Spyderco Manix 2 vs Paramilitary 2: V-Log Thursday Head-to-Head

The Paramilitary 2 and Manix 2 both bear the signature of Spyderco designer Eric Glesser, but they are quite different, both in looks and in function. Even so, they are clearly designed for the same purpose - but which one performs that purpose better?

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[earthenvessels]

Oh man, the Manix 2 is so sexy but the PM2 is just an icon. I guess the question really is not which one to get, but which one to get FIRST.

[Maarten_official_account]

You know how it goes, after doubting for a while you decide to go with the Manix or PM2 and one month later you also purchase the other one. And then the Manix LW and a PM2 sprint run etc. I’m so lucky my wife understands ;-)

[Crcket]

Love that blacked out manix. Great comparison between the two. I'm with you, it's too hard to choose. For me it would depend on the day and the cycle of the moon. 

[stevenschukert]

Just got my first Manix 2 in the mail a few hours ago-Love it so far. I debated for along time over the Manix vs Paramilitary. I love both designs, but I love the leaf blade shape a little bit more. Also I love the larger finger guard on the Manix. It makes me feel less likely to slip forward.

[neTwo]

My favorite feature of my Manix 2 is that the back of the knife handle close to the blade hasn't got the gap between the scales.
For repetitive or hard cutting tasks the handle is MUCH more comfortable to push on. This has much to do with the ball bearing lock, as the thing filling the gap is actually the bearing block/guide.
For me that makes the Manix 2 a pleasure to use and for me outweighs concerns about the knives weight and folded size.

[MerabZukhbaia]

I like the design of manix 2 much more.

[mbnall]

Just got my blacked out LW Manix 2. Unbelievably happy with it! Best feeling knife I’ve ever held in my hand.

[gadgetguy]

I actually like the Manix 2 better. My decisions been made, thanks Scout.

[patrickbenfield]

I have the para 2 and love how slim/sleek the blade is and the compression lock is very handy compared to the liner locks on my other spydies. Also, you have to love the camo/ black blade, it looks SWEET!!

[everydayjonny]

My good friend Casey bought me the cruwear gray version of the manix and there is some great milling in the liners for weight relief if anyone was wondering. That one just kicks up the manix likeabilty a notch. Love it. Favorite knife ever.

[glenn]

3 of each in different steels does it for me.

[gearrunner]

Great review the Manix 2 has the best ergos of any knife I've ever owned or even held the Para 2 feels better in pocket because its more narrow and lighter if I could only buy one I go with the Para just for comfort of carry and light weight because if something isn't comfortable you will leave it at home

[bruceleo]

I was lucky enough to check both out in hand at the store before buying. The Manix was more comfortable for me and remains my favorite and most carried knife.

[carmelotansengco]

I purchased an S30V G10 Manix 2 last February just after getting out of the hospital. What I noticed is that it seems to be a totally different knife from the Manix 2 LW. I love my Manix 2 G10. I seem to prefer it to any of my PM2s.

[MrDavo]

I just got both of these knives in the last two weeks....and I cant decide which one I like better. The Manix kind of feels better in my hand, and due to it's weight, it makes me think it's the stronger of the two knives, (Although I know that's not the case). It amazes me how light the PM is, and can be as strong as it is. Both are amazing knives!

[Sabertooth]

I have the spyderco manix 2 xl and I love it. I always have it in my pocket. I would love to try the Para military 2.

[WilliamKister]

I ended up owning the Manix 2 first because visually it was more appealing to me between the two. Recently I acquired a Paramilitary 2 and will say that after getting used to the lock and the looks it has really grown on me. Doing the Spydie flick makes it really quick to deploy and it locks up great. The choil makes it good for fine knife work and it is comfortable to use. I like the Manix 2 as well but it does take up a lot of pocket real estate.

[venge.onerski]

I've had my manix 2 for 4 years or so.. the grip/ergo is perfect any way u hold it. SOLID AF

[natecovington]

I have both the knives and I prefer the manix (I have the lightweight) it's just gripper it's lighter easier to sharpen and its very corrosion resistant the pocket clip is godly and doesn't look like hey! He has a knife in his pocket, I love the paramilitary and I love s30v but in my mind the manix is better especially the lock, the compression lock pinches me sometimes and the ball bearing is very strong

[woot]

Glad I found this comparison. I've been debating on which one I'd get for my next EDC, but wanted to know about the locking systems. The PM2 compression lock seems like a more reliable system from what I can tell, but the filler on the Manix 2 is pretty beefy. And because the blade isn't resting on the ball bearing, I'd think it's just as strong. I'm leaning towards the Manix 2, and I'll probably get that one first, but I really want both... Soon enough, I suppose. Either way, thanks for the great review.