Recommendation? Medium Folder as EDC/Worker - Shaman vs Para 3 vs 550 Griptilian

Which Knife would you go for?

  • Spyderco Shaman G10

    Votes: 6 21.4%

  • Spyderco Para 3 G10

    Votes: 11 39.3%

  • Benchmade 550 Griptilian Grivory

    Votes: 11 39.3%
  • Total voters
    28
Z

Zenturio

Joined
Aug 7, 2017
Messages
173
Hi folks,

I have sold a lot of knives I didn't use very often. But I made the mistake that I did not keep a medium sized folder for EDC/Work.

My Spyderco Military 2 S90V/CF is very nice, mostly used as cardboard destroyer.

My Benchmade Presidio CF Elite is very robust and nice for carrying at dog walks etc. for self defense.

But both of these knives are large in terms of that the distance between my grip and the blade tip is too far.

I want a knife for EDC/Work (poking into tubes, cutting zip ties, carve a little wood, open bags, etc.) where the tip is under full control and I can put a lot of force on the tip.

I have strong, large size hands and I already owned all of the 3 mentioned knives and loved them all.

So now I wanted to hear your opinion what and why you would choose (only out of the 3 options mentioned).

My heart goes for the Shaman, the price tag not.

The 550 Griptilian is also one of my favorites.

The Para 3 is also a very good worker and light, but maybe a tad too small? I can't decide right now... 🥸



Thank you very much in advance and BR,
Oliver
 
Honestly it’s hard to say. I always dismissed the para 3 since I don’t like the 2 and thought why would I want a smaller one. Picked up one at a second sale and it’s become one of my favorite knives to carry at work.

Get the one you don’t think you will like is my advice 🤣
 
What about the Shaman lightweight? It runs under $200, if you have a budget.

CTS-BD1N, plain or full serrated.
 
BigMoney said:
Honestly it’s hard to say. I always dismissed the para 3 since I don’t like the 2 and thought why would I want a smaller one. Picked up one at a second sale and it’s become one of my favorite knives to carry at work.

Get the one you don’t think you will like is my advice 🤣
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I do not like the PM2 at all. The Para 3 is completely different in hand 😁
 
Because you mentioned edc I would go with either the griptillian or para 3 because they’re smaller and carry better than the shaman. I’d probably pick between the two based off which lock I preferred. For me it would be the griptillian (assuming you’re talking about the mini grip).
 
Shaman appears to be heavier duty / sturdy .

But , as you say , not cheap !
 
I really like the Shaman Lightweight a lot. However, the taller blade profile might night not be as good for piercing as you are looking for.

For that reason, I would go with the Para 3. I like that one a lot as well. Not to mention, the sub 3-inch blade won’t run afoul of most knife length restrictions, if that is an issue in your jurisdiction.
 
Evertthing you described is knife tip focused. Have you considered a wharncliffe?

Otherwise the shaman has probably the best tip from just looking.

I think the blade shape greatly factors the tip control you want. More than length.
 
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I'm addicted to the Para3. I have 5 of them and just can't seem to be without one. Kinda makes me mad because I have other knives I really like.
 
I recently handled several Spyderco models and found the Para 2 and Native to have more comfortable handles than the Para 2 - especially when squeezed hard. I was close to buying the Shaman, and that’s what I’d pick from your list, but I ended up with a Para 2 due to the acute point shape and compression lock.

IMG_5468.jpeg
 
I'd go with the Shaman, maybe even the lightweight if the price bothers you. Don't own a Shaman, but I have a Bodacious (which is what I would actually recommend because no choil and more cutting edge) and I also have a 550 Grip (don't like that one at all) and also know the Para3 quite well, which I also don't like.

So imho, go with the Shaman :)
 
Of the 3 mentioned, I have the Griptilian and the Para 3. Picked the Para 3 because its the one that sees the most pocket time. I'd recommend too, the K390 Spyderco Stretch.
 
Of those 3, the Griptilian. But my favorite work knife is the GB2.
 
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