Is the Shaman a PM2 Killer?

S

Sharperthansticks

Joined
Sep 19, 2017
Messages
1,612
I haven't seen 'em all, but I tend to watch the Nick Shabazz videos, and he extolled the Shaman above the PM2, and, if memory serves, even called it a "PM2 killer." (If he didn't say this, sorry.) Well, I'm not so sure it's a PM2 killer. I have a Shaman (which, at the time of this posting is available only in S30V), and a PM2 in S110V. The Shaman is newly sharpened to 22.5 degrees each side; the PM2 is a purchase from another guy on the forum, so I haven't yet sharpened it.

The thing is, comparing just these two knives, the PM2 is a markedly better slicer than the Shaman. If I'm cutting food or boxes, the PM2 is going to get the job done more easily, though the contoured scales of the Shaman are a little more comfortable. The PM2 is lighter, as well, not to mention the fact that its compression lock doesn't bite your index finger like the Shaman does. (The Glessers had to know that last one was going to be an issue; I'm a little puzzled that they didn't change the design to mitigate that problem, but that's a question for another time.) The S110V steel will allow the PM2 to stay sharper longer, but it shouldn't (much) change how well it slices compared to a freshly sharpened S30V blade, so I think an S30V PM2 is still going to slice better than an S30V Shaman.

Do you guys think the Shaman is a PM2 killer? Why or why not?
 
No. PM2 is so popular and exists for many years.
Hard to beat that.
Pricewise is even more difficult for the Shaman.
 
Haven't held one, but it seems unlikely purely from a cost stand point. Plus, I'd argue that the PM2 seems to be the best known, best selling Spyderco.... (of course that is totally spectulation on my part). Thrown in a wide assortment of sprint runs, and I think the PM2 is here to stay.
 
Although I own a couple , I'm not terribly fond of the PM2. But I know that it is extremely popular and has made itself a staple in most knife enthusiasts collection. In no way does the Shaman threaten the popularity of the PM2 imo. They're just different knives with different pros/cons.

The Shaman is bigger , thicker and more robust. Not exactly apples to apples here.
 
No.
They are different knives with really different blade profiles. That is just an odd statement, kind of like saying the Manix is a PM2 killer.
All great knives, each is the best choice for someone or some purpose. Many knife knuts will have both.
 
Very different, I like Shabazz's videos but he is a light user and openly admits he has no business to ever carry something like a PM2 let alone a beefier Shaman so remember where he is coming from. I own both and still prefer the PM2, I find the Compression Lock to still be best implemented on the PM2. I like the Shaman but it just doesn't have the same fun factor that the PM2 does.
 
They are 2 different knives with 2 different purposes in mind. I’ve owned 20+ PM2’s and I now only have one. They’re okay, but I personally prefer the Shaman. Now at $180...I’m not as eager to buy. The steel thing will sort itself out. Sal has already said this will be a model that is turned into a sprint bed also.

I compare the Shaman to an SnG. Which is one of my favorite knives, period.

 
The price hike alone on the Shaman has killed my buzz on it. Beyond that though I can't see if killing the PM2 as they seem to be made for different purposes.
 
I really want to get a Shaman, the price increase stings a little but I think I'll get one when theres a steel upgrade. I can't picture anything knocking out the PM2. I bought one based on all the good reviews. Its so hard to get people to agree on anything so when a knife gets so many awesome reviews I think it says a lot about the quality of the PM2.
 
not really. spyderco would never build anything to kill sales of another of their well established good selling products. that would be very dumb and they are not dumb.

youtubers ...that odd thought process and comment is exactly why i ignore them.
 
No.
They are very different knives for very different tasks. Shaman is heavy duty and Para in my book is something between slicer and heavy duty. Also with $180 price tag on base model Shaman will have harder time to compete. I am happy that I bought mine for only :rolleyes: $150. I certainly love Shaman more than Para. But I do nor see in the near future much use for any of them. N5 and caly3 can do everything what I need.
 
No, similar blade length but totally different feel. I'd say it's much more a competitor to the ZT 0562, Emersons and the Strider SNG.
 
Actually I agree with few posts above. If you do not care about Ti and flippers, Shaman is ZT killer.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top