Camp Knives

Spyderco Manix 2 Review

Last Updated: July 31, 2019
The Spyderco Manix 2 is one of those knives that I have been meaning to review pretty much since the start of this website. I’ve examined a lot of blades since then and now I finally have my thoughts on the Manix 2 together and can write on this fantastic heavy duty folding knife made in the good ole USA.

Buy the Spyderco Manix 2 at BladeHQ

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General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Manix 2 is what I would call a “medium” sized folding knife. It is stoutly built and highly functional. We are looking at an overall length of 8 inches and a blade length of 3-3/8 inches. At 5 ounces this knife is going to be heavier than most other knives “in its class” but what you get for this weight is a strong design with killer ergonomics. Just to put things into perspective, the Spyderco Tenacious has roughly the same dimensions but comes in a full ounce lighter.

Part of what makes the Manix 2 on the heavier side is the hollow saber grind (also it has full liners – more on that later). This makes for a stronger blade, but the trade off is weight. Many users don’t particularly care for the saber grind, preferring a full flat grind. In that case, I would advise trying to find a “sprint run” (limited edition) of the knife as Spyderco often makes them with a full flat grind (like the version wearing BD30P in my video review). The blade shape is a classic leaf design and the tip is fairly delicate. There isn’t a ton of belly on this knife, but I find its plenty for most every day tasks.

Blade steel on the standard Manix 2 is 154CM. A classic steel, 154CM is known for being an all around performer. Edge retention, rust resistance, toughness and sharpen-ability are all good.

I gotta say though if you want a more exotic steel or a full flat grind, Spyderco has been rolling out some really cool sprint runs of this knife. It’s going to cost you more, but it’s possible to get this knife in S30V or even S90V, although you might have to head to the secondary market to do it. Who knows, down the road Spyderco might release this knife exclusively with a full flat grind like they did with the Endura and Delica, so if you like the saber grind I would get it while you can.

Handle, Ergonomics and Pocket Clip

The Manix 2 has a tried and true handle design: G10 scales over stainless steel liners. The G10 on the standard Manix 2 is black and well textured. I would say the G10 is aggressively textured and provides great grip and tactile response. The liners run the entire length of the handle and are not milled out (or “skeletonized”) at all in the standard version which adds substantially to the weight of this knife. The handle is a partial flow through construction with a metal backspacer taking up the front part of the handle, and some pillars holding the back part of the handle together.

Another notable feature on this handle is the over-sized lanyard hole. For a stout blade like this, a large lanyard hole is a very practical feature – if you take this knife camping or regularly engage in long and heavy cutting tasks, a lanyard could be a great option for you.

The ergonomics on the Manix 2 is where this knife really shines. At a glance you can see all kinds of stuff going on with the handle. First off, you have two large choils. This allows you to choke up on the blade for detail work generally get a comfortable grip. Also, a liberal amount of jimping has been applied to many parts of the handle (including the thumb ramp and choil of the blade itself). This jimping is very sharp (some say it’s even “too sharp”) and ensures your fingers wont slip. This is a super comfortable knife and it works well in many grips. Combine that with that extra bit of weight and I find it hard to put this one down.

The only downside to the great ergonomics is that the handle (and folded knife) is kind of bulky in the pocket. You get a great handle but you lose some ease of carry.

The pocket clip is a classic Spyderco “hourglass” clip, mounted very high on the knife for a nice deep carry. It’s not a 4 corners clip, but it allows for ambidextrous tip up carry which works very well for me. The rough G10 may start to tear up your pocket a little – if that happens you may want to consider sanding part of the G10 down.

Deployment and Lockup

Deployment with the Manix 2 is a snap. Spyderco selected an oversize 14mm thumb hole for this knife and it performs as well as it ever has. Of course, you have your standard phosphor bronze bushings which help speed things along, but I find the weight of the blade makes this knife deploy with great ease and authority.

The Manix 2 has a pretty unique locking system. It is a “ball lock” and it functions in fashion similar to a Benchmade Axis lock. A spring loaded piece (in this case a steel ball bearing partially encased in a chunk of polymer resin) is what holds the blade in place. The knife has a very solid lockup that can be disengaged without putting your fingers across the path of the blade. Note that the spring is very strong on this ball lock so it can be difficult disengage the lock with one hand and it may stick a little until the lock has fully broken in. I’ve found that it is entirely possible with a little practice to disengage the lock one handed (especially once the spring breaks in a little), but there may be a slight learning curve.

Also, please keep in mind what I said in the “purpose” section about spine whacks – while I think this is a very strong lock, it does appear to have an Achilles heel and there are confirmed reports of the lock failing when subjecting to spine whacks. I never advocate “spine whacking” a folding knife, but I want “keep it real” here and help you make a decision that is right for you.

