Manix 2 XL vs. Caribbean (Handle room and comfort)

[TheGiant80]

I got rid of my Caribbean because I found the handle too cramped. I’ve seen a lot of talk recently about the Manix 2 XL recently, and since I’ve definitely had my fair share of Spyderco Kool-Aid, I want one!

Can anyone here speak to whether the M2XL handle is generally more roomy than the Caribbean? Unfortunately I won’t be able to get it in-hand before purchase.

Cheers ladies and gents!

[VooDooChild]

I think the manix 2 xl is even more cramped than the caribbean. It locks your hand in more. The handle is "taller", so theres more handle for your hand to wrap around, but that locked in position makes it seem cramped to me.

You really must be a giant. I have large hands and the caribbean certainly has enough handle for me. Do you just use police models?

[TheGiant80]

I think the manix 2 xl is even more cramped than the caribbean. It locks your hand in more. The handle is "taller", so theres more handle for your hand to wrap around, but that locked in position makes it seem cramped to me.

You really must be a giant. I have large hands and the caribbean certainly has enough handle for me. Do you just use police models?

Thanks for the quick and informative reply. I am 7ft1 tall; the gigantor of this forum for sure! My knife terms aren’t as polished as most of the folks here, the way I found the Caribbean cramped was from the left side of my pointer knuckle to the right side of my pinky knuckle if that makes sense. I felt like the handle wrapped too tightly around both.

As for what I carry, SE Pac Salt 1 99% of the time. Otherwise a REX45 Native Chief..

[ladybug93]

i don't have a manix xl, but the grip area is exactly the same as the manix 2, just with some extra bulk on the end behind the grip. here's a comparison with the caribbean. the manix is definitely more cramped than the caribbean. i find it perfect, but if the caribbean is too small for you, the manix will be too.

[TheGiant80]

i don't have a manix xl, but the grip area is exactly the same as the manix 2, just with some extra bulk on the end behind the grip. here's a comparison with the caribbean. the manix is definitely more cramped than the caribbean. i find it perfect, but if the caribbean is too small for you, the manix will be too.

Ladybug93 you rule! That photo is extremely helpful. Much obliged!

I guess I’ll keep looking at Police variants for now then..

[Doc Dan]

I have thick 2XL hands. Think baseball mitts. I got rid of my M2XL because it was too cramped. That hook on the pommel is jus aweful. However, I like the Straight Spine Stretch quite a lot.

[kobold]

So maybe the Stretch XL will fit?

[Evil D]

Wow man if you're cramped on a Caribbean you've got King Kong mits, are you sure you're not Jeff Dabe? (Look him up). I know there's a pic somewhere on this forum of Jeff holding a Manix 2 and it was hilarious.

Anyway yeah if the Caribbean is too small, my next thought was maybe a Chinook 4 but I've never held one. The Police 4 is quite long in the handle too and only has the one prominent finger groove besides the choil so most of it should be comfortable for huge hands.

Here's a comparison of the Police 4 and a Caribbean.






Another one to consider is the Resilience, and it's even coming out in S35VN soon and it's a big roomy handle without any finger grooves so it may be the best option out there aside from a Tatanka.

[Hopsbreath]

Yeah big man, the Police is for you. Here’s a pic next to the Chief and Endura since you already know how those handles feel. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend a Military though, I think the hump at the back might give you some problems. Added a pic of that also to see what you think.

[Evil D]

There are also some custom Military scales that do away with the pommel at the butt end of the handle, and that would extend the grip area a good inch or two. You could even mod that yourself since the liners don't extend all the way to the end of the grip.

[Manixguy@1994]

I thought I should add that the original lockback Manix knives also have the same grip area as stated about the Manix2 models. There are some other great options posted that may assist you finding what is best for you . Do you have a store or shop nearby where you live where you can handle a variety of knives ? Good luck on your shopping journey . Regards MG2

[ladybug93]

the grip area on the resilience is really not any bigger than the caribbean. maybe by 1/16" - 1/8" at most. i was surprised to see this. i hadn't ever thought to compare the two since they are both beyond big enough for my hands.



here are some folders that might be a better fit for your mitt. i've never held a native chief, but from pictures, it reminds me of the 4max scout with its long handle.




edited: sorry about the thumbnails. changed it to larger photos.

[Evil D]

Wow I didn't realize that either

That goes in line with the other thread we're talking about edge length vs blade length. The Resilience is another I often think of as being huge but maybe it's all in my head.

[VooDooChild]

Yeah but feeling cramped can have a lot to do with the angle and depth of the finger guard and rear hook, the overall handle shape. Even though the resillience is about the same as the caribbean, I would argue due to the shape it should seem less cramped. At least to regular old largeish hands.

If I were the op though, I would probably just rock a police 4 lightweight.

[Evil D]

The Tatanka is the grip length king no doubt, but also is along the more ridiculous side in general.



(not my pic



If that's too small I'm out of ideas.

[ladybug93]

Wow I didn't realize that either

That goes in line with the other thread we're talking about edge length vs blade length. The Resilience is another I often think of as being huge but maybe it's all in my head.

when i first got the resilience, it felt comically large. then i found cold steel. anyway, the resilience is about the largest blade i can justify carrying daily. it's definitely big, but it's actually a great edc blade.

[Evil D]

Wow I didn't realize that either

That goes in line with the other thread we're talking about edge length vs blade length. The Resilience is another I often think of as being huge but maybe it's all in my head.

when i first got the resilience, it felt comically large. then i found cold steel. anyway, the resilience is about the largest blade i can justify carrying daily. it's definitely big, but it's actually a great edc blade.

Honestly I kinda dislike CS and a lot of their designs and shenanigans, but every time I see that tanto Voyager I get a little bit giddy over it.

[ladybug93]

Wow I didn't realize that either

That goes in line with the other thread we're talking about edge length vs blade length. The Resilience is another I often think of as being huge but maybe it's all in my head.

when i first got the resilience, it felt comically large. then i found cold steel. anyway, the resilience is about the largest blade i can justify carrying daily. it's definitely big, but it's actually a great edc blade.

Honestly I kinda dislike CS and a lot of their designs and shenanigans, but every time I see that tanto Voyager I get a little bit giddy over it.

not to derail too much, but if i have to pry my way through an urban environment, that's what i'm bringing. if i have to head into the woods, the rajah 2 is coming with me. they're great and a lot of fun to use. i get giddy when i handle them too.

i'm not a cs fanboy, but it's probably my second favorite company. i hate a lot of their designs, but the good ones are really good and you can't beat the triad lock for a knife you want to be able to abuse.

[Evil D]

i'm not a cs fanboy, but it's probably my second favorite company. i hate a lot of their designs, but the good ones are really good and you can't beat the triad lock for a knife you want to be able to abuse.

Yeah, if they made that 4Max Scout with a thumb hole it would seal the deal. I just loath thumb studs so much, #1 reason I refuse to buy a Sebenza.

They do make some silly big handled knives though.

Also I work with a guy who's 6 foot 9 and he's got probably the biggest hands I've ever seen in person. I may see how he feels about holding my Police 4 today and get some pics if I can work my way into a "hey buddy will you hold my knife and let me take pics" conversation without seeming like a gigantic weirdo.

[ladybug93]

Also I work with a guy who's 6 foot 9 and he's got probably the biggest hands I've ever seen in person. I may see how he feels about holding my Police 4 today and get some pics if I can work my way into a "hey buddy will you hold my knife and let me take pics" conversation without seeming like a gigantic weirdo.