Spyderco has released two knives this year that, in my opinion, perfectly illustrate two very different visions of the modern high-performance folding knife.
On one side stands the Para Military 2 Lightweight CPM-15V Sprint Run—a knife designed around one simple objective: maximizing cutting performance while carrying as little weight as possible. A sprint run destined to be harder to find.
On the other is the Manix 2 MagnaMax, a folder that feels unapologetically overbuilt, engineered to inspire confidence in every situation while introducing what may become one of the decade’s most important alloy: a “stainless tool steels”.
Spoiler alerts: after living with both, I don’t think one replaces the other.
They simply excel in different ways.
The Lightweight Champion
At only 76 grams, the PM2 Lightweight almost disappears in the pocket.
Every design decision serves one purpose: efficiency.
The FRN scales, the simplified construction, the excellent (refined *) Compression Lock and the outstanding blade geometry all contribute to a knife that “cuts far above its weight class” sorry for the cliché.
What impressed me most wasn’t even CPM-15V. It was the knife itself.
(*Spyderco quietly refined the Lightweight platform. Robin’s teardown revealed a redesigned Compression Lock spring featuring a longitudinal groove that improves lateral stability during operation. It’s an invisible modification, but one that perfectly illustrates Spyderco’s continuous evolution of an already outstanding design.)
The result is a PM2 that feels more mature than previous Lightweight generations.
The Heavyweight Workhorse
The Manix MagnaMax immediately sends a different message.
At 136 grams, it’s sixty grams heavier than the PM2 LW.
Normally I would criticize such an increase.
Here, I don’t.
Because the weight isn’t wasted and it was welcomed. To quote Wallach on the forums: “The other thing that jumped out at me immediately was the weight. I haven’t handled a “base” model Manix 2 in quite some time, and I had forgotten how heavy and dense this knife felt with full steel liners. I have a set of AWT scales coming for this knife, but I’m thinking I will try carrying it like this for a while, as I have to admit the knife has a different feel to it.”
Spyderco using full stainless steel liners, paired them with a stronger Ball Bearing Lock spring and produced perhaps the most confidence-inspiring Manix I’ve ever handled. It is striking.
Everything about this knife feels designed for decades of hard use.
Even the details on the MagnaMax blade impressed me:
The softened jimping, beautifully finishe, refined tip geometry and exceptional fit and finish all suggest that Spyderco knew this wasn’t just another run.
It feels now like a flagship.
CPM-15V vs. MagnaMax
Comparing these steels isn’t as straightforward as it first appears.
CPM-15V remains one of the absolute kings of wear resistance.
If your priority is maximum edge retention and you don’t mind spending extra time sharpening, it remains extremely difficult to beat.
MagnaMax follows a different philosophy.
Rather than maximizing only wear resistance, it attempts to reach an extraordinary balance between edge retention, corrosion resistance and toughness.
What impressed me during my testing is that MagnaMax never made me think about corrosion.
I simply used it. Kitchen work. Wet food. Cheese. Tomatoes. Lemons. Oily hands. Daily carry.
It behaved exactly as a great working stainless steel should.
After leather stropping both knives, I noticed that CPM 15V still exhibited a slightly toothier edge than MagnaMax. It became particularly noticeable on thick-skinned, fully ripe tomatoes. The PM2 would immediately grab the skin and zip through it effortlessly, without compressing or squashing the fruit first. But that may simply reflect my sharpening skills—or my lack of them. Sharpening is always a tricky business, so I’m reluctant to draw any firm conclusions from that observation alone.
Meanwhile, based on my own use—mainly breaking down a number of cardboard boxes—MagnaMax already feelsremarkably close to the elite wear-resistant tool steels that normally ask you to sacrifice corrosion resistance.
That said, these are not controlled, quantified tests like those you often see on YouTube. I have no reliable way of measuring actual edge wear, so this remains a subjective impression rather than a scientific conclusion.
If that impression proves accurate over time, this balance between excellent edge retention and true stainless performance may well become MagnaMax’s greatest strength.
Sharpening
Interestingly, both steels surprised me.
CPM-15V behaved exactly as expected. Slow. Demanding. Rewarding.
MagnaMax surprised me for another reason.
My normal sharpening routine simply wasn’t producing the finish I wanted. Only after adapting my technique did the steel really begin to reveal its potential.
15V teaches me patience. MagnaMax teaches me adaptability. 😉
Living With Them
The PM2 is the knife I instinctively slip into my pocket when I want maximum performance with minimum weight. The Manix is the knife I reach for when I expect to spend the entire day using it.
It fills the hand better. Its Ball Bearing Lock feels almost indestructible. It simply inspires confidence.
Final Thoughts
If someone asked me which knife cuts better, I’d probably answer, Define “cuts better.” 😉
If someone asked which knife feels stronger, I’d immediately answer: the Manix.
If someone asked which steel keeps an edge longer, CPM-15V still deserves its legendary reputation. The trade-off, of course, is that you have to pay a little more attention to corrosion and keep the blade lightly oiled.
If someone asked me which knife I’d take on a hike or while travelling, the honest answer would probably be: a future PM2 Lightweight in MagnaMax!
I think it would also make an outstanding hunting knife, as I mentioned in my previous review.
Then again… so would the Manix 2 MagnaMax.
Oh boy… what a dilemma.
The PM2 Lightweight CPM-15V reminds me of a Lotus Seven fitted with the most powerful engine ever officially installed in a Seven—the 550-horsepower supercharged RST-V8 of the Caterham Seven Levante. It’s all about maximizing performance while keeping weight to an absolute minimum.
The Manix 2 MagnaMax, on the other hand, feels like Mad Max’s Ford Falcon Interceptor: heavier, tougher, brutally reassuring, and seemingly ready for whatever the road throws at it even the apocalypse !
But if someone asked me which knife I’d take on an unknown journey—one where I might encounter rain, food preparation, workshop tasks, cardboard, rope, wood, and endless daily cutting…
I’d choose my Manix 2 MagnaMax Salt “the quintessential Goldilocks knife” to quote Red Leader on the forums.
Not because it wins every category. Because it hardly loses any.
But even with the Vanilla version and it full liners and steel ball, Spyderco didn’t simply release another Manix with a new steel.
They quietly improved almost every aspect of the platform while introducing MagnaMax into production.
The PM2 Lightweight CPM-15V remains one of the finest slicing tools I’ve ever carried. And I’m planning to go in vacation with it as my only knife.
The Manix 2 MagnaMax may well become one of the finest all-around folding knives Spyderco has ever built.
Your mileage may vary, but just like their automotive counterparts, they’re both a joy to live with, really ! One is built to set lap records. The other is built to survive the rally.
Summer is still in full swing, which means salads are a daily ritual at home. Every day, V8 slices cucumbers, pickles, tomatoes of every size, melons, lemons, and all kinds of cheeses—some of them considerably more invasive to a knife’s mechanism than others.
Working with oily or soaking wet hands is simply part of the experience. Once again, it reminded me just how pleasant the G-10 handles on the Salt models are under these conditions, whether it’s V8 or Gurney, my Military 2 Salt.
I noticed that MagnaMax wasn’t biting quite as aggressively into my ripe tomatoes with their slightly thick skins, so I decided to start refining the edge. I wanted to see whether this steel would respond better to a slightly rougher, toothier finish rather than a highly polished edge.
As always, this wasn’t about chasing numbers—it was about chasing feel.
One thing is certain: for my rather amphibious way of using knives in the kitchen—after all, the French are still “frogs”—MagnaMax has proved completely stainless. It is a genuine luxury never having to think about corrosion while preparing food every day.
Diamonds Are a Carbide’s Best Friend
As I began convexing the edge, I immediately noticed that MagnaMax proved considerably more resistant to reprofiling than any of my MagnaCut blades. For sure ! 😀
Every MagnaCut knife I’ve owned accepted a convex edge relatively easily. MagnaMax is a different animal altogether. It immediately reminded me of CPM S90V and the stubborn way that steel seems reluctant to let go of its carbides.
It took time.
Rather than trying to reshape everything in a single session, I worked on it a little every day. My goal was simple: create a thinner convex geometry that would allow MagnaMax to express itself fully in wood.
After about two weeks, I think I’ve finally arrived at a thinner geometry that suits me.
At the very least, tomato skins no longer stand a chance. 😉
Now comes the interesting part: comparing it against some of my favourite carving knives.
Among the Whittlers
The first knife that comes to mind is my heavily customized Yojimbo 2 in CPM M4.
“Jade” remains an absolute joy to use on dry wood. After extensive modifications and years of refinement, it has become one of my favourite woodworking knives. I’ve reviewed it several times over the years because it continues to impress me.
I also compared V8 with my LionSteel Nano, another knife carrying a heavily convexed edge. MagnaCut responds beautifully to this kind of geometry, and “Thorin” is an absolute beast when it comes to shortening branches.
In terms of pure enjoyment while carving dry wood, it absolutely belongs in that company.
It doesn’t have that silky smooth sensation of CPM M4 hollow ground Yojimbo 2. Instead, it feels a little more assertive.
Years ago, on my own entirely subjective mental scale, I often compared ATS-34 with M2 high-speed steel. Cuts made with M2 always seemed to leave a sort of silky finish on the wood, whereas ATS-34 felt rougher, almost more aggressive.
There is nothing scientific about that observation. It is simply the accumulated feeling of using many different steels over the years. (God, Jade looks really like a folding seax (scramasaxe in French) on this pictures)
Some steels seem to glide through wood, though. YMMV.
Others seem to bite their way into it. Hungry edges !
To me, MagnaMax clearly belongs to the second category: the “hungers” !
