The Spyderco Manix 2 and the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 are two of the most popular knives from Spyderco. Both knives have a strong reputation for being high-quality, durable, and versatile. However, there are some key differences between the two that make them suited for different situations and preferences. In this blog post, we will compare and contrast the Manix 2 and the Paramilitary 2, including their pros and cons.
Design: The Manix 2 is a folding knife that measures 8.03 inches when opened and 4.57 inches when closed. It has a blade length of 3.37 inches and a handle length of 4.46 inches. The knife weighs 4.2 ounces. On the other hand, the Paramilitary 2 is a bit smaller, measuring 8.281 inches when opened and 4.813 inches when closed. It has a blade length of 3.438 inches and a handle length of 4.438 inches. The knife weighs 3.9 ounces.
Blade: Both knives have a full-flat ground blade that is made from high-quality stainless steel. The Manix 2 has a blade made from CTS BD1 steel, which is known for its excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance. The Paramilitary 2 has a blade made from CPM S30V steel, which is also known for its excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance, but it is also tougher and harder to sharpen than the CTS BD1 steel.
Handle: The Manix 2 has a handle made from fiberglass-reinforced nylon (FRN). The handle is ergonomically designed to provide a comfortable and secure grip. The Paramilitary 2 has a handle made from G-10, which is a composite material made from layers of fiberglass and epoxy resin. The handle is also ergonomically designed to provide a comfortable and secure grip.
Lock: Both knives use Spyderco’s patented Compression Lock, which is a very strong and reliable lock that keeps the blade securely in place.
Pros:
- The Manix 2 is a larger knife with a slightly longer blade, making it better suited for heavy-duty tasks.
- The Paramilitary 2 is a bit smaller than the Manix 2, which makes it more comfortable to carry and handle.
- The blade of the Manix 2 is made from CTS BD1 steel, which is known for its excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance.
- The blade of the Paramilitary 2 is made from CPM S30V steel, which is known for its excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance, but it is also tougher and harder to sharpen than the CTS BD1 steel.
Cons:
- The Manix 2 is a bit heavier than the Paramilitary 2, which might not be suitable for some users.
- The handle of the Manix 2 is made from FRN, which is not as durable as the G-10 handle of the Paramilitary 2.
- The Paramilitary 2 is not as large as the Manix 2, which might not be suitable for some heavy-duty tasks.
In conclusion, both the Spyderco Manix 2 and the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 are excellent knives that are well-suited for different situations and preferences. The Manix 2 is a larger knife with a slightly longer blade, making it better suited for heavy-duty tasks, while the Paramilitary 2 is a smaller knife that is more comfortable to carry and handle. For me, the choice was difficult to make, but ultimately I stayed with the Paramilitary 2, which I still own years later (although rarely carried).
