Spyderco Paramilitary 2 VS Spyderco Manix 2!!!

[@scottdavidson6066]

For a larger size contest, compare the Military 2 with the Manix 2 XL. That would be interesting!

[@EZ_Case]

I have and like them both for different reasons. The sound the manix makes when it opens is heavenly though.

[@Drewcooks24]

Both are amazing. I have both and love them equally

[@delta9jms]

PM2 really beat the Manix by 2 points. You should throw out the score on the blade steel as both knives can be obtained in the same blade steel.

[@tyarnold4088]

True

[@ericfrost7323]

@@tyarnold4088new from spyderco, it’s only s45

[@carmelotansengco4605]

I've got both knives and I can say this for myself. The best knife for me is the knife I feel like going with on any particular day. They are both excellent. With regards to slicing, I've tried both on thick cardboard and the Manix 2 seems to slice better. Not surprising really when you consider it's got a .125 inch blade stock as opposed to the PM2's .145. I agree with your take on pocket carry. The Manix 2 carries deeper BUT, it's also wider in the pocket and I can feel the weight difference between them. With regards to you using both base models, I used to own an S110V PM2. Sold that last year. Up until last week, I had four PM2s. A digi camo/DLC S30V, and all-black S45VN, a Maxamet and a standard black G10 with satin S45VN. I sold the other three and kept the standard black/satin PM2. Honestly, I don't think you need anything more than what that knife has to offer. With regards to the base Manix 2, same thing. They are both excellent everyday carry knives and choosing one over the other could just depend on which side of the bed you woke up on.

[@ronniegreene1274]

Manix for me all day everyday.xl even better

[@ElmarDertnig]

I hoped this video would show a clear winner! But it was very informative and you explained the pro and cons of each one! Thanks a lot

[@robthompson8285]

The ball cage lock on the Manix 2 is the only knife lock that gets stronger the longer you use it. I also like the geometry on the Manix 2 blade too.

[@johnmccatherin5892]

How's it get stronger?

[@Eugensson]

​@@johnmccatherin5892 The more the backstop wears the further the ball cage wedges between the blade and the backstop. Technically it indeed makes the lever which holds the blade open longer.

[@DuhYaThink]

The Manix s110v g10 and exclusives have the skeletonized nested liners and with some ti hardware it can definitely save some weight.

[@Eugensson]

I think PM2 is slightly more reliable due to the simplicity of it's lock construction. I have Manix as my EDC. But if i would go do something in the dirt, I'd probably take Para3, it is shorter so i would have more control, and the construction is simpler than of Manix, so probably more reliable/fixable.

[@thaknobodi]

I like both equally. Yes the PM2 is easier to use one handed for me especially when wet, but the grip on the Manix is something else.

[@ToRo909r]

I have both but I have way more PM2s. On the steel, it’s more about the geometry and the Manix is thinner. In my order of favorites: 1. PM2 2. Shaman 3. Manix 2

[@paullambert4445]

The Manix for me. I like the leaf shaped blade, the handle feel and the lock. Both wonderful knives. Thanks. 🔪🎸

[@RockyMountainEDC]

Right on

[@drewsmith9809]

Manix looks better, pm works better.. for me.. love the manix look, top 2 looking spyderco. Pm2 quicker, feels better. I just love it in my pocket, pull it out, flick it, comp lock back ok pocket.. love it.. both are winners

[@diezelvh4133]

They both cut things and stuff. Get em both, grab one and go.

[@LovesM855A1]

I own both my pm2 in Maxamet and my Manix 2 in Cruwear and I love both so much I can’t pick lol

[@ColdSpyderBuck]

Have both, carry the PM2 more, but my Manix is S110V LW so it's one of my preferred knives for moist environments and shorts whereas my PM2 is crucarta. I consider the Manix 2 lightweight in any steel to be the most practical production folding knife in the world bar none. Also S30V is wayyyyyyy underrated

[@Carvin0]

I found that "The Blade Spot" supplies light and medium springs (both lighter than stock) for the Manix 2. I also got the Si3N4 ball and a Titanium cage. The cage came from Flytanium. These changes (mostly the lighter spring) made the lock on the Manix 2 to be far, far nicer than the PM2. I now prefer the Manix 2 lock mechanism to the PM2. Those changes made the difference. The operation is smooth as silk, and the lockup is very firm. I think the lighter spring makes deployment better, although by making the detent easier rather than harder. I think the PM2 still has a better, snappier, deployment.