Of course, blade geometry is a huge part of that sensation, which is precisely why I wanted to convex the edge until it reached the same level as the other knives in this comparison.
At the moment, with its current convex geometry, V8 seems to bite into dry wood even more aggressively than my M4 Yojimbo.
Whether that’s entirely due to the steel, the edge geometry, or a combination of both, I can’t say with certainty.
What I can say is that it feels exceptionally satisfying to use.
Fifteen Days Later
That’s where I stand today, but I’m nowhere near finished.
V8 has replaced the wonderful Gurney as my everyday companion around the house. When I leave home, though, I still prefer something a little more socially acceptable—a UKPK, a Meerkat, an Urban, or another discreet Spyderco.
The testing continues.
Oh, I also put it through a few mandatory cardboard-cutting sessions, although I have no reliable way to quantify edge retention from that alone. It just happened. But I still remember certain pseudo 440C Chinese-made knives that seemed to lose their bite after only a handful of cuts through borwn cardboard. This is not the case here.
Also, in the kitchen, my bamboo cutting boards certainly aren’t punishing that MagnaMax edge either. So far, what has impressed me most is how much effort MagnaMax demanded during reprofiling. It was tedious. 😉
Despite everything I’ve thrown at it, I still haven’t managed to take it from razor sharp to genuinely dull, yet.
It also seems to respond exceptionally well to stropping, making it easy to achieve that beautifully polished edge.
The more I use MagnaMax, the less I think about its specifications and the more I simply enjoy using it.
Perhaps that’s the best compliment I can give to this steel.
After only fifteen days, it’s already beginning to earn a place among my favourite Spyderco steels. Whether it eventually becomes a true classic remains to be seen, but the journey has been remarkably promising so far.
Today’s review is a little different. From time to time, I like to invite fellow reviewers and passionate knife enthusiasts to share their own perspective. This is the second article written for Nemo Knives Review by Guillaume Gx, moderator of the Spyderco Fan Club on Facebook and someone who truly knows his way around a knife. As always, Guillaume offers an honest, hands-on glimpse at Spyderco’s latest release, focusing on the details that matter in real-world use.
(All photos featured in this article are also the work of Guillaume Gx.)
The Spyderco Charisma was one of the releases I was most looking forward to in 2026. Ironically, though, “big” is probably the wrong word. For the first time ever, I opened a brand-new Spyderco box and honestly thought it was empty.
The search for the knife almost turns into a game of hide-and-seek. Yet the moment you pick it up, one thing becomes obvious: the Charisma embraces simplicity like few modern folders do. Discreet, lightweight, and utterly unpretentious, that’s exactly where its appeal lies.
Forget exotic steels, elaborate handle designs, or ultra-premium materials. The Charisma embraces simplicity with a refreshingly straightforward specification sheet:
CTS BD1N stainless steel
Textured FRN handle
Weight: 23 g (0.81 oz)
Overall length: 173 mm (6.81”)
Closed length: 97 mm (3.82”)
Cutting edge: 71 mm (2.80”)
There are no flashy specifications or exotic materials here. Instead, Spyderco has focused on what truly matters: creating an exceptionally practical everyday carry knife. That’s exactly where the Charisma excels.
As a Frenchman, the Charisma brings back memories of the simple little pocket knives that were always tucked away in my pocket as a kid. Like those knives, it virtually disappears in your pocket or organizer pouch. At just 23 grams, it’s so light and unobtrusive that you’ll soon forget you’re even carrying it.
With a blade measuring just over 1 mm thick, the Charisma is an exceptional slicer. In fact, it may even edge out the already legendary Chaparral when it comes to cutting performance.
That incredibly thin blade also gives it a surprising amount of flexibility, allowing it to bend slightly under load while remaining remarkably resistant to twisting during normal cutting tasks.
Whether you’re slicing a steak at a restaurant, peeling an apple, preparing lunch for a picnic, opening packages, or tackling everyday cutting tasks, the Charisma handles them all with remarkable ease.
Versatility is the Charisma’s defining trait. Everyday cutting tasks are effortless, but make no mistake—this is an urban EDC, not a hard-use outdoor knife. Leave batoning and abusive camp chores to larger, more robust folders. The Charisma excels where most knives spend their lives: opening mail, cutting cordage, breaking down packaging, preparing food, and quietly taking care of the countless small tasks that make up everyday life.
Sometimes, the best knife isn’t the one that draws attention—it’s the one you forget you’re carrying until the moment you need it. The Spyderco Charisma captures that idea perfectly.
As with some of my previous Spyderco reviews, I would like to begin with a brief disclaimer. Spyderco kindly provided this knife for evaluation at my request as part of the Spyderco Ambassador Program. As always, receiving a sample does not influence my opinions. Every review published on Nemo Knives Review reflects my own experience after carrying and using the knife.
Goose: “You can shut the gate on this one, Maxie… it’s the duck’s guts!” Barry (MFP mechanic): “Yeah, she’s the last of the V8s! She sucks nitro… with Phase 4 heads, twin overhead cams, 600 horsepower through the wheels! She’s meanness put to music and the bitch is born to run!” Goose: “He’s in a coma, man!”
— From the screenplay of Mad Max (1979), written by George Miller and James McCausland.
First Impressions
The very first thing that struck me wasn’t the impeccable fit and finish—those are exactly what I’ve come to expect from Spyderco. It was the weight. Those days I mainly review Lightweight FRN folders but there is something about that Manix 2…
This MagnaMax version weighs 136 grams on my kitchen scale, roughly 20 grams heavier than both of my previous Manix 2 models. The additional mass is noticeable in hand, but rather than feeling cumbersome, it reinforces the impression that this is an exceptionally robust working knife. It feels dense and built to withstand years of hard use. Thanks to a hint from Robin, the mystery behind the extra weight turned out to be quite simple: this Manix 2 features full stainless steel liners. Unlike some previous versions that use skeletonized liners to reduce weight, these are solid throughout, adding approximately 20 grams to the knife. The difference is immediately noticeable in hand, giving the MagnaMax version an exceptionally robust, confidence-inspiring feel. So I went back through the Manix’s history to understand why.
Back to the Origins
Looking back to 2004, Spyderco released two remarkably robust folders. First came the Chinook, designed by Master-at-Arms James Keating around a Bowie-style blade capable of powerful back cuts. Then, following the same philosophy but with Spyderco’s signature leaf-shaped blade, came the C95 Manix. Few folding knives have blurred the line between folder and fixed blade as convincingly as the Spyderco Manix. When the original C95 was introduced, it quickly earned a reputation for almost overbuilt strength. Designed to withstand relentless abuse, it inspired confidence in the harshest conditions and became a favorite among users who valued absolute reliability. Its only real compromises were a slight amount of vertical blade play inherent to its lock design and its considerable weight. At 154 grams, the original Manix felt reassuringly robust, but it was anything but discreet in the pocket. My friend Brian, a retired U.S. Navy helicopter pilot and avid hunter, has carried the original C95 Manix as his primary EDC since its release in 2004. “My Manix goes everywhere with me. It’s the first knife I put on in the morning and the last one I take off at night,” he wrote to me yesterday.
Screenshot
Five years after introducing the caged Ball Bearing Lock on the Dodo, Eric Glesser chose not to simply refresh the Manix, but to rethink it from the ground up. Introduced in 2009, the Manix 2 was conceived around a deceptively simple challenge: retain everything that made the original so exceptionally strong while reducing its weight by roughly ten percent. Achieving that balance required far more than trimming a few grams. The knife received a redesigned handle with more refined ergonomics, creating a tool that cut better, carried easier, and felt noticeably more natural in hand without sacrificing the confidence-inspiring durability that had defined the original Manix.
The heart of this transformation was the lock itself. The original Ball Bearing Lock, invented by Sal Glesser to satisfy the demanding standards of MBC (Martial Blade Craft), was already one of the strongest and most innovative locking systems in the folding knife world. Eric Glesser refined that concept even further by developing and patenting the Caged Ball Bearing Lock specifically for the Manix 2. By enclosing the ball bearing within a precision-machined polymer cage, Spyderco was able to use a smaller bearing while preserving the lock’s remarkable strength. The result was a mechanism that operated more smoothly, improved everyday ergonomics, simplified assembly, and remained exceptionally resistant to wear—all while making the design significantly more difficult to copy.
Screenshot
In 2014 in Spyderco Catalogue it is written:
Screenshot
“Manix2 Full skeletonized stainless steel liners give the G-10-handled Manix2 exceptional strength and heft...
The Full Liner Mystery
Spyderco has used both full and skeletonized liners throughout the Manix 2’s history, depending on the production period and model. Although skeletonized liners were used on many versions to reduce weight, the standard Black G10 Manix 2 had already returned to full stainless steel liners before the introduction of MagnaMax. Rather than marking a return to full liners, the MagnaMax version continues that robust, hard-use philosophy.
Screenshot
(Screenshot from Nick Shabazz video published eight years ago. ) Nick himself noted, on the day the video was released, “This video is an antique, one of the oldest in my backlog,” suggesting that the knife had actually been filmed several years earlier.
Robin (AKA Ramonade) later commented on the Spyderco Forum, “On Shabazz’s video, it’s from 2015, just like mine.” Thanks again to Robin for taking the time to disassemble his Manix 2—and, more importantly, for putting it back together without launching the spring or the Ball Bearing Lock across the room! Then again, that’s probably no surprise. He’s a talented young knifemaker with a very promising future ahead of him.
(Two Manix 2s disassembled by Robin to verify the manufacturing dates hidden beneath the blades, helping make this review as accurate as possible.)
