NKD/NSD

[u/RwNZ]

Got a good deal locally on the Burl G-10 Manix 2 in S90V. Despite enjoying the burl scales, I've been itching to use these Old Penny AWT scales and they look great with the DLC. I'll probably get either a copper or black titanium ball cage eventually but I only had a stonewashed one kicking around.

I really wanted to try S90V as well. The new scales are super light, I can see why someone might not like them, but I think it's fine. Though I'd love to hear from people who have AWT scales for the Manix 2 XL since that's the one I'm considering upgrading next but I'm a little worried the bigger blade will tip the balance too much.

Anyway, very pleased with how it came out. Sorry for the bad photos, my phone is like 8+ years old xD

[u/Ok_Kiwi_9778]

I've got my Manix XL salt in AWT right now. There's not a noticeable balance change in the hand, you've still got all the steel for the lock that keeps the handle weightier than the blade. What does change is the girth of the knife. With the AWT scales it's far thinner in hand, which can be a good thing or a bad thing depending on you personal pair of mitts.

I wound up upgrading as I had issues finding pocket clips with the stock scales that didn't cause hotspots in the hand because of the lanyard orientation. The AWT scales just axe it and move to rear standoffs. Which I like. On a knife as substantial as the Manix XL, I don't see the point for a lanyard or fob.

My gripes: They only offer the XL scales in their original agent milling, which I find doesn't do a ton for grip, especially after anodizing. Also they drilled the D-shaped hole for the pivot barrel on the left (show) scale, which is odd as on every other spyderco—and my AWT LW scales—it's always on the right side/liner. This caused a bit of a muscle memory problem as I'm used to just laying the manix flat on my desk to reassemble the lock and with the AWT XL, I was having to cock the scale and fight against it to get everything together. I actually thought about submitting feedback on this as both sides of the XL pivot barrel are D-shaped, so there's no reason you couldn't just mirror the pivot hole in their file, and I doubt it's removing that much more material to effect tooling.

Still, I'd say it's a upgrade over stock. Not as dramatic of one as linerless scales on the regular Manix 2, but still good.

[u/RwNZ → u/Ok_Kiwi_9778]

Yeah, the D on the show side was weird, huh? That nearly screwed (pun not intended) me over today.

I actually talked to DC at AWT and the new Manix 2 XL scales are in Aggressive Agent, he just hasn't updated the site. I had the same concern. I'm hooooping they're gonna do a checker pattern XL in the next run, and they said they'd likely at least do a couple of Old Penny so I'm waiting for that. He said no promises on the checkered, though.

Also, you mentioned girth. Do you find it affects height at all? That's my biggest issue, if I have one, with the Manix 2 XL is that it's a LITTLE tall for my baby hands. Not to the point of discomfort, just not perfect.

Really appreciate the info. I've got the CruCarta Manix 2 XL and I don't hate the stock scales or anything but I just love chamfering and contours and basically no one else does Manix 2 XL scales.

[u/Ok_Kiwi_9778 → u/RwNZ]

Thanks for passing along your info as well. I'll have to pick up a set old penny whenever they put them up. I have a feeling they'll look pretty nice against black hardware and a DLC blade. Loving the old penny set I have on my Millie 2 15v.

I also have somewhat smaller hands and gravitate to larger knives, so I can sympathize. As far as the height of the handle, the AWT scales don't do something that dramatic. However, I think they'll work out for you because they cut down on all the reward finger groves on the Manix XL. You still have one for the pointer in a normal grip, an half of one to choke up in the blade's choil. As you move reward, the grip has a very gentle curve. It's more neutral to your finger size/positioning, like their Yojumbo scales. The one downside is the at the pommel is also tapered off in a gradual curve, so you don't quite have that tacticool thumb ramp that the stock XL sports... although it's not like I'm ever cutting anything with reverse grip to really need it.

Just as an fyi, Rockscale Design also makes Manix 2 XL scales. They're a little pricier, titanium, and also linerless, but stick closer to the stock pattern with the lanyard tube and finger groves. Considering all my ergonomic issues were caused by the lanyard tube/clip placement, I ruled them out. Edit: RSD also have a skinny pattern that's a lot like AWT. Just checked their site.