Spyderco Forums

I've just owned a Manix 2 (G-10) for two weeks, and I'm already considering another Manix 2 , to wit a lightweight version in translucent blue. However, I was surprised to find that some owners of this knife feel that the material that the handle is made of happens to be "cheap" and/or "inferior". I would like more elaboration from those that feel this way about the knife before I pull the trigger. It is always good to hear from both sides... :)

Thank you.

Some like it, some don't. I am in the latter camp. I owned the the blue manix LW but would not buy another knife with this handle material. I don't think the frcp is inferior, I just don't care for the way it feels. I'm sure it is very strong and capable or they wouldn't have used it, but it has a brittle plasticy feel that doesn't inspire confidence. I MUCH prefer frn. This is based solely on feel and perception and implies nothing about the reality of the material's strength (on which I have no real data). :)

Just curious, but why wouldn't you go for the new S110V lightweight Manix 2 versus the BD1 version? With all the ultra hype (very well deserved) the S110V version is getting, as several threads can attest to, I almost think it may seriously impact the FRCP BD1 version that it might get disco'd at some point or maybe switched to a FRN handle. The transparency is cool, plus the lower price, with the BD1 version, but the S110V version sets a new standard that is currently unmatched. Just my two cents of course, YMMV. Cheers, Radioactive :)

I'll admit that FRCP does not inspire my confidence. Unlike FRN, it feels hard and, where plastics are concerned, hard often (but not always) equates to something that will snap, rather than flex. Then there's the transparency which, to me, gives the knife a toy-like appearance. But, in fairness, the FRCP Manix 2 has been out for well over a year now and I've yet to see a single report of someone breaking the handle of one posted here, or on the Spyderco forum on BladeForums.

Isn't the new Manix2 lightweight FRN? Regardless, it's the same question of any plastic-type material vs any resin checkered glass material (CF, G10, Micarta).

I thought people stopped thinking of high-end polymers as "junky" back when Glock started making guns. I can totally see a G10 fully lined knife as feeling more rigid and expensive, because it is. The 110v version in G10 would probably be like $180 though.

Let the haters hate. Buy what you want instead of what you want to be seen with.

Dunno, seems to me that the blade will snap before the scales...oh wait...it will.

It was my understanding that FRCP is supposed to be a stronger version of FRN, so if there's any truth in that then I wouldn't worry at all about strength. Also with the recent blade breaking thread, it looks like the handle design is quite strong regardless which material is used. I also think a lot of the "feeling" has more to do with the mold and the way the material is cast than the material itself. This Manix mold is quite smooth on the edges, compared to the other standard FRN knives that have more of a super light grit sandpaper texture to them.

chuck_roxas45 wrote:Dunno, seems to me that the blade will snap before the scales...oh wait...it will.

Blerv wrote:Isn't the new Manix2 lightweight FRN? Regardless, it's the same question of any plastic-type material vs any resin checkered glass material (CF, G10, Micarta).

I thought people stopped thinking of high-end polymers as "junky" back when Glock started making guns. I can totally see a G10 fully lined knife as feeling more rigid and expensive, because it is. The 110v version in G10 would probably be like $180 though.

Let the haters hate. Buy what you want instead of what you want to be seen with.

The op is not talking about frn. He is talking about translucent blue frcp model. As far as the "junky" feel (though I wouldn't put it quite that harshly) I agree with Paul that the translucent scales make it look like a toy. Whatever, other folks LOVE the translucent scales and would like to see them used even more. I'll reiterate that I much prefer frn over frcp. The handle material change on the new manix LW is as relevant to me (if not more so) than the steel upgrade.

Decisions, decisions...Spyderco always gives us tons of choices! :)

Not gonna lie, if I could get the S110V in clear FRCN, I would jump all over it.

Evil D wrote:Not gonna lie, if I could get the S110V in clear FRCN, I would jump all over it.

HAH!! Disregard all my previous drivel! That clear is pretty **** cool looking!! :rolleyes:

Surfingringo wrote:HAH!! Disregard all my previous drivel! That clear is pretty **** cool looking!! :rolleyes:

That was the prototype, I was real let down when it came out in blue.

Evil D wrote:Not gonna lie, if I could get the S110V in clear FRCN, I would jump all over it.

