Modding the Spyderco Manix 2 - Major Upgrade!

The Manix 2, created by Eric Glesser has become one of Spyderco's most popular and enduring models, and an example of the nearly perfect EDC pocketknife. Let's break this masterpiece down and tune it up!
Spyderco Manix 2 - shrsl.com/2uk6i
Flytanium Titanium Cage Upgrade - amzn.to/3ex4iNi
Journey Tool Co. - journeytoolco....
The Manix 2 is a dependable, all-purpose folding knife that showcases Spyderco’s Made-in-USA quality and patented Ball Bearing Lock™. Its broad blade is precision machined from Crucible’s premium CPM® S30V® particle metallurgy stainless steel and features a full-flat grind for an exceptional balance of edge geometry and strength. Matching areas of jimping (textured grooves) on the thumb ramp and the index-finger choil complement the handle’s refined ergonomics to offer an amazingly secure, comfortable grip.
Constructed with full stainless steel liners, a stainless steel back spacer, and textured black G-10 scales, the Manix 2’s handle is home to a high-strength Ball Bearing Lock™ mechanism. One of our strongest, smoothest operating lock mechanisms, it consists of a hardened steel ball bearing encased in a polymer cage. When the knife is opened, a plunger drives the ball bearing forward onto a ramp on the blade, wedging it securely open. Pulling back on the cage releases the lock and allows the blade to pivot smoothly closed. Both opening and closing are easily performed with either hand and without ever placing your fingers near the blade’s edge.
To ensure instant access and ease of carry, the Manix 2 includes a reversible hourglass clip that supports left or right-side tip-up carry. It complements the blade’s Trademark Round Hole and lock mechanism to make every aspect of the knife’s carry, deployment, and operation completely ambidextrous.

[@TheSmileyTek]

Sold! Manix 2 is my next knife 😂. I wasn't into Spyderco until here recently, surprisingly, but the more I researched the Manix 2, the more I started to really like it.

[@retardno002]

You should give the Para Military 2 a try next, I know it looks a little goofy but when you hold it, it will all make sense.

[@bosschaos521]

I can only speak for the G10 scale version but I did this same upgrade and didn't need the SDK tool. I just took the scale screws out and rotated the scale out of the way without removing it from the lanyard tube.

[@RaduMichael]

Me too.

[@MongooseReflexes]

Definitely the best teardown videos of the Manix 2! Thanks, and great job!

[@albertbrady712]

Omega springs are terrible they suck. The manix 2 and manix xl are both excellent knives. Great tutorial.

[@collinfarmer1190]

By far the quickest and easiest method to swap the ball cage. Thank you!

[@ineedmymodfixed]

My first spyderco was a PM2 I fell in love with it when the guy at the store handed it to me. Saw a manix in a video and loved how it looked and had to buy one. They are both great knives and I can't decide which one I like more. They feel like they fill different roles, it is hard to pick but I feel like the manix is a sturdier design and built like a tank

[@maurogios27osorno24]

I was hesitaving to buy this Spyderco, but thanks to your dedication to it I have finished convincing myself. Excellent video ✌🏽

[@Young007]

I think it's one of Spyderco's best knives. Mid size, sturdy design

[@RyanLovesReds]

Great video, just picked up my first manix 2 and absolutely love it. Will definitely do this mod down the road, great to see. ❤

[@cjanquart]

The lightweight and a 'standard' Manix 2 were my first Spyderco purchases. Of course I immediately got some carbon fiber scales, a Lynch NW clip, a titanium cage and modded it. Learned later from a group on FB that you can run a lighter weight spring and a ceramic ball, OMG the action is just scary smooth.

[@pete1122]

Where do you buy the light weight spring?

[@MrSabram07]

Where can I get the light weight spring a and ceramic ball?

[@Mntoyaz]

You make this look so easy! Great video!👍🏼👍🏼

[@davidh0159]

I have a Chaparral that I love. I find it to be sort of the mini version of the Manix 2. Love the shape and this one is definitely on my "to-get" list. I've heard great things about the titanium lock and would definitely get one when I get a Manix 2. And now I have a great tutorial on how to install it.