[@goodnessgraciousitellya5004]

Did you go with the light or the medium spring?

[@EDCandLace]

When spyderco went to s45vn as part of cqi over s30v on the pm2 and para 3s that was absolutely a down grade. I have multiple pieces of golden done s45vn and while it's a good steel golden really REALLY has s30v dialed in to a science for large production heat treats. I will take an old s30v para3 or pm2 over a new s45vn 10 out of 10 times. The only place that s45vn clearly beats out the s30v is it you drop the edge down to like 12 dps and the s45vn has edge stability to handle it and s30v really Don't do well much below 14-15dps. So if you was gonna have a regrind done and take it real thin and run a very low bevel angle for a super slicer then s45vn would make the better steel. If you take a pm2 in s30v and one in s45vn and cut test them on card board, rolled denim, sisal rope all three cut test showed a clear advantage in edge retention for the s30v by between 20-30% depending on cut media with both edges at 15dps and finished at 600 on one test at a 1000 on another where the numbers stayed with in about 3% so edge finish didn't create much of a difference between between the numbers. While I will say S30v notably performs better down at 220-400grit range and s45vn performs better in the 1000 to 3000 range. If I would have did a test with the s30v down at say 220-320 and the s45vn at 3000 the numbers would have went to more like a 40%+ increase advantage for the s30v as it's a steel that absolutely loves being ran very course and really jumps significantly in performance when it's finished where it really likes to be finished. If you want to get the s45vn to have similar Perceived edge retention as the s30v (assuming your running them at factory edge bevel angles) just lower the edge angle back about 2 degrees so it will put you right at 15dps on the s45vn and that will about match the s30v Perceived edge retention at 17dps. Drop the s45vn down 2dps lower than the s30v edge bevel angle will about match the Perceived edge retention of the two and if you drop the angle to say 4dps lower that will pretty much reverse the advantage as the s45vn will out cut the s30v by about 25-30% with the s45vn at 13dps and the s30v at 17dps. It's crazy how much a difference lowering the edge angle changes Perceived edge retention. That's why I always say that geometry matters more so than the steel it's self. At the same geometry the s30v out performs s45vn by a 25-30% edge retention advantage.

[@G-NutZ]

Most people will never contemplate blades at this level but as far as your statement about blade edge geometry is concerned, I think your spot on. I have an old D2 blade on the thin side and it holds an edge for so long it’s amazing. Resharpening is a pain but that’s another story. 15dps works well even with tool steel. CTS 204p and S35vn behave well.

[@DuhYaThink]

Both are great. I love my manix 2 s110v blurple and love all my pm2’s. Carry a Police 4 lw K390 serrated or a Military 2 as of late.

[@james.8442]

I'm ok with the comparison list but,....I'd go for Manix 2..

[@DuhYaThink]

Like the stonewashed blade on the Manix and Native’s

[@badhombre8383]

Manix all day. Own many variants of both.

[@ExtraCrispy357]

