Pros: Ease of Opening, Handle Material, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness
Cons: Weight
XL=Even More Manix 2
I have been a fan of the Manix 2 series since I first handled one over a year ago. Since then I've purchased three. (Don't tell my wife.) I especially appreciated some of the Manix 2 sprint runs with full flat ground blades. When I saw this one available for pre-order, I jumped on it. In my mind, some things are just better when there's more of it! This knife feels larger in the hand than the regular Manix 2, as you might imagine. It opens easily, and handles nicely. The clip is still reversible on this knife, so if you're a lefty like me, that is welcome. The screws that secure the pocket clip are larger than the ones on the regular Manix 2. What I like: S30V is a very hard wearing steel. I find it harder to sharpen than some other steels, but it holds an edge nicely and for a longer period of time. While it doesn't get as razor sharp as some steels, that edge holding capability is one that I prefer. My example came out of the box very sharp. In fact one of my colleagues handled the blade and quite immediately cut himself well enough to draw blood, if not to require stitches. I even warned him ahead of time. Like I said, this one comes sharp. I like the blade shape, it is very similar (although not exact) to the regular Manix 2. It is useful for both larger cutting tasks as well as detail work with the near edge or the tip. The handle itself with the G10 has a nice traction plan, and that is also excellent. It has a nicely sized lanyard hole so that you can put one on if you wish. (I like having a knife lanyard, it never hurts.) What I don't like... It is heavy. As you would expect for a larger knife, you eat more weight. I wish Spyderco had milled the liners out on this knife, but I suspect that would've added to the cost. Even knocking off a fraction of an ounce would've been appreciated. It also doesn't carry as deeply in your pocket as the regular Manix 2. If you're in an environment where people look askance at knives, this one will stand out some, and that may be a consideration for you. Overall, if you like the Manix 2 but you just wished for "a little more," this is definitely the knife for you.