Mantra 3 mixed feelings

[Ixstala]

I have been carrying a Sliverax for the last few months and really dig the flipper/hole/compression lock arrangement. When I saw that the Mantra 3 was getting beefier bearings and a compression lock I thought I won the knife lottery.

Sadly, a steel swap from M4 to S30V may keep me from purchasing it. And peel ply CF over solid Ti, while lowering cost, seems like a downgrade. Anyone agree?

Mantra 3 with M4 and solid Ti would be amazing!

[Jazz]

If I didn't already have one, I'd like the carbon fibre better.

[timlara]

I really like the CF laminate, assuming it's basically the same as on the Sage 5.

I am a bit disappointed that they changed the steel to S30V, though. Not because there's anything wrong with S30V, but the M4 was something unique about the first Mantra that isn't widely available on other models. Since I already own a Sage 5, there isn't enough different about the new Mantra to really make me want to buy one. If it were M4 or 204P, I almost certainly would be interested in one as an upgrade over my Sage 5, but as it is, I think I prefer a finger choil and no flipper tab given the same materials.

[zhyla]

Sadly, a steel swap from M4 to S30V may keep me from purchasing it.

You may have some good reason for this but in general I think this is silly. S30V is a good steel. Spyderco thinks it’s so good they use it in tons of models. We need to stop being bored with S30V and focus on design.

[Canazes9]

Sadly, a steel swap from M4 to S30V may keep me from purchasing it.

You may have some good reason for this but in general I think this is silly. S30V is a good steel. Spyderco thinks it’s so good they use it in tons of models. We need to stop being bored with S30V and focus on design.

Everything I know about knife steels agrees with this 100%. Unfortunately, the spoiled little child created by the nearly constant flow of exotic steel choices from Spyderco says "Really? That's the best you can do?"

David

[Sharp Guy]

Sadly, a steel swap from M4 to S30V may keep me from purchasing it.

One of things I like about the Mantra is the M4 steel. So I too was a little disappointed that they're not using M4 on the Mantra 3. However, I won't let the fact that they went with S30V stop me from buying one. S30V is a fine steel and the fact that it's stainless will likely attract more users to the model. Considering that the average knife buyer typically wants their EDC blade to be made of a good quality stainless steel it's probably a smart move on Spyderco's part.

...And peel ply CF over solid Ti, while lowering cost, seems like a downgrade. Anyone agree?

As much as I like Ti frame locks I don't really look at it as a downgrade. The CF/laminate that Spyderco uses is very durable and resists wear well in my experience. I think it looks nice too. If using it helps to lower the price compared to the Mantra and Mantra 2 then it's kind of an upgrade. I already have a Sage 5 and Sliverax with the same material. So I do wish they went with something a little different (color?) for the Mantra 3. Apparently, they didn't consider what Sharp Guy already had in his collection when they made the decision. :)

Mantra 3 with M4 and solid Ti would be amazing!

Do you own a Mantra yet? If not I highly recommend it.

[Slumblor]

I would have rather seen a more premium steel on the Mantra3, 204P would have been great. but I'll still go for it, seems like they're going for a bigger market with the changes. I do like the CF/G10 laminate they use too. This seems very similar to the Sage 5, but I think this will win out for me, I love the Mantra design so adding compression lock will be a plus. I think it'll be an excellent EDC.

[Ixstala]

I don't own a Mantra yet, but to forego hardened wear surfaces and the compression lock of the Mantra 3 for M4/liner lock is a hard choice for me. I've had good performance from my S30V knives (no doubt as this is now the default steel for most makers), but my go to M4 blades sharpen to another level and stay keen for a long time between touch-ups, not to mention chipping out less during use (granted this depends on edge geometry and usage). And yes I am a steel snob, why not be discerning?

Regarding the peel ply CF vs Ti scales is another thing, aesthetically they both work and grip is good on both. Just for arguments sake let's use the Sliverax as a strawman for Mantra 3 since their construction is very similar. On the Sliverax you can develop flex across the pivot depending on how you position your fingers when you actuate the compression lock. This will bind the pivot preventing the knife from closing, having some additional stiffness in the scales would fix that issue. Maybe this is more pronounced on the Sliverax since the bolster area is quite thin, but it would be a shame to see a similar fixable issue show up on another model.

Combination of M4/Flipper/Compression would be awesome - maybe Mantra is not the knife that deserves this treatment first.

[toxophilus]

The uptick is the Mantra 1 will be on sale when it gets discontinued due to this latest revision...

[timlara]

The uptick is the Mantra 1 will be on sale when it gets discontinued due to this latest revision...

I'll be watching closely for that! :D

[vivi]

Sadly, a steel swap from M4 to S30V may keep me from purchasing it.

You may have some good reason for this but in general I think this is silly. S30V is a good steel. Spyderco thinks it’s so good they use it in tons of models. We need to stop being bored with S30V and focus on design.

I'll never understand people who lament S30V being used in a folding knife. It's sufficient for anyones needs.

[SG89]

S30V is a good steel. Spyderco thinks it’s so good they use it in tons of models. We need to stop being bored with S30V and focus on design.

I used to focus more on steel and now I focus more on design. a knife could have the latest greatest steel but it's still going to sit in the drawer unused if I'm not in love with the design and love to carry it.

[koenigsegg]

Yes a downgrade but also hopefully more affordable then. I do like S30V I am kind of tired of it since I have so many knives with it. I will probably still get it because I love the design of the mantra and the compression lock. I hope they make a 4 that has the blade profile from the 2.

[JDennis]

The Mantra 3 will be my next spyderco purchase. The s30v doesn't bother me since it will be a office duty knife.

[mattman]

You may have some good reason for this but in general I think this is silly. S30V is a good steel. Spyderco thinks it’s so good they use it in tons of models. We need to stop being bored with S30V and focus on design.

Everything I know about knife steels agrees with this 100%. Unfortunately, the spoiled little child created by the nearly constant flow of exotic steel choices from Spyderco says "Really? That's the best you can do?"

David

I flip between these positions on an hourly basis!

In reality, I will never let Spydercos choice of steel cause me to *not* buy a particular knife, but it has probably influenced me to say yes on others, that I might not have been too interested in otherwise (although I can't think of a specific example, at the moment...)

I think it's all part of the SpyderVenom recipe...

[swigert]

Ill take the titanium and M4 every day

[bearfacedkiller]

I don't dislike the material choice but i do find that the choice puts the Mantra3 in direct competition with the Sage5. They just seem very similar now.

[anycal]

No mixed feelings here. Yes, wish for this and that, but still getting it.

I don't have a Sage 5. But for me, what puts the Mantra above Sage 5, is the 1/2 inch longer cutting edge.

[Sharp Guy]

I don't dislike the material choice but i do find that the choice puts the Mantra3 in direct competition with the Sage5. They just seem very similar now.

I was thinking about this last night. At least for me, the Mantra 3 could easily replace the Sage 5, Sliverax, and Mantra. I like all 3 of those models enough that it will probably never happen but it could free up some funds and some space in my knife box.

[Ixstala]

After a night of ruminating it seems that since I already own the Sliverax the Mantra 3 is too similar to warrant a purchase without the M4. Maybe I'll cave down the road