Me too. I grew up in the 60s with the "Visible ___" and "Phantom ____" model kits. That knife reminds me of them. :)

FRN used to, and in some ways still is, regarded as a vastly inferior handle material to G10, Micarta, Titanium, etc. . However aside from designs which load the lock into the handle directly, using a stronger material isn't a practical advantage because the FRN is rarely the weak point in those designs, regardless of the blade steel. I have seen a solid VG-10 blade snapped right in half (not through the hole) and the FRN was perfectly fine.

The translucent one is cool, make it glow in the dark or use tritium to ramp up the operator appeal.

Isn't the BD1 less expensive that S110V
Seems like they were $77 vs $154?
Or maybe that was just an inflated price on the S110V?
Ole nutnfancy rated the bd1 an 11 out of 10 :)

swigert wrote:Can we keep in mind that in regards to the blade breaking that the knife was most definitely not being used in a way that is appropriate for the situation and that there are obviously different tools that should have been used.

That doesn't say anything about the user ho broke the blade, especially because of the honesty involved but when looking at that knife in this case lets throw that example out.

Yup, that's precisely what I'm referring to and at the same time pointing out the strength of the FCRP handles.

I am quite pleased with my Manix 2 LW in translucent blue FRCP. I think that although the steel does not hold an edge as long as other steels, it is very easy to sharpen and it sharpens to a very sharp edge. My BD1 blade is perhaps my sharpest (no its not a factory edge) and it is so wonderfully light weight. BD1 is also very corrosion resistant and I would not hesitate to say that it is an excellent value for a little more than a Delica. I love the fact that it looks like a toy! People are not afraid of this knife, I have pulled it out a number of times (not among strangers I'll admit) and have always been met with curiosity and positive expression. So I will admit I am a fan of this knife, yet I will also admit that if I were going to choose today, I would choose the s110v version.

MacLaren wrote:Isn't the BD1 less expensive that S110V
Seems like they were $77 vs $154?
Or maybe that was just an inflated price on the S110V?
Ole nutnfancy rated the bd1 an 11 out of 10 :)

MSRP is $129.95 vs $179.95. Given a 40% discount from MSRP to aggressive retail pricing that's only a $30 difference.

Surfingringo wrote:The op is not talking about frn. He is talking about translucent blue frcp model. As far as the "junky" feel (though I wouldn't put it quite that harshly) I agree with Paul that the translucent scales make it look like a toy. Whatever, other folks LOVE the translucent scales and would like to see them used even more. I'll reiterate that I much prefer frn over frcp. The handle material change on the new manix LW is as relevant to me (if not more so) than the steel upgrade.

Decisions, decisions...Spyderco always gives us tons of choices! :)

I assumed he was talking about the 110v version just because I saw the blue in the title. That and it's all people are talking about lately.

The "junky" was sarcasm though looking back 20-30 years our perspective of what quality feels like has changed quite a bit. If people are strictly valuing a knife based on personal tactile feedback and they don't like smooth polymers, I doubt they will like any lightweight injected material. That said, if someone hates the feel of any synthetic material they won't like CF either.

"cheap" and "inferior" are highly subjective. Every time I buy a black G10 knife I'm less impressed than when I handle FRN ones. If the OP doesn't have a FRN/FRCP/Grilon/Zytel, etc kind of knife I would recommend getting one simply to help gauge other future purchases.

^^What Ned said too. Probably more people hate on bd-1 than the handle material. I was actually pretty happy with the steel. No, it's not a high wear resistance monster but i found it to be a nice all around steel. Easy to sharpen, very corrosion resistant and takes a screamin sharp edge!

MacLaren wrote:Isn't the BD1 less expensive that S110V
Seems like they were $77 vs $154?

Street price is more like $70 v. $100.

I like the translucent handles, actually, but at $70 for BD-1 (which I've always thought performed quite well, especially since it's now regarded as a "budget" steel) or $100 or s110v, I'll spend the extra 30 bucks every time.

I got both the Manix2 trans blue and the dark blue FRN s110v. I like the FRN better even if they feel more or less the same. It feels like you are holding one of those trans plastic water guns in a way but the material is very strong and light weight, I like both light weights I carry those 2 more than I carry my fully lined G10 version. I got used to the feel overtime I don't mind it as much anymore.