Help me choose

Which one should I get?

  • Manix XL

    Votes: 6 50.0%

  • Shaman

    Votes: 6 50.0%
  • Total voters
    12
  • Poll closed .
Buffalohump

Buffalohump

Joined
Sep 7, 2006
Messages
6,207
Hey guys, help me decide between the Manix XL or the Shaman in SPY27.

I like a bigger blade but keep going back and forth between these.... I have an original Manix but not the ball lock one. I don't have a Shaman.

If you can post your reasons that would help!
 
Perhaps you could post your reasons why those two, but not the Bodacious. You may be applying factors to the decision we don't know about.

Here are some other questions you might consider: Have you had your hands on both of these? Hand feel can make a difference if you have the option to check it. Do you have need or preference for a Salt model? You might find that in a Manix, but not in the Shaman. Does handle material matter? You might find micarta in a Manix, but not in the Shaman. Do you like the rounded handle edges of the Shaman? Or, do you prefer the more squared edges of the Manix? Do you prefer one lock type over the other? I only have the regular Manix and not the XL. But, for me, the shape of the end of the handle of my Manix (not XL) makes it more difficult for me to one hand close it as pulling on the lock tries to get it to slight off of my palm. But, others love it.
 
Nope I have not had a chance to check them out. I buy online so I gotta roll the dice and rely on reviews. The rounded edges of the Shaman do appeal to me but I also like the blade to handle ratio of the Manix XL. I don't mind the compression lock or the ball lock although I have only had one Spyderco with a ball lock, the Manix 2, and that was some time back. Price-wise the Manix is more competitive.

I have thought about the Bodacious but of the two I think I prefer the Shaman. Its tough .... the tyranny of choice! So hard to choose nowadays with so many options. Its entirely possible I could change my mind entirely by tomorrow and get a Military, which is hard to beat for blade length.
 
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Buffalohump said:
Hey guys, help me decide between the Manix XL or the Shaman in SPY27.

I like a bigger blade but keep going back and forth between these.... I have an original Manix but not the ball lock one. I don't have a Shaman.

If you can post your reasons that would help!
Click to expand...
I’d buy the Bodacious first in your position. I’ll post pictures of all 3 together when I have a chance..all sporting AWT scales.
 
There is an exclusive shaman with micarta python handles out or will be out soon.
I don’t have the shaman or manix xl so I can’t speak to them.
Personally I went with the Bodacious.
 
Just my .02 (and this is going to be a WILDLY unpopular comment here) but I really don't like the Shaman. It's the grip. It feels too slippery to me. It's the rounded edges. Don't get me wrong, the knife itself is solid and works well and has great craftsmanship like all Spyders, but I just don't like gripping it. I prefer the squared-off grips and almost sand-paper-like texture, like their other models have; makes it more confident in my hand.

So if grip is an important factor to you, the Shaman falls short in that department and I'd go with the Manix.

The Manix, in its own right, is probably the best production knife Spyderco makes today (again, just my .02) and 99% of the people here will agree that it's at least in the top 3. It's just a solid, beautiful, perfect knife.

My grip prejudice aside, I still think the Manix beats the Shaman every day of the week and twice on Sundays.

EDIT: Forgot... If you like bigger blades, the Manix XL is DEFINITELY bigger than the Shaman. By a good amount.
 
YetAnotherKnifeEnthusiast said:
forgive me, I've never handled a Bodacious, but from what I can see, it looks like a Shaman with proper grips.

Is that a correct assessment?
Click to expand...
You get more edge and to me it’s a lot more comfortable. Also no nub on choil to worry about and with the lack of choil i dont have to fumble around worrying about where to grip it
 
A dark horse has entered the race, the S90V/CF Military.... what a beauty! A bit more but love those sprint models. The Manix XL is leading the charge at the moment... Choices!

I'm limited to the Knifecenter, due to the sale, which is favourable to my budget. Unfortunately being in South Africa, I have to factor in exchange rate plus most dealers don't ship overseas.
 
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Buffalohump said:
A dark horse has entered the race, the S90V/CF Military.... what a beauty! A bit more but love those sprint models. The Manix XL is leading the charge at the moment... Choices!

I'm limited to the Knifecenter, due to the sale, which is favourable to my budget. Unfortunately being in South Africa, I have to factor in exchange rate plus most dealers don't ship overseas.
Click to expand...
The M2 is an awesome knife and the S90V CF Sprint is a beautiful piece. I was against “skinny “ scales when they first came out and didn’t understand the need to change the shape on my favorite models. That being said, AWT design for the Shaman and Manix 2 XL offerings improves (XL-XXL sized hands)ergonomics for me personally. You can’t go wrong with any of the knives your considering
 
The S90V Military is likely a bridge too far, so I readjusted somewhat and I'm now sitting with the CruWear/Micarta Military in my cart.

Such a good deal it seems to me and I don't have anything in CruWear.
 
I'm glad you were able to narrow down a selection even if it was something not originally planned.

You really might have done it. While I have a couple of cruwear, both are with G10 handles. So, no true crucarta spyderco. Welcome to the enablers. 🍻
Must resist! 😂
 
I have to say it wasn't easy... there are so many choices now, I struggle to keep up. But the last thing I got before this was the BBB 15V Military and that thing is magnificent.

So, I am now besotted with the Military and want to get more of them. Talk about bang for the buck! The Para-Military I personally find the blade just a tad too short.

The Manix XL is also on the money but they didn't have stock of the Cru-Carta version.

Next up I want to try reel in one of the Salt Magnacut Millies.
 
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