock comes out on top. I feel this knife could really change that view point among many knife junkies!

Full flat… Ehhh not worth it… I would prefer the extra strength and tip thickness. Well done!

Thanks for a large Lanyard hole 

My only complaint… I’m not digging the clip… no real reason… it just looks out of place I would prefer the clip from the Khukuri, or Barong. It seems like it would look better to me… not sure why. Just my eye. Also, I think black would be nice.


On a more technical note. I think the 3 sizes of torx is kinda hard to deal with in the field. It looks like it has a T10, T8 and T6. I like to see knives with a min of 2 sizes, just lightens the gear in my pack… and yes I always have the tool to fix my knife in my EDC bag.

Overall Spyderco. WELL DONE!!!! Eric, you have improved a good knife, into what I think will become a classic, as well a bench stone for all other companies to strive for. I hope to get one of these soon, to beat-up, use, lightly abuse, and put thru the ringers.

[cougar337]

Nice pre-review! I am really excited about the Manix 2 and I have to agree that the first Manix was a bit heavy for me as a EDC so this lighter weight version is high on my list. I also have never tried a caged ball-lock so this will be my first.

I'm really glad to see the Manix improved and continue to be a desired model. I love Eric's designs and hope to see many more out soon!

[THG]

If I handed you a knife made from VG-10 and one from 154CM and gave you a week to tell me which one was which. Could you?

No, I probably couldn't but that's the problem: I don't want VG-10 on a Manix. For a big, tough knife, I want something that can keep on cutting, something like D2 or better yet S90V. But S30V at the VERY least.

And the other little thing it needs is a flat grind. If those two little things were fixed, I would get one!

[yablanowitz]

I guess I'm in the 2%. Three sharpening cycles? That may take until lunch break for me with VG-10, and it may not, depending on what's happening that morning. 154CM has not really impressed me, but I haven't tried CPM 154CM yet. Saber grind? No thanks, I already have a crowbar. At least this one should be easier on Tom Krein's grinding belts than the ZDP Endura. I predict he'll be seeing a few of these. I know if I buy one, that's what will happen.

[Brad S.]

I guess I'm in the 2%. Three sharpening cycles? That may take until lunch break for me with VG-10, and it may not, depending on what's happening that morning. 154CM has not really impressed me, but I haven't tried CPM 154CM yet. Saber grind? No thanks, I already have a crowbar. At least this one should be easier on Tom Krein's grinding belts than the ZDP Endura. I predict he'll be seeing a few of these. I know if I buy one, that's what will happen.

3 sharpening Cycles might take me a day or two. You are known for using your knives. And yes I would say you fit into that 2%. I just dont feel like most folks do.

I guess you could say in one line= Im excited about this knife for the folks who arent already knife/steel Junkies.

[Fred Sanford]

Brad,

I agree wtih you 100%. I've had many a Benchmade and I love 154CM. It is, in fact the working man's steel. It (in my opinion) is very close to VG-10 but it's easier to sharpen, at least for me.

After looking at Paul's thread like 60 times and looking at the pics over and over and over, again I will be getting one of these when they come out for sure.

Great read Brad.

[jlfletcher]

I think I must also be in that 2 % for 2 reasons.
1. I can tell the difference between 154cm and VG-10 and I much prefer VG-10, and I will not buy a knife made from 154cm. CPM 154 I might give a try but never again will I buy 154cm. I just do not like the edge 154cm takes.
2. I prefer S30V to both of them and I do not think it is very hard to sharpen at all. S90V is a little hard to sharpen, but S30V not hardly.

[MCM]

Its all in the heat treat.
I have some 12 year old 154cm Microtech Socoms that just keep on working.
Also have some 154cm that is pure crap.

I much prefer 154cm over D2.

Just personal preference I guess.

No I will not be buying the new Manix.
But 154cm has nothing to do with it. :)

[dragonram7]

Brad,

I agree wtih you 100%. I've had many a Benchmade and I love 154CM. It is, in fact the working man's steel. It (in my opinion) is very close to VG-10 but it's easier to sharpen, at least for me.

After looking at Paul's thread like 60 times and looking at the pics over and over and over, again I will be getting one of these when they come out for sure.

Great read Brad.

I'm with you on this one. I'll bet this thing makes a great EDC and will prove to be a heavy hitter in the field. Don't get me wrong, I love the CPM S30V on my Sabenza. VG-10, D2, BG-42 are awesome steels as well. But 154CM is a great steel for a hard use knife.

[gull wing]

Great pre-Review! You are right on!
I am not one of those who doesn't like 154CM, as a matter of fact I love it.
The ball lock looks good.
Hollow grind, we will see.

[jabba359]

I have no problem with the steel and am thinking about picking one up. The only thing that is holding me back from giving a definite "yes" is the clear plastic ball lock cage things. Not really digging those. I'm also not too hard on my knives, so FFG would have been preferable, but not having it is not a deal breaker.