Spyderco Manix 2, Sage 3, Caly 3

[ugaarguy]

I've recently been consolidating my knife collection down to fewer but higher quality pieces, and minimizing my compromises on features.

My two favorite knives are full size Benchmade Griptillian, and a Benchmade 530 Pardue Axis . The Axis Lock has really spoiled me, but I the knife I miss most is my old AUS-8 blade, black linen Micarta handled Spyderco Calypso Jr. I was thinking of how ideal it would be if I could somehow get a Calypso Jr (or even the new Caly 3) with an Axis lock.

I then realized that the Manix 2 - especially the translucent handled one with the FFG blade - comes pretty darn close. My only concerns are how thick is the translucent handle compared to the thinner standard manic G10 handle, and would the 3&3/8" blade make the Manix just a little too similar to my Griptilian.

Tonight I saw that the Sage 3 with the Blackie Collins Bolt Action lock is still available. I guess you could say that Blackie's Bolt Action was probably the inspiration for the Axis, Ball Bearing, and similar locks. I also read on the Spyderco product page that 5% of the profits on the Sage 3 are being donated to the Alzheimer's Association. That's a cause that's close to me because of losing a grandparent to that debilitating condition.

Last, there's the Caly 3 with the ZDP-189 / 420J2 laminated steel blade and carbon fiber handle. That blade fascinates me, and especially at the very competitive price. The Calys are the evolution of the Calypso series, and while that's awesome, that also means they retained the lock back mechanism.

Please help me sort this out THR friends.

 

[Yo Mama]

Check out the Manix 2 XL if you want a HUGE blade with a caged ball bearing lock. I fricking love all the Manix models!

If you like BM, check out the 15020-Bone Collector, with D2 steel and axis lock. Warning, also a huge blade.

I have no experience with the Sage or Caly, other than I want the Caly one day. If you like lock backs, check out the Spyderco Endura also, can't go wrong with one.

 

[ugaarguy]

I guess I should clarify exactly what I liked about the Calypso Jr. The blade and handle shape are the biggest things. The way the upswept thumb rest folds into the back of the choil of the handle leaving no blade / handle gap when closed (unlike on the Delica and Endura) is a huge thing for me. The way the blade tang and front of the handle form that choil on the bottom, and pseudo guard on the top made the Calypso Jr such a joy to use. The aesthetics and ease of sharpening of the full flat grind blade complete the package. The just under 3 inch blade size is ideal. While I prefer lock backs to liner locks the Axis Lock (and similar) is (are?) my favorite for a variety of reasons.

Essentially I want a Caly 3 with an Axis or ball bearing lock.

The Manix 2 translucent is in the running because it meets all parameters other than size. If the grips are flat enough I could probably live with the slightly longer than ideal blade size. The Manix 2XL is just too big (at least for now).

The Sage 3 comes closest to what I want, but I have a hard time with the the 40% price increase (30% on the G10 Manix 2 if you want equal handle material) on a Taiwanese made knife over an American made knife.

The Caly 3 is only in consideration because it's the evolution of the Calypso Jr, and the laminated blade just speaks to me. If the Caly 3 had the ball bearing lock there wouldn't even be a question on the choice.

 

[zhyla]

I'm pretty sure the Manix 2 lightweight (translucent) is thinner than a regular Manix 2. It lacks the liners and should be about as thick as an other Spyderco FRN model.

 

[JShirley]

I just looked at my TM2. It's not especially thick, at about 60% the thickness of my SAK.

It's probably worth noting that the TM2 is my favorite folding knife ever for its grip, strength, grippable but non-abrasive handle, and very light weight for size. The very large Manix 2 XL, however, does feel incredible.

John

 

[ugaarguy]

One of the LGS I stopped into today after work had just gotten a Sage 1 in yesterday. It has a very Calypso-esque feel to it. After handling that I'm really leaning toward the Sage 3. I'm planning to go to the Blade Show this Saturday, and hopefully I'll get to play with one there before I jump in sight unseen.

 

[greyling22]

blue manix is thinner than regular manix, and I thought it was going to be a winner, then I saw that is is all pinned together, even the pivot point. I'm out on that, and the regular manix 2 is thick and heavy. The sage 3 looks pretty thick as well. I keep looking, but I still haven't found anything I like more than the benchmade 940-943 series. Thin, smooth and sharp.

 

[Ironman]

Shameless plug. I have a LNiB caly3 carbon fiber with box for sale

 

[ugaarguy]

Blade Show

I made it to Atlanta and hit the blade show today. Other thoughts will be shared in a new thread, but for this little bit I'll stick to why I originally posted this thread.

The Sage 3 is exactly what I'd hoped for. The bolt action lock is very similar in operation to the Benchmade Axis Lock, and maybe a bit smoother. It's definitely smoother than Spyderco's Ball Bearing Lock, and that's a very refined mechanism itself. I'd prefer a more subdued handle color, but the blue G10 isn't that bad.

The Caly 3 was as expected: a highly evolved and refined Calypso. The Spyderco Chaparral is a bit smaller, and truer to the old Calypso Jr size.

The TM2 (Translucent Manix 2) is really not thick at all. It's amazingly light for the size, and still felt very solid and well built. It's just a little bigger than what I want right now.

I also inspected a G10 handle, VG10 blade Dragonfly. The foliage green scales are a very light, subdued, shade of green; and would blend well with khaki pants for less obtrusive carry. This isn't a priority, but it's firmly on the want list.

 

[ugaarguy]

Update

A couple weeks ago I picked up a Chaparral locally. It fits the niche of nice dress knife, and great cigar cutter. The CPMS30V blade steel more than meets my needs. The 1/2 ounce weight saving over the Caly 3, and the truer to Calypso Jr. dimensions carried the day.

Look for a new thread soon as I start to seek a bigger brother.