Decisions, Decisions: Spyderco Manix2 XL or Benchmade 940? HELP!!

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KaguyaKenji

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Feb 20, 2014
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Aye, so I've been staring at these 2 knives, Spyderco Manix2 XL & Benchmade 940, for quite a few years now, saving the cash to eventually get one. I finally stocked up enough cash to get myself a Spyderco Manix 2 XL for ~$96 on amazon.com.

My question is: Should I lay down the cash now and get myself the Manix 2 XL? OR Should I wait until I saved up a bit more and get myself the Benchmade 940($175 on amazon.com)?

I've had experience with S30V knives, but never owned one. I know the 940's ~1/2 the weight of the Manix2 XL. But based off ergo, price, performance, maintenance, Ball Bearing Lock vs AXIS Lock, etc., which one's the better choice in your opinion?

Manix 2 XL:
1)S30V Blade
2)FFG/'Leaf Shape'
3)G10 Handles
4)Ball Bearing Lock
5)5.2oz

VS

940 Osborne
1)S30V Blade
2)Mod. Reverse Tanto
3)Aluminum Handles
4)AXIS Lock
5)2.9oz

Thanks,
-K. Kenji
 
The 940 is a much better design for carry. I wouldn't trade my 940 for a Manix XL and a Translucent Blue Manix. The 940 is a about $25-$40 overpriced like most BM's. The Manix is a better value and the 940 is a better knife (for my needs).
 
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I would get the lightweight manix with s110v. If not then the Osborne than the xl.
 
Also consider the regular Manix2 with a 3.4" blade instead of Manix2 XL with a 3.9" blade. It'll be closer to the 3.4" blade on the 940. Manix2 can be had with various steel blades, scales and with or without liners for even lighter weight.

Can't beat the narrow profile of the 940.
 
Those are very different knives, I personally would go for the 940. It's light weight and has a great blade shape and lock. If you watch the exchange, you can get a good price on a used one.
 
I believe even the regular size Manix 2 is larger than the 940.

Besides that there is a lot of difference in the style- the Manix 2 has a relatively pointed blade, the 940 is more blunt. Depends on whether you need to cut into things with the point or carve things with the side of the blade.

The Manix 2 and Para 2 are 2 of my favorite blades. I have some Benchmades too, but not the 940. I like the Manix 2 XL a lot and I was carrying one today, but it is a fairly large knife.
 
If you're primarily going to use either knife for EDC duties and don't have gigantic hands, I'd say save up for the 940 (or watch for one on the exchange, several nice examples have been sold in the past few weeks).

Comparatively speaking, the Manix 2 XL is a massive blade and unless that extra size is going to help you out in your mission i.e. use with gloves or for long periods, to me, the 940 is a better choice. It packs a lot of blade length into its handle, is extremely lightweight, as you mentioned and IMO is a much classier knife. I also prefer the AXIS Lock to the CBB.

Of course, as others have stated, if you're willing to consider the 'regular sized' Manix 2, that opens up numerous blade steels and handle colors. ...that scenario may have a different outcome in my mind.
 
My vote goes to the Manix2 XL. In my opinion from my own experience it is one of the best knives a man can own at any price. I carry mine more than any other knife in my collection. It is a large knife but so well designed (thin and light) that the size will never be an issue. The Manix lock is solid and in no way inferior to the Axis lock. The s30v blade is more than good enough and Spyderco can be trusted to do proper hardening etc. Why pay more? Get what you wanted in the first place. The Manix2 XL will not disappoint.

Get the Manix and start saving for your first Sebenza.
 
I can't really help you as far as the Manix XL, as the regular Manix is on the larger side for what I usually carry, but I'd see the S110V Manix2 Lightweight as a closer competitor to the 940; both have ~3.4" blades, and both weigh about 3 ounces. Between those two, I'd say the Manix is a better cutter due to the steel upgrade and better geometry (the disadvantage of a narrow blade is that you usually have to either sacrifice some slicing ability or strength in the grind - in the 940, it was slicing), but the 940 is very slim and better behaved in pocket. If I'm carrying a knife knowing I'm going to be using it, I'll take the Manix, but if I'm just carrying a knife because I might use it, I'd go with the 940. For reference, you can find the S110V Manix for about 100 shipped if you shop around.
 
In my experience, the 940 carries better, but the Manix (all versions) are more ergonomic and are better users. If you're EDC sees a lot of heavy use, I say the Manix all the way.
 
I have, and love, both!
The 940 seems to wind up in my pocket a lot more.
I am in HVAC and need a knife every day at work. BM carries better and is much more fun to flick.
My Manix is the lw version, and remember I LOVE it, the 940 feels superior in almost every way.
Liked the 940 so much I bought my son one and got myself a 943 also.
You'll be thrilled with either and probably will wind up with both anyway!!
Good luck and let us know which one winds up in your pocket!
Joe
 
Wildly different knives. I'm a big guy, so I don't care about taking up a lot of pocket space and cutting geometry is one of my main desires, that makes the Manix 2 XL the clear winner for me. The 940 is much slimmer, will be a more comfortable carry and has fantastic blade to handle ratio. Probably a better EDC knife for most people.
 
A really big thank you to everyone who helped me out. I've bought, received, and used my newly acquired Spyderco Manix 2 lightweight w/ the BD1 steel. What led up to my decisions was that I was on a weekend trip and met a dude, probably in his late 60s, who hade a XL Manix 2. I got a feel for it, decided it was a bit too heavy for me. But I still really wanted a manix 2.

So I decided to get a the BD1 lightweight manix2 for now, and once I saved enough, I'll definitely get my hands on a BM940. Seeing so many of ya'll suggesting the BM940, I want it even more now. Also glad I chose the lightweight manix 2, it fits my hands and my personal preferences perfectly, became my favorite knife, so far, right out the box. Got something I didn't expect. Looking forward to getting myself a Spydie Centofante and a BM940 in the next few months,or years!!

-Kaguya Kenji
 
I know you've made your decision, but I wanted to weigh in for the 940. The Manix LW is a non-starter for me given the pinned construction and inability to properly maintain the knife. The Manix XL has a very fat pocket profile and doesn't fit the way I carry. If the 940 seems too blunt, check out the 943. Unfortunately, all Benchmades are overpriced. YMMV. Enjoy your new knife!
 
The 940 is very smooth in terms of action. Nice and light in the hand/pocket, you wont really notice it durring the day. The green and purple looks cool together. I held the manix and i like the design, i love the axis lock but would choose the manix xl over the 940 due to the design. I prefer a larger knife so thats why im drawn to the manix xl over the 940. If weight is a concern then you may want the 940.
 
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