Hey RM EDC, What a great topic/comparison!! These are 2 of the best folders you can get (and if you throw a Shaman into the mix - oh man - then you have 3 G.O.A.T.'s!) You approached an almost impossible choice in a very systematic manner. Re: Ergos, The PM2 somehow has a special "just right" feel in the hand that is hard to put into words why that is. It's kind of like I want to say, "Oh yeah!" when I grasp the PM2. Even with such great ergos, I agree with you that the Manix 2 is EVEN BETTER! I have heard the compression lock is extremely strong because of the way the lockbar is wedged in. I wish the crossbar thumb-pulls on the Manix 2 were made from aluminum or titanium rather than plastic. I buy very few knives with "Grivory" or FRN plastic handles, so I dislike having any plastic on the knife. The crossbar lock is great, but I agree that the compression block is easier to use. I feel like the way the thumb ramp on the PM2 is a bit uncomfortable because it is such a steep incline, so it kind of tweaks the thumb into hyper-extension, but it's still tolerable. This may sound kind of weird, but I really like the look of the backspacer (closer to the pivot) with the jimping on the sides on the Manix 2. It has a "royal" crowned look to me and just looks fancy and cool! I have a Manix 2 with blurple scales in the S110V steel, so I feel this shiny jimping just looks so cool on that royal color of scales (its also very functional and grippy). I agree - I also like the Manix 2 blade shape better. I like the looks of the Manix 2 better, because the spydie hole doesn't have as much of a "camel hump" look, and I like the liners jimping on the Manix 2. THIS IS SUCH A HARD COMPARISON BECAUSE THEY ARE BOTH AWESOME KNIVES THAT i LOVE! To me, it's like picking apple pie or pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving, and the only correct answer is: "I want both"! If I can only choose 1 (which is impossible), but I would pick the Manix 2. Funny, I own 3 PM2's but only 1 Manix 2! I'm planning to buy the Manix 2XL in Cru-Carta within the next few months.

[@RockyMountainEDC]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and comparing the two! I appreciate the detailed analysis and insights. Thanks for watching

[@danielmeneses2334]

Get both they're both great knives, for different occasions 😊

[@DavidV4444]

You can’t go wrong but Manix for me (aesthetically I prefer the blade shape).

[@marcausedc9521]

As much as I disagree with the outcome of the video. I appreciate the facts that you gave and agree with all to a point. But what I really loved was that this wasn’t clickbait and you didn’t end with it’s a dead even tie both are great knives.

[@StoneHands25]

Ive been loving the pm2 wharncliffe, I definitely had to get used to the new blade shape

[@samuelmarmolejo4378]

People who say pm2 is easier to open have never worked with the ball bearing lock I use a manix 2 for roofing and it’s so easy to open by just pulling that lock back and letting the knife open nothing tops it

[@retardno002]

I'm pretty sure most people who are commenting here probably have both, or at least tried both, so your comment is a bit pointless. For you, the ball bearing lock is better. For the others commenting that the PM2 is easier to open, that's their truth. I'm sitting here with both knives and I can 100% agree with the PM2 people. The Manix just has more weight and more resistance across the board. I don't like its handle-heavy balance either, I want my center of gravity as close to the pivot as possible. And the handle shape is very hit or miss, it's very restrictive so it either fits your hand or it doesn't. It doesn't for me. I much prefer the Shaman and the PM2. All three are amazing knives but I feel like the Manix is the most specialized out of the 3.

[@muhammeddarawshi5296]

I have Native 5 Para 2 Para 3 Manix 2 The para 2 because it has a straight line its better for using the tip .. best steel i used is maxamet .. but i will buy rex 121😊

[@sonofliberty78]

The PM2 and Manix2 are both fantastic knives. I own several of each model, (different blade steels), and carry whichever one strikes my fancy that day. My 🐻🐻🐻15V’s are my favorites. Ymmv

[@RockyMountainEDC]

I would love to own a 15V

[@tyarnold4088]

​@RockyMountainEDC what is a 15v? Sorry I'm definitely not an expert.

[@BradfordRMcKnight]

I like everything about the Paramilitary2 more, except for the lock. I have both and just due to the lock I carry the Manix 2 almost every single day.

[@JohnLennon-yg4ut]

Do you like the para2 over the para3?

[@donrichter3523]

Do any of you compression lock owners ever use your knives? If so, doesn’t the cutout for the lock cause a hot spot? I effing hate all the compression lock knives! And if your dexterity isn’t great, I find it quite possible to drop the damn knife. For me, it’s Manix2 without fail.

[@adamsanderlin5476]

Yes, it does cause a hotspot, under heavy, cutting.

[@Josh-jw7cb]

I agree para series is to me one the most overrated knives.