Robin also pointed out another important detail: the Manix 2 Salt G-10 in MagnaCut is not a Sprint Run but a regular production model. It therefore demonstrates that Spyderco has also used skeletonized liners on a standard production Manix 2, rather than limiting them exclusively to Sprint Runs. This further could highlight that liner construction has varied depending on the specific model and intended purpose, rather than following a single rule across the entire Manix 2 family.
Spyderco has used both full and skeletonized liners throughout the Manix 2’s history, depending on the production period and model. Although skeletonized liners were used on many versions to reduce weight, the standard Black G10 Manix 2 had already returned to full stainless steel liners before the introduction of MagnaMax. Rather than marking a return to full liners, the MagnaMax version continues that robust, hard-use philosophy. But I do love the extra heft and the bottom-heavy balance of this MagnaMa(ni)x. It anchors the knife securely in my palm, making it feel incredibly stable and controlled during use. Rather than feeling bulky, the additional weight inspires confidence.
Looking back at the discussion, I realize my perspective was strongly influenced by the Manix Sprint Runs I own and use most often—namely that 2009 S90V Sprint Run and the new Salt G-10. Several Spyderco Forum members rightly pointed out that, for the standard G-10 Manix 2, full liners have actually been the norm for years. That’s a fair observation and an important distinction. It is also worth mentioning that some members suggested that full liners may slightly reduce manufacturing costs by eliminating the skeletonizing process.
Yes I know, I may sound like I’m splitting hairs, but this whole Manix 2 weight story is actually quite fascinating. After all, one of Eric Glesser’s original goals in 2009, when replacing the original Manix’s back lock with the Ball Bearing Lock, was to reduce the knife’s overall weight. Spyderco’s 2014 Product Guide even described the standard G10 Manix 2 as featuring skeletonized stainless steel liners. That’s what makes the full stainless steel liners—and the additional heft—of the MagnaMax version particularly intriguing. To me, it gives the impression that Spyderco was willing to prioritize strength over shaving off a few extra grams. Whether that decision was driven purely by design philosophy, manufacturing considerations, or a combination of both is something only Spyderco could answer.
Anyway, skeletonized liners date back to at least 2009—my own C101CFP has them.
Here’s my summer 2009 C101CFP (announced by Eric Glesser on August 5, 2009), pictured alongside the MagnaMax and the MagnaCut. As discussed in the article.
Because there are fewer hidden cavities beneath the scales, full liners also offer fewer places for moisture and debris to accumulate, potentially reducing the risk of hidden corrosion over the long term. Since those liners are left uncoated, they are easy to inspect, clean, and apply a light coat of oil whenever needed. (Of course, coated skeletonized liners, such as those found on the Salt G-10, are also a premium solution—they simply reflect a different design philosophy.) It all reinforces my impression that this Manix 2 MagnaMax was designed first and foremost as a dependable workhorse.
I remember this excellent BushcraftUK review of the CPM-M4 Manix 2, where the author Xavierdoc from Wales wrote: “I don’t know how long the lock mechanism will resist the onslaught of pocket crud and the skeletonised liners are a potential blood/muck magnet.”
It raises an interesting point. Skeletonized liners undoubtedly save weight, but they also create additional cavities where mud, blood, wood dust or other debris can accumulate. Full liners may be heavier, yet they could prove easier to clean after messy outdoor tasks—something that hunters and game processors might particularly appreciate.
(The S90V is in the middle of the picture, MagnaMax on the right, Magnacut on the left)
A Blade That Speaks of Confidence
Looking more closely, I noticed that the blade tapers more aggressively toward the tip than my original S90V Manix 2 and is even thinner than the MagnaCut version. That finer tip should provide greater precision for detailed cutting tasks while still aiming to preserve the strength expected from the Manix platform. More importantly, this refined blade geometry reflects the confidence that Eric Glesser, Sal Glesser, and the Spyderco team have placed in the remarkable capabilities of MagnaMax.
Edited July 7: As forum member Wartstein rightly pointed out, a finer tip also represents a trade-off. If the Manix is viewed as a hard-use folder, a thinner tip could potentially limit some of its abuse tolerance. Whether MagnaMax’s toughness fully compensates for this change remains to be seen in long-term use.
Lock-Up and Action
Like all my Manix 2s, everything feels perfectly assembled, with the precise action and rock-solid lock-up that have made the Manix 2 one of Spyderco’s most respected designs. There is no blade play whatsoever, yet the blade remains perfectly centered and drop-chute when unlocked. The only difference I immediately noticed is that the Ball Bearing Lock feels slightly stiffer than on my older Manix 2s, most likely due to a stronger spring ? Since the knife is brand new, I’ll reserve my final judgment until it has been properly broken in. At the moment, the Ball Bearing Lock spring feels just as stiff as on my MagnaCut G10 Salt. A stronger spring makes the action feel more deliberate and virtually eliminates any gravity-assisted opening. A wrist flick is still possible, in reverse grip, but it takes significantly more commitment than with my other older Manix 2s. Whether this is intentional or simply the result of a brand-new spring remains to be seen, but it certainly reinforces the impression of a knife built with security and reliability in mind.
I know some users would prefer a lighter spring tension, and some even trim or replace the spring to make the lock easier to operate. That’s entirely a matter of personal preference.
I’ve also never really managed to close a Manix 2 without pulling back both sides of the lock, unlike all of my Axis-Lock Benchmades. My Adamas, for example, have an exceptionally smooth Axis Lock, and even my old AFCK (the Axis Lock version) is much more easier to operate pulling back only one side of the lock. I remember some self-defense instructors criticizing Benchmade’s original AXIS Lock on the BM710, arguing that an opponent might be able to disengage the lock during a struggle by pulling back on the lock bar. Whether or not that concern was realistic, it was an interesting argument at the time.
The Manix 2, originally developed with Spyderco’s Martial Blade Craft philosophy in mind, has always felt deliberately more secure to me. The Ball Bearing Lock demands a more deliberate action, making accidental disengagement seem considerably less likely. As for me, I like the reassuring feeling that my knife is not going to open accidentally in my pocket. In a way, it reminds me of shifting gears in an old Porsche Carrera with a manual gearbox—you don’t do it with hesitation, you do it with purpose. That’s exactly how I approach the Ball Bearing Lock on this MagnaMa(ni)x. The downside is that it can be a bit more challenging to operate with wet or greasy fingers. That’s probably one of the reasons why some users replace the factory polymer cage with an aftermarket aluminum or titanium version, which often provides a more positive grip. Fortunately, the Manix 2 is one of the most customizable production folders on the market, with an impressive range of third-party parts available.
Small Details That Matter
Now, from a purely cosmetic standpoint, the blade appears to have received a slightly more pronounced tumble, resulting in an almost stonewashed finish. It seems a little less pronounced than on the CPM 15V Sprint Run, but the resemblance is striking. Really, this is a beautiful blade !
Another pleasant surprise was the jimping. I immediately noticed that the edges of the thumb ramp and choil jimping have been subtly beveled. It’s a small detail, but one that makes a noticeable difference in comfort without sacrificing grip. Ironically, this is one of the first modifications I usually make myself with a diamond rod. This time, Spyderco has already done it for me. 🙂
So, what do we have so far ? A slightly heavier Manix 2, a strong Ball Bearing Lock spring, flawless action, and impeccable fit and finish and great attention to details. So far, what’s not to like?
One small modification I made was to lightly sand the clip-side G-10 with 400-grit sandpaper. I prefer a smoother texture there to avoid turning the knife into a pocket shredder. I do that on every knives.
Personally, I’d liked my G-10 a little more refined (smooth like the Knifecenter Exclusives), especially since the Manix already provides plenty of grip through its excellent jimping. Softening only the clip-side scale slightly doesn’t compromise control for me—it simply makes the knife much kinder to my pockets, period. 😉
And my wife is grateful too… it means one more pair of trousers survives the Manix. 😉
But this knife isn’t just about that. The real story begins with the steel itself.
Meet MagnaMax
Now about MagnaMax which is core of this release: As of July 2026, if we set aside Spyderco’s Mule Team test platform, the MagnaMa(ni)x stands as the first true production folder to introduce this remarkable steel to the broader knife community. MagnaMax is one of the newest high-performance stainless steels developed by metallurgist Dr. Larrin Thomas. Building upon the innovations introduced with MagnaCut, its goal is to push the balance between toughness, wear resistance, edge retention, and corrosion resistance even further. Rather than maximizing a single property, MagnaMax aims to deliver exceptional overall performance, making it particularly attractive for hard-use folding knives. It represents the latest step in the evolution of modern powder metallurgy steels designed specifically for real-world cutting performance.
Chromium (Cr)
Vanadium (V)
Molybdenum (Mo)
Tungsten
Cobalt (Co)
Niobium (Nb)
Nitrogen (N)
MagnaMax
~1.15%
~10.5%
~3.5%
~2.0%
~1.0%
~7.5%
~1.5%
–
MagnaCut
1.15%
10.7%
4.0%
2.0%
–
–
2.0%
0.20%
CPM S90V
2.30%
14.0%
9.0%
1.0%
–
–
–
–
K390
2.47%
4.2%
9.0%
–
2.0%
2.0%
–
–
MagnaMax – Designed to deliver an exceptional balance of toughness, wear resistance, edge retention, and corrosion resistance. The addition of cobalt and tungsten further enhances its overall performance.
MagnaCut – One of the most balanced stainless knife steels ever developed, combining excellent toughness with outstanding corrosion resistance.
CPM S90V – Famous for its exceptional edge retention thanks to its very high vanadium content, though it is less tough and more difficult to sharpen.
K390 – An outstanding non-stainless tool steel with phenomenal edge retention and wear resistance, intended for demanding cutting tasks but requiring regular maintenance to prevent corrosion.
