Manix2 XL vs Military S110V vs Crooked River : which of these larger knives would you pick for edc?

I've owned many Manix XLs back in the day, regular and even the s90v sprint ones. They are great knives, but one thing that plagues them, is the side-to-side blade play. They only have a pin through the front of the backspacer, unlike the Manix 2, which has screws holding the front of the backspacer. The lack of screws on the front on the XL, leaves nothing to "squeeze" that area of the knife together, so everyone I've ever had, had bad side-to-side blade play. Blade play is one of my bigger pet peeves, so I never kept any of them. As for the Crooked River, I never cared the looks of that particular BM.
 
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Military hands down. I’ve never handled a Manix XL but use to have a Crooked River. The Millie is the best IMO.
 
I also vote for the military though I actually like the looks of the crooked river more and I do tend to like the axis lock more. However, I wouldn't pay the extra for it, I would would rather get a sprint run or exclusive millie with something like M4 or m390 for the $200. I think the full tie frame lock millie runs in that ballpark as well.

Edit: just to add, the cold steel broken skull is another 4" folder I've really liked and is tiny in the pocket. Not nearly as ergo as the millie since it's very thin in the handle but it's also a little cheaper. As long as you can get by with the stupid name and print.

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91bravo said:
I've owned many Manix XLs back in the day, regular and even the s90v sprint ones. They are great knives, but one thing that plagues them, is the side-to-side blade play. They only have a pin through the front of the backspacer, unlike the Manix 2, which has screws holding a stop pin. The lack of screws on the front on the XL, leaves nothing to "squeeze" that are of the knife together, so everyone I've ever had, had bad side-to-side blade play. Blade play is one of my bigger pet peeves, so I never kept any of them. As for the Crooked River, I never cared the looks of that particular BM.
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Good to know about the XL. I had no idea.
 
I have a fluted millie and don't think it is a good candidate for edc due to the fine tip being too fragile for day to day use.
 
Another Military vote.

One has been my carry knife for 3 1/2 years. Currently it's one in 204p.
 
I have a S110V Military and a Manix 2 XL, they are different, I carry the Military more because I favor a liner lock over a axis style lock. If I wasn't so meh about Benchmade and Axis Locks I'd probably get a custom shop Crooked River too since I like the shape and look of the CR.
 
I have 2 of the Manix2 XLs in my EDC rotation, I was carrying the black/DLC S30V version today. I have an M4 Military that I carry frequently on weekends, so for office use I slightly prefer the Manix2 XL.
 
b00n said:
I have a S110V Military and a Manix 2 XL, they are different, I carry the Military more because I favor a liner lock over a axis style lock. If I wasn't so meh about Benchmade and Axis Locks I'd probably get a custom shop Crooked River too since I like the shape and look of the CR.
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I just checked out the BM custom shop Crooked River options. Pretty cool. Any idea what the wait time is once a custom shop order is placed?
 
bikerector said:
I also vote for the military though I actually like the looks of the crooked river more and I do tend to like the axis lock more. However, I wouldn't pay the extra for it, I would would rather get a sprint run or exclusive millie with something like M4 or m390 for the $200. I think the full tie frame lock millie runs in that ballpark as well.

Edit: just to add, the cold steel broken skull is another 4" folder I've really liked and is tiny in the pocket. Not nearly as ergo as the millie since it's very thin in the handle but it's also a little cheaper. As long as you can get by with the stupid name and print.

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ZWuQL0ul.jpg

GP8Heypl.jpg
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I got a couple Broken Skulls arriving this week. Seems like a great deal for the cost especially in CTS XHP and I’m looking forward to see how it performs.

In answer to the OP I think either the Military or CR are great folders and would work great as an EDC. What sorts of materials do you find yourself cutting during a regular week?

I’m curious to see what you decide as I don’t have any of the three models to posted and would like to see what you think when you choose.

Good luck!
 
And plus, there's not much out there that can match the cutting prowess of the Military. The geometry of the blade, thin, flat and sharp, will out cut a lot of your popular knives out there.
 
I'm a guy who puts other things in the knife pocket (wallet) so It's hands down the Crooked River. The Millie is wide in the pocket AND tip down. The Manix XL is an absolute pocket hog.
 
I have owned all three and the Military is my favorite model of the bunch. It’s the total package and very versatile for a large folder. While the Military has great ergonomics, the Manix Xl does melt in my hand. The Manix takes up a lot of pocket space, it’s a tall blade and I had trouble accessing my keys. The Crooked River is a really nice knife too but the Spyderco’s are considerably slicier.
 
joeG26er said:
I have a fluted millie and don't think it is a good candidate for edc due to the fine tip being too fragile for day to day use.
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This is totally up to what do you understand as EDC ussage. I also think that the tip of the Military, or PM for that matter, is much weaker than the tip of my Endura 4 saber ground. However they are stout enough for MY daily use

91bravo said:
And plus, there's not much out there that can match the cutting prowess of the Military. The geometry of the blade, thin, flat and sharp, will out cut a lot of your popular knives out there.
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Opinel! There you go. Great slicer, wide range of available blade lengths AND cheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeap! You even get to choose between stainless or carbon steel. :p

On a serious note, I think that the Military is a bit too big for my day to day uses. I carry them (I have two) because I have them... but in truth, there is no need for me to carry.

To the OP. what are your usual tasks with a knife that require such a long blade as an EDC?
 
I don't have any experience with a Military or Manix XL, just their younger siblings PM2 and Manix. So I'm not much help there.....

But, I do own a Crooked River and it is a great larger knife, and not to mention has the looks to go with it.
 
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