[@goodnessgraciousitellya5004]

Cool out

[@servantofyeshua2313]

The cage on the manix is a hot spot for me aswell

[@anon6952]

Manix 2 is goated

[@MichaelSmith-ti6qc]

Pm2 is king 👑

[@Hungrybird474]

The truth to me is they re both awesome . Whatever someone likes . Take your pick but for harder use I think the manix 2 is the better blade . My manix 2 is heavier though after modification @ 5.9 oz where my para 2 is 3.9 ozs and decked out in fat carbon fiber . I was wondering what a lighter manix 2 would feel like or some scale elimination mod had me curious but for edc they re both hard or beat and will last for decades

[@RockyMountainEDC]

I totally agree ! Both knives are awesome !!

[@jimmycricket7946]

Manix has better ergonomics though the paramilitary isn't bad. I prefer to work with the manix but carry the pm2 for fun and also just in case someone gets out of line.

[@ulrichmieczkowski1921]

The PM2 is one of the best, i have Chosen the Manix in cpm 110, the blade Design is a Little bit better and the lock is top, but it is a personal decision, there is no „Loser“!

[@goodnessgraciousitellya5004]

Manix 2 XL CruCarta 👑

[@DuhYaThink]

RGT Universal ti clip is great on the Manix 2. Because of the t8 clip screws it’s just about perfect. 2 cents 👍🏻

[@HonestArcher_13]

I can't decide, I carry them both together. I still believe the tip on Manix 2 is slightly stronger (thicker) than PM2

[@retardno002]

Haha, I'm like that with the Native and the PM2. Got a PM2 riding in my pocket and a Native 5 in my EDC kit, can't leave home without both.

[@dexxfilm]

So I prefer the PM2, im biased lol but I also love the Manix as well. I think the Manix on paper and probably in practice beats the PM2 objectively.

[@BaddogBlades]

I like them both pretty much the same.

[@ervingonzalez4084]

I got my first spyderco knife a few days ago. And I have to say I wasn’t expecting to like the blade shape of the manix 2 as much as I did. I like more of a drop point shape. I always wanted a spyderco but the blade shapes kept me away. Look forward to getting a pm2

[@RockyMountainEDC]

Agreed ! Spyderco knives are strange looking, but very functional !

[@kh4174]

Same for me. Not a fan of most spyderco weird blade shapes. I got the manix 2 because it's a shape that doesn't turn me off. Absolutely love it.

[@DeffoZappo]

I thought closing the manix 2 would be easier than the para 2 but it's not. The manix 2 is also way heavier. I own both and prefer the para 2 hands down

[@kaiblue5660]

How is it not easier to close?

[@DeffoZappo]

@kaiblue5660 the spring on mine is super strong and also if I am gripping the manix normally and going to close it, I have to reposition. The pm2 allows me to keep my thumb exactly where it is. I just find the compression lock easier to manipulate and less energy/strength/ effort

[@kaiblue5660]

@@DeffoZappothank you!

[@JimRennix74]

I had the chance of buying 1 or the other. Because of what I could see and liked it had to be the manix2 that maid it a bit better for me. I have the black S30V spyderco is definitely my favourite range I recently ordered my 1st🦋 Benchmade griptilian . It's really been great also the new update on the Hogue deka knife in both grinds drop point the best 👌. Love my Sig Sauer K320 Tanto point in the aluminium. I'm up to 22 different makes of spyderco all are well maid . Love ❤️ my new Chaparral Raffir Noble. Really nice to look at well maid . I got the linerless Native5 in G10 scales excellent buy 👌. My collection is getting better all the time. Watching reviews likes your own helps me a lot on making the correct decision just liked the manix2 in S30V. Marks just run of it. Thanks & respect. From Jim in Edinburgh 💯👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@RockyMountainEDC]

Thanks for watching and for sharing !

[@beertravel]

Compression lock is easier to use

[@dexter323i]

So both knives are similar, and are close to each other, but you think the more expensive has a better price. Okay. I could not follow you, but okay. :P :D Manix 2 is for me all day, that baby is beautiful! All lines makes a perfect harmony, and the blade shape, oh boy! Kinda like the golden ratio: You can't tell why, but you look at it, and you say it is perfect.