Criterion
MagnaMax vs MagnaCut
Edge retention
Notably superior (K390/Vanadis 8 level)
Corrosion resistance
Equivalent, very good
Toughness
Slightly lower
Sharpening
Harder (standard stones), diamond recommended
Availability (2026)
Very limited, near-boutique
MagnaMax in Context
In terms of performance, MagnaMax should offer edge retention comparable to K390 and Vanadis 8, placing it in the same general class as CPM-10V and CPM-S110V, while outperforming steels such as M390, ZDP-189, S60V, S30V, and CPM-M4 in wear resistance.
In toughness, it appears to sit just above Vanax, S35VN, CPM-154, and CTS-XHP… slightly below MagnaCut, yet still in the upper tier of stainless knife steels.
I was not one of the lucky MagnaMax Spyderco Mule owners but the consensus emerging from discussions on the Spyderco Forum is that MagnaMax is viewed as a specialized, edge-retention-focused premium steel. It seems particularly well suited to EDC and repetitive cutting tasks where wear resistance is paramount. For bushcraft or survival use, however, where toughness often takes precedence, many members still favor MagnaCut, Cru-Wear, CPM-3V or CPM-M4. As the Manix is a folder rather than a fixed blade, I don’t expect to subject it to heavy bushcraft. Still, many users happily rely on the Manix 2 in the woods.
Screenshot
As you may have noticed, the “CPM” marking has disappeared from the blade. That’s no coincidence. Following the closure of Crucible Industries, Spyderco has dropped the CPM designation from its blade markings. While the steel itself remains the focus, this small detail quietly marks the end of an era in the history of modern knife steels. 😦
In many ways, MagnaMax feels like the offspring of MagnaCut and K390. It aims to combine MagnaCut’s outstanding balance of toughness and corrosion resistance with the exceptional wear resistance and edge retention that have made K390 legendary among knife enthusiasts. While it is not literally derived from either steel, its design philosophy seems to bridge the gap between these two outstanding performers.
One interesting clue to Spyderco’s confidence in MagnaMax came from Eric Glesser during the Amsterdam Meet 2026, where he suggested that MagnaMax could eventually replace CPM S30V/CPM S45VN in Golden, Colorado-made folders. If that transition takes place, it would position MagnaMax as Spyderco’s new premium all-around stainless steel for many production models. It is more than just a steel upgrade; it marks the beginning of a new era for Spyderco.
Ergonomics That Stand the Test of Time
The ergonomics of the Manix 2 platform have already been covered extensively in my previous review of the Manix 2 Salt G10. The outstanding handle design, aggressive jimping, Ball Bearing Lock, and exceptional grip remain unchanged here. MagnaMax does not alter what has always been one of the strongest aspects of this design.
The familiar combination of textured G10 scales, full stainless steel liners, and Spyderco’s proven hardware gives this knife an unmistakable feeling of strength. Combined with its additional weight, the knife inspires confidence the moment it is picked up. This is a tool that feels engineered for demanding work rather than simply everyday pocket carry.
Ready for Work
Out of the box, the edge is razor sharp. The factory sharpening is excellent, producing a clean, aggressive cutting edge that easily meets Spyderco’s reputation for outstanding factory grinds. The accompanying photographs speak for themselves.
Yes, the factory edge is absolutely razor sharp. After just a few light passes on a leather strop, the edge became even keener. Hair-whittling? Not quite—but hairs were flying effortlessly with the slightest touch. An excellent factory edge !
First Verdict
Eric’s Manix 2 MagnaMax appears to be one of the most versatile folding knives Spyderco currently offers. Its combination of toughness, ergonomic comfort, and strong lock makes it equally at home as an everyday carry knife, an outdoor companion, a workshop tool, or even a capable kitchen slicer. It is the kind of knife that encourages you to use it without constantly worrying about damaging it.
As this knife has just arrived, I want to evaluate it exactly as Spyderco intended before making any personal modifications, such as totally rounding the spine or applying one of my convex edges.
That said, I couldn’t resist giving the factory edge a quick test. Right out of the box, it sliced cleanly through the butt of a Coke plastic bottle like a hot knife through salted butter. If that’s any indication, Spyderco has absolutely nailed the factory edge on this MagnaMax Manix 2. (Notice in the photo the smoothly chamfered blade spine and softened jimping, just like those found on the CPM 15V Sprint Runs.)
Direct comparisons with my Manix 2 CPM-S90V, the Manix 2 Salt CPM MagnaCut, the Paramilitary 2, and the Military 2 Salt would deserve an article of their own. Each represents a different philosophy, and MagnaMax may well redefine where the Manix 2 sits within Spyderco’s lineup. After only a short time in hand, the Manix 2 MagnaMax already feels like one of the most compelling versions Spyderco has ever produced. It combines the legendary ergonomics of the Manix platform with one of the most advanced stainless steels currently available, while everything else has been subtly reinforced to create an uncompromising workhorse. Full stainless steel liners, a stronger Ball Bearing Lock spring, reassuring heft, and flawless fit and finish all contribute to a knife that feels built for a lifetime of hard use.
If long-term testing confirms these first impressions, this could become one of the finest all-around production folding knives in Spyderco’s catalog—a knife designed not to excel in only one area, but to perform exceptionally well in almost every situation.
This MagnaMa(ni)x feels like one of the last great V8 interceptors—a machine with real character and a touch of history. Black G10 scales, full stainless steel liners, a stout Ball Bearing Lock spring… everything about it conveys strength and purpose. For its very first production folder in MagnaMax, Spyderco clearly didn’t hold back. They went full throttle!
A Blade Swap for Wet Work
Since I intend to put MagnaMax through extensive testing in wet environments, I decided to take advantage of all the corrosion-resistant hardware from the Manix 2 Salt G10—its coated liners, black screws, and ceramic Ball Bearing Lock—so that the only component I’ll need to keep an eye on is the blade itself.
To avoid wrestling with the notoriously stubborn lanyard tube, I also kept the Salt’s G-10 scales. They only needed a light touch with 600-grit sandpaper to tame their aggressive texture and avoid carrying what was essentially a championship-grade pocket shredder. 😀
This way, I’ll be able to see how well MagnaMax stands up to every kind of wet work I can throw at it, whether in the kitchen, out in the woods, by the river, or even in the ocean.
Swapping the blades was a pleasure in itself. It gave me the opportunity to appreciate just how cleverly the Manix 2 is engineered and how impressively tight Spyderco’s manufacturing tolerances are.
The only minor hiccup involved the pivot. Each blade appears to be individually fitted to its own pivot, so the MagnaMax pivot wasn’t compatible with the DLC-coated MagnaCut blade. Reinstalling each blade with its original pivot solved the issue immediately. In the end, I swapped not only the blades but also their respective pivots—and, if memory serves me right, perhaps even the washers!
After the swap, the knife feels like the Manix 2 Spyderco never made. The MagnaMax blade paired with the Salt G-10 chassis combines exceptional edge retention with the corrosion-resistant hardware of the Salt series. Lockup remains rock solid, blade centering is perfect, and the action is every bit as smooth as the factory configuration. If there is such a thing as the ultimate production Manix 2, this custom hybrid comes remarkably close.
I’ve decided to keep the original polymer cage. The current black version is considerably tougher than the translucent cages used on the earliest Manix 2 models, so I see no reason to replace it.
I’ve also decided to keep the factory clip. It rests perfectly on the Salt G-10 scale’s sweet spot and carries comfortably exactly as Spyderco intended.
The Manix 2 has already proved itself over nearly two decades. The real question is no longer the platform—it is MagnaMax. If this steel delivers in everyday use what its design promises on paper, Spyderco may have introduced one of the most significant production blade steels of the decade. The next few months will tell.
V8
Every knife I truly bond with eventually earns a name. This one was an obvious choice: I’ll call this Manix MagnaMax “V8.”
Like the legendary Pursuit Special from Mad Max, this knife feels unapologetically overbuilt and full of character. Black G10 scales and a stout Ball Bearing Lock spring—it has the soul of a machine built to survive the Wasteland, cutting deep and true long after lesser blades have given up.
You know how much I enjoy giving names to my knives. Well, this Meerkat Sprint Run ( >>>>PART 1<<<<) is going to be called Casper.
Partly because of its very friendly personality, and partly because of its famous Phantom Lock. It seemed only fitting.
Like the friendly ghost, the Meerkat is small, harmless-looking and easy to like. It quietly disappears into a pocket, only to reappear when needed. And then, of course, there is that Phantom Lock. A lock that remains hidden, mysterious and just a little magical, even after all these years.
So yes, this Meerkat has officially become Casper the friendly folder, especially toward sheeples.
Now, as many of you know, I tend to baptize my knives the traditional Nemo way: with a little bit of my own blood.
And the Meerkat did not disappoint.
Ah ! When closing the blade with a wrist flick after disengaging the Phantom Lock, make sure your middle finger is well clear of the blade’s path. If it isn’t, it will quickly discover that the Meerkat’s edge is less friendly than its name suggests.
The closing blade comes down like a tiny guillotine, and yes, it cuts very well.
Ask me how I know. 😉
Nothing serious, just a small nick, but it serves as a useful reminder: the Meerkat may be compact and charming, yet it is still a very sharp Spyderco.
But once you start playing with the Meerkat, several things quickly become apparent.
First, it is surprisingly fidget-friendly.
Once you get the hang of it, disengaging the Phantom Lock and flicking the blade shut with a simple wrist movement becomes second nature. It is one of those knives that invites interaction. Before you know it, you find yourself opening and closing it repeatedly just for the pleasure of the mechanism. Just keep that middle finger away !
The second thing I noticed is how enjoyable the knife is to deploy using the good old Spyder Drop. Draw !!
