Reasonably Tough Mid to Large Folder?

d.2.the.p · #1

Which one should I get?

I know these knives are all quite different, and I like them all for different reasons. I recently have been attempting to expand my collection (and everyone here has been very helpful so far!) and am in the market for a folder that can do work but doesn't necessarily need to be rated for "hard use."

Native 5, Sage 3, Manix 2 CTS-BD30P Sprint, or Paramilitary 2?

Thanks!

pmbspyder · #2

i'm a para 2 guy, but there are many here who would swear by the manix2 platform. you can't go wrong either way...

ValueKnifeLover · #3

I'm one of the Manix2 guys haha They are freaking awesome. Built like a tank. But with a touch of sexy and class. I love my manix. And for the price it is an awesome deal for what you get. With that said, my next knife will be a para2 b/c it is insanely awesome as well. Both have awesome locks. But for a knife to do some tough tasks with I would prefer the Manix. Thick blade stock. Solid thick feel. Great Ergos. And you won't feel as bad beating up on it a little bit.

Waco · #4

d.2.the.p wrote:Which one should I get?

I know these knives are all quite different, and I like them all for different reasons. I recently have been attempting to expand my collection (and everyone here has been very helpful so far!) and am in the market for a folder that can do work but doesn't necessarily need to be rated for "hard use."

Native 5, Sage 3, Manix 2 CTS-BD30P Sprint, or Paramilitary 2?

Thanks!

Endura?

Pro-V · #5

Not to complicate your choices, but when I saw the thread title, I immediately thought "Gayle Bradley", although "reasonably tough" is selling it a bit short! If you haven't seen it, I urge you to check it out. It's a tank dressed in a tuxedo!

DeathBySnooSnoo · #6

I would say get a GB too. Probably one of the top three toughest Spydercos ever...but looks all nice and gentlemanly. Plus it has one of my favorite steels too.

jabba359 · #7

If you plan on eventually getting more than just one of these knives, I recommend going with the BD30P Manix first since it is a sprint run and won't be available down the road. You'll always be able to pick up one of the others later on. On the flip side, Manix 2 sprint runs are common, so you can always pick up one in a different steel/color should you miss out on this particular version.

d.2.the.p · #8

I've definitely never even considered the GB. It looks pretty solid, and it will definitely have to go on my list. How's sharpening the M4 steel, by the way?

However, I think I'm leaning towards a G10 handle for my next knife purchase. Of the few Spydies I currently have, their handles are either CF, SS, or FRN, so I'm looking for something new (to me :) ).

DeathBySnooSnoo · #9

It takes more time than vg-10 etc but I don't find it to be an issue at all, though I use DMT stones...

Well if you want G10 probably the Para2 or the Manix is the way to go. You could also try to find the G10 Endura. But of the ones you have listed, I would go sprint Manix.

JacksonKnives · #10

I went with the Resilience for my chore knife. It's not the greatest steel out there, but it's plenty good enough. Big blade, great design, and if I lose it in a field somewhere it won't be hard to replace.

wvguy8258 · #11

The Manix 2 and Para 2 are both great knives. I own one Para 2, one Manix 2 reg. prod., and a Manix 2 cts xhp sprint. The Para 2 is lighter than the regular Manix. Both are very solidly built. The locks are likely equally strong, but I trust the Para 2's compression lock more to prevent accidental lock disengagements. A regular Manix 2 vs. a Paramilitary 2, I'd take the para because it is light, has a comparable blade steel, and matches the Manix on most other features. One of the Manix 2 sprint runs puts it more on even terms with the Para 2. A sprint will have skeletonized liners and a steel upgrade. This puts it at or above a Para 2 in my mind.

Waco · #12

DeathBySnooSnoo wrote:You could also try to find the G10 Endura.

I like mine. :D

dalefuller · #13

I never liked the Manix series, either 1 or 2. I've had 'em all and I've sold 'em off. They were too wide & heavy for my taste. Same with the GB.

OTOH, I have 5 Paras, both 1 & 2. One is a garage beater that's been used, mistreated, & ignored for 3 years and still comes back for more. It's the knife that my wife and sister use in the garage for whatever crappy job they want to do. That one still shaves, still has it's tip, and still has a solid lockup after all it's been through. AFAIC, if you need something tougher than a Para, move to a FB.

wrdwrght · #14

Unmentioned so far is the Superleaf, which is one hunk of hard-use VG-10. It's next up for me.

bh49 · #15

Out of your list I would choose Native5 or Para2, depending on your needs. I also would add Caly3.5. It is perfect EDC IMHO. Quite strong as well.

phillipsted · #16

I would also add the Sage series. While they aren't "hard use" knives, they are certainly sturdy - and smooth as butter. A real pleasure to own and operate!

For yard chores, though, you can't beat a Para2...

TedP

d.2.the.p · #17

wrdwrght wrote:Unmentioned so far is the Superleaf, which is one hunk of hard-use VG-10. It's next up for me.

I had considered the Superleaf. I like the shape of the blade and handle a lot as well as the lock. However, I feel like VG-10 isn't that rugged, though. Don't get me wrong, it's great steel, but I feel it's just suited better for knives that are designed for lighter use. I could easily be wrong, though.

phillipsted wrote:I would also add the Sage series. While they aren't "hard use" knives, they are certainly sturdy - and smooth as butter. A real pleasure to own and operate!

For yard chores, though, you can't beat a Para2...

TedP

I recently acquired a Sage 1 and IMMEDIATELY fell in love. That's why I threw the Sage 3 in that list. And it's my understanding that the lock and handle material & spacer on the Sage 3 lends itself to being tougher than the other two Sages.

d.2.the.p · #18

In this thread and others, I've noticed a lot of Para 2 fans stating that the Manix 2 is too thick and bulky. Is it really that much larger in the pocket, though? In pics I've seen with them next to each other, there doesn't seem to be THAT much of a difference. I've handled a Para 2 before, but never a Manix 2, so I can't really speak to the difference in size in person, though.

jabba359 · #19

d.2.the.p wrote:I had considered the Superleaf. I like the shape of the blade and handle a lot as well as the lock. However, I feel like VG-10 isn't that rugged, though. Don't get me wrong, it's great steel, but I feel it's just suited better for knives that are designed for lighter use. I could easily be wrong, though.

Well, this is one of those instances where you happen to be wrong! :p VG-10 is a great all around steel and I like it a bit better than S30V. It's very corrosion resistant, takes a great edge, sharpens easily, and is more likely to roll than chip. If Spyderco only offered VG-10 on all their knives, I'd still be happy. If you're fine with S30V, then you'll be fine with VG-10. The Superleaf is very rugged (I don't have one, but have the Superhawk, which is the hawkbill equivalent) and I'd imagine that it is tougher than my Sage, Native, Millie...heck, tougher than just about any other Spydie I own.

Waco · #20

d.2.the.p wrote:I had considered the Superleaf. I like the shape of the blade and handle a lot as well as the lock. However, I feel like VG-10 isn't that rugged, though. Don't get me wrong, it's great steel, but I feel it's just suited better for knives that are designed for lighter use. I could easily be wrong, though.

I cut some coax cable with VG10 once. Does that count as hard use? :D