Update – Apparently Spyderco has since fixed the problem with the lock mechanism failing when spine whacked. These new knives have a black ball lock rather than a clear one. I have yet to get my hands on one of these new versions, so maybe it’s time I picked up a new Manix 2 XL and checked it out.

Value

Currently you can get a Manix 2 for right around $80 shipped, and a low as $70 shipped if you want a combo edge or serrated version. At either price I think the Manix packs a ton of value. When you consider that this knife has excellent blade steel, an awesome handle, a rock solid locking mechanism AND is made in the United States, it definitely has some value. Also, this isn’t some dinky folder either. This thing is built tough and I would put the ball lock right up there with the Axis lock and could see this knife being used hard for a long time.

Spyderco Manix 2 Review – Final Thoughts

Spyderco has done it again. The Manix 2 pretty much has it all. Two of my biggest gripes include that the knife doesn’t come with a fully flat ground blade, and it’s heavy. If you opt for a sprint run version you can avoid these negative aspects. I also tend to find the ball lock a little clunky in comparison to an axis lock, but I know plenty of people who prefer Spyderco’s ball lock.

While I can’t say it’s my absolute favorite Spyderco (I’d put both the Sage 1 and Paramilitary 2 ahead of the Manix – just my preference), it’s a beefy knife with solid ergonomics, and is both well thought out and highly functional. Although the price tag has crept up over the years, I also like how the Manix 2 is made in America and can be had for under $100. The collect-ability of the knife is also very cool as Spyderco has released numerous Sprint Runs and spin off versions of the knife.

Spyderco Manix 2 Signature Knife with 3.37" CPM S30V Steel Blade and Durable Black G-10 Handle - PlainEdge - C101GP2

Ready For Anything: The Manix 2 is an extremely capable full-sized folder that is known for it's strength and performance. Its broad blade provides exceptional cutting power, while its textured index finger choil and thumb ramp allow a forward grip.
A Secure Grip: It's scaled G-10 handle has a unique non-slip checked texture. This handle provides a special kind of comfort, creating a reliable, long-term carry.
Dependable: If you are looking for control and precision, look no more. This knife features our PlainEdge grind which is known for creating a smooth and exact cut.
Low Friction: This knife features a blade ground with flat bevels that extend from the spine all the way to the cutting edge. This grind reduces drag during cutting and decreases overall weight.
High-Strength Lock: The Ball Bearing Lock features a patented compressive lock that wedges a ball bearing between a fixed anvil and the blade tang. The mechanism also serves as a detent to hold the blade in the closed position.

I recommend purchasing the Manix 2 at Amazon.com or BladeHQ.

Photo Credits: Many thanks to Cougar337 for the beautiful Manix 2 photographs! Thanks again!!

ESEE Izula II Review

by Dan Jackson 10 Comments

Last Updated: September 22, 2018

The ESEE Izula is one of the most iconic small fixed blade knives of our time. Named after an infamous South American Ant, the Izula was designed to be a small, sharp, and incredibly tough blade for outdoor and everyday use. In practice, the knife is just that. The simple design and solid build catapulted the Izula into fixed blade fame in very short order. More recently ESEE released the Izula II, a version of the knife with a slightly longer handle. Having larger hands I went with the Izula II, but 95% of this review applies just as well to the original Izula.

Buy the ESEE Izula II at BladeHQ

Buy on Amazon

As for the intended use (and my overall perspective of this knife for purposes of the review) I have carried my Izula II extensively as both a suburban EDC and as an outdoor knife. The Izula is a great size for the pocket and is something I have no issue pairing with a larger fixed blade, a folder, or just carrying it by itself.

General Dimensions and Blade Specifics

The main differences between the Izula and Izula II are the handle length, weight, the color selection, and the fact that the Izula II comes standard with micarta handle scales while the scales are optional with the original Izula. The handle of the Izula II is exactly half an inch longer than the Izula, giving the knives a total length of 6.75″ and 6.25″ respectively. Both have a blade length of 2.75″. The Izula II has a weight of 3.2 ounces and the Izula has a weight of 2.0 ounces. Both knives are made in the USA.

Both knives are forged from a single piece of 1095 High Carbon steel (the same steel used in all ESEE knives). 1095 is a very tough tool steel that is great for outdoor and survival knives because it is very tough (less likely to chip or break), sharpens easily, and takes a very nice edge. The biggest disadvantage to 1095 is that it is not a stainless steel and will rust if you aren’t careful. In order to help combat rust ESEE coats the knives in a textured powder coat. 1095 is a proven steel that I have written at length about, and Rowen (the manufacturer for ESEE) knows how to heat treat this steel (to 57 HRC).