Screenshot
I know this opening method is no longer fashionable. Nowadays, many users prefer to flick open a tip-up folder with their index finger. But the classic Spyderco opening technique—grabbing the knife by the Round Hole and snapping the blade open with a wrist flick—works wonderfully well with the Meerkat. The reasons are simple: tip down carry and… The handle carries a surprising amount of weight thanks to its steel liners, full backspacer and robust construction. That extra mass gives the knife excellent momentum during deployment, making the opening feel smooth, positive and satisfying.
Another pleasant surprise is the ergonomics. Despite its compact size, the handle comfortably accommodates all four fingers. The index finger naturally settles into the choil, while even the pinky gets its own dedicated space. The result is a grip that feels far more secure and powerful than the knife’s dimensions would suggest.
Then there is the blade.
One detail genuinely surprised me. Looking at the blade stock thickness, the Meerkat is actually thinner than the famously thin UKPK.
Meerkat: 0.096” (2.4 mm)
UKPK: 0.098” (2.5 mm)
We’re only talking about a tenth of a millimeter, but I still found it amusing. The UKPK has long been my benchmark for a thin, high-performance cutting blade. Yet here comes this odd little Meerkat, quietly slipping underneath it. Perhaps that helps explain why the knife feels so eager when slicing wood, food, cardboard or just about anything else. The Meerkat may look chunky because of its stout handle and full stainless steel liners, but the blade itself is surprisingly lean.
Like many great Spydercos, it hides its elite cutting performance in plain sight.
Its generous belly and thin geometry make it an outstanding cutter. The edge remains in contact with a cutting board through much of the cutting stroke, allowing clean and efficient slicing.
I’ll admit that, despite its tiny size, I ended up doing a surprising amount of kitchen work with it. Tomatoes, vegetables, even breaking down and portioning a chicken—the little Meerkat handled everything without complaint.
Agile in hand and eager to cut, it never feels overwhelmed.
This little knife is a genuine worker.
The textured FRN scales provide excellent traction, preventing any tendency to slip during use. Equally important, I found absolutely no blade play, either vertically or laterally. That’s reassuring on a knife whose pivot is not particularly accessible for adjustment.
In actual use, the Meerkat reveals itself as an exceptionally capable travel companion.
Low profile, discreet and easy to carry, yet remarkably efficient when called upon. Much of that comes from its relatively thick handle, which provides excellent control, while the thin, tall blade slices with a combination of precision and authority that continues to surprise me.
Small sheeple friendly folder, yes but very, very, very serious cutter. An impeccable companion that disappears into a pocket. Ghostlike. Always there when called upon. And far more capable than its size would ever suggest.
One of the things I enjoy most about the Spyderco community is that there is always somebody curious enough to take a knife apart and look beyond the catalog specifications.
This time, that somebody was my friend Robin Hette.
In a recent video, Robin completely disassembled his new Para Military 2 Lightweight and discovered a couple of interesting details showing how Spyderco has refined the design his compression lock.
The changes become apparent as soon as the knife is taken apart: the Compression Lock spring got now a longitudinal groove running down its center. Its purpose appears straightforward: improving the spring’s lateral stability and reducing side-to-side movement during operation.
It’s a major modification possible only on a mold FRN scale.
Yet these are exactly the sort of details that reveal how seriously Spyderco treats continuous improvement.
Screenshot
The scales tell a similar story.
Comparing Robin’s disassembled PM2 Lightweight with the his Para3 LW reveals noticeably less internal milling. Spyderco has left more FRN in place on the PM2.
At first glance this may seem counterintuitive on a knife designed around weight reduction. But rigidity matters too.
The additional material should provide greater structural stiffness while adding very little weight to the overall package. The result is a handle that remains exceptionally light while feeling even more robust.
That philosophy of Constant Quality Improvement has defined Spyderco for decades. Observe. Test. Improve. Repeat.
Thanks to Robin’s curiosity—and willingness to completely tear down his knife—we get a rare glimpse of that process in action.
The latest PM2 Lightweight under its scales, however, it tells a familiar Spyderco story:
“Good enough has never been good enough.” 😉 So, kudos to Eric Glesser and the Spyderco team for continuing to push the envelope.
But enough about engineering. What’s the PM2 Lightweight actually like to live with?
Well, let’s just say it’s a lot more pleasant than trying to get an AI image generator to accurately reproduce a knife model from reference photos. 🙂
But…Now imagine… It’s dark in the basement. You’ve had a long day. You’re tired. Nothing seems to go quite as planned. You need a sharp tool. Anything ! For a moment, you think you don’t have one. Then you remember. Your knife should be sitting in your right front pocket. Exactly where it has been all day. So light that you forgot it was there. So comfortable that it never demanded your attention until the precise moment you needed it.
A few ounces of FRN. A blade in CPM 15V. Or K390. Or MagnaCut. It doesn’t really matter. It could be that new PM2 Lightweight Sprintrun. It could be the built-like-tank Lil’ Temperance Lightweight in K390. It could be the sleak Sage 5 Salt Lightweight in MagnaCut.
Different knives. Same philosophy. But that PM2 Lightweight pushes really the concept one step further. No stainless steel liners. Just enough material to hold together one of the most capable folders Spyderco has ever designed. A reliable cutting tool so light that I forget it’s there—until the moment I need it.
And that’s the whole point: the best pocket knife isn’t the one you admire all day long. It’s the one you completely forget about—right up until it does exactly what it’s supposed to do. That’s what Lightweight means.: “When you need it, it’s already there.”
I recently used the PM2 Lightweight in a French pub to slice some rather excellent chili dry sausage on a wooden board. The pub had kindly provided a knife, of course. I didn’t use it. Instead, I reached into my pocket and pulled out the PM2 LW. Same size as the dull kitchen knife provided. Nobody noticed that PM2 LW. Not a single glance. Not a single raised eyebrow. The sausage, however, attracted plenty of attention.
By the end of the evening, everyone had enjoyed a few slices and a few beers. The PM2 simply returned to my pocket, unnoticed.
And somehow, that feels like the ultimate compliment for an everyday carry knife.
Mine has also been used in all condition, and for kitchen duty, my own PM2 Lightweight in CPM15V is starting to develop that beloved slight patina after processing several kilos of fresh tomatoes. That’s perfectly normal for CPM 15V. A little discoloration is simply part of the deal.
A pocket knife that never shows signs of use is usually a pocket knife that isn’t being used enough, don’t you think ?
So far, the PM2 Lightweight has proven itself to be a reliable and faithful companion. The color of the FRN scales on this particular version won’t appeal to everyone. Personally, I rather like it. Combined with the stonewashed blade, it creates a surprisingly discreet package. A kind of visual camouflage. The knife doesn’t draw attention to itself.
And that’s another quality I look for in an everyday carry knife: civilian stealth. Not stealth in the tactical sense. Stealth in the social sense. The ability to be perceived as a tool rather than a weapon.
A good EDC knife should solve problems, open packages, slice food, cut cardboard and occasionally rescue a stubborn piece of string. It doesn’t need to announce its presence.
That PM2 Lightweight excels at exactly that. Despite its relatively generous blade length, it remains remarkably unthreatening in appearance. The muted gray-green handle and stonewashed finish help it blend into everyday life, where it belongs.
After all, the best EDC knife is rarely the one that attracts the most attention. It’s the one that quietly gets the job done without attracting any at all like a silent companion.
There are knives that become products, and there are knives that become dialects. The Spyderco Para Military 2 since its inception belongs firmly to the second category.
For sixteen years, the PM2 has occupied a rare position in the knife world: not merely respected, but culturally embedded. Made in Golden Colorado USA Earth, designed in the lineage of the original C36 Military model and its offspring the Paramilitary 1 from 2004, the Paramilitary 2 refined the formula into something more agile, more urban, more universally wearable. Key improvements introduced in 2010 were: Ergonomics: Thinner, refined G-10 handle. Mechanism: New Bushing Pivot System for smoother action. Clip: 4-position pocket spoon clip. Blade: Slightly thinner blade profile with an elongated tip. From there, the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 quickly established itself as a modern classic in the knife industry. It also became the most compelling ambassador for Spyderco’s in-house Compression Lock system, turning simple fidgeting into something unexpectedly addictive.
Its full-flat, leaf-shaped blade geometry delivers near-universal utility — a fine, precise tip paired with a confident, efficient cutting edge. In use, it feels less like compromise and more like calibration.
And then there is the ergonomics: that unmistakable Spyderco palm swell and forward choil, which transform hard tasks into something almost composed, almost effortless.
Even AI now generates imaginary PM2 variants — sometimes hilariously inaccurate ones with back locks — which says a lot about how deeply the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 has embedded itself into modern knife/EDC culture.
Because the PM2 was never just a tactical folder. It became the Porsche 911 of contemporary EDC: instantly recognizable across a room, endlessly reinterpreted, yet impossible to mistake for anything else but one of the Spyderco Millie family.
And yet, for all its success, the classic PM2 always carried a subtle contradiction. It was a knife celebrated for everyday carry that still weighed like a “serious” tool. A tool which floats like a butterfly but sting like a bee. So, the same process which turned its little brother Para3 G10 into Para3 Lightweight has been applied: get rid of G10 scales and bring the Fiber Renforced Resin / FRN !
The new Spyderco Paramilitary 2 Lightweight changes that entirely.
At roughly 76 grams, the PM2 LW does not feel like a trimmed-down PM2. It feels like an entirely different interpretation of the design. To put that into perspective, it is even 16 grams lighter than the Spyderco MicroJimbo — a knife already considered compact and featherweight by EDC standards.
Compared to the classic G-10 PM2, the difference becomes almost startling: 32 grams gone, dropping from 108 grams to just 76. That is nearly a 30% reduction in weight.
