Knife Review: Spyderco Manix 2 XL

The KnifeJunkie's take on the superlative Spyderco Manix 2 XL, at the campsite or in a dark alley, this monster folder is more than capable of taking care of all manner of business.

[@DookeyRidr]

@JGBLADES the problem with axis lock system is that the "omega spring" can and does break. Check out X4CTO's vid on this subject--he disassembles a benchmade and points out the weakness of the design. Also, benchmade will not ship out spare springs when it fails, so a person is force to send it in, yadda yadda. The Spyderco ball bearing lock is much much more reliable.

[@gasparortega8838]

Loved it so much I bought 3 of those folding Barongs !

[@ericsierra-franco7802]

"Folding Barongs"....love the description!

[@abc456f]

I got an mxg gear black titanium deep pocket clip for this knife for $26 which solves the pocket clip issue. My knife came drop shut smooth out of the box. Nice addition to my collection, very happy I bought it. It's a good knife for self defense but not as good as my recon 1 in cts-xhp steel, spear point.

[@wayneg.2342]

Great review! Very helpful. I really like this knife. Super smooth action that gets even smoother with break-in.

[@mutlee299]

Awesome review of the Manix 2XL. I myself am not a camper and carry my knives for utility and SD if needed. I work and worship in states that are not reciprocal with CCW, and I am not in the best of shape now due to surgery and I need every edge I can get. I just ordered this knife this past weekend and it should arrive tomorrow. Thank you for the great video, and I research before making purchases as well.

[@TheKnifeJunkie]

Nothing like a big folder to give you that edge! This one is awesome, especially with a deep carry pocket clip.

[@davidadkins8738]

I love it. You're the first man who has had the balls to say he carries his knife for tactical use. Everyone else is soo scared to say it, I'm sure they're thinking that if they do the gov't. will come after their knives next. The ones who say "if your a knife fighter and know what you're doing knock yourself out" I mean really? Then why are you packing a blade more than an 1.5" - 2"? Anyone with a brain in their head should understand that acking a blade or other item for the possible saving of your life or your loved is common sense. I do, and just like you I like knowing it is there. To trust the world that everyone is peaches and cream or you will NEVER be a statistic is asinine! Like I said, if you're packing a blade more than 2" you are packing first and foremost for defensive purposes. Good job, keep standing tall!

[@TheKnifeJunkie]

David Adkins thank you man, not sure why it took me two years to see this comment, but it’s good to know like-minded people out there!

[@mutlee299]

Amen! My hat is off to both of you gentlemen.

[@DavidNefelimSlayer]

I have to be frugal and discriminating so your review rings true and is the last one I need to decide on the Manix II XL. Thanks.

[@TheKnifeJunkie]

My pleasure!

[@zackjackson5004]

The most likely application of this knife for me, being as heavy duty as it is, would be for cutting zip ties, wood pallet straps, and other things I'm reluctant to use my kershaw skyline for

[@matthewlee5540]

well well well found your video I'm happy to see that this one has your approval. Think it will be a tad more tactical in black though ☺

[@Olliebh088]

This seems like the edc knife for me I’m gonna ask for it for Christmas I’m gonna get the natural g10 though I think it looks a bit better

[@TheKnifeJunkie]

I'm with you, I love natural or "jade" G-10!

[@ericsierra-franco7802]

Great knife!

[@robertmata4293]

American made badassery got mine

[@sbollinger37]

We share the same mind set

[@TheKnifeJunkie]

Scott Bollinger thanks for admitting it! Mine is not always such a popular mindset!

[@sbollinger37]

Most people don’t have it

[@jgbelmont]

The Benchmade axis lock is far better. Like butter in fact. I was not happy with how stiff this lock came and i am hoping the lock will ease up a bit on my XL. Other then that great knife. The Contego gets my vote but only because i found mine for 130 shipped new.

[@davidadkins8738]

I will never buy another AXIS lock blade from Benchmade. They are complete garbage. Weak and EXTREMELY FRAGILE! My Omega Springs snapped like a twig and guess what? Benchmade thinks they are soo HOLY that they and only they can handle and install them because we peasants who barely have enough to afford one of their fragile blades are too stupid and dumb to figure out how to repair one ourselves. So, this 904 is just sitting here because Omea Springs are not made for extended use, they can and will eventually snap. I have never seen a spring like this snap, plus the design of it being coiled and compact will far outlast a thin piece of wire that is simply curved. Spyderco for the win EVERYTIME!

[@ackack1226]

David Adkins bunch of bullshit

[@bryantherocker]

Thats not an Awesome lock the Polymer Cage will Break in the long run :) seen videos of it

[@kennethwilliams8521]

It's the same material Glocks are made of, you would have to do some extensive unnecessary abuse to break it, I don't think you will EVER find a case where the cage broke where the person was using the knife like they are supposed to. They sell metal/aluminum cages once in a while on Ebay, I managed to buy one but switched back to the polymer. Today I used my Manix to chop some branches off a tree in my field just to test my knifes limits and many we're up to 3/4 inches thick, I was wacking on the blade with all my force, I did this for an entire afternoon, and after I was done, I checked the blade ZERO blade play and the lock-up was still perfect. Sure the knife got a little dull but was brought back to scary sharp in 20 minutes

[@Ewyndall]

Israel Arriaza I was talking about this with my brother the other day. Let's assume for the sake of argument that it is made of cheap plastic (it's not). Still, the whole cage is so out of harm's way we just can't see how it can be damaged or even broken in the course of normal use. I am not saying the cage can't break. I wouldn't even question that a metal cage would be more lasting. But I do think one has to go out of their way to actually damage the cage as it is.

[@MrWhiskeyShits]

Great video. If you like the ball-bearing lock then you could check out the Spyderco P'kal. It's a specialized self defense blade, so it's ergos and utility uses are fairly limited. The Manix 2 XL is my favorite large Spyderco folder. Incredible knife, especially for the money.