They are tools, so let's start with the handles. The Manix handle has a shape which is thin enough to easily carry in pocket yet which fills the hand to enable

They are tools, so let's start with the handles. The Manix handle has a shape which is thin enough to easily carry in pocket yet which fills the hand to enable not just one but a range of different solid grips for maximizing strength or control. The handle materials also make the knife extremely durable yet light even though it is relatively large. Deploying a Victorinox usually means using two hands and then not having a solid lock on the deployed blade. Putting the knife back is also a two handed gesture. While the blade has a stop around halfway to retracted there is still some risk involved. The Manix uses a Spyderco specific variation of a slider lock mechanism which allows the blade to be easily deployed using a range of fast flick or slow slide gestures that require only one hand. When the Manix blade is deployed and the slider lock is not manually held open it automatically locks solidly so that the blade does not move against the handle and the strength of the lock is such that the handle is more likely to fail than the lock itself. Retracting the Manix blade is as simple as pulling back on the slide and then letting the blade fall or swing back into place and while some prefer to use two hands it is easy and even fun to deploy and retract the Manix with one hand. When it comes to cutting there are many variables and the most important is the geometry of the blade. The broad flat grind of the Manix and the classic shape of the cutting edge make it easy to use for piercing and cutting action that slices instead of chopping. Superior materials mean that under use almost any of the Manix blade variants will hold an edge far longer than the Victorinox. So whether simply carrying the knife around just in case it is needed, deploying it for use, or actually cutting things the Manix is going to deliver easer and more reliable performance. It may be just a knife, but if you often use a knife then the convenience can quickly pile up to being less than a dollar--even pennies per actual use with each. And every time you can have the satisfaction of doing what needs to be done with minimal inconvenience. And it is also just plain fun: A fidgety machine that looks cool and works well can inspire confidence in the modern world the way so many other widgets can turn promise into a drag.