Edge-wise, the blade-to-weight ratio is remarkable — and decisively in favour of the Spyderco Paramilitary 2. 😉 Oh well, I’m joking — these two knives were never meant to compete. They simply occupy different territories of utility, and both earn their place in my pocket for different reasons. Still, this new Lightweight feels like the moment Spyderco finally allowed the PM2 to become what it was always destined to be: not merely lighter, but almost spectral. The Para3 LW vibes haves been compared to the Delica. The PM2 got the Endura’s: a ghost of a knife you completely forget is clipped to your pocket… until the exact second you need it. Another clue? The clip. Look closely.
The deep-carry clip makes the knife feel even stealthier in the pocket, almost invisible in daily carry. Tip-up only, though. It’s not exactly a pocket shredder, but it’s not the gentlest on pocket seams either — even if the clip geometry and FRN patterning have clearly been tuned to make deployment and carry as smooth as possible.
In my view, the central “medallion” on the Spyderco Para 3 (pictured here) feels more refined and better resolved visually. It has a cleaner, more intentional integration into the design.
Here, on the PM2, it simply reads “Para Military 2” — which feels oddly understated. Curiously, the Spyderco name itself is nowhere to be found on that element, a surprising omission for such an iconic model.
But then again, this is exactly the kind of detail enthusiasts obsess over.
Personally, I prefer the FRN molding of the Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight in the epicenter of the pattern — it feels slightly more refined and cohesive. On the other hand, I find the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 Lightweight superior around the Compression Lock interface and the access to the Spyderhole, both of which feel more open, more natural, and ultimately more satisfying in use.
The handle transformation comes primarily through the FRN handle — fiberglass reinforced nylon — a material longtime knife enthusiasts still love to debate with almost religious intensity. Traditionalists often associate premium folders with layered G-10, titanium, or carbon fiber. FRN, by comparison, can seem almost too practical, too honest about its intentions. Forums discussions around Spyderco’s lightweight models reveal the familiar divide: some users still perceive FRN as less luxurious, while others praise its traction, comfort, and remarkable reduction in carry fatigue. One thing is certain: FRN brings a significant leap in ergonomics.
You can see how the design has been subtly refined to erase the boxy, almost overbuilt feel of the G-10 version. Spyderco’s history with FRN stretches back through legendary lightweight models like the Spyderco Delica, Spyderco Endura and the Spyderco Salt Series — knives that became icons precisely because they vanished into the pocket while remaining utterly dependable in dirty, wet, unforgiving environments. The people at Golden has spent decades refining FRN into something uniquely their own. On a Spyderco, FRN is not budget plastic. It is engineered utility. The texture, invented by Sal Glesser, is the key.
That bidirectional pattern grips the hand with a kind of mechanical confidence — less refined than blasted titanium perhaps, but more secure when life becomes sweaty, cold, rushed, or imperfect.
What makes the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 Lightweight genuinely fascinating is not merely its weight reduction, but the engineering compromise Spyderco somehow refused to make. Because removing mass from a back lock or liner lock is relatively straightforward. Removing mass from a Compression Lock platform is something else entirely. The Compression Lock is one of the defining mechanical signatures of Spyderco — a brilliantly elegant system designed by Sal Glesser that combines strength, fluidity and one-handed safety with an almost addictive tactile character. But unlike simpler locking systems, it traditionally depends on nested steel liners and a rigid chassis architecture.
In other words: it was never meant to live inside an ultralight FRN body. That is the hidden tour de force of the PM2 Lightweight.
Spyderco did not simply shave material away from the classic design. They had to rethink how the Compression Lock itself could survive — and still feel reassuringly precise — inside a platform whose entire philosophy is flexibility, lightness and minimal structure.
FRN has a very different mechanical behavior from G-10. It flexes differently. Resonates differently. Carries load differently. The scale’s edges can feel a touch sharp/aggressive out of the box, but I usually knock the initial bite down slightly with my thumbnail. Not a big deal.
And yet, in hand, the PM2 LW still delivers that familiar Compression Lock experience: the sharp metallic click, the secure lockup, the controlled drop-shut feel, the confidence under pressure. The knife retains the mechanical identity of a “real” PM2 despite having shed nearly a third of its weight.
That balance is far harder to achieve than most users realize.
Too much liner removal, and the knife begins to feel hollow or vague. Too much FRN flex, and the lock loses its aura of precision. Too much steel reinforcement, and the entire Lightweight philosophy collapses under its own contradiction.
Spyderco somehow threaded the needle. In hand, the result is fascinating because the PM2 LW does not feel cheap, nor stripped-down. It feels optimized — almost industrially purified. As though the designers kept asking themselves a brutal question: “How little knife can we leave… before it stops feeling like a PM2?” And the answer, apparently, was 76 grams.
So who, exactly, is this new Spyderco Paramilitary 2 Lightweight really made for? Not the collector seeking desk-jewel materials. Not the enthusiast who wants maximal heft and polished mechanical theater. This PM2 is for people who actually carry a knife every day and do not want to feel it in their pocket. Like a ghost… a spirit. For the light traveler, moving through the world in technical fabrics and ultralight luggage — absolutely yes. The Spyderco Paramilitary 2 Lightweight is exactly on point. For the architect, photographer, paramedic, cyclist, climber, sailor, or city commuter who notices every unnecessary gram. For those in the field where every gram really matters — soldiers, paratroopers, operators, and anyone carrying their world on their person — the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 Lightweight makes immediate sense. For the those who slips a knife into athletic shorts and forgets it exists until the moment it is needed. And when needed, the action remains fluid , smooth and effortless, while the absence of heft is almost disorienting at first. This is where the name Lightweight stops being a designation and becomes an identity — carried here to its purest, most unapologetic expression. Yes—there is something almost pure in handling this Spyderco Paramilitary 2 Lightweight, something slightly disorienting in its lightness. Almost paradoxical. Elegant, refined, stripped to essentials — and yet fully present in the hand. It doesn’t try to impress through mass or presence anymore. Instead, it disappears, and that absence becomes the experience itself. As the late Mark Hollis (*) once suggested, “Only silence is more beautiful than music…” and in a strange way, that idea translates surprisingly well here. This almost weightless refinement might be the closest thing cutlery has to silence: a design so resolved it no longer insists on its own existence, only its function.
The genius of the Lightweight is psychological as much as physical. A heavy knife asks for commitment. A 76 grams PM2 becomes invisible — and invisibility is the highest achievement in EDC design.
Ironically, reducing the weight also sharpens the very essence of the PM2 itself. The famous blade suddenly feels more dominant, more alive. Several early owners have described the sensation as though “all the weight is in the blade,” giving the knife a startling immediacy in hand.
Pictured beside a 120-gram Spyderco Military 2, the contrast becomes almost absurd. Of course, the Lightweight will not seduce everyone.
Some users will always prefer the denser, almost bank-vault solidity of G-10 scales and full steel liners. Others simply enjoy the tactile indulgence of heavier materials. (I once installed Flytanium bronze scales on a Spyderco Para 3. The result was magnificent — and roughly as subtle as carrying a ship anchor.)
And that is perfectly fair, because the classic G-10 Spyderco Paramilitary 2 remains one of the greatest production folders ever created.
But the Lightweight introduces something unexpectedly contemporary to the platform: efficiency without compromise.
This particular example happens to be a Sprint Run equipped with CPM 15V — a truly high-octane alloy. Yet the steel is almost secondary to the broader philosophy behind the knife. Much like the celebrated 15V Para 3 Lightweight before it, this PM2 LW pairs one of the most extreme high-performance steels available with an astonishingly light 76-gram platform.
The CPM 15V Sprint Run is the enthusiast’s reading of the idea — a limited-production exercise in maximum performance taken to its logical edge. 15V itself borders on the extreme in the best possible way. With an unusually high vanadium content of nearly 15%, it was developed for exceptional wear resistance and outstanding edge retention. In Spyderco’s implementation, it is further elevated by Shawn Houston’s specialised heat treatment, identifiable by the discreet “Triple B” mark engraved on the blade.
The beautifully stonewashed blade arrives with an edge that is immediately convincing — thin, precise, and unmistakably sharp straight out of the box. In my experience, it may well be one of the finest factory edges Spyderco has ever delivered. Hair-popping performance is effortless, almost casual, and geometrically speaking, even the informal “bottle” or light push-cut tests feel almost trivial. Much better than on my Para 3.
Oh well, the exotic steel may attract the headlines. (As a bit of a steel enthusiast, CTS-BD1N on the “vanilla” Spyderco Paramilitary 2 Lightweight doesn’t really excite me — it’s solid, reliable, easy to keep razor sharp, forgiving but uninspiring. I wouldn’t seek it out like I would CPM Cruwear steel, but I’d never pass on a great design just because of it.)
But the real story lies elsewhere: the revelation that one of the most iconic hard-use folders ever produced can suddenly feel almost effortless, friction less… pure.
Not diminished. Distilled. Purified. And distillation brings spirit. Spirit is light. And this purity is no lie.
Disclaimer: This knife has been provided through Spyderco’s Ambassador Program, upon my own request. Thank you to the Spyderpeople for letting me review it.
(*) For a musician and singer, Mark Hollis is unusually interested in silence, in what could be described as the gaps and intervals between notes. To listen to Spirt of Eden (1988) and Laughing Stock(1991), the last two albums by Talk Talk, the band of which he was singer and principal songwriter for more than a decade, is to encounter a music of fragments and dissolution, his murmured vocals often simply fading away as a song does not so much end as expire.