[@TXLogic]

PM2 is just butt ugly. (The leaf-shaped models are awesome: Manix 2, Shaman, Native 5, Sage 5, Chaparral. etc)

[@Xialoh]

I'm returning a PM3 for that very reason now. Tempted to get one of those you mentioned, but getting an AD20.5 for now.

[@thaknobodi]

Tanto PM2 fixed that ugly for me, but hard to come by on the secondary at reasonable prices.

[@KINGACE9]

I agree. The Manix 2 for me.

[@retardno002]

The distal taper on the blade is in my opinion the defining feature of the Para series. It's why I have both the PM2 CrucCarta and P3LW, and I wouldn't use the tanto version if you paid me to, let alone pay above retail for it.

[@Plumrscrack]

5 plus 6 = 10, enough said by this lady. Buy a Manix.

[@DeffoZappo]

I own both. I don't like how the manix really wants you to hold it one way. When i hold the para 2, the saber grip with that big thumb ramp feels awesome and choking up feels great too. The para 2 is much lighter and closing and opening is easier and without needing to shift my grip. Major downfall of the para 2 is the sharp edges on the handle. It could all just come down to jand size. The para 2 fells like it was custom made for my hands. That snap when it's open is so satisfying and really lets me know it's locked without having to look at it when I'm on a ladder or something and my attention is focused on multiple things at the same time

[@biffnadar7252]

Gloved hands=pm2

[@petrvodkin5824]

Higher price wins)))

[@HPM2006]

Pm 2 for me it just carry better in the pocket

[@RockyMountainEDC]

Thanks for watching !! I love the Pm2

[@ericfrost7323]

I don’t see how lock was based on deployment when you did a separate deployment ranking. You admit the lock on the Manix is stronger/more secure.

[@RockyMountainEDC]

Both of these knives deployment and lock type functionality work together. Since manipulating the lock can also serve as a form of deployment that’s why I blended the two. For example a liner lock or frame lock wouldn’t serve as another way to deploy blade. Thank you for your comment and valid point you bring up regarding my scoring and comparison. In future videos I will try to be more clear or avoid confusing arguments. Thanks for watching

[@tj-kv6vr]

never could get the blade release to work.

[@Kris_Stiletto]

Great discussion Video. :-) Peace, Stiletto :-)

[@preppy890]

Very Subjective when the higher priced item wins the price category.

[@RockyMountainEDC]

Good point . I probably should have been more clear and discussed overall value and not just price. That was perhaps more subjective than i intended, however most of the vs itself does come from my own preferences and opinion while trying to be as objective as possible. Thanks for your feedback

[@preppy890]

@@RockyMountainEDC yeah, the whole video could be done quicker than Roger's playing QB for the Jets.( I like this one. ) Done.

[@paulthompson661]

Hate compression lock

[@RockyMountainEDC]

If you enjoyed this vs video, check out my other videos in the vs series playlist 👇👇 kzbin.info/aero/PLfr-B3OhwyTUby5pdPLluTPpM9432rqkA&si=OQWiTY6mDCEKG5gN

[@DuhYaThink]

If you break either lock you are not using your knife you are abusing your knife. Unless it’s faulty. IMO

[@RockyMountainEDC]

👍

[@БојанПавловић-е3й]

Have both, but somehow i prefer manix

[@Spukke-uh8dq]

PM2 out from the box best. Manix better after you get metal ball cage. You don't like to pay extra for metal ball cage or you don't like to install it you get PM2.. I have both so that my opinion. I go with manix everytime and those time when I think PM2 I go P3

[@DB.KOOPER]

THe metal ball-cage makes ZERO difference in the performance of the knives. The CBBL is an awesome lock from the factory. I'm all for customization but it's all for looks, the ball-cage is fine stock.

[@merlingeikie]

Manix 2 xl is the longest production and most design feedback knife. Mannix 2 by far more secure with added jumping, choiling and rear bolster. S30V is CPM's original and best all round steel, S35V and S45V were made softer for production ease not edge retention.