[@knifepivotlube412]

I love the titanium lock so much more than I ever thought I would. It slides much more smoothly!

[@markanderson8677]

Excellent tutorial! I'm getting ready to put some Metonboss scales on my Manix 2.

[@rexuswin]

Love my Manix 2! Great tutorial!!

[@420thugsta]

I like to use the 1/4 Teflon tape instead of locktite. Making future disassembly much easier. The Teflon tape also prevents screws from backing out.

[@just9911]

Give purple loctite a try. It’s definitely the way to go over blue loctite. The only downside is that it isn’t available in stick/paste form like blue.

[@stevendalton7686]

I learned a lot from this video. Thanks!

[@The_Cholo]

I did research and argued with myself over PM2 or PM3, back and forth back and forth. Now i get to obsess and do the same over the Manix and Manix 2 lol. Good content my man, dont stop making videos!!

[@Baruch-Hashem]

What I love about the Manix 2 is the "jimping" in so many places. I do have an oil preference, that is mineral oil. The reason is it is edible, non toxic, and dirt cheap as far as oils go. Still have never found a reason to pay for anything else. I have a gallon, It may last a few lifetimes.

[@TinyIslandMaine]

Mineral oil works great. +1 food safe

[@gugaporta26]

$300 for a bit driver …. Is it going to sing to me while I fix the knife or do they come with built in Bluetooth wth? Wiha FTW imo😊

[@gregmccormack5709]

Excellent review, with easy to follow steps👍🏻

[@Young007]

I love Manix 2, I think it's Spyderco's best knife

[@IdaReggaeMon]

I love your videos. Well produced with all content and no filler. Maybe consider losing the repetitive music by mixing it up somehow.

[@knifepivotlube412]

Stonewashed.

[@adamgrimes820]

The plier wrench is such a handy tool for knife and gun customization

[@mikelikesknives428]

Best model Spyderco makes IMO. They are fantastic when reground! You make great videos with great tips!

[@knifepivotlube412]

Thanks Mike!! Who do you have do your regrinds?

[@mikelikesknives428]

@@knifepivotlube412 I just sent you a DM on Instagram. I hope it helps!

[@MrSabram07]

Regrind what?

[@Yuzuki1337]

​@@MrSabram07The microbevel I'd assume

[@ReapersEDC]

Do you have a link for the tool kit?

[@tariqkamil7853]

This is becoming one of my favourite knife channel. And I do use kpl. But here’s a question or an observation, on my native 5 LW or Teflon washers, I find light mineral oil more effective. Have tried both the og and heavy, but the mineral oil works best. Why would that be so?

[@knifepivotlube412]

Hmm, that’s interesting. In both cases then, your blade is running metal-on-plastic. I’ll ask around and see if anyone else has noticed that effect!

[@cmjimenez83]

Fresh video. Thank you

[@cataka4849]

Is there are reason why Allied Weapons Technologies scales fit the regular Manix 2 but do not fit the Manix 2 Lightweight? Are the internals that different? This is assuming we are talking about the lightweight verson with screws, not rivets.

[@noahdabeast3479]

My favorite type of video he does

[@D2ArkaAra]

I'm loving that you're filling in some gaps here. I was convinced it wasn't possible to remove the scales without ruining that piece!

[@mattbroct]

Needs to have a index flipper added and for me would be the perfect knife! Have carried manix 2 lw in all black for several years and the only short coming is no index flipper. Still fun to thumb and spidey flip but it’s so natural to index finger flip knifes if drawing quick. Have several spyderco knives and always come back to manix 2 lw

[@norwd]

Crazy that after all this time there was any easier way to remove that ball bearing! This method looks way easier than what I’ve been doing 😂

[@michaeldesalvo5710]

I have the original manix the locking mechanism is it does not have the locking mechanisms I’ve been looking for a while to fix the knife

[@stevemilk4526]

Great video for a great knife. I want that entire kit. Went to the website and didn’t see it put together everything was to be separately purchased. Disappointing.