If you were around in the 1990s, you remember the Steel Wars. Back then, the aspirational trio was ATS-34, 440C, and D2. ATS-34 wasthe working man’s stainless . 440C was the gentleman’s stainless . D2 was the semi-stainless tool steel brute with some bite. Users were happy with Gin-1 blade. VG10 was not yet available. Hard chore fixed blades were made in 1095 or 1075 or 52100 carbon steel. Anyway, those were the benchmark steels — the ceiling, not the starting point. Then something shifted.
In 1996, Spyderco did something quietly radical with the original Spyderco Military: they moved from ATS-34 to CPM 440V — later renamed S60V. It wasn’t just a steel swap. It was a philosophical statement. The Military became the first production folder to embrace Crucible’s Particle Metallurgy steel. That moment matters a lot for knives users and for Spyderco. It marked the beginning of the modern steel era in production folders — high vanadium content, fine carbide distribution, wear resistance that outpaced what most users even knew how to sharpen. It was controversial. It was ambitious. It was forward-looking. Typical Sal Glesser’s route to unknown territory. And the Military has been evolving ever since.
Disclaimer: This knife has been provided through Spyderco’s Ambassador Program, upon their own request. Thank you to the Spyderpeople for letting me review it and enjoy it.
Enter the Military 2 Salt: Bright, Bold, Unapologetic — yellow and black handle, corrosion-proof attitude, purpose-built for brutal environments. The Salt line has always been about defiance — defiance of rust, of humidity, of saltwater indifference. But this is not just a “marine” variant. It’s a continuation of a lineage that has consistently served as Spyderco’s testbed for what’s next. From ATS-34… To CPM 440V… To S30V, S90V, S110V… To the modern exotics. The Military platform doesn’t chase trends. It previews them.
Fast forward to Gambit my CPM15V “Mother of All Bears” sprint run — a steel with outrageous vanadium content and edge retention that borders on absurd. In many ways, that sprint heat treated by Shawn Houston wasn’t just a collector’s piece. It was a thesis statement. It said: The Military platform still exists to push metallurgy forward. Fifteen percent vanadium. Let that sink in. In the ‘90s, we thought 440C was peak sophistication. For the record Rambo II Knife was made from 440C.
If the 1996 jump to CPM 440V (some kind of powder steel version of 440C) signaled the start of the particle steel era, then the inevitable future feels clear. At some point — whether as a sprint or full production — the Military will wear CPM MagnaCut. A steel you can bring to the rain forest where even camera lenses can be eaten by fungi. And when Spyderco does a Salt, it’s no gimmick. It is the logical next step.
From a certain point of view, MagnaCut represents what ATS-34 once was supposed to be (Chris Reeve’s Sebenza were made of ATS-34) — stainless performance without compromise. Fine carbide structure. Balanced toughness. Real corrosion resistance. Practical edge stability.
As the Military began its journey by embracing the future of steel before the market demanded it, a MagnaCut Military is simply continuing that tradition.
The Military isn’t just another large folder. It’s a timeline. A flagship. A knife Sal was giving for Eric for his military service. But also it reflects where the industry was, where it is, and where it’s going.
That beautifully “wasped” Military 2 Salt — with its unapologetic yellow and black scales — stands as a modern chapter in that story: corrosion-proof, high-performance, and unafraid of specialized steels. For those of us who remember when ATS-34 felt exotic, holding a Military 2 Salt today is a reminder of just how far production knives have come. And if history is any guide, this won’t be the final evolution. It never is……. Magnamax ? Anyway, Magnacut is a wonderful tough steel
There is, however, one issue with the Spyderco Military 2 Salt — and it’s not the steel, the ergonomy or the lock which came with zero lock stick BTW.
It’s the clip placement. As you can see no clip can reach that central flat spot. It stays on the grooves !
“The meticulously machined Caribbean Bi-Directional Texture pattern not only ensures a secure, non-slip grip, but also reveals the scales’ alternating black and yellow layers to enhance the knife’s visibility in and around the water.”
Yes but that yellow/black Salt version retains the aggressive, highly contoured handle geometry that makes the Spyderco Caribbean such a secure tools in wet environment. “The Caribbean’s blade is housed in a vibrantly colored handle featuring scales crafted from layered black and yellow G-10. Their intricately machined pattern provides a non-slip texture and reveals the contrasting colors to create a high-visibility striped design. “
Those scales are not flat which is “handy” especially in wet or gloved conditions. From a grip standpoint, it’s outstanding. The ergonomics are purposeful. No question. But the clip sppon is mounted across a section of handle that isn’t truly flat. And that matters for me.
That handle creates localized tension points. In pocket draws and insertion, that translates into friction. And friction, over time, translates into shredded fabric !!
For a knife that’s designed to live in harsh environments, the last thing you want is a clip that behaves like a textile rasp.
For the record, this is not a Salt-series indictment.
A low tension deep carry clip helps a lot in my case but your mileage may vary in terms of keeping your pockets pristine…
Anyway performance remains uncompromised. Having a true all-terrain Military is no longer a niche concept. It’s a must.
The original Spyderco Military was conceived as a purpose-driven field knife — large, lean, unapologetically performance-focused. It wasn’t built for desk duty. It wasn’t built for Instagram. It was built to work.
Today, “field use” doesn’t just mean dry land and predictable climates. It means:
Coastal humidity
Saltwater exposure
Sweat-soaked summer carry
Snow, mud, rain
Long-term storage in less-than-ideal conditions
Kitchen !!
Corrosion resistance is no longer a specialty feature. It’s a baseline requirement for a all terrain purposed tool. Low maintenance is a true luxury.
All inner parts are coated but the stop pin and the washers. Notice that beautiful G10 layers a tour-de-force. The nested liners being all coated there is no excuse to use that knife in wet environment.
That’s why the Spyderco Military 2 Salt matters.
It closes the loop of reliability through 3 decades. The Military platform has always chased the frontier of steel performance — from ATS-34 to particle metallurgy, from high-vanadium experiments to modern wear monsters. But performance isn’t just edge retention charts and carbide percentages. Real performance includes survivability.
An all-terrain Military folder means:
A blade steel that shrugs off salt and sweat
Hardware that resists oxidation
A platform you don’t have to baby
It becomes a knife you can carry on a boat, on a mountain, in tropical humidity, or clipped inside gym shorts without thinking about it. The list goes on but you catch my drift. The Military is a big light hardchore folder ready to get dirty. And that last part is key: without thinking about it.
Because the ultimate evolution of a military all terrain tool isn’t higher hardness. It isn’t more vanadium. It isn’t better CATRA numbers. It’s freedom from worry !
The Spyderco Military 2 Salt benefits enormously from the Compression Lock. The action is smooth, controlled, and confidence-inspiring. Opening is fluid. Closing is effortless and safe. Lockup is rock solid — zero play, zero drama. It feels modern and mechanical in the best possible way.
Compare that to the Spyderco Native Chief Salt Lightweight, and you’re in a different world. Back lock instead of Compression Lock. A more traditional cadence. A different relationship between hand and blade. Both are outstanding knives. Choosing a favorite isn’t about quality — it’s about preference. The Lightweight Native Chief is that good. 😉
The same goes for the Spyderco Sage 5 Salt. Compact. Refined. Exceptionally balanced. In Salt configuration, it becomes one of the most complete corrosion-resistant EDCs available today. At this level, it’s no longer about which one is better. It’s about which one feels like yours.
The Military was once the knife that introduced mainstream users to particle metallurgy. Now, in Salt form, the Military 2 introduces the idea that a full-size, high-performance folder should be truly “environment-agnostic”.
And if we’re honest — for a knife with “Military” in its name — that capability feels less like an upgrade and more like destiny.
I had named my CPM M4 Millie “Ghost.” My grey CPM CruWear Millie became “Gandalf.” My current 15V Military 2 is “Gambit.” So the salty one needed a name too. And it had to start with a G. It will be “Gurney”. Gurney Halleck in frank Herbert’s Dune isn’t the flashy hero. He’s not mysticism and prophecy. He’s discipline. Loyalty. Hardened competence. A loyal warrior-poet who survives harsh worlds through skill and resilience.
That’s exactly what the Spyderco Military 2 Salt represents. Not ornamental. Not fragile. Not trendy.
It’s a knife built for hostile environments. A blade you trust when conditions turn abrasive. There’s something very Arrakis about a corrosion-proof Military: survival through preparation.
“Behold, as a wild ass in the desert, go I forth to my work.”
In the rarefied world of enthusiast gatherings, certain objects transcend their function to become emblems. At the 19th Minimeet of 2026, that emblem arrived in a flash of satin steel and unmistakable silhouette: the Endela, rendered in CPM Spy27.
This year’s gift was no ordinary edition, no routine variation in a catalog of many. It was a gesture—considered, knowing, and deeply rooted in heritage. A gift that spoke fluent Spyderco from A to Z with a bit of Japanese.
Designed by Sal Glesser, the Endela, positioned between the compact Delica and the longer Endura, has always embodied balance: long enough to command presence, slim enough to disappear into a pocket. In this iteration, its lines were amplified by a full flat grind (FFG), that signature tapering geometry that flows from spine to edge in one continuous, purposeful plane. The result is a blade that slices with authority yet retains the structural confidence expected from a serious cutting tool.
But the true poetry lies in the steel which I have covered in my UKPK article AKA “the Golden Child”.
CPM Spy27 is not merely another powdered metallurgy alloy; it is an insider’s composition, born from collaboration and conviction. Developed as a proprietary formula, Spy27 was conceived as a modern evolution in performance stainless steel—often described as a powdered metallurgy answer to the spirit of VG-10, yet unmistakably contemporary in its balance of edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness. Engineered through Crucible’s particle metallurgy process—before the company’s bankruptcy reshaped the landscape—it stands as the product of a singular joint venture and a fleeting industrial moment.
