Kapara, Amalgam, or Shaman for my next Spyderco?

[rye_a]

Should I pick up a Kapara, Amalgam, or Shaman for my next Spyderco? Why?

 

[soc_monki]

Never handled a Kapara, but between the amalgam and shaman... I don't think I can choose. The amalgam has more blade, and is lighter, but it's on bearings so if you need a knife for dirtier work go for the Shaman since it's on washers.

Of course if you want US made, the Shaman is the only choice.

 

[Darkpast]

I would say Shaman.
I had 3-4.
1. Steel blade available in 30V, M4, S90V, Cruwear, Rex45,4V......you get the point (variety)
2. Ergos of the handle.....and again, scales available, in g-10, CF, micarta
3. Good slicer with thick blade, and point.
4. US Made.
5. Hard use.

 

[Buellrider]

I voted for the Amalgam, because flipper. My second would go the CQI Kapara, both superb Taichung quality. Never liked the way the Shaman looked.

 

[sharp_edge]

It depends on what you already have.

 

[BD_01]

I like the Kapara because it is slim in pocket and Quite slicey.

Do you have a purpose or use in mind?

 

[rye_a]

It depends on what you already have.

I like the Kapara because it is slim in pocket and Quite slicey.

Do you have a purpose or use in mind?

I have a lot of knives ranging from hard use to fine customs. In terms of Spyderco I have a Police that must be close to 30 years old, a Delica, and a Pacific Salt. Being a Colorado boy I feel like I should own more knives from the home team.

My purpose would be to add another knife to the EDC rotation, which usually means lighter use.

 

[elde66]

Great choices to pick from! I have multiples of all three. My favorite of these is the Amalgam. But beware, the flipper interferes with your finger when closing the knife via the compression lock. It's kind of annoying and you have to perfect a different closing strategy for the knife. (Also an issue with the Shaman but not nearly as dramatic.) The CQI Kapara has no such issue. Anyway, I love the blade, ergos and weight of the Amalgam, it's a great knife. I finally cut off the flipper on my daily user Amalgam and my annoyance has gone away!

If at all possible, it would be best for you to actually sample these three prior to purchase - what may be best for others may not be your cup of tea.

 

[Snacktime]

Amalgam if you are buying right know, really a must have. Shaman if you want a hard use work knife. I am waiting on the kapara as I just don't feel it yet.

My Taichungs have been absolutely perfect. They put golden to shame.

 

[sgt1372]

Amalgam is the most versatile and useful of the 3 knives.

The Kapara is a glorified lunch knife and the Shaman is a bloated Native. For cooking/lunch prep, I'd prefer to use my SpydieChef than the Kapara and I find the Shaman just too "fat" around the middle to carry in my pociet.

The Amalgam is the only truly unique knife w/a blade that can slice, dice or do whatever you want/need to do w/it (except use it as a pry bar or baton it to split wood) and slim enough to carry even though its blade is about 4" long.

BTW, I own both the Amalgam and Shaman but have never thought the Kapara interesting/unique enough to bother buying it and I own over 130+ Spyderco knives.

 

[beattheheat]

Kapara and/or Amalgam,both excellent knives!either one won't dissapoint you.

 

[BD_01]

The Kapara is a glorified lunch knife

NEVER underestimate the importance of a good lunch knife.

 

[soc_monki]

I went ahead and cast my vote finally. Amalgam. I adore my Shaman, but the Amalgam is just as amazing, just in a different way.

 

[nephron]

Amalgam, hopefully you will hate it and sell it to me cheap, want one to go with my Magnitude.

 

[Nick D. Fingerz]

The Kapara is an excellent knife. Words and pictures don't do it justice. Get one in your hand and you'll understand. Fit, finish and function are superb. One of my favorite knives.

 

[Mako109]

It depends on what you already have.

Also if you are a knife user, what is your intended purpose?

If you are just a collector, then buy all three.

 

[Eljay2]

If you need ultra tough: Shaman. If you want supremely designed and elegant: Kapara. Kapara is a very very special knife.

 

[SteelPanther]

shaman

 

[rye_a]

Well I just picked up a Kapara, mostly because it popped up on the exchange before an Amalgam did. Knowing myself I'll probably buy an Amalgam too...

 

[Buellrider]

Enjoy the Kapara! There is an amalgam for sale in my sig. Just sayin.