Do I need a Shaman in my life?

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ks_wayward_son

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Apr 15, 2021
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Recently started getting into knives in general and picked up Sage 5 and Dragonfly3. Needless to say I can see why people are impressed with the quality. I'm thinking the Sage is about perfect in size, and the Dragonfly is smallish, but still practical. Not sure about the Shaman, as it may seem a bit large for edc, and I don't go camping/hunting much. But the River's Edge exclusive that is all the buzz is pretty frickin cool. Should I pick one up just on that basis alone? I got a little bit of disposable income, but still shoot for practicality. What do you use your Shaman for?

Still gonna look to get that Micarta/Cruwear Para 2, though.
 
Hi Wayward son,

Some things to consider; The Shaman is a large knife that will take heavy use, but it is also a larger, heaver knife. We've learned that as many knife afi's go down the rabbit hole, they learn more and their vales and preferences change as they learn more. I generally like larger knives, but not necessarily heavier knives. The Shaman, which I have a great deal of time in refining, is right at that tipping point. It does carry easily for it's heft, but it is certainly more knife for many?

sal
 
I am a big fan of Spyderco. Out of all the brands I've tried, they consistently impress me with their fit, finish, value, variety, materials, and innovation. I haven't tried every model, but each one I've tried has really impressed me.

Overall, I tend to favor larger knives and don't mind a few extra ounces. I've got two Shamans and they feel just a bit heavier in hand than a Paramilitary 2, but I don't really notice the weight difference in my pocket. To me, it's like having a little bit of change vs. no change in your pocket.

I think the Shaman first came out around 2017 so it's a relatively new design, but when I got my first one, I thought it felt like an instant classic. As Sal says above, I could definitely tell he put a great deal of thought and time into the knife. It's got a lot of the features that really set Spyderco apart from other makers - compression lock, great jimping, high build quality, smooth action, etc.

The nicest surprise about my first Shaman, an S30V/black G10 model, for me was how nice it felt in hand. It felt more premium than I was expecting - mostly due to the contoured scales and well thought out ergonomics. The contoured scales really set the Shaman apart from even a lot of other Spydercos. It just feels solidly built and well designed.

I liked it so much I bought a Z-Wear/Micarta model. The micarta versions of the Shaman are a big hit for a reason.

Both are very practical for EDC - opening packages, cutting down cardboard, working in the yard, etc. If you think you'd like the micarta and Cruwear Paramilitary 2, I think you'd love any model Shaman.
 
If I were to get one it would be the Rivers Edge exclusive, unless they've all been preordered and will be unavailable?
 
ks_wayward_son said:
If I were to get one it would be the Rivers Edge exclusive, unless they've all been preordered and will be unavailable?
Click to expand...

They aren't a pre-order.. REC is doing a "live drop"..
Posting on Insta and FB.. "They are live! Good luck!".. Type of thing..

I Love the Sage 5!!! So, I'm with ya!
I got my first Shaman and sold it.. The Smooth handle, just didn't do it for me..

Then I got the Z-wear Shaman.. it's pretty much been in my pocket, exclusively..(I own or have owned, All spyderco models)..
I'll rotate a different model, for the day or evening. The Shaman makes its way back in, shortly..
I've even bought other micarta scales for it. Shaved the "nub" off, rounded the 90°corner, off the spine(that hits the stop pin) and acid etch'd the liners, back spacer, hardware, clip, and blade..
https://imgur.com/cmHw7MJ
https://imgur.com/mMepRYC
https://imgur.com/kxaewa2
https://imgur.com/OIjpeE0
The REC Shaman does have a little of grip to it. Feels Great!
Not super smooth like the Cutlery Shoppe orange.

Love the Shaman, in hand!!! Damn slicey, for how big it is. (Maybe that's the slimmed out 12° bevel and 15° microbevel)
 
Love my fully-serrated, blacked-out Shaman. It’s an absolute bruiser! The only thing I’ll say as a word of caution is, it’s a little bit heavy for it’s size. Regardless, highly recommended!
 
I have a zwear and customized s30v shaman and like the model more than I expected. Fortunately I live in a rural area these days and can carry any style or size knife. I have been using my shaman for/in the following ways:
-kitchen
-yard/garden
-fiddling and admiring while in the recliner
-the woods
-boxes
-back pocket while out and about (but its heft is a bit noticeable)

It’s a great slicer and precision cutter as well as a tough and “oh crap” situation knife. Then again, so too is the Para2…

You gotta try both and make the decision.
 
Love it. It's not my daily for the size, but it's my woods knife. Jade/M4 version, no corrosion problems.
 
I have 4 shamans... 2 s30vs (one plain, one dlc), blade hq m4 dlc, and a z wear. They are my favorite knives, bar none. ? I put them right up with my Hinderers. Amazing fit and finish, easy to service, heavy duty, yet they cut so well. The size is about perfect.

I may get a serrated shaman, because I haven't had a serrated spyderco yet, and why not make it a Shaman?

It's not for everyone, but Sal made a perfect knife for me!
 
OP: Only you can decide if you need a "Shaman in your life."

I've always felt ambivalent about the Shaman because of the width of its handle which is very thick and fits well in the hand but not so well in the pocket.

I finally decided that I like the Shaman more than I don't and have kept in my collection. I own 2 of them: 1) a standard G10 S30V and 2) a Sprint CF S90V. Even though there are many other variations of the Shaman, I don't need/want any more of them than that.

I don't actually "use" any of the knives in my collection (which currently includes 140 Spydercos) but I know that the Shaman is a very well made and durable folder that would serve you well as an EDC, as well as a camp knife, if you can stand to carry it in your pocket based on it's size (thickness) and weight or if you can find a suitable sheath to use to carry it on your belt.
 
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I've been asking myself the same question. Lately I have trended towards lighter thiner knives...but I think I do need to add one to the collection.
 
el gigantor said:
Love my fully-serrated, blacked-out Shaman. It’s an absolute bruiser! The only thing I’ll say as a word of caution is, it’s a little bit heavy for it’s size. Regardless, highly recommended!
Click to expand...
This^^^^
 
I canceled my Cru-carta sprint run preorder at the last minute, because I realized I don't need one. I would like a Shaman with a backlock as much or more as I would like a Manix 2 with one, but since I can't have them, I am content with my CBBL Manix 2 in S110V and other non-spy knives with similar attributes. C'est la vie.
 
J.Mattson said:
I've been asking myself the same question. Lately I have trended towards lighter thiner knives...but I think I do need to add one to the collection.
Click to expand...
I was thinking the same till a ti/cf s90v military that JonesE JonesE Gave me a great deal on bumped a trm atom out of my pocket lol
 
kobold said:
I canceled my Cru-carta sprint run preorder at the last minute, because I realized I don't need one. I would like a Shaman with a backlock as much or more as I would like a Manix 2 with one, but since I can't have them, I am content with my CBBL Manix 2 in S110V and other non-spy knives with similar attributes. C'est la vie.
Click to expand...

Sounds like you need to be looking for a, C95 Manix!
You'll love it!!!
 
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