Military versus Manix 2

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EDCanAdamas

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Sep 8, 2013
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I recently purchased a Manix 2 for EDCing when my Adamas is just too big. I bought the Manix 2 because of it's similiarity to what I am used to, which is Benchmade. That being said, I really like my Manix 2, and I would like to know why it is not as popular (or seems to be as popular) to the Military.

So why is the Military so much more popular? Both the Manix 2 and the Military have S30V blades on the basic G10 models. I also prefer the wider, thicker Manix blade shape to the Military's thinner, longer blade. The lock on the Manix 2 also seems to be stronger that the liner-lock found on the military. Are these knives equally popular and I'm missing something, or is there a reason for why the Military is rarely in stock.
 
Hang around here for a little bit and you will realize the Manix 2 IS a very popular knife around here.
 
Can't speak for other folks, but I just love the "fell" and the weight and balance of the military.

My Militaries are in CPM D-2, CPM M-4 and CPM S90V. (Hoping for one in B-U K390 in the future)

If all I could get to carry was S30V, I'd switch to a Gayle Bradley.
 
I didnt like the in hand feel of the manix 2 as much as the milli, I also didnt like that when u go to cut things like rope or webbing or twine, the finger choil on the manix would catch sometimes. That being said i did love my manix 2 for diff things, the very fine tip and finger coil would do great for detailed little cuts. I had the 154 version tho if that matters.
 
I'm waiting for the Manix 2 XL DLC. It's at the top of my wish list. The Manix 2 XL in my opinion, is Spyderco's answer to the Benchmade Adamas. It has a hefty blade and stronger lock than a liner-lock (Nothing against the Military's Lock, its strong too). As far a being hard to find, Manix 2 XL DLC's seem to be as elusive as the Military is.
 
I love them both, they are both exceptional knives. But I think if you don't own a Military, you should and that will explain a lot. I put off getting one for a long time because of the length and now that I have a couple I find it to be one of my favorite Spyderco's. I have both the Ti model and the G10 model and the G10 model has to be the most well balanced versatile folder I own. It's so light for its size, has so many options for grip and is a great slicing knife. The Manix on the other hand is very robust without being a brick, has great ergonomics and you likely could be a little more careless with the blade. In the end you can't lose with either, if you can only have one :-)
 
I've had an Original Manix, Manix 2 in CPM-M4, S30V, CTS-XHP, and I've all let them go. On the other hand, I still have 4 different Militaries and duplicates. I just couldn't warm up to the Manix/2, it felt too wide in the pocket. Then again, the Ti Military is my favorite Spyderco. I just favor framelocks and linerlocks more for ease of use and maintenance.
 
I think they are both great, hard to go wrong either way. Recently acquired both models actually and I must say it has made me love Spyderco even more! Pick whichever suits you more and don't look back (if you can though get both, at least eventually, you'll understand then)!
 
I prefer larger knives so I like the Manix 2 XL over the Military, but the Military over the Manix 2.
 
IMO...

More blade and less weight is my reason for liking the Mili's over the Manix...

I love the sound of the opening action of the Mili (but its a little large for edc).
PM2 is the perfect size and is so light for the amount of blade. Its also so durable and such a safe lock.

I think the closing of the Mili and para is easier to do..

The manix does have a strong feeling and the larger steel liners make it feel very solid...
 
I got my M2 XL about a month ago. It is hell for stout, and smooth to boot. I like it. Enough in fact, that I will probably buy a couple to put away. Just in case they get crazy about killing it.
 
I have to say that the Manix 2 XL is my favorite folding knife. I haven't forsaken all others but if I had to pick just one, that would be it. Ergonomics, blade configuration, light weight and carry options all go in its favor over the Military.

With that said, I did buy a Military when I was at the Spyderco factory, but mostly for nostalgic reasons. It was my first visit to the factory and I wanted something made in Colorado. I was also finishing over three years assigned to Fort Carson and, of course, I am in the military, so everything just seemed to fit. Also, leaving command it was time to retire my "command knife," an Endura 4 with gray FRN handles that I carried nearly every day I wore a uniform.

Off duty, however, I usually carried the Manix 2 XL, and that is the knife I bought for my roommate before he deployed. I bought an original Manix for my cousin when he earned his Eagle Scout and carried my own regularly. I bought a Manix 2 for a SF buddy of mine (after he lost a BM I bought for him during the Q course) and he says it is still his constant companion.

The Manix 2 XL has all of the upsides of the original Manix without the weight, and I think the Manix family ranks with (if not above) the Endura/Delica family in terms of enduring, innovative designs.
 
The only reason I don't own a Manix 2 is that they are not FFG. I really wish they would change them from a hollow grind to a flat.
 
I'm planing on picking up a manix 2 XL pretty soon, but I LOVE the Military. I own three and can't seem to stop buying them. I prefer the liner-lock/frame-lock of the Mili. Plus you can't beat the verity.
 
PatrickKnight said:
The only reason I don't own a Manix 2 is that they are not FFG. I really wish they would change them from a hollow grind to a flat.
Click to expand...

The Manix2 sprints I had were all FFG. They were the grey (CPM-M4), green (CTS-XHP), and orange (S30V) ones.
 
gooeytek said:
The Manix2 sprints I had were all FFG. They were the grey (CPM-M4), green (CTS-XHP), and orange (S30V) ones.
Click to expand...

Yep, gotta love the FFG blade. I hope/wonder if the Manix2 will change over and have an FFG blade in the future on the standard model.
 
I like the Military. I had a Manix 2 XL and it just didn't work for me. That being said, I would love to get my hands on the Grey or Green FFG manix 2 sprint. That would be a keeper, I liked the lock on the manix 2XL, I like the axis lock too (I understand they are different) but I don't like any BM designs. Give me a XHP Manix 2 Sprint and I would be a happy man!!
 
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