I got my back lock Manix 2 in today. I took some comparison pics next to a well-known Manix 2 with the ball bearing lock.
Identical blade shapes
Spyderco's CQI is impressive. It seems like each Spyderco I get nowadays, keeps getting better!
Slight difference in blade thickness, but honestly, it doesn't really stand out, unless you have them side by side.
The larger pivot pin screws are a nice touch. I'm not sure if the actual pivot pin itself is larger or not?
One of the biggest differences is the thickness in hand.
Everything on the spine side is perfectly mated. The g10 slabs and lockbar/backspacer is flawlessly blended together. The stainless backspacer and lockbar is kinda sexy!
I really like the new "micro" peel ply texture on the backlock Manix! Tacky, matte feeling to them and I can tell it's a little easier on the jeans pockets.
Compared to a Stretch 2
And in between a Delica and Endura
Like the Stretch 1 and 2, the Manix backlock looks very similar to the Manix ball bearing, but feel very different in hand. I have to admit, that the spring on this backlock is strong as a bear trap! In all honesty, after playing with this backlock for a bit, the ball bearing lock feels puny when it snaps open. This is awesome that there is so much spring pressure on this backlock, stronger than any other backlock I've experienced from Spyderco. I guess you'd have to experience it for yourself to see! Given my initial impressions, I love both versions and will have multiples of each in my cutlery arsenal! Thanks again Spyderco for another homerun!