Flat ground from premium CPM S30V stainless steel, its 3.86-inch blade is slightly longer and 25 percent thinner than that of the Manix. These subtle changes enhance its cutting performance by reducing drag and help reduce the knife’s weight. Improved jimping on the thumb ramp and forefinger choil provide enhanced control and a large 14mm Trademark Spyderco Hole makes one-handed deployment a breeze, even while wearing gloves.

The Manix 2 XL’s handle features a framework of 420J2 stainless steel liners covered with textured black G-10 scales. Strategically placed jimping on the edges of the liners ensures a secure grip, while an open-backed construction style simplifies cleaning and maintenance. A reversible hourglass clip supports left or right-side tip-up carry and a lined lanyard hole allows the attachment of fobs and lanyards.

Linking everything together is Spyderco’s patented Ball Bearing Lock mechanism, which consists of a steel ball bearing contained in a durable textured polymer “cage.” When the blade is opened, a spring-loaded steel plunger drives the ball bearing forward to wedge between a ramp on the blade and a steel “anvil” in the handle’s back spacer. Pulling the caged ball bearing to the rear releases the lock and allows the blade to close smoothly while keeping your fingers safely away from the sharp edge. Incredibly strong, smooth, and easy to operate, it is also completely ambidextrous.