The Izula and Izula II share the same drop point blade shape. This is a great shape for all around utility, with plenty of belly, a stout tip, and a full flat grind. What impresses me the most is how thick the blade is at .156″ (~4mm). The thick steel holds up well to batoning, tip torture tests, and everything else I could throw at it. “Indestructible” is a word that readily comes to mind when I ponder the Izula II’s blade. Of course the thick geometry means that this won’t be your best slicer – it’s no chef’s knife for sure. But the Izula does a good job cutting and will make quick work of most EDC tasks, camp chores, basic food prep, and carving.

Handle and Ergonomics

The regular Izula comes “naked” without any kind of handle material. The skeletonized 1095 is perfect for wrapping paracord around it, or you may opt for the canvas micarta handle scales ESEE sells separately (they can be had for around $15). The scales beef up the knife a bit and it provides a great feel to the knife. Even without any kind of handle scales the Izula is a reasonably comfortable knife. A paracord wrap is an attractive and inexpensive option that will add additional comfort to the handle and also allow you to carry a couple extra feet of cord on you with the knife.

The Izula II comes with canvas micarta scales that feel good and wear well. They are attached to the handle with two sets of allen bolts – making them fully removable. Having used the knife hard in the outdoors I do wish the bolts were flathead bolts. That would make them much easier to service with something like a multi-tool, coin, or even the spine of another knife. That is probably my biggest complaint with the Izula II, and I generally feel they did a great job with this handle. The micarta is lightly textured, and it provides a good comfortable grip in wet or dry conditions. One thing about canvas micarta is that it will soak up sweat, oils and moisture and it will darken over time. I happen to think this looks cool and adds a little character to the knife.

As for overall ergonomics, you will want the Izula II if you have larger hands. I take a large glove and the Izula II fits me perfectly. In my opinion anything less would feel cramped. I also really like having micarta scales on this knife, it fills the hand well and makes for an extremely comfortable tool. Both knives have a nice spot for your index finger and functional jimping on the thumb ramp. It gives you good control over the knife and feels very natural. If you are the kind of person with smaller hands, in need of a neck knife, or want to take a crack at making your own handle scales then the original Izula might be a better choice.

Sheath

Both knives come with black injection molded plastic sheathes. These are lightweight sheathes made of a dense polymer that is very durable. Blade retention with these sheathes is excellent – the knife locks into the sheath with a very satisfying audible “snap.” The fit is nice and tight (no rattle), but it is not impossible to pop the knife out with your thumb. This is about perfect in my book because the knife is secure but it is also easy to get at when you need it.

The sheath on the Izula (and Izula II) allows for multiple mounting options. The sheath has 2 smaller eyelets for paracord, a slot for belts or webbing, and a large eyelet near the tip of the sheath for a lanyard. My favorite way to carry this knife is in my pocket. I’ll sometimes loop a largish (18″ or so) lanyard through the large eyelet of the sheath and secure the other end to my belt. It makes retrieval of the knife easier and you don’t have to worry about misplacing your sheath.

All in all I am extremely pleased with the versatile and durable sheath that comes with the Izula / Izula II. This is easily one of my favorite small fixed blade sheaths.

ESEE Izula II Review – Final Thoughts

The Izula II is a great little knife. The simple design and sturdy construction make for a very versatile tool that works just as well around the house as it does out on the trail. If you need a small no-nonsense utility knife then I would say to look no further. The sheath is excellent, the handle is comfortable, and the 4mm blade stock holds up to even the toughest tasks.

The Izula goes for around $55 for the knife and the sheath ($16 more for handle scales) while the Izula II can be had for around $65. I’d say these are fair prices. Remember that these knives are made in America and that ESEE has a no questions asked lifetime warranty so if anything happens to the knife (besides rust) ESEE will replace it. Some will argue these knives are expensive. I think in this case you get what you pay for.

Finally, if I could go back in time and pick between the Izula and Izula II again I would stick with my Izula II. I like the standard micarta handle scales, and greatly appreciate the slightly larger handle of the Izula II. That said, if you are looking to make your own handle scales, have smaller hands, or want to keep the weight down then the regular Izula is probably your best option.

ESEE Knives Izula-II Fixed Blade Knife, Micarta Handle, Molded Sheath, Clip Plate (Black)

Overall Length: 6.75″
Blade Length: 2.63″
Steel: 1095 High Carbon, 55-57 Rc.
Weight: 3.2 Oz. w/o Sheath
Molded Sheath & Clip Plate

I recommend purchasing the Izula II at Amazon or BladeHQ. Please consider that purchasing anything through any of the links on this website helps support BladeReviews.com, and keeps the site going. As always, any and all support is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

ESEE-3 Review

by Dan Jackson 22 Comments

Last Updated: July 14, 2019
ESEE Knives specializes in outdoor fixed blade knives designed to take a beating and perform in a number of environments. Something special about ESEE knives is their no questions asked warranty that covers everything but rust. If anything happens to your knife through use or misuse, ESEE will replace it – no questions asked. This is great for a hard use tool because these knives aren’t cheap.