[@jenhwa71]

does journey tool sell the complete toolkit you use in the video?

[@kaymundosan1131]

Awesome video :0. Perfection.

[@Mntoyaz]

Do you have a video that shows the lock change out on the Lightweight Manix 2? I have my Knife Joker Exclusive on the way.

[@ReadyAdmin]

Any where else I can get that tool set? Seems to be out of stock. Also what is the name of those pliers and where can I get them? Thanks

[@knifepivotlube412]

Hi Brian, Journey Tool Co. does sell out quickly. Your best bet is to follow them on Instagram and jump on new releases ASAP. The pliers are Knipex Pliers/Wrench models amzn.to/2PSu0Bu

[@travis11231]

Can i take out the lanayad tube with out totaly diassembling it? I have the kpl lube and i aso have some new ball cage and hardware upgrade i want to put in. i have the sharp dress knife tool also.

[@SHCK86]

there is absolutely no reason to remove the tube. You can easily disassemble it without removing it.

[@RafaelMoriel73]

Hello. Im saving for my 1st Spyderco (manix2). I can only afford the lightweight version. If the lightweight version is a lower quality?

[@bio6588]

Nope. The only difference is the handle. The blade is just as durable and cuts just as well.

[@tylersmith293]

Great info.

[@Duyanh2806]

can you mod the lw version?

[@hoss4876]

Do they only skeletonize the scales on the sprint runs? Mine has full liners

[@butchbilbrey7871]

I wondered the same thing

[@hificat101]

Newb question. I just ordered a Manix 2 XL. It's my first premium knife. Should phosphor bronze washers be lubed?

[@Yuzuki1337]

A bit late but no

[@hificat101]

@@Yuzuki1337 well, I did lube them with a little standard weight KPL, and when I put it back together with a new ball, ball cage, and less stiff springs, it ran like an air hockey puck on an air hockey table, and still does. Action went from awful to otherworldly.

[@Yuzuki1337]

Yeah custom mods can be quite nice and it's a great feeling to work on your favorites and have them turn out even more to your liking than before. :) I'd argue your action would still be good with unlubed washers though, I've never felt the need to lube specifically nylon, teflon or phosphor-bronze washers if they're quality parts. Accumulating a bunch of crud in your moving parts is a real pain in the ass and usually makes for higher maintenence so I tend to err on the side of less lube in less places. Enjoy your nice knife and buttery smooth action my friend! ❤️

[@theknifeconnection9571]

I think gunny glide has y’all beat now brothers

[@changenamelater7628]

I was looking at the mechanism and I was wondering if putting kpl on the ball would improve blade smoothness. If anyone has any answers please do reply.

[@lionknives3]

Just use it and flip it and it will break in!

[@changenamelater7628]

Thanks. 😁

[@GG-ml3vr]

The replacement ball cage is £40 in the uk,ridiculous price,its a 15 or £20 piece at most

[@michaeldesalvo5710]

I have a the original manix and the locking mechanism is broken it doesn’t have the locking mechanism

[@Hungrybird474]

Just ordered the backspacer in satin titanium but I almost went with the zombie apocalypse green backspacer, clip and screw set..no ragerts😂😂😂😂

[@thomaszinecker1785]

Hey guys, I have a 20cv manix 2 g10 red but satin steel for sale or trade ty

[@Wolfsblut7728]

🤘👍👍👍👍👍

[@brodon4886]

Music too loud. All else is great.

[@knifepivotlube412]

Thanks! I'm definitely not a pro at this yet.

[@GG-ml3vr]

PARDON

[@backham6900]

Would you please tune the music down?

[@roadchuck59]

I can’t decide if I like your commentary on what your doing more than I HATE your never ending background “music”. PLEASE make a music less one!!

[@williamcorbin774]

Great video 📹 " trying to watch this with everyone sleeping" then the loud music comes on and bitching!!

[@CorwinZt]

music it too loud