Why is the PM2 more popular when the Manix 2 is objectively better?
Posted: Fri Mar 17, 2023 1:29 am
Ok, part of that is tongue in cheek to tick off the PM2 fans :P
But seriously I really don't understand what people prefer about the PM2. I suppose the one advantage it has is that it has more configuration options for tip-up or tip-down carry. But that doesn't really make much difference to me since I don't care about tip-down carry, so the Manix 2 already gives me what I want with that.
Meanwhile I have no idea why anyone prefers the compression lock. I mean, it's a fine system, but the CBBL is better in every way. I have heard a lot of people complain that the spring is too stiff, but that seems like a quality control issue because mine is perfect.
Then there's the action... I don't know if it might just be my own QC experience, but the PM2 I got is just nowhere near as smooth opening as the Manix 2. The Manix 2 feels like it's on bearings it's so smooth. I can pull the lock back and let gravity open or close the blade. With the PM2, not so much. Maybe if I adjusted the pivot a little, but I expect it would then induce blade play. The Manic 2 is butter smooth and solid as a rock.
Then there's the comfort of the handles. This is definitely an area where I can see the PM2 appealing to a wider array of hand sizes, but for my hand size in particular, the Mannix 2's shape is perfect. It fits like a glove.
The blade shape of the PM2 is intriguing and probably the biggest stand out feature to me. I haven't really used it enough to find a reason to prefer it over the leaf shape of the Manix 2 yet though. The PM2 is every so slightly thinner at the tip, which is kind of nice, but it's not as if it's so much thinner that it makes a huge difference. The thing that gets me is that even if I found a reason to prefer the PM2's blade, I would probably end up just wishing I could get it with the Manix 2's handle and lock up.
In any case, I realize it all comes down to personal preference, but one thing I wonder about is how many people were diehard PM2 fans that were won over by the Manix 2 vs how many still prefer the PM2. I expect the fact that it's been around for so long has something to do with it; people just get really used to the models they're familiar with. It's like sticking to an older model truck even though you know the newer models have more bells and whistles that actually make meaningful improvements, but you just still know the older model so well it's more like an extension of your body than something you're operating.
All that said... How cool would it be if we were able to mismatch our favorite handle/lock configurations with our favorite blades? Have some Frankenstein Spyderco models of PM2 handles with Manix 2 blades, Manix 2 handles with PM2 blades, etc. and so forth. I'm sure I'm not the first to think of that but why hasn't it come into fruition yet!
Anyway thanks for reading my flamebait :P
But seriously I really don't understand what people prefer about the PM2. I suppose the one advantage it has is that it has more configuration options for tip-up or tip-down carry. But that doesn't really make much difference to me since I don't care about tip-down carry, so the Manix 2 already gives me what I want with that.
Meanwhile I have no idea why anyone prefers the compression lock. I mean, it's a fine system, but the CBBL is better in every way. I have heard a lot of people complain that the spring is too stiff, but that seems like a quality control issue because mine is perfect.
Then there's the action... I don't know if it might just be my own QC experience, but the PM2 I got is just nowhere near as smooth opening as the Manix 2. The Manix 2 feels like it's on bearings it's so smooth. I can pull the lock back and let gravity open or close the blade. With the PM2, not so much. Maybe if I adjusted the pivot a little, but I expect it would then induce blade play. The Manic 2 is butter smooth and solid as a rock.
Then there's the comfort of the handles. This is definitely an area where I can see the PM2 appealing to a wider array of hand sizes, but for my hand size in particular, the Mannix 2's shape is perfect. It fits like a glove.
The blade shape of the PM2 is intriguing and probably the biggest stand out feature to me. I haven't really used it enough to find a reason to prefer it over the leaf shape of the Manix 2 yet though. The PM2 is every so slightly thinner at the tip, which is kind of nice, but it's not as if it's so much thinner that it makes a huge difference. The thing that gets me is that even if I found a reason to prefer the PM2's blade, I would probably end up just wishing I could get it with the Manix 2's handle and lock up.
In any case, I realize it all comes down to personal preference, but one thing I wonder about is how many people were diehard PM2 fans that were won over by the Manix 2 vs how many still prefer the PM2. I expect the fact that it's been around for so long has something to do with it; people just get really used to the models they're familiar with. It's like sticking to an older model truck even though you know the newer models have more bells and whistles that actually make meaningful improvements, but you just still know the older model so well it's more like an extension of your body than something you're operating.
All that said... How cool would it be if we were able to mismatch our favorite handle/lock configurations with our favorite blades? Have some Frankenstein Spyderco models of PM2 handles with Manix 2 blades, Manix 2 handles with PM2 blades, etc. and so forth. I'm sure I'm not the first to think of that but why hasn't it come into fruition yet!
Anyway thanks for reading my flamebait :P