Buy the ESEE-3 at BladeHQ

Buy on Amazon

The ESEE-3 is one of ESEE’s smaller knives designed for anything from general field and utility work, to use as a full on survival knife or bug out bag blade. These knives (like all of ESEE’s offerings) have been proven in their jungle survival training courses. If you are looking for a smaller survival knife, or simply want to add a versatile fixed blade to your system, the ESEE-3 could be an excellent choice.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The ESEE-3 has a total length of 8.31″, a 3.88″ blade and a weight of 5.2 ounces without the sheath (9.3 ounces with the sheath). This is a great all purpose size and a lightweight carry for such a strong knife. Could see the ESEE-3 doing great in a variety of scenarios, from a day hike to life on a ranch.

The ESEE-3 is of full tang construction and comes powder coated in black or desert tan. This makes the knife both strong and durable. The blade is a drop point shape and features a full flat grind, excellent for slicing, and batoning. The point is reinforced on which is almost critical for use as a survival blade but it also serves well in defensive scenarios. I looked at the plain edge version although ESEE offers this knife in a combo edge as well.

The ESEE-3 is made of 1095 high carbon steel. 1095 is a durable tool steel that is very good choice for survival knives because it is easy to sharpen, holds a good edge, and doesn’t chip under hard use. It’s a high carbon steel, not a stainless steel, so one issue with 1095 is that it will rust if you aren’t careful. You must oil this knife. Something as simple as WD-40 will be adequate although some prefer specialized knife and gun oils.

Handle and Ergonomics

The handle scales on the ESEE-3 are made of micarta. They are fixed onto the tang with 3 allen bolts. The handle scales are nicely milled and rounded. They provide good grip and the knife feels good in the hand with no noticible “hot spots” after use. The level of fit and finish on ESEE knives is very high, and one way to confirm that is by examining how the handle and the tang meet together. Examining the handle and tang on the ESEE-3 reveals that everything is flush with no edges or gaps. This is a nod to the high quality control and production values ESEE adheres to. The overall length of the handle is very adequate, even for larger hands. For a knife that is meant to be used, a large and comfortable handle is very important and ESEE did a great job with the handle on the ESEE-3.

The pommel (butt) of the ESEE-3 is pointed and can be used as a glass-breaker. This is a cool little addition that I may never need but like to have. Naturally, it’s good for breaking glass but it is also as a potentially non lethal way to use the knife (although I think there is still great potential to seriously injure someone with it – be careful). There is also a lanyard hole drilled into the pommel which is essential for heavy chopping and other hard use tasks.

Sheath

The sheath on the ESEE-3 is also very well done. The standard sheath is made of molded kydex and has a boot clip. An optional MOLLE adapter is made of cordura and provides the option to mount the sheath with a MOLLE system. When you secure the knife in the sheath there is a nice snap as it fits together. There is a retention strap and a elastic cover which is used if you want to mount the sheath for upside down carry. There is a small drain hole at the base of the sheath which helps keep your blade dry (especially important with that 1095 steel).

ESEE-3 Review – Final Thoughts

The ESEE-3 is a very heavy duty and high quality fixed blade knife. If you are looking for something on the smaller side, I think the “3” combines a light weight with a lot of utility. That blade has a lot of belly and the full flat grind is always nice. I could see the ESEE-3 performing well as an EDC knife (if you can swing carrying a fixed blade), a tactical knife, a camp knife, a hunting knife or as part of your gear for bushcraft and wilderness survival.

I love how the ESEE-3 has been built in the USA to very high tolerances and is backed by one of the best warranties in the industry. I’m not sure I can say this knife is an outstanding bargain, but you will definitely get what you pay for. As long as you don’t lose the knife, or leave it in a bucket of salt water, the RC-3 will serve you well for the rest of your life.

ESEE Knives ESEE-3MIL-P Military Plain Black Edge / w Green Canvas Micarta Handles

Overall Length: 8.31", Blade Length: 3.875"
Blade Material: 1095 Carbon Steel
Handle Material: Canvas Micarta
Sheath: Olive Drab Molded Polymer
Made in USA

I recommend purchasing the ESEE-3 at Amazon or BladeHQ. Please consider that purchasing anything through any of the links on this website helps support BladeReviews.com, and keeps the site going. As always, any and all support is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.