Hi all.
It has been a while since I have been around--I have been off in the custom / semi-custom / mid-tech knife space. I just ordered and got my first couple of spyderco knives in a while: the Manix 2 and the Swick.
I defy anyone to find a heavy duty folder as good as the Manix 2 or a neck knife as good as the Swick at anywhere near the price of these knives.
I own a Fred Perrin neck knife (Le Shark) which I carry every day and its a great little knife. There have been several versions of the Shark and mine is an older generation made of D2 (they seem to be making it out of 440C now). The Swick is at least as good in terms of quality and finish. If Spyderco wanted to make a smaller knife like the Shark, I'd buy a couple.
The Manix 2 is also remarkable at the price--street price of $75 or so. I cannot think of another knife in that price range that comes remotely close.
I also like the fact that both of these knives are made in the USA, though I understand that this is not an issue for many folks.
I actually have a hard time seeing how Spyderco can make and sell knives of this quality, at this price, in the U.S. and out of really good steel, too.
Nice going guys.