My Manix 2 LW Maxamet came with a ceramic ball!

[Treading Rightly]

As the title suggests. I just got a Maxamet Manix 2 LW from a dealer local to me here in Canada. They are an AD and there’s no reason for me to think anything fishy. Is this CQI across the line? Or only on certain models?

Of course I could be wrong in my assumption, but when I pull the lock back and look from underneath, there’s a black ball in the cage and I didn’t mod it.

[GarageBoy]

Is it also screwed together?

[abbazaba]

Pics!

[Albertaboyscott]

Just curious. Whats the difference in having one vs the other?

[zhyla]

Just curious. Whats the difference in having one vs the other?

Mostly just being able to brag about how special your balls are on the internet.

[abbazaba]

Just curious. Whats the difference in having one vs the other?

Mostly just being able to brag about how special your balls are on the internet.

[RustyIron]

Mostly just being able to brag about how special your balls are on the internet.

I would think one would want to keep his tiny balls a secret.
CERAMIC!
DETENT BALLS!

[Albertaboyscott]

Just curious. Whats the difference in having one vs the other?

Mostly just being able to brag about how special your balls are on the internet.

Lol

[Michael Janich]

Hey, All:

The change to the ceramic ball will apply to all new production of Ball Bearing Lock and caged Ball Bearing Lock knives. That occurs on a SKU-by-SKU basis as old stock is sold out and new stock replenishes it. We also have no visibility on what dealers and distributors currently have on their shelves.

Stay safe,

Mike

[Jesla]

As the title suggests. I just got a Maxamet Manix 2 LW from a dealer local to me here in Canada. They are an AD and there’s no reason for me to think anything fishy. Is this CQI across the line? Or only on certain models?

Of course I could be wrong in my assumption, but when I pull the lock back and look from underneath, there’s a black ball in the cage and I didn’t mod it.

Sorry man… some of the replies to your post were totally uncalled for. However these responses are becoming all to common here these days. Thanks you for your relevant questions.

[OV1kenobi]

Hey, All:

The change to the ceramic ball will apply to all new production of Ball Bearing Lock and caged Ball Bearing Lock knives. That occurs on a SKU-by-SKU basis as old stock is sold out and new stock replenishes it. We also have no visibility on what dealers and distributors currently have on their shelves.

Stay safe,

Mike

Curious as to why the change was made from steel to ceramic. Smoother operation of the lock?

I know that either the white or black ceramic ball and often a lighter spring is a popular aftermarket mod; particularly with the CBBL on the Manix 2 and Manix 2 LW models.

Has anyone noticed any difference?

[JoviAl]

Hey, All:

The change to the ceramic ball will apply to all new production of Ball Bearing Lock and caged Ball Bearing Lock knives. That occurs on a SKU-by-SKU basis as old stock is sold out and new stock replenishes it. We also have no visibility on what dealers and distributors currently have on their shelves.

Stay safe,

Mike

Curious as to why the change was made from steel to ceramic. Smoother operation of the lock?

I know that either the white or black ceramic ball and often a lighter spring is a popular aftermarket mod; particularly with the CBBL on the Manix 2 and Manix 2 LW models.

Has anyone noticed any difference?

Full disclosure - I don’t own any ceramic ball CBBL’s, but from my perspective the main advantages could be:

1. No galvanic corrosion where it interfaces with the blade if you live by the ocean.

2. The ball won’t rust and have a less smooth action if stored damp.

3. Aesthetic.

I’m sure I’ve likely shot well wide of the mark, but I can’t fault the SS balls in my Manix XLs. On a smaller knife I doubt you could generate enough power impact force to crack a ceramic ball, but my Manix XL’s often moonlight as mini machetes on bamboo and other robust flora. I don’t know if I’d be quite as confident in not damaging the knife if there was the possibility of cracking a ball (and yes, I know this is the province of fixed blades and machetes, but sometimes I don’t have one to hand when I need one (but I always have a folder)).

[Evil D]

Just curious. Whats the difference in having one vs the other?

If I had to guess, ceramic is necessary for the Salt model because it won't rust, and if there isn't a significant enough cost difference compared to steel then I would streamline my production and use ceramic in all of them instead of dealing with two different suppliers. Then in the end people think they're getting a fancier ball so it might even help sales a little.

[zuludelta]

Curious as to why the change was made from steel to ceramic. Smoother operation of the lock?

Off the top of my head, the reason for the switch from a steel ball to a ceramic ball is probably to prevent galling (adhesive wear/mechanical spalling between metal surfaces that slide against each other) between the ball and the blade tang. I'm just speculating, though.