Spy27 is, in many ways, a manifesto: a steel created not simply to follow trends, but to refine the brand’s own philosophy of practical performance. Fine carbides for clean, aggressive slicing. Stainless resilience for daily carry. A hardness profile that rewards precision sharpening while maintaining field durability. In hand, it feels deliberate—neither brittle nor indulgently soft. It is steel tuned to the cadence of real use. And God, it loves leather stropping.
You cannot get more “Spyderco’s roots” than this. Made in Japan (like in the 80’s), paired with the unmistakable round hole—Spyderco’s totemic opening device—and a “spoon clip” ready for pocket carry, the Endela in CPM Spy27 becomes more than a knife. It becomes a statement of identity. The FFG geometry ensures that the blade glides through material with elegant efficiency, while the ergonomics—subtle finger choil, textured scales, carefully considered weight—anchor the experience in control.
At a Minimeet, the gift is never just about value. It is about friendship. About shared language. About the unspoken understanding between those who appreciate grind lines, heat treatments, and the quiet satisfaction of a perfectly executed edge of our favorite performance knives.
The Endela came out of the box with the kind of edge that makes you pause for half a second before testing it. Not because you doubt it—but because you already know: this is the Way !
Factory sharpness can be a vague promise in this industry. Here, it was a statement. Kuddos to the Seki factory ! The blade arrived as an aggressive razor, keen and un-apolo-getic, the apex refined to the point where it would silently treetop arm hair without pressure. Not tear. Not tug. Simply pop. Hair fell away at the slightest whisper of contact.
This wasn’t just shaving sharp; it was hair-popping sharp.
It slices through plastic as though the material had lost all resistance—gliding, parting, yielding without protest. There is a particular sound when a blade meets dense plastic packaging: usually a faint crackle, a hesitant drag. Here, there was only a smooth, uninterrupted whisper. The edge didn’t force its way in; it entered decisively and continued with almost disconcerting ease, as if the medium itself had become incidental.
That kind of performance is not accidental. It is the result of geometry meeting metallurgy in perfect accord.
As my friend Robin observed—accurately and without exaggeration—the level of sharpness coming out of the Seki factories has noticeably risen since the K390 batches. Something shifted during that era. Whether it was refinement in heat treatment protocols, greater consistency in final sharpening stages, or simply a renewed culture of precision, the outcome is tangible. Blades now leave the factory with an apex that feels more deliberate, more aggressive, more controlled.
The legacy of those early K390 runs set a new internal benchmark. What we’re seeing now is the continuation of that standard applied across steels—Spy27 included. The edges are cleaner, the bevels more disciplined, the bite more assertive right out of the box.
This year, which is also the 50th anniversary from Spyderco, that understanding came wrapped in Spy27. So what do we got: A steel born of collaboration. A grind that defines a house style. A silhouette instantly recognizable across continents. For the 19th Minimeet of 2026, the Endela was not simply offered—it was bestowed.
And in doing so, it reaffirmed what true connoisseurs already know: luxury is not always gold and gloss. Sometimes, it is the cool, matte sheen of a perfectly ground blade, engineered with intent and carried with pride. Thank you for that beautiful gift.
The funniest part about using the Manix 2 Salt is remembering how this model first came into being at Spyderco—and how well it has matured over time, much like your humble narrator and its designer, Eric Glesser. We’re not getting any younger! 🙂 For that, you can refer back to my previous article dedicated to this knife.
It’s either a survival-kit essential or an EDC that has earned deep respect over the decades since its creation. And that’s pretty cool. This workhorse remains a bestseller at Spyderco because it radiates reliability and performance.
Its few drawbacks? The space it occupies in the pocket—which really deserves to be dedicated to it entirely—and the lack of tip-down carry. Which means no “Spyderdrop,” unlike the Military for example—one of the most elegant ways to open a Spyderco (Grab it by the Spyderhole!).
At its core, the Manix brings three key elements that truly make the difference: a blade clearly oriented toward performance—neither overly thick nor compromised, with a tall full flat grind; a rock-solid lock that effectively turns it into a fixed blade once engaged and a drop chuting action when closing; and ergonomics so well thought out that, no matter the wet and oily situation, this knife simply refuses to escape your hand.
Disclaimer: The Manix 2 Salt has been provided through Spyderco’s Ambassador Program, upon my own request. Thank you to the Spyderpeople for letting me review it.
The Manix 2 Salt black G-10 handle is fully peel-ply-textured (mixed with Spyderco’s signature Caribbean Bi-Directional Texture™ pattern) and exceptionally grippy and yet surprisingly never abrasive to my denim pocket’s seams — a balance made possible by a thoughtful clip placement because, really, on the paper I was certain that folder would be a competitive pocket shredder !!
That said, this very design becomes a limitation if one considers swapping to a deep-carry clip: the clip would no longer land on the scale’s soft flat spot, potentially creating unwanted friction against the pocket lip. For this reason, I chose to keep the original clip. In practice, it delivers remarkably smooth in-and-out pocket action—arguably even smoother than the Edgerati. This is still a mystery to me but that ultra grippy Manix 2 Salt G10 is actually very pocket friendly !
Now, for the past few weeks, the Salt—which is arguably the most badass version of the Manix 2 (alongside the Crucarta, which elevates it beautifully in the patina departement, or perhaps a few Sprint runs like the mighty CPM-15V brown g-10 version)—has been jumping into my pocket for real use. As you know, the Edgerati, thanks to its novelty and sheer pleasure of use, has had a tendency to evict several knives from my rotation: the Military 2 in CPM-15V, the Caly 2, the Chief in Magnacut, the Sage Salt… and inevitably, the poor Manix 2 Salt G10, which had the bad luck of arriving at the same time.
But then it hit me: if I see the Edgerati as a BMW X3—powerful, lightweight, and all-terrain—then the Manix 2 Salt is clearly a Land Rover Defender. After all, it came here to suffer… so let’s make it suffer.
And so far, it comes out with flying colors. Like a Tenacious, this knife is here to work—no matter the conditions. It brings back that familiar, no-nonsense feeling I used to get from the old Cold Steel Recon 1 and its mighty Triad Lock.
About the Manix 2’s lock, I was worried the mechanism might seize up with dirt or mud, but since the Salt laughs at moisture, soaking it in water is a non-issue. In the kitchen, it also encountered oily situations. Once again, the new G10 scales on the Salt provide excellent traction when drawing it from the pocket—which is definitely not the case with my titanium Squeak, an outstanding little bar of soap when my fingers are wet or greasy…
I did notice a small “click” when opening. I have the same thing on the carbon fiber CPM S90V version, though it’s less pronounced. It’s not a problem at all—just the mechanism doing its thing.
There is also something I forgot to mention—and it is far from a minor detail. The Manix lock does not rely on a detent ball to keep the blade closed in the handle. Much like a traditional back lock, spring tension alone holds the blade securely shut. It may seem subtle, but the implication is significant: closing force is applied even if the blade is slightly out of position. This provides an additional layer of safety—one that should not be underestimated, especially in demanding or unpredictable conditions. And as mentioned in my previous article on the Manix Salt, the very first Manix models were built around a Martial Blade Craft–grade back lock—thick, overbuilt, and driven by an exceptionally strong spring. That DNA is still there. The Manix 2 lock clearly inherits that same philosophy of power, security, and mechanical confidence. This is also what makes the Ball Bearing Lock™ so reassuring: safety.
During my homemade bottle butt geometry test—driving the blade straight through the bottom of a plastic bottle, where the material is at its thickest—I found that the Manix 2 could do a tad better. Where the Edgerati (a thicker blade though) passed this test straight out of the box, the thinner Manix 2 Salt required a bit more encouragement. I therefore decided to de-shoulder the edge slightly to thin it out, and the improvement was immediately noticeable. As usual, in ten minutes, small adjustment, but one that significantly enhanced its geometry and cutting performance. Also I have not been able to scratch that DLC blade so far.
It also made me wonder whether this knife could genuinely appeal to a diver. How intuitive would it be to deploy and use underwater? To answer that question properly, I decided to ask Geoffrey—the head of Normandeep, a professional diver and rescue specialist operating off the Normandy coast, near the D-Day beaches
“The relevance of folding knives in diving is not always obvious. Accessibility and storage can be an issue, especially when wearing thick gloves. That said, the Manix is probably the least compromised option, as its lock is the easiest to operate of them all—even with gloves on. For a travelling diver, it could make sense: a knife that transitions from backpack carry during walks to a diving knife clipped to a buoyancy compensator.
Beyond diving, there’s also the nautical world—sailors, fishermen, boating in general—where this kind of knife becomes genuinely relevant. In that context, it makes a lot of sense.”
In the end, the Manix 2 remains faithful to its original ambition: to be a tool first, without apology or compromise. It does not follow trends, nor does it seek to charm through superficial refinement. Its appeal lies elsewhere—in disciplined geometry, a locking system of unquestionable security, and ergonomics conceived to ensure the blade stays exactly where it should: firmly at work in the hand.
In its Salt configuration, these virtues are elevated rather than altered. Moisture, mud, oil, even neglect, fail to disturb its composure. It can be rinsed, returned to service, and trusted again without ritual or concern. Such quiet confidence is rare, and it explains why the Manix platform has not merely survived the years, but matured with them.
It may not be the most discreet companion, nor the most elegant silhouette in Spyderco’s catalogue. Yet when conditions degrade and reliability takes precedence over finesse, the Manix 2 asserts itself with calm authority. Like any true instrument of work, it earns respect not through promise, but through repetition.
And that, ultimately, is why the Manix 2 remains a reference—quietly indispensable, and entirely earned.
NemoKnivesReview 